A flexi disc and a regular record player: a compatible duo?
Playing Flexi Discs: A Guide
Ever wondered if you can play that old, flimsy vinyl disc on your regular record player? Well, you can! Flexi discs, a type of vinyl record that's flexible and thin, are more accessible than ever.
To get the most out of your flexi disc, you'll need a turntable with a stylus designed for playing vinyl records. Make sure your player is set to the correct speed, usually either 33 1⁄3 RPM or 45 RPM. Remember, flexi discs are delicate, so handle them with care to prevent unwanted damage.
While flexi discs may not provide top-tier audio quality, they can be a fabulous addition to your collection. However, older turntables may struggle with their thinness, so make sure your player is compatible before spinning up.
Here's a fun trick: if your record or stylus slips during playback, plonk a heavy coin onto the record label. Voilà! Now, let's explore some fascinating flexi discs you shouldn't miss.
Flexi Finds to Add to Your Collection
1 - The Beatles Christmas Records (1963-1969)
Imagine receiving exclusive vinyl records as a Christmas gift from The Beatles themselves! Fan club Christmas records featured music, skits, and general shenanigans, offering an intimate, informal glimpse into the Fab Four's world. These recordings continued until 1969.
2 - New Order - Merry Xmas from The Haçienda and Factory Records (1982)
Hailing from the infamous Haçienda nightclub in Manchester, this limited-edition flexi disc captured the essence of Factory Records' iconic scene. A place where music legends were born and acid house culture thrived, The Haçienda remains an integral part of the Manchester music scene.
3 - The New Seekers - “Нью Сикерс” В Москве (1981)
Made by the Soviet Union's major record label, Melodiya, this blue flexi disc is an intriguing snapshot of music from a different era. It showcases how Western music was permitted to circulate in a controlled environment during the Soviet Union's existence.
Boost your flexi disc knowledge with a dive into Roentgenizdat or "Bone Records." These homemade or underground recordings emerged from ardent Soviet music enthusiasts hoping to share the forbidden sounds of the West.
4 - The Psychedelic Furs - Dumb Waiters - Flexi Sleeve - 1981
Recent discovery, this unique vinyl release features excerpts from the band's upcoming album "Talk Talk Talk." The flexi disc is laminated to the front of the sleeve, mimicking the oldest flexi discs, which were often sent as postcards!
5 - Los Negativos / Ricky Amigos - Moscas Y Arañas / Loco Loquito - 1986
This split single features two artists, Los Negativos (a Spanish rock band) and Ricky Amigos (a French flamenco-rock & rumba n'roll band). Split singles are a great way to experience new artists and genres within a genre scene or label.
6 - Joy Division - Komakino - 1980
Did you know Joy Division released a record labeled "FREE?" With 75,000 copies pressed and the sides adorned with "This is a free record" and "This record should not have cost you anything, wherever or however it was obtained," these records are true collectors' treasures.
7 - XTC - Looking For Footprints - 1982
Boasting the vibrant hue of red, this flexi disc by XTC was included with issue 16 of Flexipop Magazine. This magical publication was known for its innovative use of flexi-discs, releasing exclusive tracks, interviews, and skits with artists like The Jam, Adam and The Ants, Blondie, and more.
8 - Toyah - Sphinx / For You - 1981
Flexipop lovers, unite! This rare vinyl find by Toyah includes the hilarious advice "Place coin here if flexible record slips" printed directly on the record. Flexipop flexi-discs featured exclusive content and proved a significant draw for fans.
9 - Elvis Presley - AFN Broadcast 1960 - 1983
Experience Elvis Presley's AFN Broadcast in 1960, a series of radio broadcasts aimed at boosting American troops' morale while stationed overseas. These broadcasts included exclusive performances, interviews, and insight into a pivotal period in Elvis's career.
10 - Various - Happy Christmas from The Stars - 1982
Hailing from Smash Hits Magazine, this flexi disc includes stars like ABBA, Bucks Fizz, Culture Club, Duran Duran, Madness, The Jam, The Police, and more. Grab a copy and add some Christmas cheer to your flexi disc collection!
Up next: Rarest Vinyl Records - Discover some gem releases that every record collector dreams of snagging!
Keep your smartphone handy to capture quick audio clips of your favorite tunes directly from rare and interesting flexi discs.
Consider adding cutting-edge smartphone gadgets designed for high-quality recordings to your collection, ensuring you don't miss a beat from your treasured flexi finds.
