‘Trying to recapture their glory days’ – Why vinyl still spins us round and round

Lou McNally, a young record collector, recently found a China Crisis album for her father, a fan of the Liverpool-based band. There’s a unique appeal to vinyl records, whether it’s the crackle of the needle or the warm sound, and this music format continues to thrive.

Brian Wafer organizes record fairs across the North Island, selling a variety of second-hand, reissued, collectible and new records. He believes you can tell the time of day by who’s browsing at the fair. Metal fans and DJs usually come in the last hour, often hungover from the previous night’s activities.

Wafer used to run an independent music store and label, Imahit Records, in New Plymouth during the 1980s. However, as music tastes and formats evolved, the store closed. Now, he enjoys organizing record fairs as a productive hobby.

Wafer believes the continued popularity of vinyl is due to its tangible nature. Many people enjoy the nostalgia of holding a record and reliving their past. He’s always on the hunt for records through online marketplaces, garage sales, and estate clearances.

At a recent record fair in New Plymouth, Wafer’s crates were filled with seven-inch singles. Fellow stallholder Peter White, however, focused on music related to New Zealand, particularly rare items. He explained what a lathe cut is – a clear, plastic, etched record that is brittle and has a rough sound, but is extremely rare. He even had a lathe cut single made by the Beastie Boys during their New Zealand tour, priced at $1000.

Allan Day, a longtime vinyl collector, loves the nostalgia of vinyl. He appreciates the liner notes and lyrics that come with records, something that’s missing from digital downloads.

Sarah Sampson, a teacher, found a punk compilation album, AK79, for her brother, a member of the Netherworld Dancing Toys. Lou McNally, at 26 years old, was one of the younger collectors at the fair. She enjoys the nostalgic aspect of record collecting and found a China Crisis record for her father.

Wafer finds the effort of organizing record fairs worthwhile. Despite the work involved, he sees it as fun rather than a chore. As a self-proclaimed vinyl addict, he’s in his element at these events.