The Northern Newsletter

Kuching. Borneo. Humid but comfortable, the atmosphere is pleasant while the climate is almost alien compared to my accustomed northern weather. While the evening endorses, I am happily chatting to my good friend JJ. We discuss all things records from rare pressings to classic sleeve covers – it is inevitable that bootleg vinyl will be brought up. Being one of the most widely disputed topics, I am surprised by our similar viewpoints on them and JJ even continuing to cover the many Bob Dylan bootlegs in circulation and even personal favourites. Sharing my own tales of wading through the high tides of counterfeit vinyl, it grows apparent of their positives and negative aspects. 

Inspiring me to ignite this series, in an effort to judge the barbarism or beauty of bootlegs…

Firstly, I am no stranger to bootleg vinyls, every fan of The Smiths will have at least once become acquainted with a ‘bootleg’. With an enormous discography of live performances at their disposal, I am guilty of purchasing my fair share. Secondly, I also must confess I am in support of them – shocking I know. But it is only natural that when you follow The Smiths religiously that you easily desire more, as four studio albums and a handful of compilations fail to compensate. Infectious and fuelled by the sin of addiction, the exposure to something deemed ‘rare’ or ‘collectible’ can quickly hook a listener. I remember the first bootleg I ever purchased was The Smiths live at Aus Der MarkHalle Hamburg 1984 on clear vinyl. Spellbound I whimsically fell to the floor, re-enacting a rendition of Morrissey’s movements in Still Ill as I protested its value as a necessity. My mother later woefully succumbed to my persistence, altering the cause of history – it was no longer like the old days any more. Later, I would see this record in Coventry for a much cheaper price. 

Since then I have spiralled into an inescapable tunnel; experiencing a plethora of the good, the bad and the ugly on vinyl. Fascinated and slightly annoyed by the repetition of releases, I will share my own collection providing some direction to aspiring buyers. While hopefully opening some peoples eyes to the wonder of bootlegs.