Please help me sort out my record collection.

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Okay so all my friends are at Antibalas tonight and I'm home nursing a cold, bored. I got to looking at my wall of CDs and realized it was high time to do a major purge, so.

After a cursory scan through the entire lot, I've pulled out about 200-300 that I've marked as Questionable. Some of these are freebies that I presumably once grabbed out of passing interest, others are albums I've reviewed and no longer care for, others still are clinging on for dear life after the Great Britpop Purge of 2000.

As is customary whenever I go through one of these purges, I tend to listen to (or scan through, depending on first impressions) each record before ultimately deciding: Wall or Sell?

Because I'm bored as sin, not to mention a little daunted by the prospect of 'scanning' through 300 albums, this is the thread where I start randomly listing records on the bubble in the hopes that you'll be able to help me make a decision. Ideally this'll absolve me of the guilt involved in getting rid of stuff I once held dear and/or turn me back on to some grebt records already residing in my living room.

Ready, set...

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 7 December 2002 03:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Elvis Costello - When I Was Cruel
Elvis Costello w/ Burt Bacharach - Painted From Memory
Edwyn Collins - Gorgeous George
Cooper Temple Clause - See This Through And Leave
Daddylonglegs - Horse
Cibo Matto - Stereo Type A
Vic Chestnutt - About To Choke
Charlatans - Us And Us Only
Charlatans - s/t
Chappaquiddick Skyline - s/t
Catherine Wheel - Adam And Eve
Cash Brothers - How Was Tomorrow
Bowery Electric - Lushlife
Bowery Electric - Vertigo
Booster - Loop In Release
Bluetones - Return To The Last Chance Saloon
Bluetones - Expecting To Fly
Autour De Lucie - Immobile
Autour De Lucie - s/t
Ash - Nu Clear Sounds

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 7 December 2002 03:34 (twenty-two years ago)

i havent heard any of those, but you should sell them!!

― ron (ron), Saturday, 7 December 2002 03:55 (twenty-two years ago)

Elvis Costello - When I Was Cruel
Elvis Costello w/ Burt Bacharach - Painted From Memory
Cibo Matto - Stereo Type A

I sold all three of these back at one point or another and don't regret it at all.

― Colin Beckett (Colin Beckett), Saturday, 7 December 2002 04:12 (twenty-two years ago)

You should definetelly chuck Ash's NU-CLEAR SOUNDS into the trash and snap that Cibo Matto disc in half.

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Saturday, 7 December 2002 04:13 (twenty-two years ago)

all of those must go, you will never love anything on that list. why anyone bought a catherine wheel album after chrome is a mystery, maybe it is jack rabid's influence.

― keith (keithmcl), Saturday, 7 December 2002 04:23 (twenty-two years ago)

hang on to the Ash one! it's their underrated masterpiece. and keep Chappaquiddick Skyline. Fuck the rest. Maybe take a quick dump on the Bluetones ones before selling, it'll increase their value.

― electric sound of jim (electricsound), Saturday, 7 December 2002 05:38 (twenty-two years ago)

If they were freebies, give 'em away. Unless you're dirt poor (and even then...).
If you don't know any body who'd like them:
a) meet new people, quit being so judgmental. within a mile radius of you, someone very intelligent, beautiful, and kind is going gaga over the new Faith Hill.
b) give them to yr local disadvantaged youth centre/hangout/out reach program
c) give them to yr local charity of choice that raises money through garage sale types of things
d) place them in a box on a well-traveled street (a la Alan Zweig's VINYL) and watch discretely as people pass judgment on you solely by way of your discards.

As for what to ditch, if it's on the bubble, there's a reason.

― Emmet Matheson, Saturday, 7 December 2002 05:39 (twenty-two years ago)

I'll break the tie and say shitcan the Ash. I did and I've lived to tell.

Bowery Electric's Vertigo might be a keeper. It's a grabbag of remixes, so why not put it on random play and decide based on the song it plays.

― Curt (cgould), Saturday, 7 December 2002 06:05 (twenty-two years ago)

I pulled out gorgeous george today for before work. I really only had time to listen to "a girl like you" -- which I think is a great song. I was reminded of it by the tone thread. I haven't listend to it in ages, but the album didn't grab me nearly as much as I'm Not Following You, which had a solid side worth of material at least. I doubt gorgeous george'll hit my discard bin soon... but I'm the hoardy type.

