Dealing With a Case of Vinyl Envy
Sometimes I get vinyl envy. I see a record on eBay, one that I don’t have as an original pressing, usually a Blue Note, and I think my collection isn’t complete until I get that record. But then, if I get it, there’s always another to remind me that the collection will never be complete. So I think the vinyl envy is not such a bad thing. What would be the fun of collecting if there was nothing more to collect? So this is a record that gives me vinyl envy: The Magnificent Thad Jones, Blue Note 1527. I have a United Artists pressing and I’ve probably never even listened to it, so I’m not even sure of the quality of the music, although I bet it’s great: It’s really that Lexington Avenue label and cover in the pictures that does it. You can almost feel the cardboard and the heavy vinyl. Anyway, this one is in VG++ condition for the record and M- for the cover and it is approaching $300 and will probably sell for closer to $1,000, so it will not be added to the Jazz Collector collection.
This is a cool one I’ve never seen before:
Eric Dolphy, Outward Bound, Esquire 32-123. This is an original British pressing. The cover is real interesting, a great picture of Dolphy and the mention of bass clarinet, alto and flute. This one is probably in VG++ condition for the record and VG+ for the cover. The start price is $150 and so far there are no bidders, but there are six days to go. On this one, I also love the cover on the original New Jazz in the states: One of my favorite covers in fact. I wonder what the philosophy was, or perhaps copyright issues, in issuing separate covers in the U.K versus the U.S. Perhaps someone out there will enlighten us.
> and I think my collection isn’t complete until I get that record. But then, if I get it, there’s always another to remind me that the collection will never be complete…
There’s a pretty good book that goes over the various psychological impulses that motivate collectors named “To Have and To Hold” by Phillip Blom. My own take on record collecting: http://themysteriousyes.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/on-record-collecting/
Great article, thanks for posting!
I believe that, indeed, Esquire was a licensing deal in which the cover art was not included. Small London label run by Carlo Krahmer and Peter Newbrook. The sound and pressings are apparently superior to the US counterparts, and many were issued in small runs of 500 pieces or less.
Got to love that cover photo of the Thad Jones LP. I wonder where in NYC the photo is taken? Makes me dream of going there again. It’s been too long..
I always assumed that cover was shot in Times Square, no?
Al,the thad jones bn1527 is a fine record, i listen to it
all the time. in fact jazzcollector turned me on to it.
i’ve been following your site for the last year or so and enjoy it so much. thank you for your hard work.
I hear you, Al, the Thad Jones is on my wishlist, too. I have it on CD and I play it often. As a matter of fact: it’s a magnificent album 😉
I feel the same way about that cardboard and heavy vinyl.
I might need a cigarette after.