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JulieLondon AboutTheBlues LRP 3043 1200 crop

sexy slow dancing in the dark anyone?

PUT RECORD COLLECTORS TOGETHER and we talk about all sorts of vinyl-related topics. One conversation led to a discussion about the perfect album for an evening of sexy slow dancing. Sinatra and Mathis were mentioned—of course!—but my choice has been Julie London’s About The Blues album since I discovered the record decades ago. [Read more] “sexy slow dancing in the dark anyone?”

MikeLove AddSomeMusic 1500 crop

beach boys reunite (well, sort of) to add some music to your day

ROLLING STONE REJECTED MY COMMENT! Two years ago, the Rolling Stone Daily newsletter ran an article titled “Hear the Beach Boys Reunite on Charity Re-Recording of ‘Add Some Music to Your Day.’ ” I read the piece, watched and listened to the video, and left a comment. It was immediately rejected for—get this—inappropriate language! [Read more] “beach boys reunite (well, sort of) to add some music to your day”

DavidBowie SpaceOddity UK 1500 crop psych2 copy

and all the rest of those other space odditys

DAVID BOWIE’S “SPACE ODDITY” was originally released during the second half of 1969. Several original pressings are rather rare and valuable records. In some countries, the record included a picture sleeve, many of which are even rarer and more valuable. This article offers a nutshell history of the record with a gallery of Space Odditys. [Read more] “and all the rest of those other space odditys”

DavidBowie SpaceOddity UK 1500 crop psych1

is “space oddity” the world’s most valuable picture sleeve?

“STREET FIGHTING MAN” by the Rolling Stones—the US issue on London Records—is the most valuable picture sleeve in the world! At least, that’s what I wrote nine years ago. At the time, I was unaware of any real contender for the title. Then I learned about the Japanese “Space Oddity” by David Bowie. [Read more] “is “space oddity” the world’s most valuable picture sleeve?”

Byrds EightMilesHigh PS Japan 600

japanese picture inserts for 45 rpm singles

THE TERM “PICTURE SLEEVE” has a specific meaning in record collecting. Basically, it’s a paper envelope with a photograph or artwork on at least one side made to hold a seven-inch, 45 rpm record. Japanese picture inserts for 45 rpm singles are not picture sleeves no matter how many collectors and dealers conflate the terms. [Read more] “japanese picture inserts for 45 rpm singles”

NurseJacky Eddie drugs 1500 crop2

I got a springsteen “spirit in the night” worth five grand, easy!

WATCHING SCENES WITH VINYL RECORDS or references to vinyl records in movies and television shows usually causes record collectors to laugh. The person responsible for placing the record in the scene almost always gets something about the record or the chronology wrong. Or makes an exaggerated claim about its value (“It’s worth five grand, easy”). [Read more] “I got a springsteen “spirit in the night” worth five grand, easy!”

DelShannon photo 1963UKTourProgram 1500 crop

del shannon kept searching for a place to stay in the sun

A FEW YEARS AGO, wrote about Del Shannon and offered a brief introduction to his music. I mentioned I Go To Pieces as a song he wrote and arranged as a nod to the British Invasion of 1964. After that, Shannon kept searching for a place to stay in the world of pop music. [Read more] “del shannon kept searching for a place to stay in the sun”