5 Vinyl Buying Mistakes I Made In 2022 & How I Plan To Avoid Them In 2023
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- In this video, I show and discuss 5 ways that I am going to improve the way I buy vinyl records. I made a few mistakes this year therefore, I have made some new rules to keep my record purchasing lean and mean in the new year.
I will be showing records I purchased b bands and artists such as The Young Rascals, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Eagles, Yusef Lateef, Ahmad Jamal, The Lovin' Spoonful, Christopher Clause and more.
I also discuss Christopher Clause album "Round." It's a happy record that has The Beatles influence all over it. There's also a deeper message that means more than just enjoying the music. I will explain further in this video.
Here is a link to check out Christopher Claus and his album.
footrecords.ca/
#VinylCommunity #MelindaMurphy #VinylCollection #RecordCollection
Before I go and buy the record, I go on to Apple Music or Spotify. That’s how I do it before I buy that album.
Good idea! That's what I use "streaming services " for! As well as dog walking! When I'm ready to do some serious "Hi-Fi" listening, I go to my record's to git my "fix"!
Right, I’ll never buy a record again without hearing it first
I will definitely be listening before buying in 2023. Thank you and take care.
@@analoguecity3454 that's how it goes
Same here. Spotify is a godsend for sampling music and for opening up a world of albums I’d never have had the opportunity to hear a few years ago.
Nice video
Having spent four decades in running Corp planning orgs here are rules I have seen work:
Have a plan
Develop a flexible budget
Understand your immediate needs and have flexibility to shift
Enjoy your interests
Revise you plan accordingly every 3 months
Great advice! 😀 Thank you!
Hi Malinda, I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that your home looks absolutely beautiful! Your Christmas tree looks amazing and your living room looks so cozy and inviting! I could just sit there for hours by the fire with a cup hot chocolate or glass of eggnog and a plate of sugar cookies! Have a great holiday season! I hope you are able to keep up with all your new vinyl collecting promises that you made to yourself.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.🤗🎄♥️ Merry Christmas!
I do on occasion succumb to being a completest. I'm working on changing that, because there is no reason for me to own everything my fav artists put out (there are always some clunkers in the catalog). Being picky is a good thing! Great topic Melinda.
Frank
Thank you Frank. I can imagine you have most of the Judas Priest and Ozzy albums. Thankfully, most of them are pretty good. Merry Christmas! 🎄
I 100% agree with you on spending more time listening to my records. I have been doing this more lately than I have in the last couple of years. Also I need to start enjoying the music more than how it sounds. Unfortunately my turntable is upstairs and I spend most of my time downstairs. 😢😢
Hi Melinda, killer content again. I think that’s a process that many of us should always go through or I hope they do. Anyways, records have been available now for longer and more copies, so nothing is scarce and needs to be bought immediately without checking. I’ve made some of these mistakes myself. Again, I’ll quote Mazzy and say it’s the music, I don’t care about being completist as well, only for my core collection. And we have so much stuff, we need to appreciate it. I’ve been moving for the past few weeks and the act of boxing my collection, now unboxing and setting up a listening room, not checking much internet, reviews etc. I was actually chatting with the other Jazz Bums last night, and I was describing how cool it felt to sit, just have my shelves to look at, and randomly pick things I haven’t listened to in a while, or listen to new arrivals. Most important, no fomo, VC pressure to get anything just because it sounds great or because it’ll sell out.
I find great to follow my instincts, find pleasure in my collection, sit back and relax.
Again, we should focus more on art than in accumulating. Thanks for the insights.
Cheers
I really like what you said. Focus more on art than in accumulating.
I hope you are getting settled in. Moving is always hard but add a record collection to it and... Wow! Bless you. 🤗♥️
Never bought a " wrong," record in my life. I always knew what I wanted. Nice video,take care.🌹
That's wonderful! 🤗 Thank you and take care.
Hey Melinda
Some important rules you've set for yourself there. I think that I would have to agree. My biggest one is no more big hauls of records. I've bought a LOT of classical records in the last year and I'm still going through the last batches and because of my process of cataloguing them, plus the house move it's become a bit overwhelming. I've this past weekend managed to complete unboxing the all my CD's & 4000+ singles & EP's. I'm limited for space where I am so I need to be VERY disciplined and selective. I hope to keep watching you channel into 2023. Love your work as always. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year Melinda. Cheers sweetheart ❤️❤️😘
I can only imagine. You have been through a lot. I need to do some organizing as well. Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you. 🎄♥️
Chad and his team talked me not buying anymore from them just out of my price range. otherwise a Great Video as usual Thank You
Thank you! 😀
If there is one Eagles album that you don’t need on MOFI ONE STEP, it’s The Long Run. It’s the best produced album they made & it was mastered at Sterling by Ted Jensen. Just find a clean OG copy for $20 or less & you will be set. -Russ
Good advice.
I actually bought the Walmart version of The Long Run this year and was floored how good it sounds.
I'm sure the original does sound good. I am passing on some of the other Eagles records but I am looking forward to The Long Run One Step. Thank you and take care.
It may be the best produced and mastered, but it is by far the weakest album the Eagles ever made.
You can’t go wrong with any Eagles original pressings.
I've entered my "12-step" program. I now only buy a record that jumps out at me. One that gives you that powerful adrenalin surge. One that gives me the wobbly legs. I have recently walked out of used shops empty handed after seeing multiple albums that struck me. But now I need to be struck over the head.
Yesterday I almost made it out of my local shop. I went through the new arrivals and saw about 10 things I really wanted. But I let them go. Then I checked the "wow" wall on my way out and saw it. The Stranglers "Raven" album with the lenticular 3D cover. Original limited. Been searching forever. Almost made it out. But thats my-point. Only get the big stuff. Left the other tasty bits behind.
