The Best of Both Worlds?
Did you read/remember seeing Discogs article about the 9 distinct types of records collectors? {If you haven’t you should. Even just to see what type(s) describe your digging}. I’m mostly: 1,2, and 8. Sometimes: 3 & 6. A little bit: 7 when I can.
This album begs me to focus on type 6 from their list… the 'Archivist’. They defined this character as “Preserving a culture” continuing on in identifying; “You collect records to preserve musical cultures and keep them alive for posterity, you're a steward and a resource of these artifacts and their stories. Your record collection is a reference library for future generations.”
Van Halen
5150
Club Edition, SRC pressing (sealed / no barcode)
Warner Brothers 3/24/86
Having found my copy during December it reminds me of those big gift giving holidays/ celebrations. Everybody's blood is pumping to rip open presents, unwrap paper & ribbon, and tear packages apart. Well, have a look at this *39-year-old airtight gift right here!! (* in 2025)
If there’s a true ‘Archivist’ out there, what are your thoughts on leaving records sealed? Stewarding the artifact? Keeping something for posterity's sake?
...OK I'm probably, definitely, …well maybe going to open this ...because records are meant to be played, right?!?
My adrenaline is going even considering breaking the seal; although I already know (or maybe because I know) the songs that await to be spun. Of course there’s always excitement of cutting the wrapper, the smell, dropping the needle, the crackle from my speakers for that first play. Now couple that with the turning point this album marks for the band. If my ‘library is a reference for future generations’ a permanent record must be made documenting the changes here, I mean it is Sammy Hagar! Although there is no mistaking Eddie, Alex, and Michael as a band the sound is different, maybe grown up a little.
-Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review discusses the new found seriousness, this outing is not meant to be funny, but played right down the middle clearly separating themselves from Diamond Dave. No fear of synthesizers we get power ballads and some straight up rockers and the metallic guitar sounds we expect. But really referencing the tighter, leaner, and more disciplined (maybe even more responsible) writing.
…But ohhh I just can't seem to rush slicing into this one, I’m a preservationist, right? It's lived for so long in its untouched, virgin like state.
What's the oldest sealed record you've opened?
I might have to throw a party here, are you free on March 24th 2026 / the 40th anniversary? We could make it a special event. The kids do un-boxing videos, yeah?
…If only I could have the best of both worlds. #parkersplaylist debating if and when to open my sealed copy of this first Van Hagar album; 5150.