Vinyl Collector of the Month – Andy R.

How many Records Do you Own?
At this moment I have 481 however, I’m waiting on about 12 – 15 Pre Orders.

What was the first record you bought and how did you get involved in collecting records?
I purchased 3 records at my first visit to Two Tone in ‘96 (which unfortunately is no longer in business).  They were Choking Victim – Squatta’s Paradise 7″, NOFX  –  HOFX 12” which was a rainbow colored vinyl and Infest – Slave 12”.  Back in 1995/1996 I was mainly into thrash, crust punk and hardcore. Most of the bands I loved, such as Doom, Nausea, Code 13, Charles Bronson and Destroy to name a few, only released their albums on vinyl.  I had no other choice but to purchase a record player. Plus it was hard not to buy vinyl living within driving distance of 3 amazing records shops (Vintage Vinyl, Curmudgeon Records and Two Tone).

You have three local record stores?! That seems a lot considering many are closing across North America, do you worry they will close as well?
Absolutely, one of them has already closed because Iggy ( the owner ) couldn’t afford the rent any longer. There was even a benefit punk show to help keep it open but was too little too late.

Out of your entire collection which is your favorite vinyl?
No one has ever asked me that before…… Can I come back to this one? or Pass?? Do I get a pass or like a pass card or something? lol, Actually it’s an EASY question!!  … Alkaline Trio – Sundials. Thanks Dana!! (That’s my wife) she’s an enabler and supports my vinyl addiction!!!

What are your thoughts on color variants?
I’m a huge fan of colored vinyl, 180 gram colored is even better. NOT a fan of picture discs, quality is poor and there just lame to me.

What is your screen name on the VC message board?
I go by XsundownerX

What do you use to store your records?
Milk crates and ONLY milk crates.  When I get a new vinyl I take it out of the plastic wrap and put it right into a thick poly sleeve with the vinyl outside the cardboard sleeve to prevent warping.  Bent corners are a no no!

Why do you only store your vinyl in milk crates?
My main reason is there stackable and portable. I’ve been living in small apartments for years and barley had enough room for a bed. I just stacked my milk crates up in the corner, which was a huge space saver and made for a nice display. They are also quite sturdy and relatively cheap ( sometimes FREE! )

What kind of equipment and set up do you have for spinning your records?
Honestly, I’m not too sure what brand record player I have… It was around $300, and was a gift from my wife about 2 years ago. I also have one that plugs in USB to a PC to convert it to MP3 or CD, and one that directly records to a CD-R.

What album would you like to see repressed or pressed for the first time which are not currently readily available?
Osker – IdleWillKill on Pink with Black Splatter.

Which releases are you anticipating that are coming out this year?
Really excited for The Emergancy Room w/ Dan Andriano from Alk 3, as well as Hot Water Music Live in Chicago #5 and #6 and Anchorless Records 4 way split – Brendan Kelly/Mike Hale/Jeff Rowe/Chris Cresswell.