That Nick Drake is an amazing find of the kind you thought you never heard anymore in 2023. On the negative side, you'll probably have to retire from record collecting now because you'll never top that story. Happy new year.
Those Odyssey and Sly Stone albums are going on my wantlist. One of my (sort of!) New Years Resolutions is to buy stuff more in the wild - it’s too easy and not as much fun online lol. You’ve found some superb stuff this year. Cheers John! Happy New Year mate ! 👍🙏
Hi John. I don't even want to talk about the James Mason record. So jealous :) The year 2023 has been very good for you. Hope we both get lucky in 2024 ;) Cheers. /Paul
Hey John. I’m digging the boogaloo in the background!! I totally agree that getting out looking for vinyl, often with friends, is one of my favorite parts of the hobby. You definitely picked up some great finds, I don’t know how you find them at such reasonable prices! I also got my grail OG copy of Catch a Fire this year! To say I was thrilled is an understatement. Trio Mocoto sounds amazing! Never heard of it. I’ll keep an eye out now. Be good!
Some terrific finds this year, thank you for sharing them. A black / lovesexy box set sounds like a brilliant idea and I hope it comes true as well. It seems like the right way to release Princes work during that time.
Hey! Yes, a box set featuring Black Album and Lovesexy material would be great, especially the unreleased material. It would be interesting to see how he got from one to the other. Cheers
I gave my reissue copy of that James Mason to Weinbender. I think I had gotten it from Dusty Groove. I’ve only seen the OG Zippo in a shop once but it carried a heavy toll. Great finds John. Cheers.
Great stuff. Bryter Layter. That moment when you realise you've found something special 👍 I had the same when I found Catch a Fire. Took the record out to find it was A red Tuff Gong copy in near mint condition.
I remember you commented on my original Odyssey pressing John. You had said that you were hoping to see one along the way. Glad to see that you grabbed one on Moest. I think there was an Italian pressing on Motown. Good to see that you grabbed an original UK Catch a Fire. I have two RSD pressings. I thought that it sounded really good. Do you think that you got a damaged pressing? It wouldn't surprise me coming from RSD. I was talking to two of the promident record store shop owners about the RSD releases. They were both saying that there has been quite a few albums that were rushed pressed to meet the distribution deadlines. I should check my other copy. It may sound bad. Truthfully John. I have had some albums that I thought sounded good the first time I spun them. Then on second or third spins they were not so good. I guess I am the wrong person to ask. {smile} Black Album original? Fantastic. Awesome finds J. The best in the new year to you~ Rob/Boston
Hi Rob. I think you’re probably right about my RSD pressing of Catch A Fire. A few people have told me that their copy sounds great, whereas mine was really noisy. Just unlucky, I suppose. The OG sounds nice so it’s worked out ok in the end. Happy New Year to you, Rob!
Some great finds John. I got loads more used finds than new this year (too many of both though!). Nice you found a zippo cover of Catch a Fire. I bought the reissue of the original Jamaican mix of that album this year but it was pressed in Jamaica and quality was terrible so after two goes had to send it back - shame. Have a great New Year of vinyl hunting, not log until car boots start again...
Hey Dale. Jamaican pressings are always hit and miss. There’s a nice deluxe double cd edition of Catch A Fire that includes the Jamaican mix. I picked up a used copy about a year ago for a tenner. Worth looking out for 👍
Great story about how you snapped up the James Mason record. Funnily enough when you said you got it for 'below its value', I'd probably disagree there and say you got it for the price it was worth, given that no other buyer agreed with the seller about the original price sticker for it! Good point about the other Sly Stone records. My favourite record shop in north Wales closed down a couple of years ago and I foolishly didn't snap up the copy of 'Fresh' that had been lurking in the racks there for years - overpriced. I should have made an offer for it! I've never seen a copy of 'High On You'. Will have to check out that autobiography. Nice year's work John - the Nick Drake find was pretty extraordinary.
Hi James. I know what you mean about the price of the James Mason record. A record is only worth what someone’s prepared to pay for it. I quite often see records - particularly modern reissues - and think that I would buy them if they were cheaper. I end up holding on to find a cheaper used copy. Sometimes it might take years, but one turns up in the end. That’s part of the fun of collecting records, getting something for what it’s worth to you. If you see Sly’s “Fresh” again, pick it up. I think it’s just as good as “There’s A Riot…”. One will turn up, just you see.
Fantastic grabs all around John, what a great year...only ever had Nick Drake on CD, never actually even heard of him until jumping on here and hearing so many people talking about him. There's a bit of insight into how those Island records were made in the Chris Blackwell autobiography The Islander - Chris believed so strongly in the music that he made a special stipulation that Nick's albums were always to be kept in print no matter what happened to the label. Remember those Copenhagen finds, brilliant, that Odyssey tune is just lovely isn't it. Would love to find that one day, never yet came across a copy. Guilty of overlooking 70's Sly Stone - I used to see Fresh in the cheap bins here but never picked one up and they've now long since disappeared. Happy new year and best wishes for equally good finds in 2024!
