I was inspired to choose this vinyl for my object because of previous discussions in class. This is The Rolling Stones 1971 album Sticky Fingers.
This object is square in shape with the image of a man’s pants on the front. Attached is a zipper that is functional, but shows signs of rusting. The front and back contain cup-like rings, yellowing and tears. The top is ripped, allowing the record to fall out. Inside the vinyl sits in a paper slip with one side displaying a picture of The Rolling Stones and the back, the logo and song list. Because of the rip on top, you can see the Andy Warhol signature, who Is famous of designing the artwork for the album.
This album resides in a card box box of albums in my suite. It was bought in the 70’s by my father, whose favorite band is The Rolling Stones. I’m not sure what he did with it or how often he used it, but it must have always been out on the coffee table because of the numerous stains and ring marks on the cover. I’m not surprised by the damage because my father has a tendency to not take care of his things. It could also be because records at the time didn’t have the same value as they do now since they were so common. I found this album along with hundreds of other records of my fathers in his basement. He was going to throw them out cause he has a distaste for vinyl records and I started screaming inside my head. There was no way he was going to throw out years of collecting records, so I gladly took them off his hands. I searched through the large box and took out all the ones that I’d listen to, which including 10 different Stones albums and other great classics such as The Clash, The Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, The Doors; I was in heaven.
Since this is an original record, it was made in 1971 and according the back produced in the USA. I wish I could find more information on it and found out where my dad bought it, but he probably doesn’t remember. I’m assuming somewhere in the town I live on Long Island since my dad grew up there too and didn’t leave until much later in his life.
There’s an obvious function of this record- to play music, but I think theres so much more to it. Music in general is an escape; it helps people relax or express themselves in ways they feel they can’t otherwise. This album in specific is important to me because it was my dads favorite. He would play these songs over and over again on long car rides and it sparked my love for classic rock. When I got older and was able to drive, I would also blast this album; it just creates the perfect background music for drives with your friends to the beach or to wake me up on the drive to school. This was all through digital versions of this record though, which don’t match up to the sound of vinyl. It’s pretentious, I know, but there’s something about the sound of original records that can never be replicated through digital sound. Its that crackle and popping; the sounds of imperfections-that small scratch, the slight warping of the vinyl. Because of these sounds it creates a whole new, unique and personal sound. Even if I went out and bought this same record on vinyl, it would not be the same. Although this record meant nothing to my father, it means everything to me.
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
I can’t even fathom the idea that you value your dad’s vinyl more than he does. I’m pretty sure my dad would rather die than give up his classic records! I definitely don’t think you’re pretentious for preferring vinyl to modern technology; if anything I think you’ve impressed an entire generation (minus your dad). It’s super important to preserve the old stuff so we can see how far we’ve come and how things have changed.
If my dad was going to throw out his vinyls I would do the same thing!! I can’t bear the thought of him just chucking them because he has no use for them; I think they are so interesting. I like how this specific record shows signs of wear and use, like the stains and rings on the cover. It shows how it was used and seen by people, and I like that it’s been passed down from your father to you, like an heirloom of sorts!
I think the best thing about this is the fully-functional zipper on the front. It seems like such a superfluous addition to the record. It offers no functional value and probably drove up the price of the record itself, but it’s the kind of thing that adds a certain inextricable charm to the object itself. It’s just one of those things that you would expect to find on a Rolling Stones record and are still pleasantly surprised when you do. I also like the idea of the rust on the zipper as a sort of measure of time and use past and how much the record has been “loved.” Great post!
I see what you mean about digital music never managing to match the physical record. If the source of all music is someone physically playing it, then I suppose the very nature of vinyl records places them closer to musical reality than music that is digitally reproduced.
I always think about how unfortunate it is that I was born in the post-analog age of technology, especially when it comes to music. I’ve always thought records were the coolest, but never really got into them because of the advent of iPods and Spotify, which are way more convenient for someone on-the-go. I think your description and explanation of the object was very interesting, and I like how you included your sentimental attachment to your object as well. I think by recognizing the emotional attachment you have to your records because of your father is significant, and adds life to the piece. Good job!