In "The Fortress of Solitude," Jonathan Lethem reflects on his passion for collecting vinyl records during a time when music was often difficult to obtain. He describes himself as a "vinyl hawk," enthusiastically searching through record shops for rare, out-of-print LPs. This pursuit reveals his deep dedication to music, as he approaches each record with an analytical mindset, treating the experience almost reverently. The tactile nature of vinyl adds a personal and nostalgic layer to his collection.

Lethem acknowledges that while the music he cherished would eventually be reissued on CDs, during that period, the records were unique and imperfect, with their own character. The scratchy and moldy sounds of the albums became a part of his identity, emphasizing the intimate connection between the collector and the music. This exploration of vinyl captures a sense of nostalgia for an era when music wasn't as readily accessible, making the hunt itself a meaningful experience.