I consider that ring wear on your Priest LP a badge of honor! I've always felt that not every album cover in a collection should be an immaculate museum piece; a worn cover has character and shows that someone actually LISTENED to it, or packed it over to a friend's house or something like that.
Good advice, Robert, and just common sense, really. I've fallen into that trap too many times, buying 'must have' albums. Especially box sets that include an 'outtakes' lp. I'll listen to outtakes once, and then never again. Big waste of money! Glad you mentioned the '180 gram' scam. I learned my lesson on that one years ago. All ground level collectors should check out this video!
Good tips. Regarding records in terrible condition, I wish some sellers would simply throw them away instead of trying to sell them. So many endless $1 records worth 1 cent.
I absolutely echo the comment about go deep not wide. When you start out, it's REALLY easy to get pulled wide. Because you go to fairs and see everything and it's like being ain a candy shop, plus you tend to think of what you SHOULD have rather than what you want. The trick is to be honest with yourself and there is one simple trick I've found that helps - write it down. I've done this with my kids for birthday presents, other friends and so on. You simply make a list of what you want. Every time something new comes along, you add AND review the list entirely. If you see anything you don't now feel so enamoured about, scrub it off. By the time you get to use your list, you have something which absolutely reflects what you want. It works really well. Every time someone said "you haven't got any jazz" to me, I'd remind them I'm making my collection to play for ME. I don't like jazz at all. So focus on what you really like - you'll appreciate it more.
Hi Robert, your video made me laugh & smile all the way through! Thank you! I‘ve started collecting records 52 years ago - and made some, not all of the mistakes you talked about. One of my problems were: I couldn’t let go („who knows“ 🥳). But during the decades I had to move several times - and each time I sorted the „cool to have“ records out because I had to. They were hundreds - but I rebought only 2 of them later. Missed the other ones not in one second. Now I have a decent collection of about 500 vinyls and 1000 CDs. That’s the eternal core of my music library. In most cases a huge collection is the result of decades of collecting - and look, here comes a new enemy: lifetime (meaning the rest of it). Now at the latest it‘s time to know who you are, and your music is one thing that defines you. Get rid of all the albums that have nothing to do with you - and enjoy your „friends“! - Thanks again for your wise AND funny video, Robert. Greetings from Berlin, Harry
Yes, lifetime. As I've gotten older I am realizing that I'm just not going to have time to listen to absolutely everything so prioritizing has become the, well, priority.
Smart advice! Too many times I’ve bought something that someone told me I needed for my collection and I hated the record Also going to a used record store and buying dollar bin records for quantity rather then quality I’ve done that Your advice is good I’ve learned the hard way!!!
Thank you for validating me Robert. I’m exactly that person you described. I don’t care what anyone else thinks I have the music I wanna have. And that includes no Fleetwood Mac. I hate the band Angel… But I have an Angel album, why? I’ll never know why. I checked my Discogs just by coincidence when I watched this video. I have exactly 500 in my collection. And I am a completist I would say. The ones I do like I have as much as I can find, or afford. For someone who’s been rockin since the early 70s that’s not too bad. I’m glad I saved my albums during the years I was raising a family. They were in an old army trunk in the basement.
While I was in the Air Force 1970-74, I could invested in good quality component equipment, including a Dual 1219 turntable. I admit I've been spoiled, but what a way to go. And the vinyl records sound just as good today as they did when new fifty years ago. If you take care of your toys, they'll last a long time.
Me too! I only have enough space for about 1500 cd's and have culled about the same amount over past 35 years or do. If you look at the cd and can't bare to put it on means it's got to go.
Robert, great video. Thought it would be another one of these basic tips/intro videos (how to clean, how to store, handling vinyl etc) that are all over the place here. But you hit the nail on the head re buying only records YOU want, not the click-baity list suggestionss etc. And be prepared to dispose of records if you don’t enjoy them anymore. Let someone else have them and use any money generated to buy records you want and will play. Couldn’t agree more with everything on here, well said. Away to go back through my collection once more and bin the placemarkers...!!
Thanks, Robert for making me feel better about rebuilding my collection. I lost most of them in 2019 when I moved which included the records I inherited from my parents (someone threw them out along with my laserdiscs). I only have 1/4 of what I had, and I am looking for records I love. 🙂
I think alot of record collectors go through alot of these things you are saying. Im still learning. Been collecting since 2009. I'm trying to let go of a bunch of stuff. "It's not a pen!s, thickness doesn't matter!" - Robert Fithen. This should be on a t-shirt. BTW, I posted this comment before seeing the end of the video.
