Thrift Store Vinyl Finds

Many years ago when I lived in Japan and vinyl was dead I was at a flea market and found a Japanese pressing of Elvis Costello Get Happy! and The Jam Snap! both with obi for 100 yen each (about a buck each), both in brand new condition. I still own them.

I dumped my 20 or so albums 25 years ago. Then one day, a few years ago a new neighbor had a tag sale so I figured I'd use that as an excuse to stop by and introduce myself. We'll, I shelled out $20 and came home with 450 albums. About 1/2 were Dina Shore, Mike Douglas....... Christmas specials.... But in the 1/2 I kept were numerous promo copies - Sarah Vaughn..........

I now have about 650 albums with numerous acquisitions from Goodwill. However, wifey is not so happy. :)

My co-workers know about my audio obsessions. One day a lady brought in a bag with albums she was willing to sell for $1 each. I jumped at the mint Moody Blues - Days Future Past - 1/2 speed master from Mobile Fidelity.
Not bad for $1.

I like the challenge of finding that gem for $1.
Even if 1/2 of what I buy is not acceptable it's still a bargain.

Found a first pressing of Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" for $.99 at Goodwill a couple of years ago. Not a scratch on it. Cover in very good condition, with working zipper and inserts. After that I went home and poured myself a scotch.

Bought Morcheeba's "Charango" for a couple of bucks at a Madison record store. Lovely condition. They knew instantly they'd tagged it wrong when I brought it to the check out.

I have better luck at antique stores where I find many still sealed vintage lp's. Last week I found 6 or 7 for 30 bucks. Only looking for sealed now, unless it's rare.

I have one charitable shop i stop in on once a month that has yeilded me some bargins. For twelve dollars picked up a box record set of Who's afraid of Virginia Wolf (original cast) mint which lists @ over 1500 @ Amazon. One time I found 6 original recordings of Everest classical in Mint shape both jacket and vinyl recorded on 35 mm tape. Found out two of the recordings were re done by one of the Audiophile labels and sell for 45.00. I paid 2 dollars a piece.
I have fleshed out my collection of Gordon Lightfoot,Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,Joan Baez (Vangaurd Stereolabs)there on Vinyl. I have only told one person where it is other than my Mom. My lips are sealed.