There's so much vinyl!!!!!!!!!!

as part of my ongoing search to sniff out the best sounding vintage vinyl and original analogue pressings I feel I must pay tribute to the output of the 'Island' label in the early to mid 70s. These absolutely destroy the current so-called 'audiophile' re-issues of artists like Cat Stevens and Bob Marley. I think Island were producing audiophile heavy pressings for hi-fi lovers as a matter of course in this period - before audiophile 180gm was even a widely known concept.

Over the past year I have to say some of these early cat stevens and bob marley I have picked up for £5-£10 ($7-$15?) have instantly taken their place as the best sounding records in my collection. Screw the current remasters and just seek out an early pressing I'd say. The British pressings of this quality can be easily recognised by the central label - which is typically very monochrome or 'flat' in the graphics, and they seem also to have a very small run-in and run-off grooves in the main.

Hard to describe, but once you see and hear one or two you will definitely know what to look for.

Island also seem to feature bands with quite sparse instrumentation and deep rolling simple basslines (probably their reggae heritage). Other than this a common thread which seems to tie many of these label mates together is music which probably lends itself to the accompaniment of certain 'herbal' remedies!! (of which I no longer partake!).

Anyway - if you are seeking out second hand vinyl you could do a lot worse than get some early british island pressings of say natty dredd or teaser & the firecat. You'll be using them as demo discs for your doubting digital friends I promise you!!

Lefteris wrote:

Vinyl never went away for me.For some reason I resisted the CD's era and kept buying vinyl. Unfortunately, this means that my music collection is much poorer than I wish it it was since vinyl died for a while.

But yeah with the new wave of vinyl albums coming out I am picking up my fav albums I never got the chance of owning (had them on mp3's for while although that's the most lifeless music form you can have). With the lack of record stores though in my country, I buy my music through insound website and artists' websites.

My latest purchases over the last 2 months were:
Muse-The Resistance (Cool album cover)
Muse-Showbiz (transparent vinyl!!!)
Alice In Chains-Dirt (another cool cover to have 12inchx12inch, nothing extra though package-wise)
Cat Stevens-Tea for the Tillerman (amazing album, could settle even with just the record and no sleeve)
Nick Cave (one side just has Baby, I'm on Fire which is cool)
Paradise Lost-Draconian Times (red vinyl, yeah baby)
Marillion-Happiness Is The Road (my first Marillion vinyl, very proud)
Queen-Flash (crappy album but my Queen collection is now complete)

If I find all PJ vinyl I can stop collecting (only have Ten and Backspacer)!

Sounds very like my own story. I could relate to all of your post, apart from one thing....... Muse!!??

theserialthrilla wrote:

man ive got to stop but today








all vinyl mint looks unplayed...doors cover small wrip ..all for £11

nice score!!!!

theserialthrilla wrote:

man ive got to stop but today








all vinyl mint looks unplayed...doors cover small wrip ..all for £11

yay!! 3 of my favourite artists, some of my favourite tracks on those. Can never have too much of 'Fade Away' at times.

What issue is that doors? - there are butterfly elektras, plain red, all sorts, depending on year - I've found the earlier the better with the doors. I have a few issues of that album, including 60s mono, but the early stereo one is my favourite by quite a margin.

That's a very good haul. a man after my own heart!! Can you believe people are practically throwing these things away!? Criminal!

Recently got
Buddy Holly Legend
The Stills Young Band - Long May You Run
Led Zeppelin- Zoso
Fleetwood Mac - Rumors
Jim James Tribute EP
Merkinball 45"
Live at Benaroya Hall (Ltd. press)
Neil Young - Mirrorball

All in August. Now I need a break...

The whole PJ catalog (boots not included) would be great if it were re-issued. I feel so guilty playing my originals but i can't help it.

might have been the plan....but i feel it might be a all at once job with a box set ...like the door deluxe ..

8 albums in a big old box..

dont see your yeah ayeah in my thread. :shock:

no you cant.lol


just ordered this

glows in the dark vinyl limited 200

theserialthrilla wrote:

no you cant.lol


just ordered this

glows in the dark vinyl limited 200

c'mon - does a grown man really need a glow in the dark piece of vinyl?? I hope your kids aren't going hungry whilst your collection is expanding like this?

I know, I know, pot, kettle, black etc....