"Not As Fun As It Used To Be?" - A Noble Records Response Video

[@robwalkerletthemusicplay]

Hi George.. I’ve watched the videos on this subject and they’ve been interesting . I’ve never bought from discoggs and never will , for me when it comes to used records I want to remember the time and the place I found it . During the pandemic I only bought new releases from Amazon and I still do that occasionally. Every day looking for records is an adventure boot sale , shop or fair .. the enjoyment never ends. Cheers George 🍺

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Thanks Rob. You are totally right. Whilst I'll not rule out online buying personally going forward, the thrill and adventure as you say is all part of the magic.

[@NIBricks]

I agree with you ref the whole remembering where and when you picked up the record up. It adds more you your collection then just the record / music. I’m new to record collecting and refuse to buy any online. I’d much rather give my money to an independent seller / trader the say the likes of Amazon.

[@maximumrnb66]

Having seen Dillons post your take on it is equally spot on..cant fault what youve said in the slightest. I hit this point around 18mths ago and since then ive stripped back my buying online massively..Online buying ( as good as it can be ) is taking away everything thats enjoyable about digging for Vinyl...ive collected for near on 50yrs and the thrill of a find in a shop , record fair etc is priceless and beats online purchasing hands down...Each to their own for sure but me personally its back to the old ways of record hunting...get out there and support the shops , fairs etc...nothing beats it....Great Post George keep em coming👍👍👍

[@_axelaf]

Love the videos George! You are amazing x

[@brianmugford6479]

I agree with your comments but as a 70 year old who has been collecting since the late 60's there has been quite a bit of change over the decades. I can remember picking up deleted vinyl in the early 70's for a dollar and scoring The Easybeats "Friday On My Mind" on UA (A North American pressing). I can also remember an Import clearance house in Canada called Opus Import Rarities. In the mid-70's a local drug store chain had bought a large amount of these imports and sold them for $3 each. It included a large number of Harvest pressings and Quatermass was one that I picked up along with a pressing on Regal Zonophone of the 1st Move album. I agree you lose the artwork aspect but I started collecting CD copies of much of my vinyl in the late 80's. My thought was no issues (ticks and pops etc) you were getting a clean sound from cd's. My thinking over the years since has been that the most important aspect to me is the music not the acquisition of an original vinyl copy. Having been born on the same day 15 years later than John Peel I have his mindset that acquiring new sounds and bands is probably the most important thing when collecting. And yes I still attend record fairs and will shop for both records and cd's.

[@sloppystack]

Even as a pretty new collector a lot of this resonates. I have ramped down my Discogs buying significantly now, a combination of "too easy to collect" and "too easy to wayyyy overspend". Now whenever I am traveling I make a point to flag a few shops to check out and try to justify picking something up. I like checking out the records in person and don't mind paying up a little (and it's not even paying up considering shipping costs...) to support a local store. One exception is that I am still allowing myself to use discogs to create wantlists (which helps when I am digging) and to create bulk orders of inexpensive stuff where I can save on shipping.

[@offthebeatentracks4515]

During the Covid lockdown, the internet was a godsend when it came to vinyl. Now, I just buy things I never see in stores and mostly from Amazon, these days. I have found it impossible to find sellers who have the same idea as I do of what constitutes a Near Mint record. In a store, at least I can look at the vinyl myself. Stores are where the romance still lives on for me. I do buy a lot of Dylan's releases and I also go onto Bandcamp because I think it's important to support an artists that put out great music but don't have a big record deal.

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

You are right about the lockdown and internet buying. I was one of the few things that cheered people up. I certainly indulged in 2020. The Near Mint grade I agree is overused these days. It's almost a red flag for me as it means the seller probably hasn't inspected the disc properly. That said, I've had more good experiences from buying online, than bad.

[@vinylmartini3377]

Interesting discussion George. I’ve been collecting records since the early 70s. I never buy online, not because I’m particularly against it, but largely because the cost of shipping in Canada is so expensive. That being said, I still have a lot of fun just digging through the crates looking for bargains and expanding my musical horizons. Just went out with a friend last week and had a great time. I like to say that I don’t find records, they find me. There’s a lot of noise out there, and I just ignore it. Cheers.

[@rixvspinner]

Just buy used vinyl, ignore the reissues and you will save lots and build the collection. Don't be a in a rush and don't be a sucker for FOMO.

[@retromusings]

I too discovered The Peddlers when Breaking Bad featured "On a Clear Day". I was convinced it was a modern band doing a funky jazz cover of it and was blown away to discover it was recorded in the 1960s! I managed to find their albums in the wild at record shops and even charity shops. Nothing beats the joy of finding things out in the wild. Having said that, I've been wanting to have Laura Nyro's music on vinyl out in the wild and finally had to give up and found it on Discogs. Very thought-provoking discussion and video.

