Like used books, when i find a good and clean old vinyl record, it enhances everything for me when I see a name or initials on it. I know it lessens the "value," but then value isn't only in money as you say so well. I found two pairs of records recently, each pair from one previous owner, and i SO want to know the story about why he/they let them go. That's something i'll wonder from beyond about my own collection, though knowing my daughters, they won't part with my collection ever.
Great thoughts, Terry! As is well-told on other comment sections (mostly Andy's!), I sold my 2,000-unit LP collection (and attendant promo items, press kits, bios, etc) from 1998-2003 on eBay (the collectible ones). If you bought any on eBay two decades ago you might have one of mine!!
I met a teen last week who mentioned a local used record store (yep, Andy, another teen, and his friend so into vinyl, now!). When he said the name (Piranha Records/Round Rock, for Austin-area Texans!), I said, "Wow, I wonder if they still have any of MINE left, still!"
I had sold several dozen of my "commons" (non-white-label promos, for example) to Piranha about a decade ago, literally (and finally) completely liquidating the last of my collection. So many of my collectible albums were bought by those in (name a country)! So, my collection is scattered, quite literally, all around the globe! And, Andy's asked before, and I'll echo my previous thoughts....yes, I miss them terribly, my little vinyl buddies.😢
Thanks, Terry! Yes, there's a certain mysticism, if you will, about our records' previous owners and their lives. An album may be emblematic in its own right and/or the music may hold special meaning for you, but the circumstances surrounding the specific copy you hold add a whole new layer or dimension to this. And yes, from what I read in your brilliant article on father's day, I can see you are training your daughters well :)
Beautiful stuff, Andres! I especially like finding beat-up records that play well (a recent example was Wolves & Leopards by Dennis Brown - the cover was trashed, the record sounds gorgeous) so I can give them a good home and, yes, keep them alive.
Thank you, Jeremy! This means a lot to me, especially because I admire you and your writing so much. Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate your comment.
Yes, absolutely: there’s something truly special about picking up a forgotten or neglected record and taking good care of it. Giving them their sparkle back and letting them move you 😊
Anytime I get a new (to me) record, I wonder where it's been. And like Terry, if there's a name/note/initials on it, then my curiosity's really piqued. If I'm at a garage sale, sometimes I'll ask the hosts, but sometimes the mystery is part of the fun.
Thanks, Kevin! Yes, anything cryptic, like some initials or a scribble, is very intriguing. I’ve never enquired about previous owners (I think in Britain, where people are extremely private, that’s a no-go, unless of course they bring up the topic themselves), but the curiosity is always there! 😅
You are so wise, Andy.....I think I've said it before: An old soul. I read this with a tear in my eye (don't you dare apologize....I don't mind emoting, in ANY direction, especially when moved by evocative writing!), but as you related your narrative from the POV of me, the reader, I kept thinking about (see my reply to Terry) how MY 2,000 albums (and singles, for that matter!) are making people feel those feelings right now...and, have for nigh unto 2 decades, now, all over the world!
Right now, someone may be playing my Columbia white label "Born to Run" for the first time! They may be pulling out my original pressing of "Thick as a Brick," and reading the attached newspaper about that Bostock lad! Thanks, Andy! I felt like I just gave my many dozens o' discs a hug from afar!😉
Thank you so much, Brad. This means a lot to me. I am really glad and honoured to hear I’ve helped you reconnect with your records and memories. As you said in your reply to Terry, your collection is literally scattered around the world, so it’s a great example of the main “theme” of this post. I am certain that whoever has been fortunate enough to stumble upon one of your records will be taking good care of it and will honour all the special memories attached to it ♥️
Like used books, when i find a good and clean old vinyl record, it enhances everything for me when I see a name or initials on it. I know it lessens the "value," but then value isn't only in money as you say so well. I found two pairs of records recently, each pair from one previous owner, and i SO want to know the story about why he/they let them go. That's something i'll wonder from beyond about my own collection, though knowing my daughters, they won't part with my collection ever.
Great thoughts, Terry! As is well-told on other comment sections (mostly Andy's!), I sold my 2,000-unit LP collection (and attendant promo items, press kits, bios, etc) from 1998-2003 on eBay (the collectible ones). If you bought any on eBay two decades ago you might have one of mine!!
I met a teen last week who mentioned a local used record store (yep, Andy, another teen, and his friend so into vinyl, now!). When he said the name (Piranha Records/Round Rock, for Austin-area Texans!), I said, "Wow, I wonder if they still have any of MINE left, still!"
I had sold several dozen of my "commons" (non-white-label promos, for example) to Piranha about a decade ago, literally (and finally) completely liquidating the last of my collection. So many of my collectible albums were bought by those in (name a country)! So, my collection is scattered, quite literally, all around the globe! And, Andy's asked before, and I'll echo my previous thoughts....yes, I miss them terribly, my little vinyl buddies.😢
Thanks, Terry! Yes, there's a certain mysticism, if you will, about our records' previous owners and their lives. An album may be emblematic in its own right and/or the music may hold special meaning for you, but the circumstances surrounding the specific copy you hold add a whole new layer or dimension to this. And yes, from what I read in your brilliant article on father's day, I can see you are training your daughters well :)
Beautiful stuff, Andres! I especially like finding beat-up records that play well (a recent example was Wolves & Leopards by Dennis Brown - the cover was trashed, the record sounds gorgeous) so I can give them a good home and, yes, keep them alive.
Thank you, Jeremy! This means a lot to me, especially because I admire you and your writing so much. Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate your comment.
Yes, absolutely: there’s something truly special about picking up a forgotten or neglected record and taking good care of it. Giving them their sparkle back and letting them move you 😊
Bellísima y emotiva nota
Mil gracias!!
Beautiful and thought-provoking as always Andres, thank you!
Thank you so much, Jared! Much appreciated.
Anytime I get a new (to me) record, I wonder where it's been. And like Terry, if there's a name/note/initials on it, then my curiosity's really piqued. If I'm at a garage sale, sometimes I'll ask the hosts, but sometimes the mystery is part of the fun.
Thanks, Kevin! Yes, anything cryptic, like some initials or a scribble, is very intriguing. I’ve never enquired about previous owners (I think in Britain, where people are extremely private, that’s a no-go, unless of course they bring up the topic themselves), but the curiosity is always there! 😅
You are so wise, Andy.....I think I've said it before: An old soul. I read this with a tear in my eye (don't you dare apologize....I don't mind emoting, in ANY direction, especially when moved by evocative writing!), but as you related your narrative from the POV of me, the reader, I kept thinking about (see my reply to Terry) how MY 2,000 albums (and singles, for that matter!) are making people feel those feelings right now...and, have for nigh unto 2 decades, now, all over the world!
Right now, someone may be playing my Columbia white label "Born to Run" for the first time! They may be pulling out my original pressing of "Thick as a Brick," and reading the attached newspaper about that Bostock lad! Thanks, Andy! I felt like I just gave my many dozens o' discs a hug from afar!😉
Thank you so much, Brad. This means a lot to me. I am really glad and honoured to hear I’ve helped you reconnect with your records and memories. As you said in your reply to Terry, your collection is literally scattered around the world, so it’s a great example of the main “theme” of this post. I am certain that whoever has been fortunate enough to stumble upon one of your records will be taking good care of it and will honour all the special memories attached to it ♥️
It's that notion and idea that helps salve the heart-tug of not having them around to listen to (and hold) anymore!