It takes a certain type of person to be a record collector. It is someone who loves music, but wants more from it, to feel it, to touch it, and full immerse themselves in the experience. In our new feature, Vinyl Tales, we will be meeting the people behind some of the best record collections out there.
This month we caught up with one of our customers, Colin Thompson who is currently based in Edinburgh. Colin has quite eclectic taste in music, with around 850 LPs, 800 45s and 400-500 CDs including The Beatles, Slade, OMD, Simple Minds, and more.
Firstly, when did you start collecting records, and why?
1973. My Dad is music daft and it was the constant barrage of ’50s and ’60s pop music that wormed it’s way into my soul and I have also been music daft ever since – even though he always hated Slade.
What was the first record you bought, and is there a story behind it?
My first single I paid for out of my own pocket was Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me by Slade. Partly as a rebellion against my Dad, and secondly because I was mad on them. T.Rex were my first heroes but Slade took up the torch and ran with it.
What is the most you have ever paid for a record, and how did you acquire it?
£35 for Return to Base by Slade from Discogs – just don’t tell the wife! Even though I was an original owner I got rid during the dark days of the late ’80s unfortunately.
What would you consider to be the most cherished item in your collection? (not necessarily most valuable)
An album released in the USA in 1978 of all Gerry Rafferty’s stuff with the Humblebums. Missing all of Billy Connolly’s stuff – brilliant find.
What do you find is most appropriate way to store the collection?
Upright in a Kallax shelving by Ikea. Then as above regarding sequence.
What are you still looking for to complete your collection? Do you have a ‘holy grail’ record you just have to track down?
The Troggs Greatest Hits – with all the hits!
What advice would you give to those just starting to build their collections?
Grab any bargains out there at first – especially if it pertains to your taste in music. Gumtree is a good area to trawl rather than Ebay or Discogs. Then once your collection is starting to establish itself, start using more quality control and replace any dodgy copies of favourite LPs. Car boots are also good if you have patience. Charity shops are no longer our friend anywhere near as much as they used to be, but you can still find the occasional gem.
What do you see for the future of vinyl? Do you think it will continue to grow following the resurgence of the last few years?
No. it will flatline once peak ‘nostalgia’ has lost it’s grip. But it will never die – there will always be a market for it.
Finally, do you think music really sounds better on vinyl?
Definitely. I hear so much more on a vinyl album than the same CD.
Many thanks to Colin for taking part. If you would like to tell your Vinyl Tales, please email Glen.Bushell@eil.com with a brief description of your collection and why yours should be featured.
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