A Vinyl Record Rant & Records I No Longer Need In My Collection 

Agree about U2. My favorite album of theirs is Unforgettable Fire. I scored a great condition first UK press of it and was shocked how dense and lifeless the record sounded. Many of their others, too. Oh...how many members of U2 does it take to change a light bulb? One. Bono holds the bulb, and the world revolves around him. (Kidding, love Bono!)

Thanks for the shout out Melinda! Can’t wait to see that VH Jean Jacket. That’s exactly what I envisioned you doing with that patch!

I'm so glad I'm not stuck on collecting the latest and greatest and glad that I didn't create that problem for myself. It's like a dog chasing its tail when you are constantly buying different copies of an album just to find which one sounds better, and once you finally find it you have ended up spending multiple times more than what the album is worth.

I think one of the reasons the Swift records are so valuable isn't necessarily the colored vinyl, but the fact that they were made in such limited numbers and they are the ORIGINAL song versions. I heard at one point that they were all supposed to be released after RSD in black vinyl in unlimited numbers but due to the issue with her catalog being bought by Scooter Braun that didn't happen, and subsequently Swift re-recorded the albums and released the "Taylor's versions" in huge numbers. So basically the RSD releases are about the only way to get legit vinyl releases of these albums. I was lucky that like you I bought the first 3 RSD releases off the endcap on a whim while standing in the checkout line at my local shop. I've subsequently purchased all the of the Swift RSD releases at issue prices so I'm sitting on a goldmine with a minimal investment. I do wish someone would delve deeper into the counterfeit records being sold of her RSD releases. The first 3 were limited to 3750 copies, yet there are copies being sold on Ebay weekly. I find that very odd and not plausible in the least as there are millions of fans and likely the majority of the genuine pressings are already in permanent collections. You can even buy "replacement" RSD stickers on Ebay, which is only adding to the scammers selling fakes/counterfeits online. Lots of collectors are being ripped off, sadly, but you've got to have some common sense and sadly they know they are selling to a naive market.

Hi Melinda, Great food for thought video. When I moved about 8 years ago I really got rid of a lot of my original Beatles records. After getting settled a couple of years ago was kicking myself for doing that. I have replaced everything at big prices and more that I did not have. If it is the least bit sentimental to you don’t do it. Even though you have others to play you are right in saying they will not be available again in the future. Things are changing so rapidly with AI coming along and fear we will not know in the NEAR future what is original and what has been messed with. Hold on to your Blue box set. Take care!

I find that the more originals I get of the artists I truly love I have started slowly getting rid of most remasters and reissues naturally. It's been a great experience for me honestly it's relieving.

I'm a big Elton John fan with multiple pressings across vinyl and CD. Last year I made the choice to reduce my collection, primarily because I don't listen to all of them. It wasn't easy but over a few months I followed through, selling them in batches. Some that I wasn't sure about I kept a bit longer, but they went too. I would say go for it, it will declutter your space and you will have some extra cash.

Nothing wrong with cashing in. You didn’t buy with intent to flip. Don’t hold yourself hostage . People that buy with the purpose of flipping drive me insane. They keep records out of the hands of people who really want them. You are absolutely not doing that…sell it, put the money back into your collection.

I hear you with the reselling of music.... I'm with you, I can't buy stuff cheap to resell either. Anyway, I look for CDs and I look for my own pleasure and collection. I find it extremely annoying when dealers come into the op shops ( thrift ) and buy out all the new stock....😠 i see a couple around town, scanning cds to see how much profit they can get....I just have to walk away...😔 Last week I went to my local and asked if they had any other CDs besides the very tired 30 or so that have been there for ages?? Not now, but come back on Wednesday and we'll have a couple of boxes! 😮🥳 On Wednesday I turn up and there are no new CDs so i ask....🤷‍♂️ Oh the dealer came in this morning and bought them all !! I now know he'd been doing that for ages......no wonder there is never any new music for anyone else. The other day, the manager said, were getting a delivery later, so come back and you can look through them.... There were 3 full boxes, around 100 - 150 cds each. 😮🥳 I found 10 I was interested in.....that for me is a big score! There were also 3 boxes of DVDs...... 2 days later I went back to see what DVDs there were?.... yes, perhaps you've guessed🤔 oure friendly neighbourhood dealer had been and bought everything! Want to know why 2nd hand music is so expensive?....heres 1 reason. Sorry....bit of a rant there 🙄🙏

Shopping for a new Yamaha receiver in the early 90's I went into a nice audio shop in NYC. I asked the salesperson to demo something from U2 and he said "let's try something different, U2 recordings usually are not the best" that has stuck with me ever since!

