Well, I use both vinyl and CDs, and I prefer vinyl at the moment for two
reasons. First of all, as you stated, you have a more "hands-on" feel
when matching beats. CDs require more precision in matching beats, and
DJing CDs also commands a deeper knowledge of the music. You can't see
where the breaks are on a CD. Often I can mix fine playing someone
else's records just by seeing where the breaks are and mixing
accordingly. You really can't do that with CDs. The second, and
primary, reason I prefer vinyl is that the selection of music is more
interesting. At the moment only the major dance labels press CDs, and
smaller labels usually only end up on compilations months after they are
pressed, and usually in an edited form. On vinyl it is much easier to
find more obscure and experimental tunes. CD "white labels" are also
rather scarce. However, I don't necessarily defend this reasoning
heartily, as CDs do open up the music to not only the DJ but the listener
as well. Vinyl fetishism does tend to caress the DJ's ego in that the
tunes he/she is playing will probably never make it into the hands of
Herb and Martha Clubkid. I believe that they should have more access to
the music they hear in clubs, and hope that while vinyl stays alive for
its aesthetic appeal, CD technology improves and more underground music
can make it out to the casual listener. Call me crazy, but isn't that
what the music's about, anyway?
Peace,
Matt