I dug Bowery Electic's first album..second was only ok--the beats didn't do it for me... haven't heard eiher of those, though.

― nick ring (nick ring), Saturday, 7 December 2002 06:19 (twenty-two years ago)

I like Emmet's answer, but i don't live near mark p at all!

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Saturday, 7 December 2002 07:19 (twenty-two years ago)

I would keep the Costello records, Chappaquiddick Skyline (if just for the New Order cover!), and Ash, but that's me. I keep lots of shit I don't even like, but I hide it so as to let old wounds heal (cf. that Bluetones record - egads and ods bodkins).

What's the "wall" in "wall or sell" mean?

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 7 December 2002 07:54 (twenty-two years ago)

I'd keep the Costello too-Am i the only person who likes Painted From Memory.

You shouldn't have to wait more than a few seconds making a decision on The Bluetones or Cooper Temple Clause. Out out out.

Oh, I just saw Gorgeous George. I'd hold onto that. just as a document, y'know...

― Nordicskillz (Nordicskillz), Saturday, 7 December 2002 07:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Don't you even sell a god damned thing without burning it first. Two years or more on and you'll regret it more than you can possibly imagine. For people who constantly find themselves infatuated with the latest whatever, maybe not; but for people like me, I still regret selling my collection of "TECHNO TRAX" volumes 1-13 to this day. Those songs rang a chord for me in high school and I'll never get it back. Fuck buy & sell. That collection is a visual manifestation of your love of music and should never be maimed for the sake of convenience. If you wanted ease of use/search/transportation you would've collected stamps instead.

Don't you sell a damn thing.

― Tom Millar (Millar), Saturday, 7 December 2002 09:09 (twenty-two years ago)

My rule - once you think *questionable* out it goes. (The list above are certainly more than questionable - totally shit more like!)I've never regretted this ruthless attitude except for the odd album I've had to re-buy. That's life.

The other aspect of the rule is : try and get as much money as poss for them (e-bay or exchange at MVE) and spend it all on more music.

― Dr. C (Dr. C), Saturday, 7 December 2002 11:33 (twenty-two years ago)

i agree with everything dr c says except maybe the part about spending the $$$ on more music.

― dz (gegoss), Saturday, 7 December 2002 11:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Do not heed the callous and blinkered "advice" offered above--you must hold tightly to Stereo Type A and never let it go. Instead, lie on your couch and listen to it on headphones; you will fall (back) in love with it in a heartbeat. Then put it on when you do the dishes, when you're driving, any opportunity you can. Anyone who hates on this record is being foolishly dismissive of a stereotype themselves. It was the best record of its year and still sounds ace.

That having been said, you can let go of the rest of that shit, unless you are a hopeless romantic, in which case hold onto Us and Us Only. That one might be a keepah.

― Matt C., Saturday, 7 December 2002 11:54 (twenty-two years ago)

Haha some of these (Chappaquiddick Skyline) are more on the bubble than others (Catherine Wheel - ugh).

Anyway ILX crashed or something last night, so I'll continue in jest:

The Standard - August
Andy Stochansky - Five Star Motel
Regular Fries - Free EP
Shiva Burlesque - Mercury Blues
Shivaree - I Oughta Give You..
SI Futures - The Mission Statement
Talvin Singh - Ha
Six By Seven - The Way I Feel Today
Six By Seven - Closer You Get
Six By Seven - Things We Make
Various Artists - In Our Lifetime V1 (Fenway Recordings)
Jazzpresso - At Cafe Insomnia
Ultrasound - Everything Picture
Wisdom Of Harry - House Of Binary
Uncle Tupelo - Anthology
Velocette - Spoiled Children EP

Christ we're really into the dredges here.

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 7 December 2002 14:00 (twenty-two years ago)

(David R "wall" means "it goes back on the")

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 7 December 2002 14:03 (twenty-two years ago)

Also, Tom said:

I have to admit, up until about three years ago, I was VERY much of a similar mindset. I think it was a combination of the hoarder's/collector's mentality with this romanticized notion of CD collection as fluid historical document. Then I met a friend who was almost obsessive about *not* keeping anything that he didn't actively love. Granted, he's had his struggles with certain records (I constantly tease him because he's bought and sold Moon Safari on four separate occasions), but for the most part, it's a system that works well for him.