👏👏👏 Well put, Robert! Purge underway now. --'Placeholders' were a fact of life for me, and this purge has filtered a lot out so far. --Because I'll dig anywhere, I keep a box of "Rogues and Bastards"; LPs/covers missing, but they MUST be ones I want! --If you want to geek out over 8-tracks, I haven't dug into mine to purge yet, but will need to very soon. There are so many, maybe it's stream worthy(?)
I agree. This album collection I have IS a reflection of me. 1,500+ now. I have been digging deep now for the last 6 months. Getting obscured psych and odd early rock albums. In my collection I have no KISS albums. Just not into them. I would say my collection is one that many out there would want to have. I do need to purge some albums now. Thanks Robert for another great video. Peace and love man.....
I made probably all of the mistakes you mention when I started collecting back in the 70s. Purged my collection for CDs later on, but recently have been buying a few quality LPs that I really love or loved. Excellent advice and thank you for another great video! And Thin Lizzy? Hell, yes!!
All good advice. Even before you started talking, looking over at a wall full of albums, I said to myself "I wish I didn't have so many records because they are somehow obligatory, famous, classics or generally what you are meant to have - a necessary part of any "worthwhile" collection". Here's looking at you Thriller, Dark Side, Rumours, Sgt. Pepper, Hell Bat, Bollocks and ZoSo. They are now on the way out but the problem is selling them at supposed Discog prices locally. In my experience Auction Houses return only about a third of a record's "value" and online sales are a lot of work. I can make double the money at my day job hour-for-hour. Keep up the excellent videos.
I bought a turntable to add to my system early on in the "lockdown" I had saved maybe 20 LPs after switching to CDs in the 80s and regrettably got rid of all my other albums. My goal when I started collecting again was to replace all my favorites. I buy mainly from flea markets, my local record store, Discogs and the occasional Walmart/ Amazon purchase. When buying used I try to keep it at VG + and sometimes take a VG if it's a particularly good album (some original mono Blue Note's etc). I usually avoid beater covers unless the wax is outstanding. A bit of ring wear doesn't bother me. If I see a reasonable upgrade in the wild for a good price I'll pull the trigger and donate the old ones. I'm now up to 675 albums even after parsing my collection. I've now refrained from buying something just to have it but it took a while to learn it. I definitely still have records I'll likely never play again, like the Ian Hunter Short Back & Sides in NM I just had to buy from the $1 bin.
That Journey album is great. Its an artifact from our past. The song "Edge of the Blade" needs a needle on it and crank it loud! If I saw that album in your collection I would have been excited.
Exactly. It's an artifact from the past, that's probably why I got it. But I have so many of those artifacts at this point, I'm only interested in the ones I'm actually going to play
@@RobertFithen But its the mighty Journey! They were one of the greatest. I like playing this album once in a while to remember the 80's. It's one of the most nostalgic bands for me. I was born in 77 so I have a lot of childhood memories to go with this album. Cheers
You hit the nail on the head with everything you said here. One difference is I genuinely like to listen to pop, dance, electronic, rock, rnb, funk, jazz, experimental, classical, and a bit of country, so what reflects my taste is wide, but I do have a fair share of favorite artist where I go deep as well.
Way important what you mention about going deep instead of wide and letting go. Just days ago I traded a couple of albums I did not care for for one I really liked that I was missing since my childhood. I'm not only happy, but I'm also relieved I've emptied some room.
Congrats on 15k subs🎉 My request for an album review is Big Theif- Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You. Its one of my most favourite album in the last couple of years.
Donald Fagen Nightfly is one of my top ten albums ever. I remember getting it on cassette when it came out in the 80’s. Fantastic record. I own the DVD-A, 3 CDs and the original lp. Ditched the cassette . Yep , it’s good.
Thanks again Robert. Great vid. I dont know if it's a bad habit or not, but when I get into an artist or band, I eventually buy the whole catalog. Works better in some scenarios than others.
Robert, interesting topic for conversations which can go on forever. I was bored with my music taste and wanted to expand. I started with the most controversial list ever created Rolling Stone Magazine 500 greatest albums 2005 list. I purchased physical media or listened to the album through streaming or library. The goal is to collect all 500. I have 1 disc to listen to American folk by Harry Smith.The list made me aware of different groups of artists. I picked them up to sell on eBay or record shows. I am a completist. I have purged my records that I don't listen to, sell, or donate to thrift shops. I usually buy 💿 because usually the used vinyl is overpriced and in bad shape. I do buy albums as placeholders if below $4 to 5. I am more concerned about the record condition. Covers can be swapped out. Have a good one
Every once in a while (a few years or so) I purge my "meh" albums to make room. I also sold most of my "audiophile" records and replaced the ones I really like with regular pressings, not necessarily original though .
