A Rainbow of Records

With the exception of records like Lazaretto, which features a hologram, reverse play direction, and hidden bonus tracks, and Strange Little Birds with it's Jaguar etched D side, your average record is a black vinyl with nothing special. Sure, there are various weights which can effect life and quality, but to look at, other than the center label, your average record is pretty much indistinguishable from any other.

But with the re-emergence of the vinyl scene, there have been improvements in the quality of records and one of the features that is fairly common now is a colored disc. Translucent or opaque, every color of the rainbow, color splashed, and even picture discs. Now I've read the complaints that this produces a lower quality sound. And I'm also a supporter of the idea that you should buy an album because of the music on it, not for a colored disc. But that being said, if the music is still there and listenable, why not? I love the idea that a record can be visually stimulating in addition to the audio.

So I say go for it. Theme your record: A White Russian Big Lebowski Soundtrack or A Green How the Grinch Stole Christmas Record. Have limited edition colors for those that get in early like Young the Giant. How about a grungy green and black splash to match the feel of a Teenage Time Killers album. Or a picture disc like The Darkness to show off the album art we love.

I know my collection is a rainbow of colors. And I think that's a great thing. I plan on adding more colors in the future (if anybody wants to trade a purple Blink-182 California for a plain one, let me know).