Good for you. I doubt you will ever regret buying that grail. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
I make myself listen to an album now 10 times on youtube or whereever before I buy it . Really cut down on what was getting out of control
Hey Melinda, I have no local store and going to a record store is an adventure in itself. All record buying is online, for me, and to avoid making too many rules to remember and go by, I have to force myself to be much more selective and stop buying everything I want. Thank God!!! I am NOT a completist.
I'm in the same boat. I don't have a record store nearby. I am at the mercy of the postal service most of the time. The goal for 2023 for me is quality over quantity. I'm glad I'm not a completist as well. Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda,
Well, you've just invented a listening session scale. At one end, you have the 'sit down and listen to' session, where you are sitting in the sweet spot and lost in the moment. At the other end, we have the 'cleaning the refrigerator' session, where you are aurally engaged, but may be performing physical tasks, which take you away from the sweet spot😉🙂👍 It's called the Melinda Session Scale. Another great video, as ever👍🙂❤️
Haha! I prefer the sit down and relax sessions but I also like a clean house. 🤗 Thank you and take care.
The story you told about mistaking The Young Rascals for The Lovin' Spoonful was hilarious. I got a big chuckle of of that.
Drink Kentucky bourbon--definitely--especially single barrel. And am glad you're a Zeppelin fan.
Your five resolutions are quite sensible--excellent advice for the vinyl collector.
I see your videos on my suggestions list and listen to them occasionally, though I stopped buying vinyl records when they left the mainstream. So when you mention "one-step" or other contemporary terms, I don't even know what that means. But I do know lots of the albums. So thanks for your engaging videos.
Haha! That was a pretty silly mistake. 😀 Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate that you still tune in even if you aren't collecting. No matter what format we enjoy, the music matters the most. Take care. 🤗♥️
Those are all extremely valid points, Melinda! Regarding the bad sounding records, sometime if they look good but are noisy a good cleaning can make a huge difference. But that beautiful Swan Lake cover is something I’d hold on to as you might find a nice copy of the vinyl with a not so good cover and you could marry the good ones and donate the lesser ones. Regarding the one with the hiss, it may be just a fairly uniform bad pressing but as you note if you could have listened you would have passed on it.
Tallahassee used to have a local “swap meet” which was a good way to trade things that weren’t your cup of tea for something you might enjoy more.
#5 is something I think we all contend with, but trying to reserve some uninterrupted time to savor our good stuff is vital. I know my eyes get too big if I’m in a record store (or online) and I have far more than I can listen to. My wife and I joke that I could use some therapy but finding a qualified therapist is not easy. Vinyl truly is an addiction, but there are far worse ones of course and it really is so much fun.
Great tip on that Swan Lake album. ♥️ The artwork in it is very cool. Hopefully, I can find a cleaner record.
I agree that digging for records can be fun and addicting. It's also cheaper than therapy.🤗 Thank you and take care.
Yes, I know what you mean, buying site unseen when you don’t know the content can seem foolish at times and I have bought with the same feelings of disguise as you have. What I try to do now is I will go on UA-cam and search out the artist and music, while I’m in the store and play it. I have saved myself a lot of time and anger this way and it’s free, that is if UA-cam has the music. Two of the ten stores that I shop at have listening stations and it is a big help. Good luck to you in the new year and you are right family is everything!!!
I'm glad that so many record stores have listening stations. They are very helpful. Thank you and take care.
I empathize with a lot of your points here. Bought several records that in hindsight I should have either passed on or gave more contemplation about buying. But the “FOMO” and/or availability concerns really snake bit me. I actually documented all my purchases for a month and saw several pre-orders on the list; not only did they add up dollar-wise, but several I ended up forgetting I orders in the first place! 🤦🏻♂️ Probably a sign I didn’t need them that bad…Christmas tree looks great MM! 🎄
I had a bad case of FOMO for that Blondie box set that came out this year. I didn't end up buying it and guess what? I lived. Lol. I enjoyed listening to you on Rachel's channel this morning. I was listening while at work and laughed out loud a few times. 😀 Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄
The narration on The Clown is my favorite part of the album. I like listening to spoken poetry and readings/vignettes while listening to jazz music.
That's something I need to get used to. Hopefully, I will learn to enjoy it. Thank you and take care.
Perhaps it will help by knowing the narration is written and performed by Jean Shepherd, the famous radio personality who wrote the book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash which is the basis for the famous film A Christmas Story, which he also narrates.
Give “The Blue Yusef Lateef” another listen with a nice bourbon of your choosing without any distractions. It’s a concept album that melds Blues with Jazz. It’s on the Free side and yes, you’ll have some dissonant notes, but if you can be open to all of that, you’re good.
If it doesn’t move you, I’m sure you can sell or trade it for the NM price and buy an album of your liking. Thanks for the vid.
I'll definitely give it more chances down the road. My musical tastes change and as I get more into jazz, I'm sure I will enjoy it more. Thank you for the encouragement. Take care
Quick story about the narrator on that Charles Mingus album. Guys name was Jean Shepard. When I was growing up in NYC mid 60’s he had a radio show from 10:15-11 pm were he would talk, tell stories, play the kazoo sing songs etc etc. He’d always start a story, go off on wild tangents and wrap it up in the last 30 seconds. My friends and I always tried to stay up and hear the end but rarely made it. He put all those stories together in a book called “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash”. That book was taken and made into a movie “A Christmas Story” Red Ryder BB Gun, Leg Lamp etc. It was that record that first turned me onto serious jazz, because Jean Shepard was on it. I bought that Speakers Corner copy and love it.
That's such a beautiful story. My husband and I love that movie. Thank you for letting me know about that connection. I hope in time I will appreciate that record more. Take care.
Melinda, thank you SO much for sharing ROUND with your viewers - I really appreciate it!! Glad you had some quality time with your sister and pray you get many many more visits together. :)
It was my pleasure. I enjoy discussing great music with my viewers.♥️ Take care.
I just bought it online. Only one place had it.
@@douglasdunn4809 I'm curious - where did you find it?