I, myself, have a hard time getting rid of anything. Especially as record collector. I've got quite a few records which I bought as an investment and are still sealed, in dedicated storage boxes, stored in a closet. Others in storage are there just in case I wear out or damage my playing copies. Shelves can get too full, but I still have plenty of shelves I could use in my 4-4x4 Kallax shelving units. When I need to add more records, I remove a box of different formats to another storage place. I have moved some of my storage boxes of R2R tapes to make room. My storage boxes of 78 rpm records are still in their cubicles as they are very heavy and the records can be damaged moving them. Floor and closet space for 'empty nesters' isn't a problem. Now, another reason to hang onto multiple different releases of records, besides the wear or damage possibilities, is, maybe down the road, someone might point out a flaw that we didn't know about. Not all the different releases might have that flaw, but there might be different flaws on different releases of a record. I received my copy of the IMPEX one-step 45 rpm boxed set of Getz-Gilberto. On a separate flier, they give a more in-depth information about their version of the album. They point out that they used the mix-down album masters, instead of sourcing the original 3-track session master tapes. They also point out that they didn't flip the L&R channels, to duplicate the original release, which was made using the 3-track. No big deal, but if you want to be authentic.... Then, they point out some of the flaws present in the mix-down album master tapes, but not all. From comparing with other re-issues of the album, it is apparent that they all used the mix-down album masters, some of those swapping the L&R channels as per the original release. Of the flaws that they DIDN'T disclose was the drop-out or flub at the start of "Corcovado". This is present on all my other re-issues. Because they didn't try to correct the flaws, they stated that they included 2 extra track, which included the original mono "no echo" and no drop-out single version, which is obviously compressed, of "Girl From Ipanema" and a great-sounding live version. I hear the same echo as on the 2022 DOL re-issue. DOL also included the mono compressed single version of "Corcovado", which doesn't have the drop-out flub at the start. To me, the DOL mono single version of "Girl...." sounds a bit brighter and clearer, although on a 33 1/3 rpm LP. Maybe someday somebody will go back to the original 3-track session tapes and make an audiophile version of the original release. Take note of my comments when you are listening to your IMPEX version. Thank you for another great video!

The first UK pressing of War is fantastic. Good instrument clarity and separation, wide soundstage, and a great low end. The US Specialty pressing of The Unforgettable Fire with ‘Sterling’ stamped on the runout sounded much better to my ears than the first UK pressing. Really great sound. Look for the Specialty pressing of Joshua Tree with ‘Masterdisk’ and DMM stamped on the runout, it will not disappoint, truly a sonic delight.

My girlfriend in highschool had the first pressings of those early Van Halen LPs. Wish I had those now, probably worth something. Great band.

Hi Melinda, this was an excellent video and I think one of your best because it raised an issue you might not have intended. I don't listen to vinyl at all. Only CD and it is worth mentioning here that a decently remastered CD from the original analogue tapes sounds pretty much as good as any vinyl release. A good example is Nirvana's 'Nevermind'. The original CD sounds flat and horribly compressed. But the remastered reissues sound expansive and much warmer. This could extend to a band like U2. It could be worth seeking out a decent CD remaster of a major album like 'The Joshua Tree'. I guess this is a bit of a plug for the humble compact disc. By the way, nice joke about the Bob Dylan mono set. That one is definitely a keeper!

Going through purge phase is extremely healthy. Not even talking about how many records someone does or does not own, but more so because it allows you grow and expand as a collector. Gives you permission to slightly change a direction and not get stuck in the same mindset for 20+ years. Especially a seasoned collector like yourself can just trust their gut when they feel it's time.

It makes the song I still Haven't found what I'm looking for pretty prevalent to the subject of your video. I'm not letting go of one record. Each one has a story to it and it feels like I'm giving away one of My Children. Awesome Video!!!

