Glass Animals + Vnyl: A Love Affair
Not owned by Jay Z
Never Digital
Hand-curated by Humans
This was the list hand written in clear white chalk on a baby blue board standing outside of Vnyl, a record store on Abbot Kinney Boulevard n Los Angeles.
Not to be dramatic but I believe I can attribute this store to my now obsession with old school records. We have a section on Radical devoted to this out dated form, so I thought I'd give everyone background as to where it all started.
The store caught my eye instantly, with its old country style architecture complete with a slanting roof and wrap around porch area, it was a charming little block of heaven. The hot pink sign spelling out Vnyl, without the "i" was the perfect example of how serif fonts always add a certain quirky charm to a brands first impression.
The store is a vinyl junkie's dream, with a sleek display and a hefty storage area at the back, stocked with all the records your heart desires. The staff comprised of two girls, the one who approached me was a tall, thin African American beauty; and obviously eager to introduce me to some killer new songs and musicians.
At this point, as a recent member of the NEW vinyl generation ... I needed expert advice. She asked me the obvious question, "What do you like to listen to?" I've always hated answering this question.
I answered honestly, "Anything that sounds good. I'm open to new finds. Good music. Right now, I'm looking for Chet Faker's Built on Glass, since his album is completely sold out on vinyl everywhere."
This was sadly true, Chet Faker's Built on Glass was impossible to find. This was about a year and a half ago in context.
She nodded and dipped into the backend, which gave me a chance to look around. I found everything from Beyonce to Guns n Roses. Stumbling into the Hip Hop and R&B section, only to find J Cole staring me in the eyes.
A neon sign in store read Let's Get Physical, with the poster next to it stating the obvious, Who needs a boyfriend when you've got a record collection?
I apologise for the terrible picture, my phone camera broke the day before this was taken. Points for adding a filter?
The woman was back, with a colourful, tribal looking album in her hand. Etched into the artwork in perfectly shimmering gold print was the title: Glass Animals by Zaba.
I'd never heard of this band up until that point, she played the record on the listening island in the centre of the store, hosting around 6 record players with hooked up headphones. It was mesmerising, she played Gooey first, followed by Black Mambo, then Cocoa Hooves. Their Indie Pop sticky silky sound immediately struck a cord with me, although not my usual taste in music. I was hooked.
Gooey will always remain my favourite track off this album, only because it confirmed to me in that specific moment, that vinyl really does allow for a different musical experience.
I bought the record.
“Remind yourself, nobody’s built like you. You design yourself.”