Hi Doug. I really must read the Chris Blackwell autobiography. It’s fascinating how Nick Drake’s music has continued to grow in popularity. Considering he sold so few records during his life time, it’s amazing how many VC channels insist on showing his music 😀. Next time you see any of those 70’s Sly records, give them a chance. I suppose he’s a victim of having made such an important album with “There’s A Riot..”. It overshadows everything else he did. Here’s to more nice finds in 2024!
Really great picks! Still have never heard that Prince black album. Recognized the Sly Stone track from a De La Soul sample right away. The Odyssey is super smooth!
That James Mason album was meant to be after chasing it for so long glad to hear that he accepted your offer and the fact that it was still in the shop, my best find of 2023 was the Lovelites album, very rare Chicago 70’s soul I found in my town in a collection of beat up jazz albums for $1, happy hunting in 2024 John cheers from Canada 🍁
That Odyssey record is an interesting one. I have the debut of the kind of "disco-lite" Odyssey from the later '70s, but first listen was a rough one. Almost too much in the ballad realm, but I've got two more listens before it goes to the garage. That Wailers LP is so. Damn. Cool. I just assume generally that I'm not going to get rare reggae in San Diego, so it's a bit of a dream to find that one. Awesome record! Great picks! Love the needledrops. Happy New Year to you, John. 😁
Hey Craig. The Wailers album is so good. Not as good as the follow up, Burnin’, which I think is their best record, but still better than most. Now I’ve just gotta find an intact Zippo sleeve. It may take another 20 years but I’ll find one. Happy New Year!
Pure gold with every selection John! Happy New Year to you! Does the OG Jean & Trevor significantly improve on the Athen of the North reissue? (which I have!)
Cheers Mark. To be honest, I think that the AOTN pressing of Jean & Trevor sounds great. I only bought the OG because it turned up in my local shop. It’s a fantastic version though. Happy New Year!
John wow Nick Drake Bryter Layter for 3 quid that was an amazing score congrats man definitely on my wantlist. I’ve never seen that James Mason while diggin I see why people want it I love the sample you played truly noted to seek out that why I love originals it nothing like it the sound and the experience and the life the record has is what’s it’s about Happy New Year John take care. Lovellandrew
love your videos - 74 was a good year for funk - the year I first started listening to the genre - would agree with your selection - but disagree with your comments about the ohio players albums - i can still listen and enjoy all their Mercury output between Skintight and Angel - but then music is personal
Is that Mason Lp so bad it is good?. I had it back in my heavy soul days for about a week. Who hyped it up more recently? Catch a Fire a nice find, one of the better reggae lps. Was 'Concrete Jungle' Marley's greatest moment?
The James Mason sounded really good! Never heard of him? Nick Drake's Bryter Layter is fantastic. I have it in a reissue pressing from after 2010 I think? Most Sly is too funky for me maybe? But when I like it I like it a lot. Good work collecting 2023.
Wow some great scores. Got rid of loads of reissues myself last few years. What's the point of listening to mostly digitally sourced music on vinyl, especially when an all analogue original can be had for less in a lot of cases.
![[TH] VCT Pacific Stage 2 - Week 4 Day 1 // PRX vs RRQ | GE vs GEN](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/iIi2_04jGr0/mqdefault.jpg)
Great 👍😉
Cheers!
That Nick Drake is an amazing find of the kind you thought you never heard anymore in 2023. On the negative side, you'll probably have to retire from record collecting now because you'll never top that story. Happy new year.
Always a pleasure to see some great stuff👌🎶 some killer records 😮
Cheers David. Happy New Year!
Always a good show. Nice finds.. Catch a Fire & Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year! 👍👍
Always an interesting watch John,all the best for next year 👍👍👍
Cheers Nick. Happy New Year to you, Mate!
Those Odyssey and Sly Stone albums are going on my wantlist. One of my (sort of!) New Years Resolutions is to buy stuff more in the wild - it’s too easy and not as much fun online lol. You’ve found some superb stuff this year. Cheers John! Happy New Year mate ! 👍🙏
Hi John. I don't even want to talk about the James Mason record. So jealous :) The year 2023 has been very good for you. Hope we both get lucky in 2024 ;) Cheers. /Paul
Hey Paul. The James Mason was my find if the year. Very happy with that one 😀. Here’s to a 2024 full of great vinyl finds for us both. Happy New Year!
Hey John. I’m digging the boogaloo in the background!! I totally agree that getting out looking for vinyl, often with friends, is one of my favorite parts of the hobby.
You definitely picked up some great finds, I don’t know how you find them at such reasonable prices!