It is nice to meet you, Melinda, and with your intro I really do feel welcomed to your channel. 😁 Only you can decide what to keep and what not to keep. You're not the same person as the one that first started the vinyl record journey a number of years ago. Your interests have really grown and that means some records you bought earlier will get edged out by your new interests and goals. You really had me going for a second on the Bob Dylan purge. I agree with Phillip on the Dylan records, but they're not my records. I don't have a lot of U-2 albums, but the ones I have sound good. I have original issues of both The Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree. If I owned the Swift albums, I would trade them for something I know will endure. Think about how popular Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen were back in the '80's. Have their albums held up in value? What I've heard from Swift doesn't give me confidence that her music will endure in popularity in 20 years and beyond. Since I'm not very familiar with her music, you'll have to evaluate her staying power yourself. If I owned them, I'd contact my favorite audiophile store and offer the Swift albums to them in trade for a NM first UK pressing of Pink Floyd's DSOTM. DSOTM has stood the test of time and will continue to appreciate over time. I run into new, very young Pink Floyd fans all the time; that says a lot about Pink Floyd. People will talk about Pink Floyd's albums hundreds of years from now. 💪👊

Back in the 80s, I played Unforgettable Fire at such a loud volume that it sounded great. 40 years later, listening to it at a normal volume on modern equipment... the records are all flat and lifeless. My cd's sound quite a bit better. Awesome video, as always Melinda!!!

I had Unforgettable Fire and Wide Awake in America on vinyl back in the day. The sound wasn't great but I loved the music so much I just ignored it 🙂

Hey Melinda I have that Beatles Box set (UK release) HOWEVER I purchased it brand new. Vinyl and packaging in mint condition. Most of the records never played. Sound quality outstanding. I will never let go of this collection. Means so much to me and I do totally enjoy listening to them from time to time. Especially the mono versions.

I love U2.... but EVERY album sounds flat and compressed. To be honest, even audiophile records sound awful. I just can't believe that the band let them go!!

You seem to be giving reasons NOT to let go! You're a true vinyl addict I'm sorry to say. Surely you only need one copy of any record. Just work out which one sounds best. Ditch the rest! Many will disagree with my comments. So be it!

Speaking for myself, my British BC-13 box is one of the cornerstones of my collection, along with my 2014 mono box and German Magical mystery Tour. It’s looking increasingly unlikely that we’ll ever get all analog pressings of the stereo albums, sadly.

I bought a repress of def leppards on through the night. Blue vinyl. It's skips like crazy. I bought it brand new. I've cleaned it etc. Still skips. I've had it too long to return it. Its ironic you have a def leppard t shirt on.

My dad once had the Beatles British blue box, I think it was imitation leather(?) He lost it in a fire! 😢 I’ve always wanted one. I’ve almost acquired all of the 2014 mono albums…only two to go!

I never keep doubles. When I upgrade to a better condition or sounding record I always sell the other one. It also helps with the budget.

Even the Elvis Presley lps are sealing high price too not only the original pressing now the new 180 pressing are getting up there too, great video my friend

Oh Man.. you inspired me to listen to my U2 records.. Two hrs later and still spinning🙂 The Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary EU version sounds fantastic to me(IMHO) . Loved the Video !

As a U2 fan, the CDs before Joshua Tree weren't the best recordings and have heard some vinyl that wasn't impressive. My guess is the original recording wasn't great before Joshua Tree. However, you would think they would have a good pressing of the Joshua Tree... So who knows? It is a shame. I have the CDs up to Achtung and a few singles for good B sides. If I buy U2 vinyl it would be on a deal. I have them ripped to my BlueSound Vault and the CDs boxed away. Vinyl prices have me at the point where I am selective on what I buy anyway. There is a magic to vinyl but for the digital recordings as you go newer, I'll generally stick with the CD, more Jazz or accoustic I may spring for the vinyl. Mid 80s and older, if I can budget it, I'd like a record copy. I also work from home with my system often playing. 6 hours a day is not uncommon. If I need to take a call I can click stop without risking damage to a record with a rushed change. So, I am a fan of both forms of media. As for Swift who knows? I can see them being worth a fortune. I could see them back to $35 as many are streaming her and collecting the vinyl with it never getting played.

Hi Melinda! Great video as always! Hope all is well with you and family, and Happy Easter to all of you! 😃♥

For U2 you should hunt down some minty original 45rpm singles preferably the U.S island cuts or the U.K cuts. You would probably have to do some comparing. I have found that original lps that sound flat and lifeless have a little more kick on their 45rpm releases. Plus you won't break the bank on the 45s. Hope this helps.

Those U2 albums, look out for the UK originals, mastered at Town House

Another terrific video…thanks for making my Tuesday morning!

