Picked it up in a lot of classical records

Mum gave it to me because she didn’t want it anymore, but knew I really wanted it

Bought as a child in the early 70s

I grew up in Canada and in 1973, When I was seven I discovered pop music. Previously pretty oblivious due in part to the family’s radio tuned to the typical middle of the road FM station that played a spectrum of adult acceptable music. This, of course, could range from classical to light jazz, with an occasional vocalist thrown in. I’m not sure how but In the second grade I discovered the sound of The Beatles. With that I became aware of beautiful looking red album with all their hits. I began to covet this album as only a 7 year old could – desirous and impatient. I had to have it. I pestered my parents that this would be the ultimate Christmas gift for 1973. I’m not sure my parents paid much attention. However, as Christmas approached I received a card from my Nan in the UK with a 1 pound note. Thrilled, my Mother got it exchanged for 10 Canadian dollars and said I could spend it when we went Christmas shopping in the City next week. Could this be my musical deliverance?
So on Saturday, December 8 1973 we traveled by trolley bus to downtown Vancouver where I saw that red album in the Granville Street Woolworths. $8.49 and it was mine. Thank you Nan.
I played that record constantly to the point of almost wearing it out. I played it as a teenager when being a Beatles fan seemed passé to the expected teenage acceptance of the harder, “cooler” rock music sounds of AC/DC and it’s fashion of black T-shirts.
On a different December 8 it was the first thing I played when I heard that John Lennon had been killed.
When I eventually shipped all my records to Australia it was the first album I dug out of the packing crate on put in the turntable. As all good records it has the power to transport you back to a time of personal innocence and youthful possibility.

Whilst now technically not the oldest record pressing i have, its the oldest in terms of how long I’ve had it. This was my first ever personally owned vinyl. It was a present for my 13th Birthday in 1983 from my Aunty. It introduced me to ‘The Cure’ and started my love affair with that band, beginning the collection of their material seen in the background of the image.

My Dad, who was originally from Liverpool travelled to Australia via an old van, motorcycle and boat and picked up this album while over there. It was one of the few things he managed to bring back after he had “a bit of a big night” when almost all of the way home he jumped off a fountain in Barcelona and snapped his Achilles tendon. My Grandad paid for a flight home for him and walked right past him at Liverpool airport as his appearance had changed so much over the course of nearly two years. This is despite my dad clearly hobbling and calling out “Dad!” As my Grandad walked past him. I play it quite often and it’s still in pretty good condition considering the journey it’s been through.

It’s inclusive and accessible at Feminista Vinyl in Coburg.  Bring the kids and Feminista Vinyl will entertain them allowing you to crate dig with BOTH HANDS! Key times are 11.30am and l.30pm for story time, … Read more >

My oldest brother won this record and gave it to me for my birthday when I was about 8-10 years old. Strangely it is signed by someone from triple M Sydney possibly Rob Duckworth (hard to make out). The other strange signature is obvious it says. To Cameron happy birthday all the best. Rotsa Ruck Angry.