The Pleasure of Collecting Physical Media

By Darren Keogh

Records/CD’s/Cassette tapes: 

Collecting music in physical format is more than just a hobby, it is a journey that enables you to find your spot in the music world and share that unique experience with others. Discogs.com is a great way to catalogue your collection. The catalog feature on the website allows you to organize your collection and it will also estimate the value of your collection, such as records, CDs and cassette tapes. One thing that collectors like the most is that your collection has a value from lowest to highest. These are automatically calculated by Discogs, these stats are based on the most recent sales history of the said releases in the marketplace. So if you have a high value collectables then you may do very well if you are willing to sell some wax. 

What’s relevant with records is that credits from the band are displayed on the sleeve. Some bands explain where they recorded the album, who the producer was, who the engineer is and usually a thank you note is attached. There can be nice little anecdotes and stories shared in this way and this is something that is not available on any other streaming service. This brings an emotional element that some hold dearly from their favourite artist. Some wax nuts also love the ‘thrill of the chase’, tracking down that obscure release is just as exciting as listening to the record itself. 

One very important aspect is that our ears are not made to hear digital music. Our ears are made to hear analog music. This comes from Vinyl and Cassette tape. This is the reason so many music lovers shift to collecting records as they initially sound better than digital streaming or CD’s. According to Blueaura.co.uk “Vinyl is analogue and emits not only the replication of live sound due to sound waves being physically engraved on it but offers a physical movement of the air when you listen to it. Digital recordings take these live music sessions and translate it to a series of ‘bits’. The difference between analogue and digital waves is that analog waves are smooth and continuous and digital waves are stepping and square. When something intervenes with the original reverberations of a collection of notes as the brain seems to with digital, a part of the music is lost.”  This makes the pleasure of listening and collecting even more crucial. So store them in your attic, convert your Dad’s shed, store them in those empty wine boxes your Mum seems to have so many of. Just buy them, your ears will thank you. And remember, no internet, no problem, just blast on that record and away you go. 

DVD/BLU-RAY/4K: 

Ah the nostalgia of the DVD, this can often represent a connection with memories, when you were younger and you watched your favourite TV show or that fantastic movie you saw at the cinema and you just want to relive that moment over and over again, even as a comfort watch. There is a unique satisfaction to having your own physical copy of a favourite movie or series. Unlike digital streaming, DVD’s provide a tangible item you can swap with other collectors, and you can display and keep. Creating your own personal library is exciting and it reflects your tastes and interests. The special features have to be one of the biggest draws for collectors. This is where the nerd kicks in. DVD’s will often include bonus content such as director’s commentary, behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes which can be hilarious and featurettes, all which may not be found on streaming platforms. The artwork is a major quality of the DVD covers. Many come as box sets and limited edition releases. Some of these have very unique artwork and this can make the experience of collecting and displaying them much more exciting. There is a great sense of independence from streaming services as DVD’s offer offline viewing which is appealing to people in areas with unreliable internet access. Ownership also ensures access to titles that might disappear from streaming services due to licensing changes. For many, collecting DVD’s is a way to honour their love of cinema and storytelling in a physical and meaningful way. 

Books/Comic Books: 

The pleasure of collecting books comes from a deep connection with composition and a love for physical books that one can build a personal library with. They bring intellectual fulfillment as they are a source of learning and knowledge which can give another writer an inspiration to write their own story. There is also the physical beauty of the feel of the paper and some love the smell of secondhand as well as new books, with the visual appeal of the beautifully bound cover is refreshingly satisfying. Artistic covers can make for a great reason to collect, as some are drawn to the special edition releases, first prints and unique signed copies by the author. For some, collecting vintage books from antiquarian shops can feel like preserving a piece of history. This brings a sentimental value to the collector and can fuel the fire for the thrill of the hunt as searching for a specific title. Rare editions are a perfect addition to any collection and can be a rewarding experience. Visiting book stores and thrift shops can add that element of adventure to the hobby. 

Comic books have a similar reason for collecting. The artwork has striking visuals that catch your eye as well as the narrative between the pages. Iconic characters allow fans to follow their favorite heroes as a physical object, feeling its pages, and seeing vibrant colours up close which create a tactile experience that is deeply satisfying. There is an investment value that fuels collecting also. Some comics, especially key issues which show first appearances of famous characters, can increase in value overtime and this adds a higher value to your collection. The history of comics is traditionally divided into four “ages” which usually reflect the shifts in storytelling overtime. The Golden Age (1938-1956) is usually the birth of the comic superhero genre with some basic storytelling. Depending on their condition they can go for very high value. The Silver Age (1956-1970) is where stories became more complex and focused on science fiction and social themes where the artwork became more sophisticated. The Bronze Age (1970-1985) began addressing more mature themes using horror and fantasy as their key genres. The Modern Age (1985-present) is a continuation of mature themes and dark stories with a more psychological depth added. Bagging and boarding your comics can further their value and keep them from bending or deteriorating over time. Have a look in your attic, ask your parents if they have collections of their own? You never know who might have some key issue waiting to be discovered.