Recently, in my quest to find only the best for Esprit, I've often made... shall we say... some incorrect decisions. In the heat of the moment, I've purchased items that, in retrospect, probably were not the best buy for Esprit. When this happens, instead of sitting there, shrugging and absorbing the cost, I try to find whatever methods possible to move the item again. One way that I've found useful is via Ebay. Not only do some items move again at a remarkable price (and I realise I should've sold them for higher), but others refuse to move at all. But where I tend to get my fun is with the descriptions that I like to put together with them, which, for a little while there, gave me some form of bizarre stress relief at the end of each day. And so now, for your viewing pleasure, a trip down some of my recent Ebay Auctions.
Item: KYLIE MINOGUE – 'Got To Be Certain' Australian 7"
You are bidding on an Australian Mushroom 7" single for Kylie Minogue's Got To Be Certain. And aptly titled it is too, as you should be certain before you place a bid for this item. 'Why?', I hear you enquire in curious tones. Because, being totally honest, the quality of this 7" single lies in the grooves and not in the packaging in this instance. The cover is showing signs of ring wear (oh-er!) and cover rub (OH-ER!), so if you're after excellent to mint, this isn't it. It is, however, in fairly good condition, and you can still make out that it is Kylie on the front. The picture below is a scan of the actual single, so that should give you an idea. The vinyl itself is in far better condition and most turntables should rejoice at the experience.
Want it? Well, i'll make it easier by starting the bidding low so it isn't too much of a financial burden. It is limited edition (what Mushroom release from the 80's wasn't though?) and carries the cat K571. It may be wise to view this as a 'filler' in the collection until a better one comes along, and then give it to your niece, or cousin, or that cute boy you've been wanting to find a reason to talk to. He'll like it too. See, it is a multi-purposed release after all. Selling price: AUS$1
Item: GLORIA ESTEFAN - 'Can't Stay Away From You' Limited Edition Australian 7"
You are bidding on a limited edition poster bag of Gloria Estefan's 'Can't Stay Away From You'. But this single has a dark secret that it needs to share in advance. However, don't stress; it's not like it's Miriam or anything. It is, however, very much pre-loved, and the vinyl is suffering from many scratches which could effect the playing surface (I haven't listened to it myself). Summary; if you're bidding, you're bidding for the poster and not for the vinyl, unless you wish to use it as 'filler' in your collection until you find a better quality copy.
Now that this shameful secret is out of the way, you're free to consider if this is the copy destined for your home or not. Email me if you have any questions and i'll honestly answer them, but how could you not look into Gloria's smouldering eyes on the cover (even if she does call us a 'bag') and not long for her to be with you. I struggle at the best of times too. We are, after all, only human. So, while the vinyl might be jumping more than a mosher at a Linkin Park concert, the poster could warm the cockles of your heart for the right price. Selling price: AUS$1
Item: PINK FLOYD - 'Learning To Fly' Australian 7"
Up for grabs is a copy of the Pink Floyd single, Learning To Fly, taken from their album A Momentary Lapse Of Reason (story of my life!). Both the cover and the vinyl are in the 'very much loved' category, with the cover showing signs of age and creasing, and the vinyl definitely having seen better days. However, for those collecting Pink Floyd and keen to have a 'fill in' of this title until a better copy comes along, then i've kept the price on this item very low to compensate for the short comings of the actual item. Bottom line, if you want a mint or near mint copy, then this isn't it. If you can live with one that has seen better days, then you're welcome to bid. One last issue that needs to be pointed out is the fact that the single contains two black texture marks on the b-side label (Terminal Frost). I've been upfront and honest; now it's your turn to decide if this is something worth spending a couple of bucks on. Selling price: AUS$1
Item: NICK CAVE - 'The Weeping Song' Australian 7"
