Currently, I go with the listen on digital first, if I can. But with new releases and FOMO my curation goes through this analysis in an effort to keep my bank account out of the red, but with the 30th year Anniversary of 1991 releases on the horizon...things could get bloody in the next year nonetheless:
- Is this a previously released album that is personally essential/important?
- IF YES, go to #3;
- IF NO, do not buy
- Is this a new release that might be personally essential/important in the future?
- IF YES, go to #3;
- IF NO, do not buy
- Is the vinyl edition I am contemplating a 1st Press/Ltd. Variant or Must have Press (e.g. a mobile fidelity press; unique box set):
- IF YES, go to #4,
- IF NO, do not buy
- Is this vinyl crazy expensive right now or might I get it for a better price later:
- IF NO, BUY IT
- IF YES, go to #5
- Is this a Wilco/Wilco-adjacent release?:
- IF YES, fuck it...fuck the cost...BUY IT;
- IF NO (go back to 1 and 2 and reassess just to be sure and otherwise maybe get digital if you dont already have it, and wait till you can get the desired pressing at a reasonable price)