I did my first massive purge about 3 years ago (where I parted with about 150 singles and full lengths for roughly $500 trade) and have only felt compelled to buy back ONE album since. Haha I just realized that album is currently in my Questionable pile again...

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 7 December 2002 14:13 (twenty-two years ago)

Getting rid of old junk is great, I hope to be down to forty records when I'm done.

― , Saturday, 7 December 2002 14:36 (twenty-two years ago)

When I got my burner, I considered doing what Tom advises. I thought it would make it easier for me to let go of dubious CDs, but it had the opposite effect. It just imposes another nuisance step in an already tiresome process. It turns catharsis into a clerical chore. If it ain't worth keeping it ain't worth burning.

― Curt (cgould), Saturday, 7 December 2002 15:16 (twenty-two years ago)

My rule - once you think *questionable* out it goes.

I'm with Dr. C here, except for old stuff (& sometimes not that old) that I have honestly forgotten about and never given a fair hearing. The Catch-22 is that you can't evaluate what you can't remember hearing, however, if you aren't listening to it - or if you have listened and it's that forgettable - what's the point in keeping it? I wind up pulling aside only those that I had forgotten enough to find myself curious all over again. I fill my changer and keep my finger on the FF button. I quickly eliminate most, but I discover some gems, too. One time when it helps to be disorganized!

― Curt (cgould), Saturday, 7 December 2002 15:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Mark, from your latest list, I would definitely keep the newest Six By Seven, The Way I Feel Today. It's one of the best albums of the year.

― Curt (cgould), Saturday, 7 December 2002 16:08 (twenty-two years ago)

No, keep that cibo matto album. Just listen to the song Blue Train, and see if that will make you want to keep it. I don't see anyother keepers.

― A Nairn (moretap), Saturday, 7 December 2002 18:25 (twenty-two years ago)

the 2nd list loooks pretty bad too. not that i've heard any of it. i got xtra super unerring instincts about music i've never heard tho. sell it all & buy some old stuff. the best types of music for the new century are : 50s blues & country, 60s free jazz & garage rock, 70s funk & heavy rock.

― dz, Saturday, 7 December 2002 22:12 (twenty-two years ago)

I'll weigh in with a keep vote for Stereotype A as well, I love the song 'spoon'. As for the rest, I believe that Dr. C is OTM as far as selling things back--if you don't periodically thin the ranks, you risk running out of space as well as making it more difficult to find something you really want to hear. Of course, I also advocate keeping your albums in random order so you are forced to actually look through what you have before simply pulling something and listening to it.

― webcrack (music=crack), Saturday, 7 December 2002 22:56 (twenty-two years ago)

I would keep these:

Six By Seven - The Way I Feel Today
Six By Seven - Closer You Get
Six By Seven - Things We Make
Ultrasound - Everything Picture this is going to be considered a lost classic in years to come, mark my words
Wisdom Of Harry - House Of Binary
Uncle Tupelo - Anthology
Velocette - Spoiled Children EP all three tracks on this are fantastic!!

― electric sound of jim (electricsound), Saturday, 7 December 2002 23:27 (twenty-two years ago)

Largly what Tom Millar said. Unless you really need some extra cash why sell them, they don't take up too much room do they?
Stick 'em all in a box and squirral it away somewhere if you just want to clear some space - you never know when you might need them again.

― DavidM (DavidM), Sunday, 8 December 2002 00:11 (twenty-two years ago)

A great majority of albums I traded away years ago I've felt compelled to repurchase recently. If you can find room, I say keep everything too.

― Sean (Sean), Sunday, 8 December 2002 00:19 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm with Sean on that point (and also with Jim in terms of Six By Seven, I think they're astoundingly underrated).

In prepping for my move, I found myself looking at both my CD and book collection and thinking where I could do winnowing. Honestly, it's the books which will be winnowed.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 8 December 2002 03:46 (twenty-two years ago)

Wow, I was drunk. I don't disagree with Drunk TM, but he is a little vehement. And he admits to owning (and still wishing he owned) Techno Trax 1-13 (on ZYX Records!). Good one, there, asshole. Just tell them about our thumbs and the dermatologist while you're at it.

― Tom Millar (Millar), Sunday, 8 December 2002 04:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Jazzpresso - At Cafe Insomnia

You made this one up.

― Andy K (Andy K), Sunday, 8 December 2002 04:29 (twenty-two years ago)

'Fraid not.

― Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Sunday, 8 December 2002 04:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah Michael that's the one.