Nick Cave; the undisputed king of darkness on the world music stage. Fascination with the darker side of life, or just an awareness that black is very slimming? The answer is irrelevant for this auction. But before we spin too much down an existential spiral of self worth, let's discuss the worth of this Australian 7" single by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, 'The Weeping Song'. Firstly, the cover - showing some slight signs of age, some slight ring wear and rubbing... but nothing too severe. The vinyl - has some light scratches but nothing that should effect the playing (although i've not played this to confirm, but will on request - prozac optional). Want it? Why not! I've kept the price fairly low due to it's lack of mint-ed-ness (is that a word?), so why not get all impulsive and go for it. Besides, if the quality of the item doesn't make you miserable, then hopefully the song will. Enjoy! Selling price: AUS$2.25
Item: MARIAH CAREY Australian CD Singles
You're bidding on two Australian singles by the glitterlicious Mariah Carey. Featured here are 'Anytime You Need a Friend' and 'Fantasy'; both in pre-loved but still with plenty of love to give condition. The 'Anytime' single, featuring a wistful Carey looking skywards in blissful reassurance features 4 mixes, including one by 90's dance outfit C&C Music Factory. 'Fantasy', featuring a wella-woman Carey cover, features five mixes, mostly with Bad Boy. If you don't have them, how can you live anymore without them? I may not, but i'm willing to make that sacrifice for real Carey fans out there. Cheap price, so feel free to bid without breaking the budget. And email me any questions, words of wisdom, or messages of support for my impending seperation from these two timeless classics. Selling price: AUS$46 (and 17 bids!!)
Item: GLORIA ESTEFAN - 'Turn The Beat Around' US CD Single
You are bidding on a copy of latin superstar Gloria Estefan's single, 'Turn The Beat Around'. This US pressing features six mixes that are so amazing, my hips have still not ceased from grooving to that crazy congo beat, even though I turned the single off well over an hour ago. Included is the 7", a couple of Def mixes, a Damien mix (note: not the same Damien from 'The Omen'), plus the rather impossibly titled 'Turn The Bass Around Mix'. Damn strait! Taken from the highly memorable film 'The Specialist', you too could own this piece of pop iconery at a fraction of the price anywhere else would want you to pay. Both the disc and cover are in excellent condition and will bring joy, laughter, merriment and a sense of contentment to your life. Priced low to go! (You have to love 90's sales catch phrases). Don't let this one slip away. Selling price: AUS$2
Item: KYLIE MINOGUE CD singles
You are bidding on a copy of Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue's single 'Your Disco Needs You'. This German pressing features the UK album version, German Almighty radio edit, UK Almighty Remix and German album version. Featuring the world famous saucy temptress on the cover, this is a must have item for every Kylie fan (it must be true - it's underlined to reinforce it!), and considering it's limited (ohh, italics!) release, is one of the more harder singles to track down. As an added incentive, i'll also throw in a copy of 'Where Is The Feeling?'. However, perhaps this version should be retitled 'Where Is The Cover?', as sadly, one is missing. However, one should not look the Ebay gift horse in the mouth, and since this is being thrown in as a good will gesture, you should clap your hands excitedly and do a form of happy dance to celebrate this spontaneous gesture of generosity. *clap clap* - well done. Both are in excellent condition, even if one is missing a cover, and will continue to radiate Minogue goodness for many years to come. CBC! (click - bid - clap) It's as easy as that! Selling price: US$4.25
Item: CHER & PETER CETERA - 'After All' Australian 7" single
The outfits... the wigs... the attitude... the never ending final tour... but enough about Peter Cetera; let's talk about Cher! We have one Australian pressing of the wonderful Cher and Peter Cetera duet 'After All', the haunting theme from the film 'Chances Are' up for grabs. It's 7 inches of black vinyl pleasure and it could be yours if you win this auction. Let's talk shop first though... the cover is actually in rather lovely condition with only a few light marks. The vinyl, however, does have some light scratches which could effect playing, although I haven't played this copy to verify it. But, if you email and ask nicely, I will (Hell, i'll even sing along, record it, and send the tape along with the single if you ask kindly enough provided it doesn't break international copyright laws...) Any questions, feel free to get clicky and send them to me, and i'll answer asap. That's about it really... i'm off to fling silver tinsel over my head, swing from the potplant holders and perform my own rendition of Believe... Selling price: didn't sell.
