MSU student Benjamin Donnellon stopped in to FBC searching for vinyl. “I really like to be able to collect physical media,” Donnellon said. “I have a record player in my dorm. My grandfather collected records when he was a kid and he passed them down to me. That’s what got me into it.” Photo by Raymond Holt for City Pulse
Ethan St. Clair enjoys physical media. “I’ve been an audiophile since I was a child,” St. Clair said. “My father introduced me to Prince. His original pressing of Purple Rain is too scratched up. I can’t really play it, so I’ve been dying to get this record.” Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseSosi picked up a few CDs at FBC. “I feel like with online platforms of music you can’t really connect with the music. When you buy a CD you make more of a connection with the musician and their creativity.” Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseMany people, especially young listeners, are becoming interested in physical media forms of music recordings as opposed to music streaming services.Catherine said she doesn’t care for online music platforms. “CDs sound so much better than streaming. The compressed audio of streaming gives me a headache.” Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseThe Record Lounge in Reo Town has traditionally specialized in vinyl records and audio cassettes, but recently expanded into CDs as well, due to increased interest by younger customers. Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseSteve Robinson, president of Lansing Community College, said he’s a “vinyl native. Before CDs and streaming, that’s how we got our music, when I was in high school. I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for vinyl. I have a turntable in my office. It’s kind of reborn with our students at LCC. We’re in the fifth year of our vinyl record club. It’s nice to have a physical object (the record jacket) there when you’re listening. It’s a physical connection to the music.” Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseThe Record Lounge in Reo Town has traditionally specialized in vinyl records and audio cassettes, but recently expanded into CDs as well, due to increased interest by younger customers. Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseThe Record Lounge in Reo Town sells high-quality, professionally refurbished vintage stereo components, turntables and record players. Perfect for enjoying physical media. Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseThe Record Lounge in Reo Town sells high-quality, professionally refurbished vintage stereo components, turntables and record players. Perfect for enjoying physical media. Photo by Raymond Holt for City Pulse FBC’s Clint Harkness sorts through dozens of CDs customers sold to the store. Photo by Raymond Holt for City PulseSally Craig shows off her collection of albums. Photo by Lieza Klemm/City Pulse Sept. 2, 2026 cover
