'Vinyl's actually better': Manitoba Music and Record Sale returns
Throngs of physical media collectors descended on the Caboto Centre Sunday afternoon for the 2023 Manitoba Music and Record Sale.
Show chairman Vic Gaggini estimated there were more than 50,000 records for sale at the event, "We have 70 vendors and 91 tables. There's been over 500 people already here and the days only started," he said.
Gaggini said the appearance of actual rock stars was a big draw for the music show. "The arrival of Streetheart makes a big difference, there's a lot of people who came just for that."
Members of the Winnipeg-based rock band were signing autographs at the event. "They gave us 350 records to give away and they were scooped up in 15-20 minutes," said Gaggini.
The show ran from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, attendees paid $5 to get in. Gaggini said vinyl has never been more popular among physical media collectors.
"They’ve discovered that vinyl's actually better. The sound quality is more musical," said Gaggini. "You take an album, and you've got beautiful artwork on it … you’ve got a record inside it, you can feel it, touch it, you can read liner notes, you can read lyrics. You can't do that with a CD."
In 2022, record sales exceeded compact disc sales for the first time ever.
Gaggini said the audio cassette tape is also making a comeback. "The cassette is back! That one I can't explain," he grinned.
He added that 8-tracks are also a popular item at the sale. "If you have an old muscle car, or an old restored car, and it came with an 8-track, you'd like to be able to use it," said Gaggini.
Liam Korchoski was at the sale hunting for Clash and Dead Kennedys albums. He has only been collecting vinyl for two years but has already amassed more than 250 records. "It appeals to my hoarder tendency more than anything, I just like owning things," he said. "I like the cover art, just seeing it. You can really see the music."
For those interested in starting a vinyl collection, Gaggini said to start by buying the music you like. "It's more a matter of getting what you like than looking for the records that are worth all the big money," he said.
There are, however, some rare Manitoba-based albums out there, like one from the early career of Neil Young. "His first band was called the Squires, and they had a '45 back in 1963 and it’s a $4,000 record all day long, mind you it has to be in mint condition," said Gaggini.
The show was a one-day event only but Gaggini said there are plans for it to return to the Caboto Centre on Oct. 15, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.