It doesn’t really make sense for me to like 45s as much as I do—by and large I only seek things out on vinyl if I really, really enjoy them (space restrictions make this essential). Otherwise I’m a digital guy who enjoys all the convenience and portability that entails—like having my tunes at the click of a button. That said, there’s something about having a physical single in front of you (I almost said something about holding a 7″ in your hand, but that just sounds dirty).

For a time the CD was the dominant form of music consumption and it made sense, but, with MP3s and the like gradually taking over, those shiny little discs are becoming an obsolete middle man. However, personally I don’t think that the ascent of digital media means that people will stop wanting to covet their favourite songs or albums in a physical form.

This is where I come back to 45s and my illogical appreciation for them, as they have come to be a sort of trophy representing a person’s musical taste. Do I throw a single on my record player every time I want to rock-out to my favourite tracks? No, as I’ve also got them on my computer, but do I still appreciate being able to hold the physical manifestation of said tracks in my hands as I rock out? Of course.

In case you’re wondering where this has all come from, yesterday The Constantines released their first ever 7″ single. I didn’t run out and buy it, but if I was passing by a record store and saw it for a few bucks I think I’d pick it up. The A-side, “Hard Feelings,” which will also grace their upcoming full-length, Kensington Heights—due out in April—is excellent by the way and bodes very well for the new album.

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Stream both sides of the new Constantines single at their Myspace page.

In the meantime, here’s the title track from a 7″ vinyl EP by The Exploders that I can’t get out of my head:

The Exploders - What’s What & Who’s Who

You can buy the vinyl EP from Teenage USA or grab a digital copy here.