Owners of The Long Ear music store Deon and Terry Borchard, left and store manager Chelsea Fritze, right, talked about the 40th Birthday Festival to be held this weekend at the Coeur d'Alene store. (SR file photo)

Among the New Year's resolutions of Nathan Weinbender/SR Spokane7: Whenever I decide to buy a vinyl copy of a new record, I’ve gotten into the habit of hopping on Amazon and having it shipped to me. Although it’s the most convenient mode of purchasing, I really should be taking the extra step and utilizing our local record stores, places like 4,000 Holes, Recorded Memories or the Long Ear in Coeur d’Alene. They have extensive used and new collections, and if the title you’re looking for isn’t in their inventory, they’ll place an order and hold a copy in the store for you. It might take a day or two longer than an online store, but you get that extra personal touch, and you’re supporting the community. It’s a win-win. Complete resolution list here.

Question: Do you still listen to record albums, er, vinyls?