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Thank you. That Peddlers track really stuck out didn't it. I missed it the first time round, but had to look it up as soon as I heard it. My guess is, if I don't find it soonish I may give in and order online! Good luck on the Laura Nyro hunt. I do see her records about, but very rarely. If they are a top want for you and there a decent copy online, then why not!

[@RolloBollo-is5xr]

Lot of food for thought there George, nice one!

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Thank you. There have been a quite a few parcels of late as you well know.

[@thepowerwithinpodcast]

Totally agree with you. I’m feeling exactly the same ,, I end up bringing every second new pressing back because of defects and vintage records are way over priced . Record fairs are a joke … you go to buy a record and the seller straight away looks up Discogs . Takes the joy out of it

[@arturogarcia5259]

Great video George! Good points considering that you are a collector just liike me..keep bringin those purchase videos...they are great!

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Thank you. I do have some shopping videos in the pipeline, so please stay tuned 🙂

[@Allenporter-mz9lm]

Great video George, I live in Tangmere I have six records shops within a 10 mile radius of where I live. 2 in Chichester, 2 in Bognor Regis, 1 in Arundel and 1 in Barnham all excellent. I really shouldn’t need to buy a record on the internet. Like you I’m going to try to not purchase another record on line this year. Thanks for inspiring me to do this. 👍🎸

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

You're most welcome!! You have great shops on your doorstep there, I've been to all on them now (apart from Rolly's in Bognor). The two in Chichester have been favourites of mine for many years.

[@TheVinylOrchard]

Bought hardly anything online since lockdowns. There’s no thrill of the chase. You also end up buying too much because it’s easy. Tbh I’ve hardly bought anything recently. Not been to fairs and don’t go out of my way to visit shops. I just don’t play what I have. I think I’ve broken the addiction now which is good. The VC doesn’t help with this and I’m convinced people but stuff to show on their videos. There’s no rush my friend. Good vid. Cheers, Chris

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Thanks Chris. Social media in general is not a great help is it, as it shows so much of what it out there and what could be yours. It sounds like you've stayed strong here and are enjoying your very excellent collection. A good way to go!

[@7BobbyGaylor7]

good points. Sometimes I think of the old phrase “Good things come to those that wait”. Cheers

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

A very fitting phrase indeed. Thanks Bobby 🙂

[@gavaxemanspins]

Will go and watch the Noble records video after yours - but I am buying less and less used online now as really enjoying record fairs and finding new shops - new vinyl buying dropping too as it’s so expensive now - only buy something new where an original would cost £100’s

[@Matias-music-71]

I collect strictly what I am interested in and will listen to . What really takes the joy out of it is when I go to shows or flea markets and there are so many wankers that have records on display in such bad shape they are only good for skeet shooting and they still ask top dollar .., and sadly some person pays for it and drives the prices up even more !

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

A very valid point. Every record fair I attend always has these types of stall and sellers. I just feel they are praying on the buyers who are just starting out and know no different. I real shame.

[@Matias-music-71]

@@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934 , could not agree more ,

[@robison5396]

I haven't seen Dylans' video but I get where you're coming from George. I've pretty much reached capacity with albums, around 1000 Vinyl LPs is my limit due to space and potential for play rotation??..ha ha, who am I kidding!..I still buy, but not in the volume that I did a few years ago..being selective makes it a more considered purchase and definitely more enjoyable and rewarding. Sometimes I think I should simply stop buying and just enjoy what I have..but in reality I know that probably won't happen.

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

I'm totally with you here Rob. I could just pack it in and enjoy - I technically have enough. It's just such an addiction isn't it. This is where the FOMO comes in - what could we missing?!

[@robison5396]

​@@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934I think the FOMO factor only really applies with RSD or ' limited' new releases..in terms of vintage vinyl it all comes down to serendipity.

[@paulwaters753]

Wouldn't take to much notice of that Dillon character he is crazy, record collecting is always fun weather it's online, in store or going to yard sales I'll never stop buying new and second hand

[@lucalone]

Collection records was fantastic between 2003 - ca.2012. Records were not crazy priced like today. The whole scene has beccome insane ! It ain't really fun anymore. I wish I would have bought much more records in that particular time. Peace.