Fun video, Melinda!! I need to clear some of my collection. Inspiration!!

the whole Taylor Swift phenonomen fascinates me, she is without doubt a brilliant songwriter and works her butt off. No one could have predicted her level of success and I think there is something in what you say about how she will emulate the Beatles level of record collectability. Wish I had bought more of her vinyl back in the mid 2010's. I've only just started but I won't buy thinsg for silly money and you can bet I'm buying anything she releases now. Folklore and Evermore are modern classics and its with those 2 albums she gained a lot of respect and interest from Gen X'ers like me.

Looking at that wall behind you, it looks like you have the same problem I have - there's probably no way you're going to listen to all of those, unless you have nothing better to do. I have over 3,500, which is a lifetime of collecting (I'm 70). I don't sell anything, but I've been known to give them away from time to time. My county (Taylor, KY) finally went wet a few years ago and we have a "speakeazy" themed bourbon and cigar bar that recently opened, complete with cigar lounce that is accessed through the broom closet. Oak & Match. I've given them some of my Jazz gems. I'll probably give them quite a few more once they get the turntable in their place. Unless a record is worth a lot of money, it's just not worth it to me to try to sell it.

I am almost 69 years old. I got my Silvertone stereo for Christmas in 1966. I've kept all of my records in the order that I got them (except for Steely Dan). It gives me a sense of what my musical tastes were for nearly 60 years.

Great video again Melinda. Interesting what you said about U2. I have a first UK pressing of War. Sounds fantastic. The later albums, Songs of innocence and Songs of experience are also amazing. Don't give up on them. Keep up the good work.

Maybe some albums are not actually Clear vinyl but injection moulded from a blend of Polycarbonate plus Polyethylene terephthalate and you can tell by looking to see if it has straight sides like a 45 single otherwise it might be clear vinyl.

I recently listened to some of my U2 albums and they sounded really good. My Joshua Tree is 2 lp but not gold vinyl. My other album was 1st pressing. As usual the video doesn't disappoint.❤

Hi Melinda, I find these "I need/should to get rid of some records" videos really interesting. I'm in the same boat and have a bunch of stuff that should leave the collection but it's hard letting go.

Correct!... you should hang on to that original Beatles Collection box set cos those old blue box sets ARE from the original analogue master tapes making them collectors items cos since the 2009 black box sets replaced it the original 1978 blue box set is now considered a worthy collectors item!, the 2009 black box set of albums is digitally remastered & not from the original masters, the sound of the 2009 pressings has been criticised as sounding like c.d's played on vinyl!, most of my Beatles albums are original 1960's Australian issues & still sound brilliant!, the Japanese pressings in your blue box set are considered superior & would be very valuable, my advice is KEEP IT!

I would keep the Beatles and Taylor Swift. I’m not a fan of flippers. They puts bad smell on RSD. I have multiple copies of very few albums but if I do then I have my reasons. Otherwise I give my extra copies or original copies, whatever, to my sons. Nice seeing you as always. Your lighting is perfect. Great topic. Have a great week and a nice Easter!

I did a big purge this year ( about 100 records, out of my 3,000 records).. I don't miss any as it made room for me to buy around 200 more 😊..I just looked at what records would I actually find myself listening to in the next 5 years...

I have the Dutch version of the blue BC13 Beatles Collection box and I'm loving it. They are, as you say, 100% analog cuttings and therefore I'm definitely not parting with mine anytime soon, as there's no news regarding a new fully analog stereo box - and probably even if there was! It's a great piece of history and what's most important: the LP's sound very good or even excellent. All the best from Finland!

Hello Melinda.. Listening from Thailand, and of course.. I have been record shopping.. And in Japan as well. I'll have to spin my U2 records when I get home and see what's up.. Cheers 😊

The Taylor Swift record dilemma was interesting. I bought a signed copy of 1989 from the TS website in 2018-ish. A limited edition of 250 pink pressed records with a signed jacket. Do I keep it and play the long game or cash in on her current popularity explosion. I also have no idea what it’s worth. It’s sealed and still in the bubble wrap.

Original pressing of Achtung baby sounds really good

Hey Melinda. Speaking of U2 , back in 1980 a local record store would give away a promo to good customers. The owner gave me U2Boy. Both of us never heard of them. I ‘m still spinning it 43 & 1/2 years later! I also picked up ( some promo) every 12 inch single with non album B sides which a very rare and sort after. I also love the second album ( October ) which not to many people talk about. I enjoy your videos!

Thanks for sharing! I have let.go of.some records! God bless all the ratt n rollers! Savior Jesus keep you safe always!

completely agree with you on the U2 albums. The only one I think is listenable is War. I have got to go through my collection and do the same and likely get rid of some duplicates that I will no longer listen too. Thanks Melinda. Great video as always.