I also got my grail OG copy of Catch a Fire this year! To say I was thrilled is an understatement.
Trio Mocoto sounds amazing! Never heard of it. I’ll keep an eye out now.
Be good!
Hey! Congrats on finding Catch A Fire. It’s a wonderful record. Happy New Year!
Great Picks up Jon
Thumbs way up! Trish
Thanks Trish!
Great to see some love for reggae!! And… I need to go to car boot sales in the Uk, thats the second time I hear of finding Nick Drake originals..
It's as much about opinions and stories behind finding records. Happy new year John.
Some terrific finds this year, thank you for sharing them. A black / lovesexy box set sounds like a brilliant idea and I hope it comes true as well. It seems like the right way to release Princes work during that time.
Hey! Yes, a box set featuring Black Album and Lovesexy material would be great, especially the unreleased material. It would be interesting to see how he got from one to the other. Cheers
Great showing of records!
Cheers!
Thanks for sharing John! I need to track down the Black album, you’ve convinced me! Mike
Hi Mike. I’m hoping the Black Album will get another official reissue. It’s certainly overdue. Cheers. John
I gave my reissue copy of that James Mason to Weinbender. I think I had gotten it from Dusty Groove. I’ve only seen the OG Zippo in a shop once but it carried a heavy toll. Great finds John. Cheers.
Cheers Dave. The Marley Zippo sleeve doesn’t come up too often. Sounds a million times better than the RSD reissue. A long time want! Cheers
Great stuff.
Bryter Layter. That moment when you realise you've found something special 👍
I had the same when I found Catch a Fire. Took the record out to find it was A red Tuff Gong copy in near mint condition.
Hey Mark. A near mint Tuff Gong pressing? Very cool! NM reggae is pretty much unheard of at the best of times so that was some find 👍👍
I remember you commented on my original Odyssey pressing John. You had said that you were hoping to see one along the way. Glad to see that you grabbed one on Moest. I think there was an Italian pressing on Motown. Good to see that you grabbed an original UK Catch a Fire. I have two RSD pressings. I thought that it sounded really good. Do you think that you got a damaged pressing? It wouldn't surprise me coming from RSD. I was talking to two of the promident record store shop owners about the RSD releases. They were both saying that there has been quite a few albums that were rushed pressed to meet the distribution deadlines. I should check my other copy. It may sound bad. Truthfully John. I have had some albums that I thought sounded good the first time I spun them. Then on second or third spins they were not so good. I guess I am the wrong person to ask. {smile} Black Album original? Fantastic. Awesome finds J. The best in the new year to you~
Rob/Boston
Hi Rob. I think you’re probably right about my RSD pressing of Catch A Fire. A few people have told me that their copy sounds great, whereas mine was really noisy. Just unlucky, I suppose. The OG sounds nice so it’s worked out ok in the end. Happy New Year to you, Rob!
Some great finds John. I got loads more used finds than new this year (too many of both though!). Nice you found a zippo cover of Catch a Fire. I bought the reissue of the original Jamaican mix of that album this year but it was pressed in Jamaica and quality was terrible so after two goes had to send it back - shame. Have a great New Year of vinyl hunting, not log until car boots start again...
Hey Dale. Jamaican pressings are always hit and miss. There’s a nice deluxe double cd edition of Catch A Fire that includes the Jamaican mix. I picked up a used copy about a year ago for a tenner. Worth looking out for 👍
Great story about how you snapped up the James Mason record. Funnily enough when you said you got it for 'below its value', I'd probably disagree there and say you got it for the price it was worth, given that no other buyer agreed with the seller about the original price sticker for it! Good point about the other Sly Stone records. My favourite record shop in north Wales closed down a couple of years ago and I foolishly didn't snap up the copy of 'Fresh' that had been lurking in the racks there for years - overpriced. I should have made an offer for it! I've never seen a copy of 'High On You'. Will have to check out that autobiography. Nice year's work John - the Nick Drake find was pretty extraordinary.
Hi James. I know what you mean about the price of the James Mason record. A record is only worth what someone’s prepared to pay for it. I quite often see records - particularly modern reissues - and think that I would buy them if they were cheaper. I end up holding on to find a cheaper used copy. Sometimes it might take years, but one turns up in the end. That’s part of the fun of collecting records, getting something for what it’s worth to you.
If you see Sly’s “Fresh” again, pick it up. I think it’s just as good as “There’s A Riot…”. One will turn up, just you see.
Always enjoy your excitement regarding your finds!! Happy New Year!
Cheers! Happy New Year!
