Metamatic Forums Socialising The Green Room Music that's hard to come by

Ever had trouble getting the music you want? Last week I attempted to source the Mesh album Who Watches Over Me? on CD. I foolishly thought - studio album, not that old - no problem. Wrong!

First stop was the Mesh store. Marked as 'Out Of Stock' I gave them a bell. I think I was probably talking to one of their relatives - "I think it is obsolete, but I will ask the boys tonight" . No joy there.

I then began searching the usual suspects: Play, music non-stop, Amazon UK, USA, & most of Europe, and a host of specialised sites. Even tried E-bay world-wide. Nothing bar a few silly priced examples.

Then finally, many pages into a search on goodness knows what, I got a hit on Amazon Canada. A new copy! It was almost like finding something special in a real shop

Set me back £20 mind and now I have to wait 7 weeks for it I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

< now braces himself for the reply pointing out that it is available for half the money on some site I should have know about - with immediate delivery >

I know that feeling,I have an Amazon France account, usually find hard to come by albums on there,shipping is quicker than USA too.

I've been after the Fon Mixes (Art Of Noise) for ages I could only find vinyl, just picked up the CD on eBay for £7 only to find it on play.com and Amazon cheaper, Just like buses!

Try Discogs Marketplace

http://www.discogs.com/sell/list?master_id=6388&ev=mb

One seller there with feedback of 100% from 169 people (cost 10 euros). A few promo copies for sale as well.

I'll also have a look to seek if I have a duplicate copy at home.

Mesh albums are difficult to come by. I used to get them from Music Nonstop or Mesh's own webshop, which seems to have vanished.

John Foxx albums used to be VERY difficult to come by!

Thanks very much for the info. Having failed to find a new copy anywhere, I took the plunge over the weekend and bought a used copy from Amazon Germany. I never thought to look on Discogs

I paid 10.99 Euros + 6 euros delivery which is a bit more than some sellers on Discogs but never mind.

Hello Mike,

I've bought one or two things from discogs and I've been completely satisfied.

If I may, I'd like to explain to you, (and anyone who cares to read) the situation regarding online shops and deleted CD's.

I have to warn my own customers who contact me trying to get deleted items from Toffeetones that there are many shops out there that advertise our deleted CD's for sale but...

What happens is that as soon as they get an order in, they contact our sales team and request a copy from us. We then tell them the item is out of stock and will not be repressed and so they then tell the customer (after taking their money) that they can't supply, (as above).

Sometimes they keep their customers hanging on for weeks, all the while earning interest from your payment.

The facts are: most online retailers do not actually carry stock from small independent labels. They request it to fulfil any order they receive.

My advice is if you've contacted the band/label directly and they have told you it's out of print, then your only option is to buy from high street retailers off the shelf (if they have it - don't let them order it for you), or to try second hand through eBay or discogs.com.

Shaun