I t’s been a longer wait than expected for our feature on The Cure to
manifest in Record Collector, for reasons beyond the control of the
magazine and the story’s writer, the estimable Tim Peacock, formerly of
Sounds. While this (the delay, not Tim working for Sounds) frustrated me,
and doubtless irritated their fans, for which I apologise, it is curiously
appropriate, as the band never quite did what was expected. Their rise to
prominence was somewhat chaotic, and it’s this early period that our feature focuses on. We’ve also
managed to find a unique perspective on their worldwide rarities, thanks to a supercollector from Italy; you
can read more about him in Meet The Team on Page 4.
Elsewhere, you’ll find the ins and outs of the huge haul of Bob Dylan acetates, with word on what
they contained and their provenance straight from the crate digger who unearthed them a month or two
ago. This once-in-a-lifetime discovery takes our understanding of one of the Zim’s most baffling periods
forward leaps and bounds. We speak to Wayne Coyne, leader of The Flaming Lips, a band that has
grown more prolific and cussed as its members have grown older and unwiser.
We peer through Kaleidoscope, aka Fairfield Parlour, and marvel at the psychedelic patterns
twirling therein. Those into straighter rock will find satisfaction with Lita Ford, a woman who has
survived two life-threatening experiences: membership of The Runaways and sharing a vocal
booth with Ozzy Osbourne! And we hear the wise and witty thoughts of one of the most underrated
talents in black music, Little Anthony, who takes us through a career that began in doo-wop and which
has lasted to the present day.
Thank you for reading RC. I hope you have a brilliant month and discover those elusive gems
you’re seeking. Best wishes,
Ian McCann