Awesome. Keep on doing . Hopefully the tornado does not got you to soon. Buying records at the age of 3 or 4 must have been mindblowing. I just made it with 12 for the first time...
Great video and topic. I once had marching band hits, violin jams, and play by play of a superbowl on record. Now I'm just trying to keep or buy stuff I really want to listen to. Oddly enough, I became a Journey completist along the way.
Very informative for a beginner. Absolutely love the green Brain label t shirt. My favorite Kraut rock bands were on that label. Grobschnitt being number one on my list!
Great advice! I have just started acquiring vinyl (don't want to say "collecting,...since that is kinda like you describe, "essentials" and even old albums I loved...if they are just gonna sit in my collection I don't want it) I have already made this mistake...Thought I NEEDED to have Back in Black but not going to actually spin it!
Awesome advise! I learned this the hard way; collecting music that was on the "everyone must have" list only to get rid of it. Now I only collect the music that I love and will listen to.
I have a mom cat and her boi and they’ve never scratched them. I keep card board record shipping boxes around and they love those. Check out the first 3 Journey albums before Steve P. Hard psych prog rock.
Love it when you endorse reissues, which can be just as enjoyable as originals if done right,. Deep respect, sur. Love it too when you endorse the Betty Davis reissue (and that's my favorite of hers -- my PR company was called Big Freak based on that campaign). If you ever see a reissue put out by the label I work for Org Music, I'd be happy to send you anything that strikes your fancy (right now I'm hyping Westbound Sound Vol. 1 and Bad Brains' I Against I reissue). Thank you for all your wisdom, humor, and experience in the music world shared with us!
The one that hit me the most was something I fell victim too. The “must have” records, I buy it, and hate it. Then try to convince myself that I like it because everyone else does. But still hate it. Now, thankfully, I just buy what I like.
Thank you Robert, some great advice! I have around 550 albums now. I bought a Bill Evans Jazz record a year ago told myself I liked it to never play it again. I have a Neal Diamond album just in case when my mom visits and she wants to hear it. I do have more filler in my collection than I would like. The four 5 dollar records I kind of want were purchased over the 20 dollar record I really wanted multiple times. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.
Absolutely fantastic have a wonderful day Robert also happy independence day to the channel United states also last night was Canada day is where I live in ❤😊
I hear you dude! I am guilty of most of these points. In the 90s when everybody and their brother was getting rid of vinyl, I was there to snatch them up. Now, I have over 4000 LPs some I like 1 song or I am sick to death of it and will never play them. I had the same excuses you mentioned; Somebody may want to hear it, Everybody else have it. I had a cat too, same issue. I replaced most of the damaged ones but still have several damaged covers. I definitely have hoarder issues. I am glad I am not the only one. Cool Video.
Man, I love it when you tell the truth about pet sounds and aja! And I also appreciate your advice, buy deep, not wide. I came to that realization some time ago. I used to think I had to have everything buy a certain band, or I needed to be into a band because everyone, whoever "everyone" is said they were cool. Your advice is gold, my friend, buy what you like, what you will listen to. Oh yeah, one more thing, what you said about "essentials list, or must have lists". I've watched those videos, and sometimes I cannot believe what I'm seeing, I mean on what planet is this a "must have"? So anyway, great video.
Was enjoying the video then you HAD to mention them. Yes, the last record i bought the other day was Coming Out by Manhattan Transfer! Why? Because there's nothing but easy listening left in the Charity Stores here in the UK and it was a pound along with Superman by Barbra and Once Upon A Time by Donna Summer. However I was amazed to actually enjoy it. I thought I must be going mad but investigating the track its a Todd Rundgren tune! Then i discovered Ringo was on drums and another song was written by Holland Dozier Holland. I think I'm going mad. Mind you, there is an awful track on it called Popsicle Toes. Yes, Popsicle Toes...lol
What makes a great album collection are the choices people that make no sense or totally out of character. Like someone who is a furrow-browed Kraut rock fan collecting obscure 1st issue Moebius, Neu or Conny Plank produced albums, and you see something like a Melissa Manchester, Weird Al Yankovic or Kiss "Unmasked" album in the same collection. I love seeing that.
