Every year I learn new stuff. Amen etc. One of the biggest joys of record shopping is ‘taking a punt’ and learning about someone new or an album you’d never heard. The punt doesn’t always pay off but when it does, it means something. In 2023 I discovered, or rediscovered, Genesis and Yes. I had albums by them but I ended up taking a deep dive into both acts. I’m still not properly finished with either.
This year I finally got into The Beatles. I made a promise to myself I’d plug the holes in my collection. With a little help from my friends I got their entire back catalogue. Mrs W buying me the Red and Blue albums for my birthday completed it.
2024 brought a host of, often, first time discoveries. Others were albums by bands/artists I was already familiar with. Although, there have been many great new albums released this year it is some of these bargains that will endure. The ones that cost very little were the most fun to find.
What I learned this year – In no particular order:
Blackstar – David Bowie 2016 (£1)
It sounds ridiculous that I only discovered this album this year. So many great tunes on it such as I Can’t Give Everything Away. I played this a lot back at the start of the year. I won’t be drawn into his back catalogue as that sounds an expensive business.
This Silent Year – eagleowl 2013 (£1)
I bought this as it was a Fence Records release. It is beautifully packaged and still has the Fence seal on the plastic cover. There beer mats as well as the inner sleeve and booklet. The album veers from folk to post rock. Too Late In the Day is the rousing peak of this album. Short but perfectly formed.
channel Orange – Frank Ocean 2012 (£1)
This was probably the best find. Double Orange vinyl bootleg that has never sold on Discogs. Languid Hip Hop/RnB that seeps into the mind: ‘Too many white lies and white lines’. He was either grammy nominated or won a grammy for this. The album was a total punt that really paid off. My wife loves it.
Bursting at the Seams – Strawbs 1973 (£1)
I’d heard Part of the Union (we all have trust me) and thought why not. To be honest, that’s one of the poorest tunes on the album. Folk, prog and often whimsical describes the album well. I ended up getting Grave New World a couple of months later. Given the era is not a big surprise they sound like Genesis in parts. It’s no bad thing.
Out of the Blue – ELO 1977 (£1)
Apart from my Rock & Roll Is King 7″ I had no ELO in my collection. This seems to rank highly in their best album list. It’s a great melodic album from start to finish. The lyric Driving You Insane I always thought was Driving USA. The things you thankfully learn before you make a clown of yourself.
In Search Of the Lost Chord – The Moody Blues 1968 (£11.99)
Costing more than the rest of this list combined this is one of my most surprising discoveries. If you would have said I’d like The Moody Blues at the start of the year I would’ve dismissed that allegation out the park. This was recommended to me by someone because I posted about the Stones Satanic Majesties album on a Facebook group. I gave it a go and totally fell under its spell. I was delighted when I saw it in a record store in Dundee. Who would’ve thought The Moody Blues made albums like this.
The Bell That Never Rang – Lau 2016 (£1.50)
Not a massive punt as I knew Lau through a couple of friends. This is as celtic as it gets and contains the wonderful Ghosts, a song that will always remind me of this year. It’s a sad and beautiful song supported well by the rest of the album.
Decade – Neil Young 1977 (£2)
Covering his early work including the Buffalo Springfield era, this has so many stand out tracks. Someone said to me that it was the perfect route into Neil Young. Songs like A Man Needs a Maid and, the multi movement, Broken Arrow were a revelation.
Everything’s Getting Older – Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat 2011 (£1)
Bought because of Aidan Moffat’s involvement. This album makes me laugh and is often very poignant. When he’s taking about buying a suit in The Copper Top you can’t help thinking about getting older. Other parts of the album can be a little close to the bone but all in, it’s a quirky listen.
Murmuration – Jo Mango 2012 (£1)
I knew nothing about this artist. She has great lyrics and melodies set to her quiet ethereal voice. The Moth and the Moon is well worth checking out.
There you have it, £24.50, for a years worth of education and fun. Basically the price of a throwaway album you buy, play once and never listen to again.
Here’s a playlist with a track from each of the albums I bought 2nd hand this year.
Jaykits 