I think the answer to all your problems is adding an equalizer "that's right I said it" an equalizer to your setup.

I have a record collection of over 1000 records from the 1950's Jazz to 1990'S Rock and everything in between. My collecting rule is I only buy first pressings in near mint condition. After spending time and money buying different record pressings all over the place I've changed my philosophy rational of collecting as follows: I found that I wasted so much time and money buying different pressings, audiophile records, etc, that I found myself going crazy trying to figure out which one was best. Buying the first pressing is the most historically accurate and it's the way they wanted the record to come out. I don't want any pressings that have been further adjusted to stereo, audiophile, 45 rpm, etc. Secondly, buying the first pressings are a better investment in the long run. I've collected for 30 years and I was buying first pressing Blue Notes in the early 1990's for $75-125 per record, which was a lot back then, that are worth multiples of that now. The reason I only buy near mint condition is because I've found it's better to spend the extra money on the condition, as they are much rarer and will keep their value. If a record isn't in great condition, I find that I won't listen to it. I'm psycho about condition and have passed on great records that weren't up to my condition requirements. It actually makes the chase more fun. I've found that paying more for condition ALWAYS pays for itself in the long run. I actually have bought sealed records from the 1950's and opened them, as I want to listen to them. Now I have a record collection that's worth much more than I paid for it, that I enjoy listening to, and don't have to stress about which pressing to buy. I also find that quality is better than quantity as we only have so much time to listen to the records. So I would rather have fewer great records than multiple thousands of records that I won't even have the time to listen to. It allows me to just keep it simple. That's my 2 cents.

It is interesting the variation on sound quality of particular pressings of so many albums. I’d probably say that so many of the repressing we’re seeing in the current vinyl popularity are a serious let down. In the modern era surely pressings should be of a higher quality than the original copies. One thing I have to say is that the record companies are loving a good customer base who are going out and buying every version of albums that are released. It’s not for me especially with the inflated prices we are now seeing in stores. I am going to be content with my original copies and my collection will be topped up with albums from the second hand marketplace or from record store sales. Well we all love a bargain don’t we? Happy collecting everyone!

I agree with your hubby; get rid of the 'someone stepped on the cat's tail' records 😆🤣

The Beatles box is worth keeping. A nice rare box and one that holds fond memories for you.

Excellent video Melinda. I went through a duplicate copy purge back in 2000. I needed the space and I hadn't listened to them for over a decade and didn't miss them. But it was difficult at first to sell them to a used record store, but I decided to trade them instead for albums that I wanted, so it took a bit of the sting out of it.

Agree 100% on U2. And I'm going through the same thing, when it comes to getting rid of stuff, I'm just going to keep the best version I've got and let the rest go, because we only have so much time.

Streaming and CDs are both digital, obviously, but for whatever weird reason they sound different. You may very well prefer the silver disc.

I'm sorry I know that this isn't going to be popular but I could never get into u2 but I'm not going to knock them. I had hundreds of records I regret just leaving behind in the 90s . Now I'm cheap I just buy CDs from the thrift stores for $2 but I have some good ones. Someday I will get records again maybe. Van Halen first album is awesome, I would love to hear the difference of that on vinyl. I was at the thrift store and saw an Electra original bread album and I thought of buying it and seeing if you wanted it. I look through the bins and send you a list of anything you might want.

I will never ever ever ever own a Taylor Swift record record record 😂😂

Hi Melinda. I’ve learned how to purge in the past few years. To me! The equation is sentiment, plus music, plus space. It’s like finishing a sculpture. Remove the unnecessary. U2: I’m with the fan club for decades. Few sound good, you’re right. War OG is good, rattle and hum is very good. How to dismantle an atomic bomb is great. On CD, I have all records and singles. Outstanding, that’s actually the way to go. Nice video.Bob Dylan? I bought that box on CD when released, I’m happy with it lol

Totally agree on the U2 reissues AND keeping those TSwift records as/is. I do know the most coveted copy of "Red" is the red vinyl released for voters at the ACM (Academy of Country Music) organization (with press kit) from 2013. Goes for INSANE money. So if you find one of those in your travels, grab it!

Would it be worth getting a REVOX B975 with the Tonearm drive belt replaced to listen to albums that don't sound right on normal turntables just wondering.

