If there’s one thing I’ve grasped over the past eight years, it’s that hobbies hurt wallets. You can argue with me on this one, but most hobbies will indeed cost you to some degree. My expensive hobbies of choice are reading and record collecting. Fortunately, for books I can always turn to my local library, but I have a knack for wanting to collect different editions — even if I never physically read them because I don’t want to damage their spines. Signed, personalized editions? I want it all.
My second bad habit is record collecting. The first vinyl I ever bought was “Their Satanic Majesties Request” by the Rolling Stones in 2018, and I haven’t stopped collecting since. At the time, records would sell for around $20 to $25 — not too bad. Well, in today’s age, you’ll have to shell out anywhere from $30 and up. I keep telling myself I need to cut ties with record collecting, but it only takes buzzwords like “limited edition” to get me to fold like a lawn chair. Some vinyl variants in my collection are pretty cool — I will say artists have gotten creative with their records, which makes consumers like me want to purchase them.
According to Discogs, I currently own 55 records. I honestly expected myself to have more by now, but there are times where I go on a no-buy streak — then it resumes.
What inspired me to start collecting was the 2000 film Almost Famous, starring Kate Hudson. The movie features a character named Penny Lane, who I adore. One of my favorite lines of hers is: “I always tell the girls, never take it seriously. If ya never take it seriously, ya never get hurt. Ya never get hurt, ya always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.” So that’s what I’ve done for the past eight years — escape and discover new music at record stores.
Growing up, I was raised listening to the oldies. My parents are Beatles fans, with George Harrison and Paul McCartney being their favorites — and they’re arguably mine as well. I’ve always connected with them more lyrically and have an appreciation for their craft. I’m also a fan of Paul’s Wings band.
I had a phase where I tried to variant collect, but it’s simply not sustainable for me, even for the artists I love most. There’s no point in owning the same songs on different vinyl colors. There are some exceptions, but for the most part I pick my favorite from the bunch and move on. I also enjoy collecting movie scores and soundtracks — Little Women (2019) has one of my favorite scores of all time.
Another expensive factor of record collecting that nobody really tells you about is proper storage. To keep your vinyl intact, it’s important to open them and store them in clear sleeves to avoid warping. Something else I learned the hard way is that it’s vital to have a quality record player that won’t ruin your records. I know the holiday season is right around the corner, and if you’re considering record collecting, this is a PSA to avoid suitcase record players — they will damage your vinyl. Once a record is scratched, there’s no saving it.
Even though I keep telling myself this is a hobby I’ll stop partaking in, I just can’t let it go — at least for now. To some degree, I view it as an investment. Some of these records and books hold value with time. I also like owning a physical format of the art I consume. It’s nice that I can either pick a book off my shelf or spin a record.
The next record I’m eyeing is Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride soundtrack. I believe the last time this vinyl was pressed was in the mid-2000s, but this year it’s been repressed and I’m so pumped. That’s another downfall of records — some are marketed as limited edition yet stay in stock, while others that aren’t marketed as that eventually disappear from shelves. You’re left wondering if they’ll ever get repressed or forced to cave and pay resellers — my least favorite thing to do.
I still rest my case that all hobbies come with a price tag — and I clearly need to look at cheaper options.