It took more than 20 years, but I finally feel vindicated.

Back in the 1980s, I was collecting vinyl LPs and 45s while all my friends were buying cassette tapes so they could listen to their music in their cars or on Walkmans. Then CDs came out, and those who still had a vinyl collection replaced it with CDs and relegated their LPs and singles to a box in the basement or sold them at yard sales and thrift stores.

But I refused to give up my vinyl. It had been my friend for too long, a treasured companion that helped me express exaltation during the good times and comforted me during the bad times.

Then, one day, I returned to college after summer break and found that the music chains had replaced all of their LPs with CDs. I now had to make a choice: convert to CDs or be content with old records and pricey special orders. Reluctantly, I chose the former.

Eventually, my CD collection surpassed my vinyl collection. But still, I refused to give up my old records. Despite the (eventual) better sound quality of remastered albums on CDs, nothing compared to opening the gatefold sleeve of Yes’ “Yessongs” to view the elaborate artwork or delighting in the extra goodies that came packaged with Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon.” Not to mention the simple pleasure of watching the needle drop.

Then, about five years ago, something happened that nobody predicted: Vinyl made a resurgence. Record companies began reissuing classic albums on vinyl, then limited-edition new releases as well. Turntables started popping up alongside boom boxes and iPod docks. Older music lovers re-bought their old vinyl for mostly nostalgic reasons, while younger ones embraced them for their rareness.

And that old vinyl collection I had refused to give up for so many years? It became a hot collectible.

On Saturday, lovers of vinyl will be like kids in a candy store when music stores open their doors for Record Store Day. That’s the day more than 250 limited-edition albums and singles will be released by everyone from old favorites like The Beach Boys and The Doors to hot new bands like Fleet Foxes and The Black Angels.

Some of the releases will be on CD. But the buzz is all about the vinyl, accompanied by in-store performances by local and national artists. Because of their limited quantities, Record Store Day releases are instant collector’s items.

Beyond the releases themselves, Record Store Day is also a chance to repay the independent stores that hung in there despite years of plummeting CD sales. These are the people that got into the business because, like us, they love music — and they hire people that love it as well. You won’t find that in most chain stores.

The next time someone complains about all the LPs taking up closet and shelf space in your home, show them this article.

Vindication is sweet.

Deputy Managing Editor Rod Harmon may be contacted at 791-6450 or at:

rharmon@pressherald.com