@@spinninground at FunkyMooseRecords they are in Canada. 20 plus 17 shipping
@@spinninground funkymooserecords a site in Canada
It is a good advice about Miles&Monk record. To generalize, jazz performances by two "superstars" rarely sound good because they tend to compete and you can feel the nerve.
You make an excellent point. That's exactly what this sounds like. Thank you and take care.
It makes sense to have some self imposed rules on buying vinyl now. With blind buys I tend to only do that with older records in the bins or I get the cd. Bands I’m already a fan of I tend to just buy whatever new album they put out. The actual listening to records is the best advice. I try to just listen without distractions when I can but that’s not always easy. But I don’t want the music to just be background music. With certain genres of music I have to wonder how many people actually sit down and listen or is it just playing while they’re on phone or watching videos? This has been a very good video with some sound advice. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season MM!!
Gary
Thank you Gary. Intentional listening is always the goal but I want to find more time to enjoy the records I already have. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Some good advice for yourself Melinda. I am so far behind on my listening because I took a promotion at work and am now much busier. I need to find more time for listening as well. I also have decided that I will be much pickier on the condition of the records I buy. I tend not to buy anything that is less than VG+ but occasionally I do. I have decided that anything less than VG++ is staying at the store. The only exception would be some grails I have been looking for. Great video as always Melinda. Have a great Christmas if I don’t talk to you before then!
I'm behind on my listening as well. I have slowed down considerably on my buying lately so I'm sure I will catch up in no time. I think this will be a year of fewer but more pricey purchases like the VH One Steps. I can't wait for those. Merry Christmas to you! 🎄
Those are really good rules. Yes, next year will be a very expensive year for collecting vinyl. I like your style, Kentucky bourbon goes great with vinyl!
Bourbon sure does. 🤗 I'm preparing myself now for the flatter wallet in 2023. There's so much to look forward to. Thank you and take care.
These are all good tips. I should do more of them as well! #5 hits home and I really want to find more time in 2023.
Me too! I need to find more time. 🤗 Thank you and take care.
You have a very sensible plan for the new year. :) I feel sure you will experience less regretful moments because of it. I too , need to follow your lead , especially on #5. I'm working on my music room at the moment and I plan on spending time in there daily once it's complete.
Thank you for another great video :)
I hope you are happy with the end results of your music room.♥️🤗 Here's to enjoying the music in 2023. Thank you and take care.
Wise advice as usual, Melinda. You get so much more enjoyment only buying what you love to hear rather than being a completist. Agree completely about old records at stores with no return policy and no listening stations. Those purchases are really a roll of the dice, even with a visual inspection.
They have been a roll of the dice and it hasn't always gone in my favor. Lol. That's going to be a hard rule for me in 2023. Thank you and take care.
I got into vinyl this year and literally made all the mistakes you’ve talked about! Thank you for talking about these for new collectors, great points!
Thank you so much! Most of us do make mistakes here and there and that's ok. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Too time poor to listen to my vinyl collection really frustrates me! I recently took an annual leave day when I knew everyone would be out of the house just so I could immerse myself for a whole day - felt like it got me back on an even keel. 😊
I bet you really enjoyed having a day to yourself and your records. ♥️ That sounds very good. Thank you and take care.
Hello Melinda ! Happy holidays from Sweden. Solid good advice indeed.
#1 I am only a completist about Mike Oldfield. I’ve got all that’s been released on vinyl. 7’s,12’s,albums,best of’s,un/semi-officials,bootlegs , you name it , I’ve got it. A second category is with a couple of other favourites where I stick to the official releases(Audioslave,AC/DC , Nirvana,Meters,Rage against the machine,Sex pistols, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix) The third category is ; only the albums I like(Stones,Sabbath,Beatles,Kiss, Floyd,Bowie,Purple,Queen,Kool & the gang) And the fourth category is ; Greatest hits/Best of/Collection(I’ve got over 90 different of those) This way of collecting makes it possible for me to listen to anything I like.
#2 This is your advice I really need to apply myself to. Think before I buy.
#3,#4 & #5 I’m pretty much on top of. At least I listen VERY much , every day. Thank you for this year and have a great new one. Stay safe and take care. /R (A at work)
I'm a completest on Van Halen and The Beatles because all of their albums are so good. 🥰 It makes sense to me that you would want all of the Mike Oldfield releases. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Melinda for taking your time to do all your videos. I really enjoyed this video.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas 🎄
Take Care.
🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁
Life is better with music.
Merry Christmas Dianne! 🎄 Thank you.
Hi Melinda. Your video inspired me to get the best of the Lovin Spoonful. Thanks.
It's a great record. ♥️ Summer in the City is such a good song. Thank you and take care.
These are reasonable rules. I have a similar regarding blind purchases. If I like specific tracks by a band I focus on buying the single or EP instead of the album, even if it's a lot harder to find.
I have done that as well. I bought the 45 of Only the Lonely by The Motels because I love that song but didn't need the album. Thank you and take care.
I'm with you on avoiding completism. And I think you identify that maybe the mistake isn't the similarity between those two albums but rather the frenzy around FOMO.
Very true! I was in too big of a hurry to really know what I was even buying. 🤔 Pretty crazy! Thank you and take care.
I've seen many comments about noisy vinyl on brand new pressings and the fact that a lot of these new records are pressed overseas where cheap vinyl is used answers that question - a really great video Melinda - your facial expressions of disappointment almost broke my heart! It's great that you presented those problem discs without being over critical - this type of video would be a tough task in another's hands - great work Melinda - Merry Christmas!🌲❤👍😀
Thank you so much! 🤗 I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a very healthy New Year. 🎄♥️ Thanks for all of the wonderful comments. It means so much to me. Take care.
I get it on the Lovin Spoonful thing ,I just bought a Blossom Toes cassette of that great first album thinking it was a CD because I didn.t have my glasses on too. Turns out I kinda dig it cos it sounds great and I cant remember the last cassette I bought intentionally
I bought The Young Rascals album by mistake but owning it isn't a mistake after all. 🤗 I'm glad I'm not alone. Lol. Thank you and take care.