There are so many steps between finishing a record in the studio recorded analogue and the vinyl disk you get in the store, its a wonder anything sounds decent. Analogue recording really doesn't mean much. Also, I sat in the mastering studio with Bernie Grundman as he mastered a record I produced. He doesn't always have final say on the sound of a record. Even I was asking him to tweak this and tweak that. For a big group like U2 he would cut a few different versions which go to test pressings which go to the band or manager, etc for approval. This can go back and forth a lot. The final approval could easily be a less than spectacular version and not Bernie's first choice. That's just the way it worked then in the 80s/90s. Bernie was the top mastering engineer then but its not like now where these guys are practically worshipped.

I personally buy or listen to music because it means something to me. I am a sound technician and working with music is my life but I don't fuss too much to the extent of rejecting works because of their sound or how it was recorded or mastered if the lyrics or the sound is original and meaningful. But that's me.

Yup there comes a time when you have to say....how many do I really need? I am at that point that I might need to a purge also. It is tough to do so I wish you well on that especially of your favorite band. Speaking of that I just posted a VH video and have another coming soon 😁 nice backpatch BTW yes you need a VH battle jacket to wear to shows etc.

Let’s face it. It’s fun to buy. But it’s also fun to sell albums! Good video!

Hello Melinda, I only have two U2 records a UK OG and Japanese imprint of "Live Under an Blood Red Sky" one can debate the quality of the music, but the SQ of both of those are really good. That is as far as I go with U2 and I have no intention of going further, so I'll take your word on it for the rest of the catalogue, but it is a little surprising as I always thought U2 would have really cared about SQ on their recordings. As regards the Japan Beatle box set, whilst most Japanese releases are impeccably presented and pressed, they very rarely had access to the production masters so the SQ was always at least one gen behind and in a lot instances 2 or 3 behind the UK releases, as they have to work off dupes. I know for absolute sure that was the case for the Kinks and the Japanese company holding the Kinks license as recently of 2000 was denied access to the OG 1/4" production masters for a 2k SHM-CD Millennium box set collection. I'm reliably informed that was standard for other British artists. So it does not surprise me that the records in the Beatle box set is not the best. They also did not have cutting engineers like George Peckham and/or Harry Moss either. All good stuff, keep up the good work. Russell.

About Taylor Swift, you are completely right. Those records are now selling for a lot of money but that's only because she''s a hype right now. It will go down again, or so I believe I once sold my RSD Blue vinyl for 20 euro's and now I want it, but I'm not gonna spend a fortune on that record.

I just added four U2 records to my collection. I need to go back and listen closely and then compare it with the digital versions after hearing this. I look at those first few albums as essential to own. Pop is where I jumped off. I got back on though with Atomic Bomb and All You Can't Leave Behind. Since then, I haven't looked forward to the new releases, and note Amazon is already practically giving away their latest, which is a reimagined version of their classics.

I like U2 and have a few of their albums, Uk pressings, and they sound awful, except Live Under a Blood Red Sky which is OK. I find that I rarely play them because of the sound quality, and if I do it's usually the live album. I have a few reissues, of other artists that aren't good too which end up in what I like to call the sin bin away from my main collection. This was another great video. Sadly it seems that there are more than a few of us that are disappointed with U2's vinyl.

Great video Melinda, you might want to add that Beach House box, to the purge list, unless you listen to it of course, it never really appreciated like I thought it might, it takes up space, and it is on that metallic vinyl, I still have one but I listen to the black vinyl version, also a dedicated Van Halen jacket is a great idea, my wife made herself a Rock-n-Roll battle jacket she sometimes wears to shows, it has a Van Halen patch on the front, lol! She also made a banner for the John Waite show last weekend, he took it up on stage showed it to the crowd and it may have been the loudest cheer of the night, really memorable times. Thanks for listening, have a great week.

I had about a thousand albums and got rid of them all. Just taking up space. Anything and everything I ever want to see or hear is on RU-vid.

The danger when unloading duplicates is when an unfortunate accident or spill ruins a now out of print album.

I have told you before that I regularly get rid of records in my collection, and I rarely have two copies of the same lp. I do not keep records that sound mediocre, or records that start to have surface noise. I keep my collection to about 700 records, and that is all the room I have to store them.

I have a really tough time weeding out my collection. I have about a dozen different releases of “Rumours”. The 45rpm reissue is obviously the definitive vinyl version. I don’t NEED the others, but I can’t let them go. Then there other albums I have by say Paul McCartney that I picked up used, but the newer reissues sound so much better, I could probably let those used originals go. It really is an album by album situation.

Let em go, sell em... Nothing to lose... So exhausted of typical 70's 80's pop music...

