KOPS Records, in partnership
with NXNE, decided to re-write the rules at last weeks NXNE Record Show. Presented in a ballroom at the Hyatt Regency
in downtown Toronto, vinyl-buying patrons lined up early in hopes to grab a
scarce gem before the selection was picked over. Like other record fairs, dozens of vendors
from across Canada were selling top-notch vinyl at discount prices. KOPS even had dozens of boxes of records
starting at a dollar.
I’m a record enthusiast. I love arguing on the merits of sound quality
and the longevity of vinyl. The ‘Kops
History of Recorded Music’ was perfect for anyone who doesn’t know the various
music formats the industry has adopted over the years. It demonstrated that knowing the history of
vinyl is vital for the preservation of the hobby.
What fascinated many
customers, was the numerous media forms that predated the vinyl record. Vinyl, which refers to the compound that it is
made of, did not become popular until the early 1950’s. Before the 50’s, the material that music was
made on was brittle. Early incarnations
of records included bits of clay, making the discs hard to preserve, let alone
hide from regular wear and tear. Even before
this, Thomas Edison invented a phonograph that played cylinders. Edison cylinders rotate much like the
mechanism in a music box. In all of my years of collecting, this was the third
cylinder I had seen.
Looks like I wasn't the only one interested in the cylinder!
The station also showcased how
vinyl evolved, to reel-to-reel, to 8-track, to cassette… The various forms in
which you can listen to music on proves to be endless.
Beyond the obvious format
trends, this display also presented a ‘hip pocket’ player, which resembled the
Walkman. Who would have thought that
portable music has been around for close to 60 years?
KOPS did a great job of including
record labels and shops that usually do not travel the record show
circuit. Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs, a
label specializing in ‘audiophile quality’ records, brought a slew of pristine
jazz and progressive rock reissues. Though
not everyone can afford a $50 record, its important for those new to the hobby
to recognize that not all albums are pressed equally. An album pressed using
‘half-speed mastering’ is costly- though its results are noticeable on a proper
sound system. Bay Bloor Radio was
present, handing out fliers on their monthly turntable clinic, as was as
selling entry-level turntables and cleaning products.
As a regular at every record
show within 100 KM’s of Toronto, I can say with confidence that this show
attracted a different clientele. After
speaking with a few vendors, they were shocked to see many new faces in the
room. Though they aren’t all leaving
with the quantity of albums that a seasoned collector would, introducing a new
buyer to an event like this is critical for the future of the hobby.
Perhaps all of the NXNE show goers were burnt from the night before, as this show didn’t seem as well
attended as the other major shows in town.
Good things take time. Hopefully
next years record-buying population takes advantage of the only record show in
town whose focus is more than selling records.
KOP's Manager Nick McLarnon
DJ'ed by Evolved Entertainment
