Blog
Insights on music discovery, vinyl collecting, and building your perfect collection.
The Decline of the LP: How CDs and MTV Nearly Killed Vinyl
How CDs, MTV, retail shifts, and major-label economics pushed vinyl LPs to the margins in the 1980s and 1990s.
The Mastering Engineers Behind the World's Best Vinyl Pressings
Meet the vinyl mastering engineers, including Bob Ludwig and Kevin Gray, whose lacquer cuts, taste, and restraint shape the best sounding records collectors chase.
How Indie Record Stores Survive in the Streaming Era
From $1.2B in vinyl sales to Taylor Swift driving record store foot traffic: the economics of indie record shops in 2024 and 2025.
From Elvis to Taylor Swift: The Resurgence of the 7-Inch Single
Explore the 7 inch vinyl single resurgence, from Elvis-era 45s to Taylor Swift collector culture, with stats, examples, and buying tips.
Why Mobile Fidelity Pressings Command Premium Prices
Why Mobile Fidelity half speed mastering, One-Step production, scarcity, and collector demand make MoFi vinyl pressings command premium prices.
Turntable Maintenance Log Template
Use this turntable maintenance log template to track stylus hours, cleaning, setup checks, belt changes, and playback notes for a healthier vinyl setup.
Track Vinyl Prices Across Record Stores and Discogs
Learn a practical vinyl price tracking workflow for comparing Discogs, local record stores, condition grades, sales history, and collection value.
How the Beatles and Stones Made the LP Format Mainstream
How the Beatles and Rolling Stones turned the 1960s British Invasion vinyl LP format into rock's mainstream album language.
Understanding Anti-Skip Protection on Modern Turntables
Learn how anti-skip vinyl protection works on modern turntables, from anti-skate and tracking force to isolation, cartridges, and setup.
MusicMag or Discogs: Alternatives for Collection Tracking
Learn about MusicMag vs Discogs with What's Spinning, the vinyl record collection tracker and now-playing app.
Vinyl as an Alternative to Music Streaming Services
Vinyl records offer ownership, better artist payouts, and uncompressed sound compared to music streaming. Here is how to make the switch.
Organize Your Vinyl Shelf with QR Labels
Learn how QR labels help you organize your vinyl shelf and keep your record collection perfectly cataloged with What's Spinning.