Unforgettable Fire has a very unique sound (courtesy Brian Eno) which I find adds to the beauty of the album. It is by no means an audiophile release in my opinion. I have a UK & a German (both 1st pressings) and I don't think this album can get any better. I've always wondered what Joshua Tree spread over 2LPs sounds like. I have a US OG and I am very happy with it.

HI Melinda I never ever thought you would part with some of your collection. Hope you are well

I never knew you had multiple copies of Van Halen LPs - Beatles yes but not other groups - Surprised your daughter embraced Jazz - your interview with Chance was excellent I've been watching your channel since 2018 when you were talking about your 45s which I loved - you've come a long way Melinda - great video❤see you next week!

"All my flavors are guaranteed to satisfy." You can never have too many versions of Van Halen's debut album.

Hi Melinda, I chanced upon your channel quite by accident and I think I'll be enjoying watching your videos talking about everything vinyl, most especially how they sound. May I ask what system you have? Thanks!

Yes - I think most collectors should purge their collection from time to time (myself included - but it's hard...). Where I'm not fully in line with you priorities is about 33/45 rpm: In most cases the better sound comes at the cost of breaking the music up in smaller parts, which the artist/producer didn't intend originally. For me it's technical quality over the musical experience (but not all have the same view, I know). Thanks for the video.

That U2 WAR vinyl is one of my absolute favorites, I think you just need to turn the volume up to 11!

Hey there Melinda - always good content and honesty on your channel. I feel the same way about U2. I think they have some great material. I pretty much have "everything" up to "No Line On The Horizon". But like you say, it's almost like some of the albums are missing "something". Like they "should" sound better. My channel has a lot of ELO stuff, but I do plan on having some U2 stuff soon. (In fact, I was working on something TONIGHT that I started a few weeks ago, dealing with U2 - that I will finish up and post on Lost Planet Radio, soon.) Some interesting thoughts on the Taylor Swift stuff.

That totally is an iron-on for the back of a jean jacket. Is there a date stamp on it or is it a reissue? I remember seeing people wearing jean jackets with band logos on them in the 80's.

I would definitely strike now while the iron is hot with those Taylor Swift records. She’s the biggest pop start on the planet right now, but all the rich teenage and college-aged girls who are dropping hundreds and even thousands of dollars to collect every single colored variant of her albums are gonna grow up a bit and move on at some point. Plus no one’s star shines this bright forever, and the jury is still out on if her catalog is going to appreciate like The Beatles or end up in bargain bins like most bands, artists and certainly modern pop stars.

In my opinion I don't see the point of other people buying different variants of Vinyl records, especially with the Taylor Swift albums, I am not a Taylor Swift fan, but there are some good songs she has done, but if I had an original Taylor Swift album and then I see the Taylor's Version of those same albums, I wouldn't spend the money on buying the Taylor's Version of the album when I would have the original already, but that's just my opinion. I only buy Vinyl of albums I really like, and normally would like to buy five or six albums of my favourite artists on Vinyl, but keep the rest on CD or on Digital Download, etc, but sometimes buy Vinyl of Albums that I don't have on CD, and just personal favourites that I love or sometimes older albums that you can't get on CD at the time from the 60's/70's like Elvis and Buddy Holly albums from that time, and occasional 60's/70's movie soundtracks, like I have in my collection, however, and I have a limited edition rock album from a UK Rock Band that came out in 2019 that is now selling for 3 to 4 times as much from the original price, so I rather keep mine as it is. As I said, I only buy my favourite albums on Vinyl and some artists up to five or six, but my most numerous are my First Aid Kit Record Collection, I have all seven albums on Vinyl and one of their EPs on Vinyl too, but I don't like people who keeo buying so many variants of the same album just to get the same album many times, where I would just buy one version.

