The journey began between Christmas and New Years day in Quebec City exactly one year ago and by December 29th, 2012 in that same location I had reached the 2,000 album threshold. One year ago, I stumbled across this massive booth at a local flea market (Marche aux Pouche) selling vinyl from $1 discount bin to individual higher priced progressive/hard rock selections. What treasures I discovered in the $1 bin, with surprising New Wave titles, among a smorgasbord of vinyl records I had simply forgotten...... I was HOOKED, and the idea for this blog was born!!!
An episode from 'Big Bang Theory' captures my OBSESSION perfectly - Sheldon is in his favourite comic book store ("got it, got it, need it"), explaining to a curious bystander that while he could complete his collection by simply purchasing what he is seeking over the internet, it does not replace "the thrill of discovery, the desire to possess the item, and the satisfaction of owning it." Moreover, I am nearly ALWAYS surprised to discover a record I wasn't expecting to find, or one that I had completely forgotten. A long dormant album cover or obscure band name is enough to trigger a flood of MEMORY (much like dunking the coffee cake in Proust's classic novel, 'In Search of Lost Time'). The HUNT is an incredible HIGH for me as much as finally holding and playing that long sought after record!
I have seeked out records in other local Ontario flea markets, garage sales, Toronto Record Shows and used music retail stores. I have received records for free from friends and loved ones. I have traveled and purchased records in Rio and Sao Paulo, Brazil. I have searched for specific classic rock and rap albums for my oldest son Vincent who thinks vinyl is COOL!
The Vinyl Records by The Years:
Original New Vinyl Purchases (1977-1990): 230 11%
Garage Sales / Used Record Stores (1991-2011): 350 18%
Flea Markets / Record Shows etc (2012) 1420 71%
The Vinyl Records by Source:
Original New Vinyl Purchases 230 11%
Garage Sales 328 17%
Donations 132 7%
Used Record Stores 302 15%
Record Shows 164 8%
Flea Markets 844 42%
Milestone Vinyl Purchases:
#1 - Elvis Costello, My Aim is True (Columbia, 1977)
My first vinyl record purchase was in 1977 via Columbia House mail order (Buy 1 record, get 6 free with 4 regular purchases in next 2 years!). I anxiously awaited my order, and treated the Costello record like a prized possession when it arrived. Still do!! This is my favourite record from my favourite male singer/songwriter! "Alison, Mystery Dance, Welcome to the Working Week, Less Than Zero, Watching the Detectives"....WOW. What a debut LP! The songs are as fresh and relevant as ever! A taste of the literate, biting, angry lyrics and music to come! And what about that Buddy Holly look? Way ahead of his time, fashion-wise!
#1000 - Frank Zappa, Joe's Garage Act I (Zappa, 1979)
This record, although not strictly New Wave, is from the original master prankster / hipster Frank Zappa. He was always recording challenging music with ironic subjects. This record is special because it belonged to a close personal friend, Bart Holden, and we would laugh to songs like Catholic Girls at his place. Unfortunately Bart dropped dead from a sudden heart attack May 2012 at the age of 49. His wife Nicole wanted me to have his vinyl collection because of our common love of music. I cherish his memory wherever I see or play this album. Bart Holden, R.I.P.!
#2000 - Mike Oldfield, Tubular Bells (Virgin, 1973)
This happened to be the final 'find' on December 29, 2012 after several days digging through the bargain bin in the Quebec City Marche aux Pouche. A new box of used records arrived as I was ready to leave. In that box was a near mint copy of this first title by Richard Branson's fledgling Virgin Records with the iconic 'double virgin' inner label. Funny story about this instrumental record, the opening segment that become the recognizable and creepy soundtrack for the horror film 'The Exorcist.' A university school buddy borrowed my originally purchased copy for a course presentation back in 1979. I never saw it again! This is a record that I desperately wanted to replace! It took me 33 years!! But I now have it back! And it still sounds creepy!!
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