Great job. love the details and really like #4 - I too will not do blind buys this year, good luck to us.
Thank you! I hope we can stick to this. I apologize for the delayed response. Take care. 🤗
WOW, what a hidden gem!! I'm referring to the Christopher Clause album you featured towards end of this video. Exceptional catchy melodies, sonic quality and album artwork. Thank you so much for exposing this great album to me.
You're welcome. I'm very fortunate to have the album now. It's a happy record and the guitar playing is great. Thank you and take care.
I love the Pic over the Fire Place .
Thank you so much. It's called The Secret Heart by Dario Campanile. ♥️🤗
I have tried to not blind buy but half my collection is blind buy. That is how I explore but that is me so I get why your backing away from that. I have so many emails that come in from various record producers, stores, etc..l. I have saved money by just deleting them and not even looking. Tooooo much temptation I may miss something super cool but I know it helps. Nice message at the end
Thank you Steve! Merry Christmas! 🎄
I like each and every one of your points! They all make good sense and they are smart decisions to make I think! I think I'm going to make some New Year's resolutions myself when it comes to vinyl buying. It's easy to jump the gun, especially when you see a limited number of copies left, and get pressured into buying something you probably wouldn't have purchased had you spent more time thinking about it.
It is like an addiction having vinyl delivered and buying it in the record stores. If you haven't been doing it, you start having withdrawals haha. But sometimes there are good reasons not to be getting anything. If my counting is correct, in my first year of getting back into vinyl, I bought over one record a day. And I started thinking about how many of these I am listening to later. I listen to all of them of course but then some of them just seem to fall by the wayside. I spent a lot of money, often times too much, and I'm going to be much more frugal and smart about my purchases. If it involves waiting for years to find exactly what I want I will do that. There's no race. I've made a few purchases where I didn't get the exact copy I wanted to get but settled for another only to not be that satisfied with my decision in the end.
So I'm going to do a lot more thinking, not be pressured by other factors, and make better decisions when it comes to buying my LPs. There's always going to be another copy out there even if you miss out on something. It might even cost a little more at some point. But oftenrimes it winds up costing a lot less later on. Especially if it's something newly issued or a new repressing. I was looking just the other day at something I paid $56 for earlier this year. It was $22 now. I could have almost bought it three times over.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Melinda and your family!
Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
I agree! It's a lot of fun to get a new record delivered to the door. Finding a record out in the wild is even better. I'm going for quality over quantity next year. Thank you and take care.
Merry Christmas Brian! ♥️🎄
Great video👍 as always, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Many greetings from Germany
Thank you! Merry Christmas! 🎄♥️
Great video! Loving your Christmas tree! Merry Christmas to you and yours!! 🎅🤶🌲❄☃️
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas 🎄 to you! 🎄🤗♥️
I dunno --I have a minty OG of Hotel California, sounds amazing. I don't think I could justify paying $100+ for a fancy pressing; they literally pressed millions of the OG and can be had easily for $20-30
The originals are great. I am curious to hear what Mobile Fidelity will do with that one. It's such a great album either way. Thank you and take care.
Merry Christmas to you Melinda
Merry Christmas! 🎄 Take care.
Aloha Melinda,
Another great Video.
Melinda this sounds more like your New Year's resolution...
But I feel you, last Saturday, I was blessed to do a 3 hour record swap meet in Honolulu, I got rid of albums I no longer listen
too. Thank you Melinda for another great topic for me to think about.
Looking forward to watching your next video.
Mele Kalikimaka to you & your Ohana.
Mahalo Ed
Hopefully you swapped out those records for something special that you do want. 🤗
Mele Kalikimaka! 🎄 Take care.
Good guidelines Melinda, I fell victim to the completest bug early in my collecting day's, I had to have all the Supertramp all the Bad Co. all the Grand Funk Rail Road, etc. in time I learned that a lot of bands have only 2 or 3 great records, and began trading the others in towards new vinyl. Another rule I have, No One Hitters, I like an album to have at least one entire side I enjoy without skipping any songs, for it to make it into my collection. Thanks as always for sharing, Happy Holidays!
Hey Mike! I bought several records I probably should have passed on in the beginning as well. I'm going to be more strict on myself in the new year.
Thank you again for the two amazing records. I have sent something to you through Amazon and it should arrive by Friday. It's our favorite Christmas album. I hope you don't already have it. I normally would go to a record store and pick something up but I wanted you to have this before Christmas. You are very sweet and I am loving what you sent. They will be featured on an upcoming video. 🤗 Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy I am so glad you like them!
@@MelindaMurphy Melinda, I received the package today, I was surprised it made it on time because we had an old fashioned blizzard up here and got about 12" of snow. Thank You so very much, I have not opened it yet, I will do that in my next video, Merry Christmas!
We have the turntable in the dining room and Friday nights we have a Shabbat (Jewish sabbath) dinner. For the weekend we do use the dining room and listen to music at all the meals.
That sounds like a beautiful tradition.🤗
Great podcast, you made me reflect. I still have my 3 sisters and that is fantastic. Btw, I was driving through the downtown today where I live, Hamilton, Ontario, 🇨🇦, there was a giant poster of KISS in one of the store windows. You and yours take good care, eh.
That Kiss poster would be very cool.🔥😯 I'm so grateful to still have my sister and I hope to spend more time with her in the coming year. Thank you and take care.
Love love love the Swan Lake! Gorgeous cover and etchings! I’d frame that up for sure! Not a big fan of ballet music but cover is gorge!!!
I agree. The Andy Warhol artwork is very cool. The cover is beautiful as well. Thank you and take care.
I LOVE the Lovin' Spoonful! Some good advice, I could probably take that non-completist attitude as well. ❤#5
Thank you! The Lovin' Spoonful was a great band. Their music stands the test of time. Take care and Merry Christmas!
