record player

If your unique save the dates make a splash with your guests, then you need to one-up yourself with an amazing wedding invitation. Take this creative example: it's actually a record player wedding invite! Talk about a transformer! Crafted with some paper (obviously), yarn, a needle, a flexidisc record, and some serious ingenuity, this record player invite would be the perfect fit for any musically inclined couple. Check it out in the video below!

Paper Record Player from kellianderson on Vimeo.

Are you a part of the record revolution yet? The vinyl craze is in full swing, and I can say with certainty that well over half of my friends are sporting a record player in their living room — and so am I! If you're already rocking out to records at home, check out the Crosley Revolution USB Turntable ($180), a compact, take-anywhere record player powered by AA batteries. Available in four colors (red, blue, white, and black), the turntable plays standard-sized records and 45s. Use headphones or plug it into speakers for maximum retro-inspired album enjoyment.

There's a USB connection to hook the turntable up to your computer and an FM transmitter to allow you to "broadcast" your record onto any radio.

As you may already be aware, I'm a big fan of vinyl records. You just can't duplicate their rich tones on an MP3, but some have certainly gone out of their way to try. A man after my own heart, Justin Timberlake recently told a German newspaper that he too prefers vinyl over digital recordings. Although modern man Justin is currently starring in The Social Network as digital mastermind (and Napster founder) Sean Parker, he says he frequently tosses on old Beach Boys and Beatles records, which come with warm and rich sounds you can't find on a digital recording.

Are you a vinyl freak like me and Justin or want to get on the vintage geek train for the first time? Go ahead — get yourself a good record player (I have a few suggestions for you here), then head out to your local record shop and browse the racks!

If the $1,300 Barky Wood Turntable isn't up your alley (or in your price range!), here's an affordable but still wood-enhanced alternative. The Wood Turntable ($88) from Urban Outfitters pairs retro design with modern features in a classy yet affordable record player. It has built-in speakers and volume control, a headphone jack, and an AM/FM radio, too. It's the latest record player from one of my favorite stores, known for its retro-style finds.

A vintage mod record player may add a touch of Mad Men to your home, but this earthy Barky Turntable ($1,298) from Anthropologie reeks of coolness . . . if you can afford it.

I wouldn't think that a piece of wood and glass would cost a cool grand, but considering that it's handmade, and the designer successfully got the motor and arm in without making it look bulky or displaced, you gotta give some props. Oh, and let's not fool ourselves — Anthropologie isn't known for their inexpensive tech treats, mmkay?

Vinyl is making a comeback! Many artists are now releasing albums on vinyl as well as digitally.

There's something about the sound of a vinyl record that makes any song — even a new release — sound totally old-school. I've mentioned my love for retro-style record players before, but this Ion USB Portable Turntable ($140) from Urban Outfitters is the perfect mix of retro and tech. It hooks up to your computer via USB, which means you can turn your favorite vinyl tracks into MP3s. Also, it's totally portable, and runs on batteries or connected to a wall outlet.

I want to use this to import my parents' record collection into my computer — the turntable supports both regular-sized records and 45s. Plus, since it's portable, it's perfect for parties.