The Collector.

By definition, one who systematically seeks and acquires (items of a particular kind) professionally or as a hobby.

Yeah, I suppose.

I 'collect' vinyl records and Transformers. First, let me tell you why I collect. Its not my job, and calling it a hobby kinda plays it down. It makes me happy, makes me feel good. And anything that brings me peace or even the most trivial sense of triumph and accomplishment is a requirement for me in this life. I don't collect for the sake of just having shit, or one-upping the next guy. I collect the bots and tunes that make me happy. And that's what's so wonderful about collecting. Each collection is (or at least should be) unique to its owner, and that can tell the story of said owner. Which is why, I'm pretty sure, I'll never stop. Your collections change and grow in divine harmony with your personal journey. In college, I collected sneakers. While I still have a sharp affinity and appreciation for a dope pair of kicks, my priorities have changed course. Records have proven their worth to me. From it's rich history, from popularity to obscurity, back to popularity, to admiring the DJ and appreciating that craft... It's all art. Collecting is your interpretation and appreciation for how those pieces of art affect and influence you.

As far as Transformers go, I'm pretty close to certain that its the first thing I can remember being in awe about, and that has not once changed in my whole life (well, since 1985). I can still remember Ma taking me to Canarsie Theatre to see the movie in '86 - Walking in past the movie poster that was twice my size, only to be dumbfounded some 20 minutes later by #thedeathofOptimusPrime, but being okay because, well, Galvatron. And the hair metal soundtrack. The toys are just getting better and more detailed and they've created a passionate community of pretty cool nerds who, since1985, became engineers and didn't even know it. I could go on, but we'll save all that for another time.

Let's talk about Vinyl. Some would say its just another hipster trend and will fade away as it did before. I assure you, that is not the case. Vinyl records have stood the test of time. Naturally, as time progresses, so does technology, and music became all about the clarity of sound. It is my opinion that the distinct sound of a needle on a record is unmatched. In fact, I'll be as bold to say, some tunes need that distortion to somehow make it more authentic, more genuine. I'm still in awe of how it works. I think its crazy that we have a better understanding of CDs and online streaming than we do about the (re)production of sound from a needle against rotating grooves of plastic, that was mastered centuries ago. Centuries.

My process is digging #cratedigging  - finding any record bin (or crate) anywhere and just rummage though 'til I find what I consider to be a gem. It's something of a rush. I rarely 'systematically seek' for a specific record. If it's a rare 'Must Have' or 'Grail', or a limited release, sure I'll shoot my shot on eBay, Discogs, Amazon, etc. and get that instant satisfaction, but where's the fun in that? There's no feeling comparable to the feeling you get when you find gems by digging #catchthesedoubleentendres. It's work. But it's so satisfying. Not to mention the stories they hold from previous owners. I find that rather alluring. I've found records with 'Dear John' letters written on the sleeve, starred or highlighted tracks that was 'the one' for that particular owner, a lot of radio promotional pieces that the label would just give away to get that sound in the street. To think that this random round floppy thing once captivated entire crowds, or entertained kids in the living room while mom made dinner, or was potentially someone's first experience with music, that band... Used vinyl is magic. I've been charged with posting some stand outs from my personal collection and provide My history with those pieces. Thanks for taking the time to read my rant. #onewhatonelove

Matthew aka Now Yous Can't Leave