I can relate. I've wasted hundreds of dollars on blind FOMO buys.
Many of these purchases are on labels I know and trust, like Speakers Corner and Analogue Productions. I have dozens of titles on Speakers Corner and probably 200 or more on AP, and virtually all of them have absolutely lovely warm analog sound, clarity, wide open soundstage, and are well-pressed with no physical flaws.
So, when I see a new title on one of these labels, I often forget that just because the sound quality is almost certain to be wonderful, does NOT mean I'm going to love the MUSIC. The music isn't bad, and perhaps it's quite good, but in many cases it's just not my preference (like your Mingus Clown or Miles/Monk examples) , and I end up regretting the purchase.
I should set up a Discogs seller account so these great-sounding records can find a home with someone who will really enjoy the music, not just the sound quality. But for now, they're taking up a lot of space in my increasingly crowded LP storage area.
I appreciate all your tips in this video - and your keen reviews and observations in all your videos.
Best wishes,
Ron
Kenosha WI
USA
Thank you! You make excellent points. I am now only buying titles I want and love on record labels that I prefer. Thank you and take care.
We all have made record buying mistakes....Good rules!!
Thank you so much! 🤗♥️ Take care.
It’s not easy to admit collecting mistakes, so thank you for being real.
Hopefully, people can avoid some of my mistakes. Thank you and take care.
Hold onto that Rascals album until you can listen without the lingering baggage that it wasn't what you meant to order. I have their first five on CD and Groovin is by far my favorite, a forgotten gem from the 60's. Have a great Christmas!
some things improve when the 'baggage' is removed.
I do like it now but it was a perfect example of buying before thinking. Lol. Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda: Have a wonderful holiday season! Your home is delightful. 🎄. I just wanted to let you know that you inspired me to buy Bill Evans You Must Believe In Spring on CD (Craft Recordings CR00568). It sounds terrific and is a beautiful recording. I must admit that I buy most classic jazz albums on CD since I love the clean bright sparkling sound for Jazz (and for Classical). I do have The Bill Evans Trio Waltz For Debby (Riverside 1962) on vinyl (in great condition that I found at a junk shop though). Used vinyl can be unpredictable, but when it works out, one hits the jackpot. I'm with you on finding more time to listen. There are too many sealed gems in my collection. It will probably have to wait since I have all of my Christmas albums to play right now. 😃. Rock Always! - Heather
I'm so glad you are enjoying the Bill Evans CD. You found the deal of a lifetime with the Waltz For Debby record. ♥️🔥 Thank you for the kind words and Merry Christmas to you. ♥️🎄
That 1955 Swan Lake is a mono release. I would suggest using a mono cartridge to play it. The noise/clicks/pops will be significantly reduced if you use a mono cartridge vs a stereo.
Thank you! Several people have given me that suggestion. I will look into it. Take care.
Dear Ms. M: Thank you for your pearls...of vinyl visdom. I have taken note and will be incorporating them in my To Do list for coming year. Love your videos
Thank you so much! 🤗♥️
A very well thought out video, with great New Years' Resolutions. Regarding your heart felt plea to socialise with listening, this is what we do; invite 1 or 2 couples for dinner - each is to bring a course, each person can bring one record to play one side and expound on it's memories and why they love it, all cell phones are turned off, and next month you do this at the other's home. With two records played before and after each course, 3 hours will go just like that, and you'll have shared moments and perhaps found new interests during an evening focused on Records and their time in history.
That would be so much fun. It's a fantastic idea. Thank you and take care.
When I saw that the Mofi Rascals album was MONO, it was an automatic NO SALE for me. The Rascals usually went out of their way to make spectacular-sounding stereo mixes. Some of their 45's came out in stereo. Years ago, Bill Inglot of Rhino Records called me in response to a letter I sent complaining about the mono versions of songs when there was stereo versions available. He specifically brought up The Rascals. Due to a fire at an Atlantic Records warehouse, the session masters were destroyed. What were left were the album masters and the first-gen singles masters. Because the singles masters were the closest to the session masters, they used those. But in a few cases the singles masters were stereo and mono mixes were probably made from them for radio station usage. Go figure!
Now, when you go to a record store and even if they have a way to hear before buying, remember, they probably don't have the same equipment that you have, so it's going to sound different when you play it on your equipment. I can't tell you how many times I've bought a used record at a record store, listened to it there, and when I play it at home it sounds like there is a hailstorm. In the case of listening with headphones at the store, again, they won't sound the same as you would hear at home. Atleast you could bring your own headphones/earbuds with you. I use high-dollar Fred Rose headphones for recording, but they cover a lot of sound anomalies up. When I play it back through my speaker system, all that is revealed. I have some BSR earbuds which give me the whole sound spectrum and those are what I would take to a record store with me. I tend to shy away from buying used records online. I have enough disappointment when playing new records for the first time.
Then there are the records we may not be familiar with. I usually go to allmusic.com where they often have sound samples of the albums to hear if I like it before I order it. Then, many albums in their entirety are available to listen to on UA-cam. So, if you have time to preview, there are opportunities available.
When buying records from the early-80's on, many were recorded digitally but then mastered on analog tape. That makes digital the original 1st generation master. If companies, like Mofi, make there DSD's from an analog tape, then they are atleast 2 generations away from the session recordings. In the case of the Eagles albums, you are probably better off buying an original pressing than an audiophile re-issue. Anything originally on the Elektra/Asylum label and others in the WEA family, especially Atlantic with indicate who pressed the records. With Elektra/Asylum, the best copies will have "CSM"(Columbia, Santa Maria) or "SP"(Specialty Record Corp.) on the record label. An excellent copy will probably sound better than a re-issue. An audiophile 45 rpm version is the only way that it might sound better than or equal to the original. For original records, the closest to the session masters is usually the quadraphonic records. For example, the QS quad version of Steely Dan's "Can't Buy A Thrill" is by far the superior mix when played back in stereo. Play it back through a quad system and it really comes to life!
