Music has never been more accessible to us — which, in theory, is great. The vast majority of every song ever recorded is available in our pockets. The downside of this is that the vast majority of every song ever recorded is available in other people’s pockets, too. That’s why when I have a party at my apartment, I don’t put on a Spotify playlist. I enlist a record player.
Specifically, a U-Turn Orbit turntable.
Why? With vinyl, you really get to control the mood. (I tend to opt for vibey background music — your Chet Baker, your Ella Fitzgerald, your Japanese Bossa Nova LPs.) Personally, when I decided to buy the U-Turn Orbit, I went with the red version because it gives my living room a pop of color and draws in the eye. Even better? It also works marvelously; the sound is really clear. The player even picks up on vinyl that’s deteriorated a bit, too.
Plus, the version with the built-in subwoofer is very easy to set up and install. For parties, though, it’s best to leave the plastic cover on the table. (First, New York apartments get so dusty, which the needle will pick up. Second, your dumb friends will inevitably pull the band off the table because they’re aux cord people, and it’ll need to be fixed.)
When all’s said and done, my U-Turn Orbit has become my favorite party trick. It’s the easiest way to avoid listening to an obscure band body likes (or that one Doja Cat song you’ve heard a million times) the next time you have people over. In my book, that’s a win for everyone.
