#391.5: Mail from Cataraqui

IMG_20150429_181201

RECORD STORE TALES MkII: Getting More Tale
#391.5: Mail from Cataraqui

I got mail!

The only thing sweeter than the arrival of an Amazon order, or that of imported Transformers toys from China, is surprise mail from a fellow music lover. This time that music lover is Geoff over at the 1001 Albums in 10 Years blog. Geoff sent me a cryptic email a few weeks ago about some things he found that I might be interested in having for my collection:

“Mike,
I picked up a couple practically-free musical treasures at our local Value Village this week.
I’m not sure if they’ll actually play, but when I saw them I thought they’d be neat assets in the LeBrain collection!”

What a guy! I love surprises!

There are a few major audio formats that have no representation in my music collection. If I can’t play it, as a collector I generally don’t seek it out. As a music geek however, I love odd formats and releases. There are certain bands that I would collect just about anything from, and the big one is Kiss. Geoff knew this. Now I can add 8-track to the formats I own of Kiss Alive! This is definitely getting a place of honour in LeBrain’s displays of treasure. Probably right next to that weird Def Leppard Pyromania cassette that Aaron found for me at Sonic Boom.

Also in the package, and presumed worthless by Geoff, are two 45’s. According to Geoff’s accompanying letter, the records “you would be able to play, but are too damaged to do so!”

Fooey. My USB turntable only cost $50. Let’s give it a shot.

Both singles are records I didn’t have before. Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” / “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll” has a different B-side from the 12″ single that I do have. The 7″ has the studio version of “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll” instead of the live. And it played fine! It was dusty but cleaned up fine.  Score!

The Kiss single, for “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” / “Hard Times”, was not as fortunate.  It is massively warped.  I measured the warp at 1/4 inch at its largest point.  But get this…it played!  It didn’t sound the greatest, but it played!

In his letter, Geoff says “Thought they still work as collectibles or conversation starting coasters.”  Well, Twisted Sister and Kiss Alive! are officially entering the LeBrain Library.  As for “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”?  Though it plays, I don’t think I will play it again.  I think this might make an excellent wall decoration, however!

Thanks Geoff!  I’ll find something funky and cool to send in return.

IMG_20150429_181234

21 comments

  1. Nice job. I often wonder about my own obsession errr… I mean hobby when u buy music in formats I can’t play. 78s for example. But I tell myself that it’s a collection not just a thing to listen to. If I just wanted to hear it I’d just download the MP3.
    Now onto master tapes and wax molds for old blues records!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I have no 78’s but would love to add some to the collection. I don’t think I could afford a real wax cylinder but wouldn’t it be awesome to have something of every known format?

      Like

      Reply

      1. I had boxes of 78s and gave them away. I had to be honest – that many were a bitch to store and I never ever ever played them. There wasn’t much of value in there anyway, I suppose, but yeah. It became a space/storage issue thing.

        Like

        Reply

  3. This. Is. Awesome! Way to go Geoff! Very cool finds. All I ever see in the 8-tracks at our VV is junk (you’ve seen a sample list before). The 45s are also cool! Well done!

    Mike: small correction, I bought that Def Leppard cassette for you at Sonic Boom, back when they were in Kensington. Hooray Sonic Boom!

    Like

    Reply
  8. Pingback: Mail From Cataraqui: KMA Edition | keepsmealive

Rock a Reply