Rare and Collectible - Decca and Deram Nova Series

All records are collectible though some are sometimes more unusual than others. Recently a client contacted me wishing to sell their record collection. A large collection with a mixture of pop, rock, folk and heavy metal. We visited and talked through the collection, appraising and discussing the artists and records.

Within the collection a few records stood out. Not regularly seen a handful of Nova Series records in well stored and near perfect condition.

The Nova series was released by Decca and Deram records. Starting in 1969 both labels were attempting to give exposure to bands outside of the mainstream. Releases spanned jazz, progressive rock, and folk rock genres. Releasing twenty two albums the label series ran for one year only, folding in 1970.

Today many of these albums are in demand particularly the self titled debut release from the cult folk artist Bill Fay. A personal favourite, it is an album of lush bucolic folk pop which later drew comparisons with Nick Drake. Though achieving limited success at the time, it re-emerged in the 1990s with reissues, gathered a new audience, and led to Bill Fay building a cult like status.

And the enduring appeal of the albums on this series is shaped by the fact they were obscure, had a limited time for release and sale, and although hard to find, when you do, you come across music you may have not yet encountered.

Some lovely, unusual and rare records available to buy in our record store.