From Sound Recording to Two-Deck Culture Vinyl is more than just a way of playing music. It is one of the most important formats in the history of recorded sound, and for many collectors, DJs and music lovers, it remains the most physical and emotional way to experience a record. Before streaming, downloads, CDs and even cassettes, vinyl records helped shape how people discovered music, bought music and shared music. The format also gave birth to one of the most important fig