Vinyl: a history of the analogue record

The aim of the book is threefold: first, to detail the vinyl record’s history; second, to tell the story of the relationship between the vinyl record and the music it contains; third, to take a phenomenological look at the vinyl record, examining its continued popularity in the digital world. The approach that the book takes is anatomical. The first chapter addresses the groove and its unique ability to make sound visible. The second chapter traces the triumph of the disc format over the cylinder. The third chapter is concerned with the label, detailing how it has identified discs and record companies alike. The fourth chapter is concerned with vinyl itself, looking at its properties and method of manufacture. The fifth details the evolution of the LP record, examining its development for classical music and its adoption by other genres. The sixth chapter concerns the 45rpm single, tracing its association with particular forms of popular music and its relationship with the LP. The seventh chapter looks at the peculiarities of b-sides and 12” singles, both of which have had their own effect on music. Finally, the book, like the vinyl record itself, is wrapped up with the sleeve.

Used by permission of the Publishers, in Vinyl: A History of the Analogue Record by Richard Osborne (Farnham: Ashgate, 2013). Copyright © 2013. Full text access restricted to students and faculty of Middlesex University.

Also available as an e-book, ISBN 9781409472049 or 9781409440284.