It's such a shame that so many master tapes have been destroyed by fires. I like this Young Rascals album. I think Mobile Fidelity did a good job especially if they didn't have access to the master tapes. Thank you and take care.
I had the 45 A Beautiful Morning in 1968 with the label saying it could be played mono or stereo . Stereo singles were pretty rare . The Doors Hello I Love You also in 68 was another example. I do prefer many of the mono singles over their stereo album versions though. Many seemed to have more impact sonically. Happy Holidays!
@@jackwezesa1081 Back in the late-60's, when the 2nd generation of stereo 45's were re-introduced, they had been experimenting with compatible formats to be able to play stereo records on mono players. Atlantic Records and other WEA affiliates tried the CSG-Haeco format developed by A&M Records chief engineer Howard Holzer. The left and right channels were 90 degrees out of phase. When played in mono the channels mixed down OK. When played in stereo, it had a dual-presence effect. The vocals sounded doubled because they were. Information was shared in both stereo channels, but out of phase. The Doors recordings often had a narrow stereo mix so they were ideal when played in mono.
When a recording is properly mixed to mono it can sound good, but with a large background of instruments and affects, a lot can be lost because too much information is mixed into a single mono track and it just oversaturates it. Stereo splits it up into 2 tracks. At 45 rpm, the speed allows the mix to be hotter and have more punch, but often that is overdone. The Motown 45's of the 1960's are examples of this because the mono mix was so hot that they were hard for many stereos to track and were useless for radio broadcast. The album versions were often played instead.
I just got a copy of War's "Greatest Hits 2.0". The opening track was "Spill The Wine" which was originally released on a stereo 45. The version they decided to use was the mono mix which was made for AM radio. It is horrible! At the beginning of the song, an effect using an "Ass Jawbone" is prominent, front and center on the stereo version. It has all but disappeared in the mono mix. You really have to crank up the volume to hear it!
@@automatedelectronics6062 Very informative! I ‘ve spent most of my life being fascinated with subjects as these . We would get along great ! I bought the Spill The Wine 45 in the summer of 1970 and still remember how good it sounded! A few years later I found the Eric Burden & War album in a cut- out bin for 33 cents. War ‘s All Day Music album is one of my all time favorites! Thanks for the info and Happy Holidays !
Hi Melinda, I would suggest donating the records you purchased from the bargain bins that don't sound very good to Good Will or the Salvation Army. It's charity. You could even put a record grade on them so the next buyer has an idea what he or she is getting. Just a suggestion.
Great suggestion! I’ve had some clunkers this year and that’s what I plan to do.
That's a great idea. Hopefully, the person buying from the Goodwill would be okay with some surface noise. Thank you and take care.
Agree. Rarely, do I sit and just listen to a record. Maybe when I first get it. But that's an enjoyment in and of itself; having records playing in the house no matter what's happening.
I agree. It automatically elevates the mood.♥️ Thank you and take care.
Happy holidays Melinda! I love Your videos
Thank you! Happy Holidays! 🎄♥️
I habe not 1 fridge-cleaning-record in my collection. 😉
Happy holidays from germany, I'm a real Fan of your channel! ❤
Haha! 🤗 Thank you so much!
Merry Christmas! 🎄
The only Eagles One Step I bought was One Of These Nights. Like you, I have original copies of the others that are just fine for me. Don't fall for FOMO ((fear of missing out) Lol! Keep up the good work.
Thank you! One Of These Nights is a great album. I'm sure the One Step is nice. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
Melinda, another great video. Unfortunately, I am guilty of making the same mistakes. Lately, when it comes to buying any vinyl I’ve been pausing and questioning myself before I pull the trigger on any purchase.
I have been doing the same. It's a good thing. Our wallets will thank us. 🤗 Take care.
Makes a lot of sense. I make similar promises every year but never manage to keep them. 😂
I'm a little afraid of that myself. We'll see what the year brings. 😀 Thank you and take care.
Good luck….Thanks for the positive message
Thank you so much! 🤗
Melinda you’re a class act. I think we all can use the advice to spend time with our loved ones especially around the holidays.
I always put on music to do housework. It absolutely makes the jobs more enjoyable and I noticed I move faster with the faster upbeat songs which at my age I can sure use more of.
But when I want to basically go back in time to when I was growing up with wonderful memories of my mom and dad, summer vacations we took, to my high school marching band days, I will sit in my music room and get into the music. Sadly I don’t do this enough but I think I will also try to do more of this in 2023.
Your videos always make me smile and you give me something to think about. Thank you for that. You’re even showing me how to decorate my tree to make it look beautiful. 😊
I LOVE your sweater with the beautiful pins on your shoulder! Gorgeous actually.
I wish you and your family many happy blessings and a very Merry Christmas.
❤ Deb
You're always so kind to me. Thank you for everything. 🤗 Have a Merry Christmas! 🎄♥️
@@MelindaMurphy I do wish we lived closer. We would hit every record store within a 100 mile radius. Then we’d go shopping.
Thank you for everything you do for us! Merry Christmas!🎄🎁❤️
I was a completist but I don't see the need anymore.
I'm with you. I only buy albums that I love regardless of the band. Thank you and take care.
Those are a really good points. I purged my collection, i don’t buy records like before, i used to get every audiophile record, now I ONLY buy the ones I really want and will enjoy. Stream come handy to make a purchase decision. Because of the time is sometimes limited less is better.
On top of that the prices are getting crazy for the reason I’m getting more cds that I’m also enjoy them that is making me think if I really want to get more records.
🤔
Good video!
Thank you so much! I will continue to buy the releases that I know I love and avoid blind buys. Thank you and take care.
You have some great food for thought. Well done.
Thank you so much! Take care.
And your “5a” about time with loved ones is most important of all!
Very true! Thank you so much! 🤗♥️
Great points! As a new collector, Ive made every mistake you’ve mentioned. I have a 1974 James Brown that I should’ve tested before buying as I paid a premium price! I’m so mad every time I play it!