I think with me at 49 I had drug issues from being a kid and gave up 10 years ago. I sold a lot of stuff. 2 pairs of Technics1210's, a Stratocaster, bunches of records and CDs. I'd have stuff and then sell it for drugs and alcohol. I'm kind of aware that my "gathering" of music and equipment is a big old effect of probably over-compensating for my past easy-come easy go attitude. So like everybody else with a huge collection it's probably down to brain/psychological damage on some level. But I'm ok with that it could have turned out worse. Cool video Robert cheers.
I've worked in used record stores for decades 'n one o' the tricks o' the trade, because we would often buy promotional albums with stickers, is cover the sticker with lighter fluid, then put a stack o' records on top for some weight, let it sit for 3 or so minutes 'n peel off the sticker. Then use more lighter fluid 'n a paper towel to clean off any remainin' glue. Works every time 'n when it dries it's like new!
Great idea for the cat protection 😁. The only cats I like are someone else's. I've made all the mistakes you've quoted but following your advice is like walking in your favorite bar and thinking only 2 beers 🍺. Reality bites 😂. Great video Mr Fithen. Greg
"It's a record, not a penis" sounds like something I would say. Vulgar to drive a point home. Love it. And I agree. All my Dynaflex records sound great. "BUT THEY'LL WARP!" If it's hot enough, they'll all warp.
Great advice as always. I've definitely fallen into the placeholder and quantity over quality trap before myself. Now I try to stress the quality over quantity rule to new collectors...and live by it most of the time myself. Lol Also, my cats aren't allowed in the record room, but i do love your idea to protect them.
"it's a record, it's not a penis" 😆 Preach! Thank you for educating the collecting youth about the myth-icker' vinyl myth. I have Journey's Escape but only because I bought it for $1 at a thrift shop along with another 6-8 records. I love Stone in Love and Don't Stop Believing and truth be told, I have a lot more. more egregious thriftwood (I'm trademarking this) in my collection. In fact, earlier this year, when my local indie shop got a NM copy in of Radiohead's In Rainbows 45 rpm box (that I couldn't justify out-right buying on my current budget), I did indeed trade in just some of my thriftwood (I will never play this) finds which covered 90% of the cost. I've since played that version of In Rainbows all the way through almost a 1/2 dozen times. No regrets as I think its Radiohead's masterpiece, its easily my favorite and it sounds amazing (and Radiohead for reason put out vinyl that is notoriously bad quality or hit & miss at best). Back to 180 gram vinyl, I have an original Canadian pressing of Permanent Vacation but it's definitely a little trashed-up; it came out while I was in high school and I've always loved the one two punch of Heart's Done Time and Magic Touch...then again, I really liked the one-two punch of their previous, underrated IMO and start-of-the-comeback Done With Mirrors album with Let The Music Do The Talking and My Fist Your Face, but I digress. I don't have cat(s) but I appreciated the "cat barrier" trick; will pass on this tip to my collecting sister with cats. Great video! Cheers!
Robert, I’m in total agreement with you. The only record in my entire collection that I recently bought for $1 just because I thought I should own it was Cyndi Lauper “she’s so unusual” In the 80s, I hated it but for a buck I thought what the hell.
HI Robert. Really interesting subject to dicuss here and definately good tips for vinyl newcomers. The biggest mistake I used to make was getting into an artist and feeling the need to buy absolutely every record they released. What you end up with is dozens of records that all contain the same music, especially when it comes to collecting all the various pressings of one particular single. No matter how much I like an artist or band, do I really need the 7", the 10", the 12", the picture disc, the etched vinyl, the box set version etc etc... Its rather a waste of money in the long run and also a lot of shelf space needlessly taken up too. But I learned by my mistakes and these days I am far more streamlined and selective. Just to finish, you are quite right, have no fear getting rid of surplus unwanted stock. Make room for the records you actually really want. Cheers.
I started rebuilding from my youth and fell into too many of these traps, especially placeholder records. Now I'm ready to purge but how and where is still up in the air. I do share a real appreciation for reissues, like my Robert Johnson that was reasonable and so fun to read through while listening. This, and other advice, is great. Are you selling any of yours on Discogs?
