How vinyl gets made

This is a fascinating, if languid documentary from 1956 explaining the process of making music. From recording it, to putting it on vinyl.

What impressed me was how much care went in to the process, and yet how many they were able to make. The narrator tells us that one record making facility was pumping out 250,000 every day.

I have to think that the exacting standards, at least with the more reputable labels are the reason some album going back that far still sound good, even in mono.

The oldest album I have is an original first Japanese pressing of Party! by The Beach Boys. The contractual obligation album that came before Pet Sounds. It's a throw-away of covers that Brian Wilson conceived to make its sound like they were jamming at home in front of the fireplace. The reality is it was a studio album designed to sound loose and fun. I have the box set which is exhaustive to the point of stupidity. No one needs to hear a dozen takes of Alley Oop and studio chatter, although at one point they are basically talking about smoking pot which is hilarious.

That Japanese pressing on red vinyl is notable for having a hand-written label. I don't dare play it, just like I don't dare play my copy of Television's Marquee Moon, a first pressing that hasn't been opened.

A while back I decided not to be a completist when it came to vinyl, but more of an investor of sorts. I collect things that I like that are only very good to mint, and rare. I will say though, if I ever won the lottery I would buy the Velvet Underground and Nico's acetate.

Totally worth it.

You might find this fascinating or better than a sleep aid, or maybe a bit of both.
I have a weird soft spot for these kinds of documentaries that aired well before my time. The narrators are always extremely eloquent. The question I always wonder is, where did this air? I doubt it was on TV. Maybe the movies? Or perhaps in schools?

How Vinyl Records are Made - The Sound and the Story (1956) from Course Media on Vimeo.