by Jason Boucher

For audiophiles and music collectors, alphabetizing your collection can feel like conducting a symphony amidst a discordance of melodies. Whether you revel in the warm crackles of vinyl or the laser precision of compact discs, alphabetizing is a labor of love that pays homage to the timeless appeal of physical music. Put on that conductor’s hat, grab a sorting baton, and dive into the harmonious world of alphabetizing that amazing music collection you have accumulated. As you begin to embark on the alphabetizing journey, you’ll soon discover that this isn’t just about bringing order to chaos; it’s about honoring the stories and emotions each album contains.

We begin with vinyl – the preferred medium of any collector. Alphabetizing your vinyl collection requires a delicate touch, as each LP demands its own moment. Start by arranging your vinyl alphabetically by artist, followed by the album title. This makes it easier to locate each album, but it also lets you appreciate the evolution of each artist’s discography.

If you have enough to alphabetize, you’re pretty much curating your own personal sound museum. Imagine reaching for “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys, seamlessly followed by “Space Song” by Beach House. The juxtaposition itself tells a story – a testament to the multifaceted nature of your musical taste. Don’t forget the visual – an ocean of creative album covers, each a work of art.

Now, let’s pivot to compact discs or CDs, the shiny 5-inch laser discs that accompany your vinyl treasures. Alphabetizing CDs may seem straightforward, but there’s an art to it that elevates the process from mundane to meaningful. Just like vinyl, sort your CDs alphabetically by artist and then album title. Take a moment and appreciate the evolution of album cover design and what each album displays. Some of these CDs you might not have seen in a while…

Dick: I guess it looks as if you’re reorganizing your records. What is this though? Chronological?
Rob: No…
Dick: Not alphabetical…
Rob: Nope…
Dick: What?
Rob: Autobiographical.
Dick: No fucking way.

From the minimalist elegance of Wire’s “Pink Flag” to the beautiful artwork of Tortoise’s “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” each cover is a visual representation of the sonic journey each album delivers. As you arrange your CDs, you’re not just creating order; you’re celebrating the marriage of sound and design.

Alphabetizing your music collection is more than a fun exercise; it’s a pilgrimage for the audiophile soul—an opportunity to unearth hidden gems and revisit forgotten classics. As you meticulously place each vinyl record or CD back on the shelf, you’re honoring the craftsmanship that goes into creating music, both aurally and visually.

Streaming has become the norm, but your alphabetized music collection is a shrine to the past, a sanctuary of joy in a digital age. It’s a declaration that music is more than just a fleeting stream of bytes; it’s an experience that deserves reverence and appreciation. Take time to alphabetize, and enjoy many forgotten records along the way.

Embrace the challenge of alphabetizing. Let your shelves become a testament to your unwavering dedication to the sonic arts. In the symphony of alphabetization, you’re the maestro, and your collection is the orchestra. As you step back and admire the almost-organized masterpiece you’ve created, you’ll understand that the process is as rewarding as the music itself. Music enriches our lives.

Let’s keep it going. 🎧