Record Collector (magazine)

Record Collector (magazine)
source
Title	Record Collector
Frequency	Monthly
Category	Music magazine
Company	Diamond Publishing
Firstdate	1979
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Record Collector (magazine) is a British monthly periodical devoted to the documentation, valuation, and appreciation of collectible recorded music. The magazine covers vinyl records, compact discs, cassette tapes, and related memorabilia tied to popular artists, historic labels, and music collectors. It combines market guides, artist discographies, auction reports, and archival interviews to serve collectors, dealers, archivists, and historians.

History

Founded in 1979 by Ian A. Anderson, Peter Moore, and Roy Williams, the magazine emerged amid a revival of interest in vinyl collecting driven by enthusiasts of The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Frank Zappa. Early issues chronicled rare pressings from Motown Records, Atlantic Records, Island Records, Stax Records, and Sun Studio sessions, while documenting reissues by Rhino Records and Cherry Red Records. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s the publication tracked the rise of compact disc reissues by Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group, and covered niche scenes linked to Punk rock, Prog rock, Soul music, Jazz, and Folk music. Editorial shifts paralleled industry changes such as the CD boom, the growth of auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's, and the resurgence of vinyl in the 21st century with pressing plants like GZ Media and campaigns by Record Store Day. Ownership and distribution evolved, with periods under independent stewardship and later partnerships affecting circulation, editorial focus, and digital presence.

Content and Features

Regular features include price guides for releases by artists such as The Smiths, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Who; in-depth discographies of labels including Blue Note Records, ECM Records, Factory Records, and RCA Victor; and collecting advice for items like original sleeves from The Velvet Underground, promo copies linked to The Clash, and acetate demos by Brian Wilson. The magazine publishes exclusive interviews with musicians and producers such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Kate Bush, Brian Eno, and Phil Spector; investigative pieces on bootlegs and counterfeit runs tied to Bootleg Records cases; and market analyses referencing auction results involving lots related to Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Columns cover grading and preservation techniques referencing archival standards used by institutions like the British Library and auction practices mirrored by Bonhams; readers' letters and classifieds connect collectors of artefacts associated with David Crosby, George Harrison, Tom Waits, and Joni Mitchell.

Publication and Distribution

Originally a small-format fanzine printed in the United Kingdom, the magazine expanded to full-size newsstand distribution with ISBN indexing and periodic special editions. Distribution channels included UK retailers, specialty music shops such as Rough Trade, international subscriptions reaching readers in the United States, Japan, Australia, and continental Europe, and partnerships with record fairs like Record Collector Fair and conventions organized by entities like Discogs community meet-ups. The periodical adapted to digital change with an online archive, newsletter offerings, and social media engagement alongside print runs produced in London and regional printing facilities. Circulation numbers fluctuated with market cycles tied to vinyl resurgences and broader trends monitored by firms such as British Phonographic Industry.

Contributors and Editorial Staff

The magazine has featured contributions from collectors, musicologists, and journalists including writers associated with NME, Melody Maker, Rolling Stone, Mojo (magazine), and Uncut (magazine). Notable past editors and contributors have researched subjects like Elvis Costello, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, Roxy Music, and Beck, and collaborated with archivists from Abbey Road Studios and curators from institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. Freelance discographers, price analysts, and auction specialists provide market columns, while photography credits often include images from estates of Anton Corbijn and collections tied to Gerard Malanga. Editorial teams manage classifieds, review reissues from labels like Analogue Productions and Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, and curate features on collectors of memorabilia linked to Madonna, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, and Frank Sinatra.

Influence and Reception

The magazine is cited by dealers, collectors, and researchers for its authoritative price guides and discographical detail on acts ranging from The Byrds and Traffic to Patti Smith and Sonic Youth. It influenced secondary markets by affecting demand for rare pressings, contributing to scholarly work on popular music alongside publications such as Popular Music (journal) and Journal of the Royal Musical Association. Industry recognition came via mentions in mainstream outlets like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC Radio 4 features, and the magazine's reviews and reporting have impacted reissue campaigns by Rhino Entertainment and Edsel Records. Collectors and academics cite its investigative articles when tracing provenance for items linked to Frank Zappa, Rudolf Nureyev, Scott Walker, and Glenn Gould.

Special Issues and Awards

The magazine publishes themed specials and anniversary editions focused on landmark artists and genres—examples include tributes to The Beatles Anthology, retrospectives on Psychedelic rock, and boxed-set buyer's guides for reissues by Capitol Records and Island Records. It has organized and sponsored collecting awards and recognition programs for dealers and restorers, and curated lists ranking rare releases from The Velvet Underground & Nico to obscure 7-inch singles by Buzzcocks and The Stooges. Occasional collaborative projects have produced definitive discographies and price manuals used by auction houses and libraries, and the magazine's special editions serve as reference works for collectors of material associated with Dusty Springfield, Scott Walker, Siouxsie Sioux, and Iggy Pop.

Category:Music magazines published in the United Kingdom