Long playing records, commonly abbreviated as LPs, are a type of analog audio storage medium that revolutionized the music industry in the mid-20th century. Also known as vinyl records or simply vinyls, LPs are discs made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that store recorded sound through spiral grooves.
With an average diameter of 12 inches and a speed of 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM), long playing records are capable of containing a significantly longer duration of audio compared to their predecessors, such as shellac records. Due to this characteristic, they became the dominant format for distributing and playing recorded music from the 1950s to the late 1980s, when digital formats began to gain popularity.
LPs typically have a single spiral groove per side, with microgrooves etched into the surface. These grooves, read by a turntable stylus, contain analog signals that are translated into sound through amplification. They offer high fidelity audio reproduction, preserving the nuances and depth of musical performances.
Long playing records are known for their iconic album cover artwork and the tactile experience they offer. Listeners often engage in the ritual of carefully selecting and handling the record, placing it on a turntable, and cueing the stylus to begin playback.
While LPs experienced a decline in popularity with the advent of newer audio formats, they have recently undergone a resurgence in the form of vinyl revival, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate the warm analog sound and nostalgic aesthetics offered by these enduring music carriers.
