Build your Music Collection – vintage edition #1

It is all very well being on the cutting edge, using your rapier like insight to the music industry to mine the zeitgeist and choose music based on what is truly hot, but if you have the best new MP3 player (or an alternative)– you will want to kit it out with the best music of all time – from when new music meant slabs of vinyl, purchased with reverence from a record shop.

Don’t take my work for it, click the links to view of these classic discographies that everyone should own at least some part of:

• Elvis Costello – from punky new-wave in 1977, through country, opera, classical and perfect collaborations – this seminal songwriter has delivered every single time. My favourites : Armed Forces, The Juliet Letters and Blood and Chocolate.
• David Bowie – a constant thread in the influences of major musicians for the last 40+ years – from his mod background in the late sixties, through to experimental albums at the turn of the century. My recommendations : Heroes, Low and Heathen.
• Kraftwerk – The originators, influencers and sometimes inventors of electronica – their contribution to music today must not be overlooked. My favourites : Trans Europe-Express, Tour de France Soundtracks and Autobahn.

What would your building blocks be for the perfect music collection?