First Vinyl Records: A Sentimental Journey
First-Time Vinyl Experiences - Share Your Tale of Discovering Music on a Record for the First Time
Ever wondered what was the first record you ever bought? Well, we did, so we asked our beloved customers to share their stories about their very first vinyl records. Brace yourself for some nostalgic trips down memory lane!
Paul's Waterloo Sunset
The Kinks' Waterloo Sunset was Paul's pick. He bought it at his local Co-Op when he was around 8 or 9 years old. His nanny took him shopping with her and was captivated by the music playing in the record department. The adorable little boy head-bopping to the beat was enough to make her buy him the record. It means the world to him today, a testament to the power of first impressions!
Curse's Moonlit Serenade
Curse's first record was Under the Moon of Love by Showaddywaddy. Purchased at Woolworths in 1976 when he was 6, this tune was already a staple at his local youth club. With a vast collection of music from his parents' generation, it was a natural fit. To this day, he cherishes the Beatles, Stones, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Hollies, and many other 45s he's managed to hold on to.
John's Musical Musselburgh Tale
In the early 70s, John bought The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Soundtrack from Woolworths in Musselburgh. The story behind this purchase is simply marvelous. After returning a stray golden Labrador to the police station, they gave him a £1 reward. With his share, he bought the vinyl record. A perfect illustration of how one man's lost puppy can lead to cherished music!
Paul's Nineties Tears
Paul remembers buying 96 Tears by Question Mark and the Mysterians from Rediffusion Nottingham when he was 14. This single still holds a special place in his heart, always playing on his jukebox.
Graham's T Rex Tune
When Graham was 13, he purchased Ride a White Swan by T Rex from Ainley's Leicester. The unique, exotic sound of this song captured his imagination. Years later, he had the opportunity to witness T Rex live, an unforgettable event he describes as pure entertainment.
Ged's Freddie & The Dreamers' Gift
Ged's first record was You Were Made For Me by Freddie & The Dreamers. This song was a gift from his auntie when he was 11. Although it wasn't the Beatles single he initially wanted, he's kept it and even had a chance encounter with Freddie Garrity himself. They shared a laugh over the mix-up, turning an unexpected gift into a treasured memory.
James' Telstar Travels
James bought Something Here In My Heart by Paper Dolls when he was around 6 or 7 years old. He recalls the excitement of saving up his pocket money to buy the record at Woolwich, South East London's Woolworths. He still owns this record and recently even purchased the original LP it came from, a testament to his enduring passion for vinyl.
Tom's Beatles' Gift
Tom received Let It Be by The Beatles as a gift when he turned 18. This special encounter happened on trips up to Manchester to watch football matches. To this day, he cherishes this record, a memorable gift that brings back fond memories of his youth.
Holly's fun. Beginnings
When Holly was 14 or 15, she bought Aim & Ignite, the debut album by the American rock band fun. This album, released in 2009, became especially valuable later on. The fourth side of the LP is etched with a picture of the band's members, and the top value for this pressing on Discogs is nearly £250. Although she has no intention of selling it, she's more than happy to own and display this remarkable piece of vinyl history.
Moonbarman's Jethro Tull Journey
Moonbarman's first record was Ring Out, Solstice Bells by Jethro Tull, which he bought from Woolies when he was about 12. The progressive folk rock sound of this album holds a special place in his heart and brings back great memories of Christmas. Despite losing his original copy, he replaced it and has seen Jethro Tull play numerous times over the years.
Sam's Periphery Passion
Sam's first record was Juggernaut Alpha by Periphery. He purchased it online as a 21st birthday gift. A passionate fan of the band, he loves the unique artwork that comes with the vinyl edition.
The Shadows' Echoes
In 1961, Richard bought The Shadows from the Golden Disc in Oldham. This instrumental group's music resonated deeply with him, and he still keeps his collection of albums and singles to this day. Despite not having had the opportunity to see them live, their music has undoubtedly played a significant role in his life.
Dig Deeper
For more insight into the world of vinyl, explore our articles about a day in the life of an Atlas Records Record Expert and David Bowie's favorite albums. Sharing your own first record story is just a comment away—let's keep the memories alive!
Did you know that iconic debut albums and enduring early releases by bands like Fleetwood Mac, Hozier, The Stone Roses, and Guns N' Roses often serve as cherished first records among vinyl collectors due to their timeless quality, emotional resonance, and the rich listening experience vinyl provides? These albums, as well as legendary releases like Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, and Led Zeppelin IV, are frequently purchased as first records for new vinyl enthusiasts. These staples of vinyl culture captivate collectors and music fans with their musical impact, collectability, and historical significance.
Paul first bought The Kinks' Waterloo Sunset and Sam obtained Juggernaut Alpha by Periphery as their initial vinyl records. Ged received You Were Made For Me by Freddie & The Dreamers as a gift, while Richard's first vinyl was The Shadows from the Golden Disc. James purchased Something Here In My Heart by Paper Dolls at Woolwich, South East London's Woolworths. Among iconic debut albums, Fleetwood Mac's, Hozier's, The Stone Roses', and Guns N' Roses' first releases are frequently chosen as cherished first records by vinyl collectors.
