VINYLS-SCHMINYLS

The "Holy Snot!" title was originally used for the editorial page of Nix Comics Quarterly. Not sure what the future of that title is, but still having editorial type things to say and a nifty logo designed by Ryan Brinkerhoff, I'm repurposing the title for my new blog entries about rock 'n roll records and comics. The subjects may be about Nix Comics specifically, or the things that inform and inspire Nix Comics. Hopefully either way, you'll find it funny and/or interesting.

Today's subject is about the use of the word "vinyls" as a synonym for "records made out of vinyl." It's a usage that is now common and many old record jerks have strong opinions on the matter. (Including myself in the past, as my bio-fictional stand-in Buck Slaughter can attest.)

From Buck Slaughter's Book of Rock 'n Roll Facts #2

For a little context, I generally refer to any 7", 10", or 12" analog recording on vinyl as a "record." That is as opposed to compact disc (CD) or a cassette tape or any other medium. I suppose record would apply to a 78 made out of shellac, but I don't own any 78s and rarely speak of them. There are format divisions among types of records (Single, EP, LP, etc.) but I don't want to get bogged down in those for the purpose of this discussion. My point is that I think my use of the word "record" is pretty common and preferred by collectors... um... of a certain age.

On the other hand, many modern record jerks (and people writing about them) use the term "vinyls." While I'll confess that "vinyls" still makes my nose wrinkle reflexively, I've come to accept it. I asked myself: Does it matter what someone else calls the individual pieces of their collection. Nope! Language is a thing that changes and evolves over time. Might as well evolve with it. Not everyone feels the same. I often see derision pointed towards young people using the word "vinyls" by the older generation. In fact, use of the word "vinyl" is often used as a passive aggressive jab. A not-so-subtle sarcastic barb implying that anyone using "vinyl" in place of "record" is an unsophisticated rube. A Johnny-come-lately who is to be dismissed for their poor vocabulary. And you know what? That ain't cool. Some of my favorite people are unsophisticated rubes.

I also recently discovered that my perception of the language switch over is actually not so modern and definitely not a change made by newbies to the field. Dig the "hype sticker" on my copy of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts "Pure and Simple" LP. (Released in 1994.) Note how Warner Brothers is using the word "vinyl" in the place of the word "record." That's not some kid goofing up syntax or jargon. That's a major record label changing usage for their own (indubitably nefarious) purpose. So... Stop picking on the kids! Pick on the corporations.

THIS is an album

One final thought on changing language. I think those who are angry about "vinyls" entering the lexicon should stop and consider that its not the first time that words have changed to the point of being misnomers.

A lot of hipsters still refer to records as "wax" though that is a holdover from when wax cylinders were used to record sound. That's as far away from a record as you can get. Don't let me catch you calling records "wax" AND bitching about people saying "vinyls." They at least have the correct material.

But that's not even the most common holdover inaccurate term. Nearly everybody uses the word "album" for a collection of songs on on a single record, but that's actually a holdover from when records were 78s and could only hold a song or two each. Things like operas would be a collection of many 78s held together in a multi-pocketed album.

So despite my ingrained biases, I'm going to lighten up about "vinyls" and recommend that you do the same. There are more important things in this world to be mad about.