Stuart Free

Today I had the pleasure of browsing the vinyl vaults at Audio Gold in search of fine records to fill my recommendations box with.

What fun. I had such a great day with the staff and also helped a few collectors with their requests. From 60’s psychedelia to UK folk, from Reggae to US soul, I found a plethora of beautiful music, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cream, Pink Floyd, Sandy Denny, Doobie Brothers, Velvet Underground, Bob Marley, Alton Ellis, Michael Hurley, the beat goes on and on. I’ve selected a box of good vibes and treats for both new visitors to the shop and discerning collectors alike.

Congratulations to Audio Gold on being my favourite North London Hi-Fi and vinyl store. Their service and friendliness is so refreshing in today’s stormy economic climate, they prove that whatever budget one has, you can always find quality and good value on their shelves. London is an amazing city for finding wicked boutique shops, Audio Gold is a reward for those of us looking for that illusive treasure at the end of the rainbow.
Local Artist, famed of Hornsey Road Baths, and lifelong record collecting supremo, Stuart Free .

 

See Stuarts work at www.stuartfree.com 

Here’s what Stuart picked out for his box.

Stuart Free’s Record crate

The Wailers – Burnin What an LP!As good as it gets, in a way more reggae than “catch a fire” – Skanky! Love it!

Crosby, Stills & Nash Seminal LP from CSN, their most fulfilling recording full stop!

Doobie Brothers – The Captain & Me “The Long train running”, what a tune! Americana grooving away, and what an LP cover, Flyover Vs Horsepower!

The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds Oh my life, the most beautiful LP ever? Well for me this could be just that. “Caroline No”, lament to our first love?

Gong – Flying Teapot David Allen flies high with the Canterbury Crew. Get some mushrooms and a bong and check it out!

Pink Floyd – Dark Side of The Moon With 2 posters & 2 stickers. Beautiful copy of THE LP. Near Mint, Sublime!

Jimi Hendrix – Electric Ladyland Beautiful record, sensual cover, music to float away to on that “rainy day”

Bruce Springsteen – Greetings from Ashbury Park Early E Street Band. Funky, Beautiful & the boss on fire!

Sandy Denny – The North Star Grassman & The Ravens £20 Our Queen of UK folk, ex fairport convention. “Late November” listen & melt away.

Michael Hurley & Pals – Armchair Boogie If you are not familiar with Michael Hurley, do yourself a favour! “Oh The Werewolf” Jack Kerouac Hobo blues. Wonderful!

Marcia Griffiths – Sweet Bitter Love Love reggae, love Marcia. Bit worn, but original orange label Trojan.

Jimi Hendrix – What I’d Say Unusual MFP recording. “Driving South” is Hendrix on a roots journey, with legend “Curtis Knight”

Richie Havens Mixed Bag For me, his best LP. It flows like a fast river, its raw, real & beautiful. Every track is amazing. Trip down memory lane x

Cream Wheels of Fire When Cream recorded this just after Disraeli Gears, they were blowing Jimi Hendrix out of the picture. ESSENTIAL.

Credence Clearwater Revival – Suzie Q “Put a spell on you” It doesn’t get better than this. 60s country, psychedelia, wicked!

The Upsetters – Super Ape Slightly battered but original copy of Lee Perry on the Juice. The “Black Ark” on Fire!! Don’t sleep!

Massive Attack – Blue Lines Lovely copy of their 1st LP. Classic, influenced a generation. Such a strong record, essential

John & Beverly Martyn The late, great John Martyn. “Sweet Honest”, divine. If you love Island Recordsfolk this is a must!

Van Morrison – Astral Weeks Recorded with jazz funk supremos. Just beautiful, esoteric, check the vibes on “Young Lovers Do”. Whole LP is ace!

The Best Of Canned Heat “Going up The Country”, “Amphetamine Annie”, “Sic Em Pigs” US country meets psychedelia – ACE!

Elvis Costello – Blue Listen to this, start to finish, it is beautiful. ‘Good year for the Roses” is the best song ever, ladies love it too xx

Ian Dury – New Boots & Panties Our favourite troubadour tells tales of Billericay Dickie & Clever Trevor. UK FUNK!

Alton Ellis – Mr Jamaica If you love rocksteady & soul you will adore Alton. He is sweet like honey

John Coltrane – Lush Life Sit back, cup of coffee, Sunday morning, love life 7 feel like Jack Kerouac. Perfect.

The Paragons Rocksteady, Duke Reid style. The tide is high, wicked!

Michael Jacko – Thriller Come on “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, “wanna be starting something” AMAZING LP!

The Velvet Underground – Loaded Lou Reed as a cool young man, when sound was lo-fi and found one’s soul

David Bowie – Young Americans Recorded with John Lennon, Earl Slick, Luther Vandross, Willy Weeks. Period Soul, funk. “Somebody up there likes me”

Steve Miller Band – Fly like an Eagle. Seminal Steve Miller, “The Window”, “You Send Me”, “Wild Mountain Honey”, “Fly like an Eagle” – SUBLIME TUNES