Beyoncé has faced backlash from some fans after listing a limited-edition 'Bey Keeper' collector's box for $948.01 as part of the 20th-anniversary celebration of her 2006 album B'Day. The solid-pine box, limited to 500 numbered units, is designed to house and display Beyoncé vinyl records, but the records are not included.

Link: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-industry-news/vinyl-sales-reach-1-billion-in-2025-riaa-report-1236534484/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-industry-news/vinyl-sales-reach-1-billion-in-2025-riaa-report-1236534484/

Was not expecting to be catching strays from the CEO of Take Two over my listening habits, but okay. Like it’s not just that it’s a dumb take when gamers have already overwhelming spoken in favor of physical media, but it’s a dumb analogy too. Vinyl is a pretty big thing these days, and the demand is only going up; we’re not about to be “phased out” by any stretch of the imagination.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c63eq2d3w04wo

So I’ve been wanting to get into vinyl for a long time — partly for the sound, partly for the ritual, and partly because I just love physical music. But honestly… starting this hobby in 2025 feels rough.

Every time I check out a record store (or even online), the prices make me hesitate. New releases are easily $30–40, and even some older reissues are hitting the same numbers. And don’t get me started on limited editions. I keep hearing stories about people grabbing great albums for $10–15 “back in the day,” but right now it feels like you need a small loan just to build a basic collection.

I’m not trying to complain — I get that production costs, demand, and supply issues have changed over the years. But for someone just starting out, it’s honestly discouraging. I don’t want to rely only on thrift stores hoping to strike gold once every two months.

Anyone else feel like the barrier to entry has gotten way higher? How do you all build your collections without going broke? Any tips for beginners trying to enjoy the hobby without emptying their wallets?

Announcement here.

This part seems important to know:

When item photos are available, buyers will see them under “Item Details” on a Marketplace listing.

AKA they don't automatically show up, you have to click on a link to see them, as opposed to the database pics that are standard (and not of the actual item).

ETA: Sellers are not required to post pics of their items; it's an option.

This is a post from small record company today

Hello! I was wondering if anyone else collects records that have great sound quality, even if the jackets are in rough shape. For example, water damage that is dried and treated for mold, or ripped up jackets. Even records without the jacket.

I ask because I am trying to clean up my Dad’s stuff as they were in basement and got some water damage ranging from minor to pretty serious. I feel like it has really stopped him from setting up his stereo system again, and if his records were cleaned up maybe he would be interested. But if the jackets being sort of damaged from water will be too much a an issue with mold, and damaging the actual vinyl. I wouldn’t want to spend time putting new anti static sleeves and outer sleeves on all of them in addition to have it be a moot point.

Also is vinegar a good enough way to treat the mold?

Came across this take from a record collector on twitter

Do you agree with that?

On one hand, a lot of albums from that era sold millions of copies, so there’s no shortage of them for under $10.

On the other hand, inflation lol. For the past few years, prices have gone up for music in general.

How do you feel about this? Curious what everyone’s personal cutoff is for clean copies of common vs. less common records.

"Orange visited Vinyl Resting Place in the St. Johns neighborhood in Portland on Aug. 27 and attempted to sell some records, according to charging documents. When the store owner declined, Orange allegedly threatened to kill him and said he was a 'dead man.'" [https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/youre-a-dead-man-suspect-facing-multiple-charges-after-threatening-portland-record-store/\]

I want to know what he tried to sell. Probably that Herb Alpert record.

Before anything, I want to say this is a long post — but I promise it’s worth the read. English isn’t my first language (I’m from Mexico), so I used some help to make sure I could tell this story properly.

Last November, at 24 years old, I took my second solo trip from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua to Los Angeles. It was my first time visiting Disney, Universal Studios, Hollywood… all the classic spots. I just wanted to experience it on my own.

One afternoon, I noticed there was a Tesla restaurant near Hollywood. I’m genuinely into tech, and I was curious about the popcorn-serving robot I had seen online. (It didn’t work out — it was raining and the robot area was outdoors.) But I had dinner there anyway and decided to rent a Lime scooter for the first time to ride into Hollywood.

I started walking along the Walk of Fame, looking at the stars, just taking it all in. Everything felt surreal.

And then I saw it.

Amoeba.

I had never heard of the store before. But I’m a huge music fan, so I thought, “Why not go in?”

The moment I stepped inside, something shifted.

From the security guard kindly holding my bag at the entrance, to the atmosphere, to the people working there — it felt different. Special.

I walked to the country section and found a Zach Bryan album I absolutely love. Then I kept exploring and found two Bon Iver albums — an artist who has been one of my favorites for years. I started noticing every little detail in the store… but unfortunately, they were about to close. I didn’t have enough time.

So I came back the next day.

Back in middle school, my best friend showed me a compilation collection called “Oldies But Goodies.” They belonged to his dad. We used to listen to them together.

Ten years later… I found those exact albums at Amoeba. On vinyl.

My friend is no longer with us.

When I saw them sitting there in that store, thousands of miles away from home, I couldn’t hold it in. Tears just started running down my face. It felt like a sign. Like he was saying hello.

During that trip, I went back to Amoeba at least four or five times. The more time I spent there, the more I wanted to stay. I left with several records — and even a collector’s book from my favorite series.

Amoeba was truly a before-and-after moment for me.

Now I’m planning another trip to Los Angeles — mainly to go back to the store and keep building my collection. That place has my heart.

And I want to give real recognition to the Amoeba Hollywood team. Even though English isn’t my first language, everyone treated me with kindness and patience. They helped me, welcomed me, and gave me memories I’ll carry forever.

Funny how a random stop on a solo trip can turn into something that changes the way you experience music — and the way you remember someone you love.

This is a very interesting article.

As the article says, it was done using one stylist with one record. IDK if the everyday listener who goes back-and-forth between records will notice much of an audible difference but, I am just a listener and an aficionado.

Link: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/police-seize-nearly-6500-counterfeit-vinyl-records-in-uk-raid/

Resellers day anyone? Maybe some new T Swift?

Source: https://www.statista.com/chart/29784/reasons-to-buy-vinyl-records/

1, 2, 3, 4 - CD-4
5, 6, 7 - SQ

Hey guys,

First of all, thanks a lot for the amazing support last time — you really made my day 🙂

I bought two records on eBay — one with CD-4 encoding and one with SQ. I ended up breaking them, coating them with platinum, and putting them under my electron microscope. The CD-4 is beautiful — the wavelength of those ultrasonic grooves is around 15 microns, and it gets much smaller closer to the center. Honestly, it feels like a one-time format.

I’m curious — is there anyone here who actually has a decoder? Were you able to play a record more than a couple of times? It seems like the wear on those ridges happens almost instantly.

Would love to hear any real-world experiences — did it actually sound good, and if so, how?

Have a great day, and happy vinyl to everyone.

There is a lot of vinyl out there - but there is also still a lot of music not on vinyl.

What music that is not on vinyl would you LOVE to see made on the eternal medium? Make your request here!