August 12th is Vinyl Record Day

If you're looking for something to do today then kick back and relax with some good music because it's Vinyl Record Day!

They don't make them like they use to, do they?

Let's get right into celebrating Vinyl Record Day!

Why is this a holiday?

Today is the day chosen to preserve the influence that vinyl records have had on our lives because on this day, in 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. Why does that matter? Because that sound device eventually evolved into record players which required vinyl records to play sounds. So Edison got the chain of events started on this day and eventually the wonderful invention of vinyl records and record players was brought to life. And even though they're not as widely used today, they still are used and have made an impact on most of our lives.

But how did this day get its start? Well, it appears that we can thank Gary Freiberg for that because he brought the idea to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors in California in 2002. So it all began in San Luis Obispo County, but we can't let them have all the fun, can we? No, I think vinyl records are too well loved to have a celebration like this restricted to just one county and I think Gary would agree with me.

Just the thought of lowering the arm down on the record and hearing that amplified silence as the needle makes its way toward the real sounds kind of has a good feel to it. It's classy, the sound quality is different but you have to take a lot better care of your vinyl records. DJs still love vinyl and so do many other people. And you can still buy vinyl plus the cover art is just as good as it always was. You can also fit a whole lot more bonuses inside the jacket!

What do you have in your vinyl collection?

So, how can you celebrate today?

Well, do you know anyone who has some vinyl records... maybe your parents or grandparents do or perhaps a friend? If so, then ask them if you can listen to some of their records and look at the cover art as you enjoy the music. You'll soon appreciate vinyl records more as you get to experience using a record player, hearing the quality of sound and looking through the record jackets at the inserts and art.

But maybe that isn't enough for you or maybe you already have a vinyl collection yourself. If you do, then why don't you search for an old music shop that still has some records? You could even look for yard sales for some really awesome deals on rare finds. But I think today is a great day to add to your collection and connect with others who still appreciate vinyl. You can even search online and pick up some classic vinyl or even some new albums if you like.

But what would a vinyl record be without a good record player, right? So maybe a new record player would help boost your level of celebration today. The technology has come really far and there are some very stylish record players out there. There are even some that have CD players, speakers, tape decks and MP3 player plug ins all in one unit. Some even let you plug them into your computer so you can rip the music from the vinyl into an MP3! We've come a long way haven't we?

Have a great day and enjoy the music!