My opinion only below, dont get mad. In 1972 a little digital was added, I like very few of these records. I can understand if Melinda may not like Wilco, because we all have our different personal tastes. Melinda might want to listen to Wilco & many other records again to see if she likes it. I bet there has been many great records that you have heard on you old inferior stereo that you didnt know that sounded great on your new stereo. But I have had many inferior speakers that I found a few records that only sounded best on these inferior speakers, & sometimes great speakers. Certain frequencies always favor certain speakers, like the highs, mids, or bass. I will name 3 albums that I loved best on certain speakers. My friend has high priced speakers that sound the best in the world, but only on about half my records. Vandersteen 3 way speakers sound great on most of my music, but certain records in the mids were slightly weak, I found out that the mid driver had no port. I didnt like Little Feat- Waiting for Columbus on cd, but I changed my mind when my rich friend bought a $2,000 cd player, that was the greatest clearest sounding album that I ever heard, & his 2 way speakers, I could hear guitars in 3 seperate places playing clearly from one woofer all over the room. Little Feat recorded this is a high ceiling orchestra room. When Melinda swapped her old speakers back is a good idea, but it takes many days of listening to know a lot of difference. I think your new speakers are 2 steps up from SVS speakers. Think of a chain weakest link. If you put a mediocre turntable at the top of the chain, then with the best equipment & the best speakers, you have to listen at the end of the chain to mediocre music to Melinda;s new speakers. Melinda;s turntable is the best piece of equipment one can have, like a $10,000 turntable. your speakers give the biggest bang for the buck, but the turntable is more important than your speakers, in being the strongest link in the chain. Melinda saw a small difference in her speakers, if she had a $10,000 turntable, she's see that her new speakers are way better than she thought. An amp makes a huge difference in sound, but doing a short switch, one cant tell the difference. But after Melinda has listened to her new amp for so long, she would hate her old amp, it would sound like someone put a blanket in front of her speakers. Sometimes cds sound better than lps, but I find since 1972 till now most records has a little digital added, means many, but not all records sound like cds. Very few remasters since 1972 sound better, like Melinda dont like the 2 record remaster of U2 Joshua Tree.I cant tell any difference in Dark Side of the Moon remasters, or the cds compared to the records, but sixties records there is a lot of difference. . My friend has a $2,000 cd player, but one doesnt have to spend that much on a turntable for equal sound. U2 Joshua isnt the greatest sounding, hard to believe Melinda wants to ditch it. When one makes just a few records, doesnt make it REALLYcollectable, because everyone buys one & dont open it. People didnt know what collectable was during the Beatles. Nascar had collectible cars, & nascar set the value on cars that are worthless now. Get rid of the Taylor Swift records before the depression hits in 3 months, those records arent so swift.

As for the Beatles Box set in stereo analog, they will probably wait until they remixed them all, sold them all and then assemble them into a box set but they won't be direct analog because of the digital mixing. As for the Mono set, I guess that won't happen again because they lost money on it, I heard.

Hi Melinda, another great video. On the Taylor Swift albums and others I would not feel bad if you decide to sell them on. The key thing for anyone who is buying an expensive 2nd hand, ´must have´ record, is that it is in top condition when they get it. They don´t want to pay a lot of money and then find the record skips or jumps. But your records are all like new, so they will be happy with their purchases. I had a original rare Kate Bush album ´The Red Shoes´ which 2nd hand price was 300 dollars/250 pounds. But I had got another later version in a box set, so I sold the original on. Someone bought it for a birthday present. They liked it so much they came back the following year and bought another rare Kath Bush album from me for the next birthday.Like Mike Esposito says some of these albums will be even more valuable in the future, so the purchaser may well gain from their value increase in later years..

Actually, the only albums I have that disappointed me were by Boston. Bought original back when they were fresh but the pressings seemed to be lacking bass.

I'm going through my collection and sometimes it's hard to let them go. But it's a good thing to do once in a while.

I think U2 was probably EQed with radio. Car listening and MTV in mind ( in the days when a 300 dollar TV was a big deal)

Hi Melinda, I agree with you and I understand your reasons for purging those albums. How many copies of the same LP does someone need. In my opinion, 2 is enough, Like in case one of the copies gets damaged, then you have one more copy of it.

I listened to a few U2 records last night on my system and I think they sound fine. I chuckled at your streaming remark. There is nothing wrong with streaming. I use Roon at home often, playing my FLAC library. Sell the Swifties. Thanks again.

Great video Melinda!! I just buy vinyl that I listen too! All my extras I just give to my brother. I have almost 700 albums but I play them most of them are vintage. Have a great day!

Something about a box of records that just doesn't seem to work for me. Excepting Bob's mono box, of course. Thanks for getting me to thinking.

Great thoughts Melinda! As for theTaylor Swift records, if you didn't buy them with the intent to sell on when the price went up, you're hardly that guy are you. There'll be others where the price now is less than you paid for it I'm sure. I have multiple copies of some Beatles records although i don't know why. Usually if I'm chasing a better sounding disc i move the old copy on when I find one. When they pressed bu the millions Vinyl was truly the gamblers media. No other format offered the blind hand thrill of will it won't it be an early stamping that sounds like bottled electricity.