Rock music has had it’s share of collectibles. But in no part of its long history have the collectibles been more freely distributed than in the late ’70s and early ’80s. By then, Rock and Roll had fallen into the hands of independents who were unafraid of releasing a ton of extra material including non-LP singles and B-sides.
Of course, that period also provided cassette-only music, as well as a horde of limited colored vinyl in LP, EP, and 7″ single. Many bands also delivered singles before they were famous in very limited quantities. Soon enough, those singles were highly sought after even if they were re-released on newer albums.
Absolutely, this is one of the cool things that I loved about that period. Even more mainstream label releases included collectible 7″ EPs inside of first pressing LPs.
The list is vast. One of my more prized pick-ups was a VERY limited, pre-IRS illegal records issue of “Disgracing The Family Name” b/w “”The Work Song” from that period’s most interesting entertainer, Skafish. But there are more, many more.
What were your favorite collected rarities? From any period.
For me, the biggest issue I had was trying to get original British New Wave albums and not the weaker compilations that the North American record companies were trying to push to the (mainly) unsuspecting public. Magazine’s Correct Use of Soap came out here as An Alternative Use of Soap, for example, with different track order and different tracks. You would read about these great bands in NME or Sounds, and then your record shop would have this compilation instead. After the same issues with bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s with Are You Experienced and Cream’s Fresh Cream, or the early Beatles’ catalogue, you would have thought they would have learned in the decade before! But no, we had to start hunting for the imports once again. Other bands that I knew of that this happened to were Simple Minds (Sister Feelings Call), The Skids and too many others to list here. So there was a lot of collecting going on in addition to the rare singles and other gems.
I, too have that record but mine has the small LP sized hole and not the 45 sized hole. i have loved that record since I bought it 1979!! thanks for reminding me.
I don’t know why I love it….but I love the 3 X 3″ cd single version of XTC Oranges and Lemons album in a flip top box that I own (I also have the 3 X 3″ cd single Keith Richards tin)
Somewhat pointless :-) but fun and collectible!
You hit this one on the mark brother….I even love the Skafish cover.