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”

DavidBowie RockNRollSuicide ad Mirror 4 20 74 1500 crop

why did rca have to export david bowie records to england in the ’70s?

THERE ARE A HANDFUL OF RECORDS from the ’70s that are so common among British collectors that they receive little attention from them. But they are all rather rare records outside of the UK—so rare, that most non-UK collectors have only seen them as images on the internet! [Read more] “why did rca have to export david bowie records to england in the ’70s?”