I understand! Those James Brown records are some of the worst offenders. 😕 Take care.
Your videos are the BEST. Thank you 👍
Thank you so much! ♥️🤗
I’m with you with regard to buying old record releases… I also listen to Spotify before I buy, it’s saved me a lot of money….enjoyed this video… thank you…
Thank you so much! ♥️🤗
Totally agreed with you 👍🏽 never do a blind buy and don’t need to buy all the releases from one particular band 🤘🏽👍🏽🤙🏽
Exactly! Thank you so much! 🤗♥️
Great rules to live by, Melinda! Especially in this day and age when prices are through the roof! I will check out Mr Clause and his music, too, can't wait to see what it sounds like! Cheers! - TC
The album is very happy. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you and take care.
That “hiss” sound you hear on what looks to be a pristine record is from someone cleaning with a cheap ultrasonic and did not know what they were doing. 😊
That's very sad. What a shame. 😕 Thank you and take care.
I usually manage a couple of six hour listening sessions a week usually with a beer or two and even that's not enough with all those great Jazz reissues to keep up with.
Happy listening Melinda.
I agree! I was buying ALL of the jazz releases. I have cut back a little but I'm thanking my lucky stars that we have so many great jazz releases right now. Thank you and take care.
Good Morning Melinda. Good topic! I made some rules for myself as well, since I pretty much have all the records I want and have built a pretty large collection. I don’t buy any albums that I don’t absolutely love or haven’t heard. When I think of a new record but I’m not sure, I play the album on Spotify thru the DAC player on my system, so I can hear how it sounds thru my system and see how I like the album as a whole. This has probably saved me hundreds of dollars! That’s a funny story about that Lovin Spoonful. I bought a mint copy from Toad Hall and I love it. Summer In The City sounds incredible. I was curious about that Young Rascals as well, but haven’t gotten that one yet. Anyway thanks and have a great day
The Young Rascals record is great. It just wasn't what I was expecting. Lol. Thank you and take care.
New collector. Thanks for the advice! I bet you saved me a lot of money haha!
Thank you! I hope you have an amazing weekend! 😀
Seen the Young Rascals (Rascals) perform many times in New York. R I P drummer Dino Danelli who passed away today.
That's very sad news. 😯 They were a great band. Thank you and take care.
I think your 2023 plan is solid. I try not to be a completist unless they are a favorite band of mine. I was finding myself over the last several years buying albums I didn't even know because I like a song or two from the artist(s). I try not to do that anymore when it comes to vinyl. I will pick up stuff on CD since those are so cheap right now, but vinyl has gotten really expensive in the last two years. That luxury is not economical. Rock on Melinda.
I agree. I don't want to spend money on records unless they are extremely special. I also have to be mindful of the space they take up. Thank you and Merry Christmas 🎄
regret is a bad feeling. I have bought cds that haven't liked ; or purchasing things that are just not worth it. great video as always beautiful melinda. that was a very touching story about the guy clause. losing a loved one is heartbreaking. we should cherish our ; friends and family members always. so happy you spent time with your sister 👍
Beautifully said. Thank you so much! Merry Christmas! 🎄
About 5 years ago I decided to really really cut back the amount of albums I was buying (not that it was a huge amount anyway) but I only want 10/10 albums in my collection so I'm extremely selective with the tiles and the pressings I put on my shelves now.
There's really no reason anymore to "blind buy" when we're all carrying Spotify in our pockets.
Blind buying used to be a lot of fun, I've found lots of interesting music I never would have discovered, but I don't need to do it anymore.
By being super selective and focusing on quality over quantity I find I actually listen to what I've got instead of spending all my time chasing the next album on my never ending list.
I've been involved in the VC for a long time now (I've never made videos but I consider myself a VC member) and there's no way people are actually listening to all the stuff they're buying, it's almost become a competition for who can accumulate the most "stuff".
I'm sure a lot of purchases happen so the person can have content for their channel and that becomes harder and harder to keep up with.
How often do you buy a record so you can use it as content?
Be honest.
Great suggestions. Thank you! I never buy records for content alone. I buy records that I want and then create content around them. I have been given records that I either didn't plan on buying or didn't know about and I have created content around those as well. Happy Holidays!
I too am adjusting my record buying ways. I have accumulated more records than I can handle. Charity store finds that require a proper vpi cleaning, all takes so much time and energy that I honestly don’t have enough of. So I have an enormous backlog that is growing. As for new records, I have spent far too much on what I would consider disappointing noisy pressings. So for the coming year, I will be highly selective. I have a couple of new UHQRs by SD and Bob Marley, which where I live end up costing nearly double, but at least the quality is to be counted on. We all seem to be learning from our mistakes, which is a good thing.
I do feel for you. The price of vinyl is very high where you live. Quality over quantity is still a good plan. Thank you and take care.
Excellent video, as always Melinda! I struggle keeping those completest tendencies in check. Sometimes I fail miserably, which Is why I've got I think 8 versions of Dark Side of the Moon on various formats and editions dating back to the 1970's...But I find my will power to resist has gotten stronger in recent years. Or, at least I like to tell myself that. It may just be the outrageous prices keeping me in check.
Haha! You can never have too many Dark Side of the Moon albums.♥️ Thank you and take care.
Thanks for turning me on to Christopher Clause
You're very welcome. I apologize for the delayed response. The holidays are hectic. Lol. Have a great night!
I cant wait till Round arrives, I searched everywhere for it and found it at one place in Canada. Funky Moose records. Should have by end of year. Love your UA-cam videos
You made some very good points there Melinda and it is good to set some rules for yourself when buying.My biggest error was purchasing a record I already had in my collection, so now I will always check on my discogs list just to be sure. I also take my own light when crate digging those dark old record stores. Btw received my Mofi Michael Jackson on Monday its awesome I really enjoyed the comparing of the original (and so did my neighbours).