[@terrymann1341]

I kind of get where you're coming from on this and I must admit I do buy records off the internet, but I would say my ratio of online to record store is around 60/40 in favour of record stores, like last week I was in York for a few days and picked up some great albums and one that has been a bit of a Beatles Holy Grail for my collection for some years, and today I was in Belper in Derbyshire and picked up some Yes albums and some other stuff for around £30 from an antiques/ record store. I do buy online and sometimes I hit pay dirt and find something that is in VG condition and is affordable and reasonably priced. I still get that buzz from finding something I'd not come across before, or taking a punt on a record and then on getting home I discover to my delight that it is an absolute gem of a record. The one thing that is a weakness for me as far as collecting goes are Box Sets. I have to be a bit strict with myself these days. For example Apple have just announced the New Beatles Box Set of their first six Capitol albums. I have resisted pre ordering it and have only ordered two of these albums, purely to upgrade the copies I have owned for more years than I care to remember. (These albums are all available separately to buy). I have had to turn to ebay in the last few days as I have been unable to get a copy of the new Jon Anderson album in the stores on either vinyl or CD. In that respect it is a good tool. But nothing really compares to walking into a record store and starting that search through those racks, and not knowing what you are going to find, now that still grabs me

[@jazzkatt7083]

I tend not to collect the ubiquitous pop record titles ( I could turn on the radio for that). I collect jazz mostly and there’s always something new to discover.

[@lukeproductionspresents6276]

Nice response to the Dillon video - I guess I have different view re on-line, as I live in a musical backwater with no good stores in under 200 miles away. Like it or not, on line is my lifeline, whether its a Mom and Pop bricks and mortar shop, a chain, overseas, Amazon or ebay. Gets a bit fatiguing to hear people with plenty of great shops complain that its 'less fun now' . Try no shops!

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Hi Luke, this is a very valid point you are making, as I am used to shops and fairs just being there. Online shopping is certainly the way to go in your situation. Despite my misgiving here, I do rate Discogs as a retails site.

[@nigelcampag1290]

I did most of my online buying in the 00s, mainly from US eBay. US psych lps I'd dreamed of owning previously were available for $10 or $20 and shipping was $15 max. Great times and I do miss those days but it's just too costly now. I find enough in the real world anyway to empty my bank account each month. Btw You'll find The Peddlers 3 In A Cell no bother at a shop or fair for cheap. The one I'd really recommend by them is Suite London. That's a beauty but it is their rarest LP and most sought after (beats for the hip hop guys). You'd be looking at £30ish area for that one so not a crazy price but I've only seen 3 copies in 20+ years. Cheers Nige

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Thanks Nige. I can remember the days of buying online 20 or so years ago too. Anything overseas was affordable and easy to obtain. Not anymore sadly 😞 Thanks for the tips re The Peddlers. Just need to be patient with those now and find them out and about.

[@brucybabyy7355]

i know i sound like an old fogey. ( i am ) in the late 70, early 80,s i would go to shops and see albums for 2 - 3 bucks . that sell for 50 + now . those days are gone...

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Long gone. Even in the 90s when I started - all the 'major' artists tended to be £5 each. Bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd have shot up in price, even though still not rare.

[@Matias-music-71]

Time , sure , but what about money ?? I have a collection that is quite decent , yet need a bloody new roof on the bloody house ;)

[@ryanw2544]

As for Noble's video, when you have atomic impulsiveness and buy literally everything, I'd expect to get bored after awhile too. I wonder if Noble's channel is even healthy for the VC. His collection represents 0.001% of people who collect vinyl. He sparks peoples "fomo". I keep saying this, the VC has changed over the years. And I'm not sure its for the good.

[@robertendsley8312]

Tried watching the "video" in question. Nice guy but he says "You Know" so many times it became distracting.

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

I hear you! Guilty myself sometimes - too much or 'errr' and 'so'!

[@danielbigna5469]

Hi George, this was a great video and interesting personal take on the Noble Records vid. I can look at the whole vinyl collecting thing from the sidelines. I collect CDs and quietly continue doing so as they steadily go out of fashion. I started the collection back in the early 90s when the situation was reversed and see no reason to stop. This can be frustrating sometimes as desirable albums are being increasingly released as vinyl only but I've accepted it and just enjoy the collecting. I've never touched the internet and only buy from record stores. A decent record store can pretty much order anything I might want (within reason of course) but a lot of the fun comes from checking out a record store and discovering a hidden gem. I agree that some of your best videos are when you visit record stores and fairs and the fun comes from seeing what you find. All music collectors suffer from Fomo but again I just accept it as part of the collecting habit. I reckon it's best to focus on what you enjoy about collecting records! You might be interested in a very good book about obsessive record collectors by music writer Amanda Petrusich titled 'Do Not Sell at Any Price'. I felt a lot better about collecting music after reading it!

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Hi Daniel, thank you for your take on this. I guess buying CDs at the moment yields many bargains? The shops I use often have extensive used sections at low prices. It's a good choice to make if you are happy with it. I'm going to look that book up now, thanks for recommending. Ironically, I will probably end up buying in online!

[@danielbigna5469]

Thanks George, I thought you covered the topic well. Yes, the book is very good and highly recommended!

[@danielbigna5469]

Oh, and the book is actually titled 'Do not sell at any price'. Wrote my comment too fast!

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

@@danielbigna5469 He he, yep seen it. I've popped it on a watch list. Very good reviews all round.