REO Speedwagon are taking part in Record Store Day tomorrow (Saturday) with a blue vinyl release of their 1977 live album, You Get What You Play For.
With vinyl being somewhat popular again, REO frontman Kevin Cronin splurged for a new turntable. He says his "old Technics had bitten the dust." The purchase inspired him to go through his vinyl collection. "I found my original copy of Crosby, Stills and Nash, which I played the opening cut, 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' 12 times before I ever heard the second song. I found my copy of Buckingham-Nicks. Mick Fleetwood heard that record through the doorway of studio B at the infamous Sound City, and that was the beginning of the new Fleetwood Mac."
He notes that the experience is much different from streaming audio on your phone. "The thing about vinyl is that it requires delicate attention. The albums need to be handled with care, the needle placed gently on the disc, the album needs to be placed back in its sleeve... The whole experience of listening to vinyl is so interactive. My whole family is loving it."
In addition to the live disc, REO is working on vinyl reissues of You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish and R.E.O./TWO.