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Gerry Mulligan – The Age of Steam

This is by no means the oldest record in my collection — but it is definitely the one I love the most, and it relates to the things we celebrate on RSD. I was just coming out of the Glenferrie Station and on my way to work, one particularly gloomy morning, when I saw Gerry Mulligan’s smiling eyes looking at me from the rack of Alley Tunes. I knew Mulligan, of course, as one of the pioneers of ‘cool jazz’, but I had never even heard of this album of his, ‘The Age of Steam’

Muse Showbiz

I bought Showbiz by a little known band back then (1999) called Muse. I was a 19 year old student living in Zwolle in The Netherlands and bought it at a vinyl shop in Zwolle after I got my first record player. The vinyl shop mainly sold second hand vinyl but the cover of this album caught my attention while I was going through records and I realised it was a new album. The album is a limited edition, it is numbered, and is pressed on clear vinyl. In 2000 Muse played in Amsterdam for the first time at Paradiso (old church converted into a venue). I went and saw them play tracks from this album. Needless to say this record brings back great memories.

This is by no means the oldest record in my collection — but it is definitely the one I love the most, and it relates to the things we celebrate on RSD. I was just coming out of the Glenferrie Station and on my way to work, one particularly gloomy morning, when I saw Gerry Mulligan’s smiling eyes looking at me from the rack of Alley Tunes. I knew Mulligan, of course, as one of the pioneers of ‘cool jazz’, but I had never even heard of this album of his, ‘The Age of Steam’ (from 1972 — this was an original copy), but ever since, it’s been my favourite jazz album. Everytime I need a little pick-me-up, I spin it and Gerry Mulligan is there for me, leading a big band of legends, playing cool-tempered, heartwarming jazz.

BOZZ SCAGGS- HITS! 1980

Boz Scaggs featuring the brightest 80’s outfit ever!
After meeting my girlfriends parents a few years ago, her dad and I bonded over a shared love of music when I stepped into his man cave and saw his huge record collection!
He offered me whichever one I wanted as a gift. I remembered hearing this charming American crooner played at home as a kid, and my eye was immediately drawn to the ‘Promo – Not for Sale’ sign of this 1980’s record. After a cheeky peek online when I saw that on the one released to the general public he had NO sunglasses on, (see image attached) I was sold, and picked this special one to take home! The melodic music takes me back to happy times and his hits relax me every time I put them on. As Madonna would say : “Music, makes the people, come together…” And she was right. Magic memories!

Kraftwerk – Autobahn (1975)

I grew up in the 1980’s and my Dad would always play Dylan, Stones and The Band on his new Pioneer stereo. When he died, I inherited his vinyl records and I found ‘Autobahn’ by Kraftwerk from 1975 and I had a flashback to our lounge room. My Dad put on this weird German album with a hypnotic beat and synthesizers and I was in a trance. My first experience with electronic music and I am very thankful for my Dad for his great taste in music!

Readers Digest “Popular Music that Will Live Forever.”

I used to volunteer my free services (mowing lawns, odd jobs) for an elderly lady that lived at the back of me. When he husband passed away, she decided to sell up and gave me some of her old record collections along with a classic Kriesler stereogram. The records were Readers Digest Collections “Popular Music that Will Live Forever.” I’m not sure how old the records or the stereogram are. Neither an I sure if the lady is still alive, but at the time she sold up, her mother was 101.

The King Cole Trio, Vol. III 45 EP

This is the oldest record I own. This collection of four tracks by Nat King Cole (vocals, piano), Oscar Moore (guitar) and Wesley Prince (double bass) is a 7″ vinyl 45 EP released in Australia in December 1953 by Capitol Records, licenced and manufactured in Australia by the Australian Record Co. Ltd. in Sydney.

45s only began to be manufactured in October 1953 in Australia, and the first to be released were on Capitol, so this is one of the earliest to be pressed here.

I was lucky enough to find this one among a dusty old pile of 45s at an op shop for the bargain price of $2! You can see the original price written in pen on the top right of the sleeve… 14 / 3 (14 shillings, 3 pennies)!

Nat King Cole’s music really means a lot to me because my late paternal grandparents were big fans and I remember times of love and warmth spent with them as a kid listening to their records.

Closing Time – Tom Waits

On that fateful day I could hardly wait
To excitedly sift through the crates
Dusting off my corduroy jacket and favourite jeans
I headed to Guildford, after a cup of caffeine

Through the thrift shop I excitedly flicked
And when my record glistened, vice-like i gripped
Tom Waits’ underrated debut, Closing Time
This vinyl victory was now surely mine!

On each listen I always discover more
His iconic vibe, and instrumentation to explore
One whiskey voice, and stripped back style
Magical melodies that go for miles!

My 1998 thrift shop trip was largely unplanned
But to this day I’m a devoted Waits fan
Thanks to my instinct, and that Guildford stroll
I’m forever blessed to have Waits in my home!

Elton John – A Very Special Collection (1971)

I haven’t been collecting for very long, but this the oldest record in my collection. I got it when I visited my local second hand record store for the first time and found so many Elton John albums! The cover of this one caught my eye and I was excited to find it was in great condition and even had the original booklet. I had an entertaining afternoon listening to my new album and using google to poorly translate the Japanese book!