I received an e-mail from a good friend yesterday, with the subject line “Death Vinyl.” Before I even opened it, a slew of ideas popped immediately into my head, as to what this vague, but loaded phrase could actually be alluding to – the metaphorical “death” of the vinyl record, perhaps a band name, or even a new record company. The possibilities, at this point, were endless.
I was not quite prepared, however, for what lay beyond – “beyond” being the operative word.
Upon clicking the link, I was brought to a black and white page, with a loading bar. The words “Pressed for Time” were written above it. This didn’t aid in conjuring any concrete ideas…
…That is, until, I was greeted by the Grim Reaper. Well, the Grim Reaper with headphones affixed to its skull, and a scythe that had seemingly transformed into a record stylus.
“Okay,” I thought, “this is pretty clever.”
The explanation written next to the grave-site that read “R.I.V,” (Rest in Vinyl, I am assuming) made it all perfectly clear.
Essentially, Death in Vinyl is a service – a rather macabre, yet insanely ingenious service – but a service, nonetheless. Upon death, you can choose to have your ashes interweaved into a vinyl record. You can even record some last words onto this vinyl, that will be heard atop the “pops and crackles” engendered by your ashes.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more fun, Death Vinyl will paint your portrait onto the sleeve of the ash-laden record…using – yes, you’ve guessed it – a portion of your ashes mixed into the paint.
The service comes at a premium, of course, but it gives new meaning to “the ghost in the machine.”
http://www.andvinyly.com/
By
Jussie Larkin