Haha! I'm glad your neighbors got to hear the amazing Thriller One Step.😉♥️🔥 Thank you and take care.
Sound advice, Melinda!
Apologies if you have already tried this, but one thing I have found with older (1950s and early 60s) MONO records is that although they can be played with a stereo stylus and cartridge, they often sound much better with a mono stylus. (I believe that the smaller diameter stereo stylus can scrape along the bottom of the old-style wide mono groove) I can't tell if that Argo record is mono or not, but if it is, and assuming you haven't already done so, try it with a mono stylus. (I had this experience recently with a mono record from 1965 - looked perfect, sounded terrible until I played it with a mono cartridge.)
Another thing I might add to your list, is that for MoFi and other premium albums is to check for second-hand copies on Discogs etc first (assuming it's not a new release). The sort of people who would buy such a record new tend to look after them, and I have saved quite a lot buying second-hand and have never received one in any worse condition than described by the seller - usually better.
As always, it's a pleasure to watch and listen to your video!
what you said about the mono cartridge is important. Thanks for that!
I agree that people who buy Mobile Fidelity records tend to take very good care of them. ♥️🤗
I don't have a mono stylus. I would love to see if it would make a difference on this Ahmad Jamal album. Thank you for the suggestion. Take care.
Good points Melinda! I’m being more selective with mofi one steps. I know the Van Halen & Eagles one steps would all be cool to have. I’ve limited myself to two titles from each band. I stop myself when buying records and ask will I play this record more than once? If I can’t answer it doesn’t come home with me. Another great video Melinda! have a very Merry Christmas!!🎄
Thank you so much and Merry Christmas. 🎄 You are being a smart shopper but there is no way I would be able to stop with just two Van Halen One Steps. I can't wait for their release. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and Merry Christmas! 🎄
@@MelindaMurphy You’re welcome Melinda! It would be nice to have all of the Van Halen one steps. Finances prevent a major purchase like that. I’ve settled on Diver Down and 1984
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Hi Melinda,
Great video. I totally agree with your 5 things to do in 2023. Especially the blind buy and the "not buying a used record unless I can hear it on a listening station".
For my own 2023 resolution. .I'm going to buy less 10 to 20 dollar records and just buy album that may cost more but sounds great. For example. .I need to complete my Marillion UK 1st pressings of the albums..as well as Yes and Genesis.
Take care and I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mark Anthony K
Projekt Gemineye
It sounds like you have a great plan Mark. I hope I can stay disciplined and do the same. Thank you and Merry Christmas! 🎄♥️
Hi Melinda. Loved this video! Much of it resonated with me. Resistance to completist mentality is important because you can never win at that game. And making more time to listen to records is my priority too. I’m also a Friday night man for listening but often my wife wants to go out for dinner! Which is also great I hasten to add. Anyway here’s a fun suggestion, prompted by your description of the insert in the Clause record. Make your own inserts for records! A photo outside the Bob Dylan gig could slip into your Rough n Rowdy Ways jacket. An obituary of Charlie Watts tucked inside your Stones in Mono box. Concert tickets, gig flyers, you get the idea. Often I tuck these things in my record sleeves, forget about them and find them years later. It’s a way of personalising your record collection and hanging on to memorabilia you would otherwise probably lose. Anyway. Merry Christmas to you and Mr Melinda, and greetings from London!
That is a very good idea! That's a great surprise for you and for the person that acquires your records some day. Very cool! Thank you and take care.
Hey Melinda. Ho! Ho! Ho! A very Merry Christmas to you & your family. I hope this will become a very special Merry Christmas for all of you.😀
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas! 🎄
Very very sensible choices as usual Melinda:-) I have been going through my stuff as well...weeding out duplicates and B grade copies. Alot of my stuff is 45's so that's been a major process. I have found that putting a record on when you are doing chores around the house makes the time go a bit faster and thus the task is finished faster. One thing I learned when I was a kid was keeping the radio on in the garage while working on cars or other stuff makes it that much more fun. Doing a chore and hearing only the hum of the fridge or water running in the sink isn't as much fun as with music you love going in the background.
I have made the mistake as you did with the rascals/loving Spoonful buy..it happens...just stinks when it's a spendy error. But you are right...Groovin' is a great album.
I like how your dog is in the background just kicking back in doggy dreamland in front of the fireplace...reminds me of a postcard:-)
Thank you for the kind words. My dog loves the fireplace. ♥️
Listening to music while working makes it so much better. 🤗 I plan to do that a lot more often. Thank you and take care.
Great point about avoiding being a “completist.” I think that is the number one urge that makes us overspend and get out of control with vinyl buying. I am really conscious of avoiding that myself (though the urge is there). What I aim for is to have a representative sample of my favorite artists, labels, genres, etc. - NOT the whole discography.
That's a great way to think about it. Thank you and take care.
Hi Melinda, all great points! I tried to stay at a certain budget for music this past year and I think I went over it already in January... I'm trying to be more picky with my purchases. The one positive result of the Mofi controversy is that when they announce a new release, it doesn't sell out in minutes any more, so there's more time to think about it. I'm going to do the same with the one steps. But only the ones I really like (vs. all of them of a certain band.)
I also had a goal to listen to at least an album a day (or 365 for the year) and I'm at 353 😀 have a merry Christmas!
Vinyl sales have cooled down a bit so that gives us time to think about our purchases and that's a good thing. I'm glad you have been playing your records so faithfully. Thank you and take care.
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Looked more carefully at the back cover photo of the wall of records and saw a copy of Christmas's Heritage album( upper right with WW 2 tank on the cover). Very hard to find Canadian psych record ( their second), their first is ultra rare. They also put out a great psych/prog album called Lies To Live By under the name Spirit Of Christmas in 1974. Bob Bryden is the man behind those projects and earlier two highly collectable psychedelic albums under the name Reign Ghost, Bob was also producer of punk band The Forgotten Rebels early albums.
Very cool! That sounds like an amazing find. 😃