Alright tracklist, I guess. *shrugs shoulders*

― mark p (Mark P), Sunday, 8 December 2002 15:37 (twenty-two years ago)

SI Futures - The Mission Statement

Oh come on. We are not a rock band- but we rock the house!

Si Begg = totally underrated, eight times more fun than any Tigerbeat6 record you care to name.

― Tom Millar (Millar), Sunday, 8 December 2002 20:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Velocette - Spoiled Children EP all three tracks on this are fantastic!!

"Spoiled Children" was on of the better songs on their fine Fourfold Remedy album. Sort of Lush-like, don't you think, Jim? I've never heard the other two on the EP,

― Curt (cgould), Sunday, 8 December 2002 20:31 (twenty-two years ago)

on one of the better songs...

― Curt (cgould), Sunday, 8 December 2002 20:32 (twenty-two years ago)

the single version is way better than the album version, a lot slicker, and a bit less Lush-like than the album. the other two songs are a wonderful version of Paris Angels' "Perfume" and my second-favourite Velocette song "Strip Polka". Mmmm

― electric sound of jim (electricsound), Monday, 9 December 2002 00:37 (twenty-two years ago)

I agree that the Ultrasound one's due a comeback. Apart from that ther are many things that are good there but just not good enough - I like Wisdom of Harry, Bowery Electric and that Edwyn Collins album (he's done much better) but if they were stolen I wouldn't replace them. If you donlt want the Shiva Burlesque let me know as I;ve only got a crappy tape copy and never saw them for sale over here.

― tigerclawskank, Monday, 9 December 2002 11:50 (twenty-two years ago)

one month passes...

This pile of albums is still on my living room floor!

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 8 February 2003 22:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Jeff Tweedy - Chelsea Walls
Princess Superstar - Is
V/A - Old School vs. New School
V/A - Old School vs. New School 2
V/A - Verve Remixed
V/A - Traveler '01
V/A - Traveler '00
Mutton Birds - Envy Of Angels
North Mississippi Allstars - 51 Phantom
Heatmiser - Cop And Speeder
V/A - Music For Modern Living v2
Hayden - Skyscraper National Park
Kelly Joe Phelps - Sky Like A Broken Clock
Phreek - Paysages Matriciels
V/A - Latin Travels
The Law Of Enclosures - OST

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 8 February 2003 22:08 (twenty-two years ago)

I honestly don't think I've ever any of those records start to finish.

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 8 February 2003 22:09 (twenty-two years ago)

(+heard)

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 8 February 2003 22:09 (twenty-two years ago)

If you've not bothered to listen to them all the way through, surely that is your answer?

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Saturday, 8 February 2003 22:29 (twenty-two years ago)

Get rid of anything that you don't have a use for on a daily/weekly basis. Even the rarest, most collector-scum enticing shit, can be re-bought back again if you're prepared to put in the legwork and/or pay serious money sometimes. But life's too fucking short to be dicking abt on ebay anyway when you can more than acceptable CD from FOPP/HMV/a charity shop/library sale/a petrol station for not v. much money, and no big deal if you never ever listen to it again...

― Andrew L (Andrew L), Saturday, 8 February 2003 23:54 (twenty-two years ago)

I like The Standard's album, but that may be because they're local boys (and one woman). But put on the last song.

I sold Bowery Electric's VERTIGO and don't regret it for a second.

― doug (doug), Sunday, 9 February 2003 09:58 (twenty-two years ago)

Princess Superstar - Is > should be listened to AGAIN! Kool Keith is ON there!

My pile of rcds I wanna sell is gathering dust. I have even forgotten what's in there.

― nathalie (nathalie), Sunday, 9 February 2003 12:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Don't sell the Costello. 'Specially the Bachrach one. The Heatmiser one...there's a much better Heatmiser album to own, and as far as I can remember, there aren't that many songs on that particular disc....

― Ariel, Sunday, 9 February 2003 13:14 (twenty-two years ago)

the hayden is the only record i know of that lot. and i would definitely keep it. in my collection there would probably be at least ten neil young albums which would have to go before skyscraper national park.

― alex in mainhattan (alex63), Sunday, 9 February 2003 13:15 (twenty-two years ago)

one year passes...

'Adam & Eve' is either the best or second-best C Wheel album, keep it!!!

― John 2, Monday, 23 February 2004 01:28 (twenty-one years ago)

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