Back when i had way too many. It got out of hand on what i was buying. There was a store that sold them for $1 each. No matter who it was. Which was awesome at first. But as the collection grew. Then it slowly got out of hand. There was some great stuff. But for the 25 or so Zappa albums i scored that day. I also ended up with 75 albums I probably dont need, but want. Due to never hearing, said album. I love Don't Say No by Billy Squire. But why do I got all his albums? I would never play them after I listened to them. Same went with Boney M and Chinese Laundry Music. Yeah, that's what the album was called. I ended up moving all these albums to another place, and it sucked. A few years later, with more records in the pile. I ended up moving them again. Straight to a record store that would buy them all in 1 go. And was glad about it. Not only was i sick of moving them. But having so much filler was a waste. So when i started collecting again. I pretty much refused getting anything i know i would never want to have. And better be in damn good condition. So I still get to check out some new stuff that's old stuff. But if it's just too rough. To hell with it. I don't care if it is the first 5 Hawkwind albums all in poor condition. Kinda disappointing when that happens. But like ya said. Want 20 albums for a buck, or one good one for 20 bucks. So now the quality over quantity really matters. And anything i don't want. I usually give it to friends after i have checked it out and cleaned it for them. Its still a great way to check out old rocks albums i haven't heard in years, or never. Still never stops me from raiding a 50 cent bin for $10 worth of crap. But in decent condition crap. But doubt my friends want any Sheena Easton records.
Good stuff! I'm a baby collector compared to you, I'm probably sitting somewhere around 800 LP's and 300 7", and I have many that will never get played again.. but I just can't let them go.. its so hard lol
I would have visited more antique stores , thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets. Missed opportunities I didn’t Know was available to me for years. I love everything. My collection would have been better because my knowledge Would have been expanded because I wasn’t exposed to more records until the last few years
Living in Australia I got to see Rose Tattoo dozens of times . Loudest band I ever saw ! Still going strong after 45 years although with many different band members . Angry Anderson has been the one constant and he’s still beating out the songs. First three albums are classic
Thank you, Robert! Finally somebody said it - "Buy what you listen to!"! I have bought my first LP probably 45 years ago (I didn't own a record player at that time, so I had this record on original cassette as well until five years later when I got my first record player which was not high-end but it wasn't garbage either.) and until today I own approx. 500 LPs - and a little more CDs. Why do I "only" own 500 LPs? Because I only buy the music that I really like. Some of my records are not my favorite anymore, but they were when I bought them and I can still listen to them without suffering from ear rot. For a while I thought that I was a completist, but that's not true anymore. When I really like the whole catalog of a band/an artist, I will probably buy every album by them, but it happens very seldom. Having said that, it is a recurring nightmare that something happens to my music, because I like them all - some more some less. By the way, I don't like the word "collection" for my records (everybody can call it just what he or she likes, of course), it is simply the soundtrack to my life. By the way No. 2: Great video again!
I was definitely a completist in the CD days and have so many CDs just to have an artist's full catalog instead of having other CDs that I would actually enjoy much more.
@@RobertFithen Isn't it strange how we function sometimes!? In a way it is nice to have the full catalog of an artist, but do I really need all of their albums, even if I don't like some of them? I don't think so - anymore. One of my newer favorite bands of "old" guys - The Dead Daisies - changed the singer from John Corabi to Glenn Hughes (both are fabulous singers in my book), which I didn't like. So I didn't buy the records with Mr. Hughes - sorry, Glenn. These days Glenn Hughes is out of the band and John Corabi is in again. I like JCs singing very much, but will I buy a new album by The Dead Daisies blind, if they release one in the future? No, I have to listen to it first. If I like it, I will buy it, but it won't be a blind purchase - they have to convince me with their music and not with their name or members. Sorry for my rambling!
Robert, part of my problem is that when I think of culling albums I really don’t listen to anymore, I see that their resale value is so little. Maybe $30 in trade for 15 albums I could purge? So I hold onto them because maybe someone will come over and ask to listen to Styx!😂
Great video, couldn't have said it better myself. And NOBODY has ever come in my house and requested an album to listen to, as much as i Fantasise about that actually happening and wish someone would turn up and be into the weird psychedelic music that im into as much as i am and be impressed by my collection the truth is nobody gives a shit about your collection, so stop buying shit to impress other people. The sooner you learn that the better.
Crosley's are crap record grinders with a overly heavy tracking force, .. ..Cleaning an old record makes huge difference and clearing a brand new one is necessary because of the factory dust you cannot see that is in the grooves..Gruv Glide and LAST are two products I highly recommend for getting the best sound from the grooves and reducing the wear on it..