Fantastic grabs all around John, what a great year...only ever had Nick Drake on CD, never actually even heard of him until jumping on here and hearing so many people talking about him. There's a bit of insight into how those Island records were made in the Chris Blackwell autobiography The Islander - Chris believed so strongly in the music that he made a special stipulation that Nick's albums were always to be kept in print no matter what happened to the label. Remember those Copenhagen finds, brilliant, that Odyssey tune is just lovely isn't it. Would love to find that one day, never yet came across a copy. Guilty of overlooking 70's Sly Stone - I used to see Fresh in the cheap bins here but never picked one up and they've now long since disappeared. Happy new year and best wishes for equally good finds in 2024!
Hi Doug. I really must read the Chris Blackwell autobiography. It’s fascinating how Nick Drake’s music has continued to grow in popularity. Considering he sold so few records during his life time, it’s amazing how many VC channels insist on showing his music 😀.
Next time you see any of those 70’s Sly records, give them a chance. I suppose he’s a victim of having made such an important album with “There’s A Riot..”. It overshadows everything else he did.
Here’s to more nice finds in 2024!
Really great picks! Still have never heard that Prince black album. Recognized the Sly Stone track from a De La Soul sample right away. The Odyssey is super smooth!
Hey Jason. Yeah, the De La Soul sample just jumps out, doesn’t it? Check out The Black Album. Prime era Prince 👌
@@6inchpianist all these years I didnt know where that horn sample was from. Its in Say No Go. Glad you picked that one!
It was a very good year.
You sounded like Frank Sinatra when you said that, Zach…..
That James Mason album was meant to be after chasing it for so long glad to hear that he accepted your offer and the fact that it was still in the shop, my best find of 2023 was the Lovelites album, very rare Chicago 70’s soul I found in my town in a collection of beat up jazz albums for $1, happy hunting in 2024 John cheers from Canada 🍁
Rare Chicago soul for a $1. That’ll do! Happy New Year!
Got to get myself a copy of that James Mason, would like to get the Japanese pressing which you can get with a bonus 7”.
Hey. I didn’t know that there is a 7” with the Japanese version of the James Mason. Will check that out. Thanks for the info 👍
That Odyssey record is an interesting one. I have the debut of the kind of "disco-lite" Odyssey from the later '70s, but first listen was a rough one. Almost too much in the ballad realm, but I've got two more listens before it goes to the garage.
That Wailers LP is so. Damn. Cool. I just assume generally that I'm not going to get rare reggae in San Diego, so it's a bit of a dream to find that one. Awesome record!
Great picks! Love the needledrops. Happy New Year to you, John. 😁
Hey Craig. The Wailers album is so good. Not as good as the follow up, Burnin’, which I think is their best record, but still better than most. Now I’ve just gotta find an intact Zippo sleeve. It may take another 20 years but I’ll find one. Happy New Year!
I would say the Trio Mocotò record was a score. But, al' n ' all, great finds.
Cheers!
Pure gold with every selection John! Happy New Year to you! Does the OG Jean & Trevor significantly improve on the Athen of the North reissue? (which I have!)
Cheers Mark. To be honest, I think that the AOTN pressing of Jean & Trevor sounds great. I only bought the OG because it turned up in my local shop. It’s a fantastic version though. Happy New Year!
John wow Nick Drake Bryter Layter for 3 quid that was an amazing score congrats man definitely on my wantlist. I’ve never seen that James Mason while diggin I see why people want it I love the sample you played truly noted to seek out that why I love originals it nothing like it the sound and the experience and the life the record has is what’s it’s about Happy New Year John take care. Lovellandrew
Happy New Year to you too, Lovell! Let’s hope that 2024 brings plenty more cool records 👍👍
love your videos - 74 was a good year for funk - the year I first started listening to the genre - would agree with your selection - but disagree with your comments about the ohio players albums - i can still listen and enjoy all their Mercury output between Skintight and Angel - but then music is personal
Hi Glenn. Thanks for the comment. I do enjoy the Ohio Players records but they’re not all essential. Some great tunes though. Cheers. John
Is that Mason Lp so bad it is good?. I had it back in my heavy soul days for about a week. Who hyped it up more recently? Catch a Fire a nice find, one of the better reggae lps. Was 'Concrete Jungle' Marley's greatest moment?
Catch A Fire is good but certainly not Marley’s best. I much prefer the follow up, “Burnin’”. That’s a corker.
The James Mason sounded really good! Never heard of him? Nick Drake's Bryter Layter is fantastic. I have it in a reissue pressing from after 2010 I think? Most Sly is too funky for me maybe? But when I like it I like it a lot. Good work collecting 2023.
There’s no such thing as too funky, Martin 😀. Happy New Year!
@@6inchpianist 😂Maybe not. Happy new year!
Wow some great scores. Got rid of loads of reissues myself last few years. What's the point of listening to mostly digitally sourced music on vinyl, especially when an all analogue original can be had for less in a lot of cases.
Hi David. I think a lot of modern reissues are just too expensive. I tend to hold off and wait to find used copies. Cheers!