Ellington

There's nothing like the warped buzzing sound that radiates through a room just before you drop the needle down onto a vinyl record. To children of the '70s, it is a familiar sound; to those who didn't live in that era, it's something more special.

Today, people across the world are flocking to the local record and thrift stores in hopes of renewing—or beginning—their relationship with the turntable. If you're new to the analog world, here is a quick guide to purchasing and enjoying your vinyl.

LP Only, Please
Some albums are made for vinyl. The faint scratch that accompanies an LP on the turntable adds character and authenticity to a listening experience. Here are some picks for albums that positively must be heard on a turntable.

• "Otis Blue / Otis Redding Sings Soul" by Otis Redding
• "Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson" by Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson
• "Peanut Butter Wolf's Jukebox 45s" by various artists
• "Any Old Time" by Carmen McRae
• "Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd

Little Big Store (201 Main St., Raymond, 601-857-8579)
This music haven has the largest record selection I've seen in a 30-mile radius. With everything from the Mississippi Mass Choir, to Led Zepplin, to the Tommy Boy soundtrack to LL Cool J, it's difficult to leave this store without making a purchase. In addition to records on top of records, the store contains a decent inventory of music memorabilia including posters and fun gadgets.

The Orange Peel (3026 North State St., 601-364-9977)
The Orange Peel is not just a clothing and accessories consignment store. Tucked on the right-hand side of the front counter is a wooden bin filled with an assortment of vinyl. The selection seems to transform with every visit; last time I went, I picked up a James Bond film soundtrack and Michael Jackson's "Bad" LP.

N.U.T.S. (114 Millsaps Ave., 601-355-7458)
The coolest thing about shopping at N.U.T.S., besides finding cheap household items, is that it helps support the Good Samaritan Center, a non-profit helping children and families in the Jackson area. Walk in through the front doors, and head straight to the back of the warehouse-like space, and you'll see the record collection tucked in the very back left corner. This insanely random collection of vinyl makes for an interesting half-hour of perusing, as you'll find records such as a Callaway High School Choir recording from the 1970s or something as common as a Frank Sinatra live recording. But be sure to go on Wednesdays through Saturdays, as the store is closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

World's Smallest Portable Record Player
This anatomically correct Volkswagen van has a needle underneath and a speaker in the rear. Available in four colors at turntablelab.com, it's a trendy musical party on wheels! Of course, with the small size comes lower quality sound, but who wouldn't pay $80 for instant vinyl gratification?