The Collection Vault is a sonic time capsule curated from decades of music appreciation.
Here, we unlock the stories behind classic albums from my personal collection — CDs, vinyl, and the memories that shaped them. Each decode explores the music, lyrics, musicians and creative choices that helped shape an album.
The vault has already opened on Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and The Who, among others from one of music's most influential periods — with plenty more still waiting on the shelves.
Beyond the Albums explores recordings that fell outside the original albums, while The Collection Vault Discussions looks more broadly at the artists, audiences and questions surrounding the music.
Whether you're rediscovering an old favourite or hearing an album for the first time, you're invited to listen with context, connection and curiosity.
New episodes weekly. Based entirely on my own collection and decades of listening.
Join the conversation. What's in your vault?
The Collection Vault
A little update on what’s coming to The Collection Vault.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had several episodes of Jethro Tull - Beyond the Albums, together with the Complete Decode of Stand Up.
Going forward, I’m going to spread things out a little more.
Rather than running several episodes from one series together, we’ll alternate between Complete Decodes, Beyond the Albums and The Collection Vault Discussions.
That means each series will continue, just with a little more variety between episodes.
Next up is Jethro Tull - Benefit: The Complete Decode.
What do you think of this approach?
Would you prefer a little more variety between the different series?
There is plenty more waiting in the vault.
3 weeks ago (edited) |[YT] | 1
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The Collection Vault
What's in store for Friday's episode of Beyond the Albums?
There are missing years in our journey through Jethro Tull's music.
We've explored the early singles, Heavy Horses, Stormwatch and Broadsword. But scattered between those chapters are recordings that never became part of the familiar album story.
This Friday, we're going back to fill in The Missing Years.
Beyond the Albums — Episode 6: The Missing Years
Friday, 11 September.
And we're getting very close to the end of our 20 Years of Jethro Tull journey...
1 month ago |[YT] | 1
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The Collection Vault
Beyond the Albums is back.
Tomorrow, Friday 4 September, we return with Episode 5: Broadsword’s Hidden Chapter.
This time, we’re looking beyond The Broadsword and the Beast at the remarkable collection of songs that surrounded the album. Recordings that raise an interesting question:
Just how much more Broadsword was there?
Join me tomorrow as we head back into the vault.
1 month ago |[YT] | 2
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The Collection Vault
This week, we’re taking a little break from the Jethro Tull - Beyond the Albums series.
Instead, we’re asking an important question:
Did Stand Up change everything?
Join us on Friday, 28 August, as we take a complete look at this crucial album and try to answer that question.
And I'd like to hear your views. Did Stand Up mark the moment Jethro Tull became Jethro Tull, or was it simply their second album? Let me know what you think.
1 month ago |[YT] | 3
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The Collection Vault
Can a band survive without its original singer?
It’s one of those questions where there probably isn’t a simple answer.
Does a band remain the same band when the voice at the centre of its music changes?
Or can great songs, musicianship and a shared musical identity carry it forward?
I explore both sides of the question in the latest episode of The Collection Vault Discussions.
What do you think?
Can a band survive without its original singer — or does changing the voice inevitably change the band's identity?
I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts.
2 months ago |[YT] | 0
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The Collection Vault
I've started something a little different on The Collection Vault.
Today marks the first episode of a new fortnightly series called The Collection Vault Discussions. Rather than decoding a specific album, these videos explore some of the bigger questions surrounding the music and the artists we enjoy.
Our first discussion asks a simple question...
Do musicians ever really retire?
Should artists continue performing for as long as they still enjoy it? Or is there a point where stepping away becomes the right decision?
There isn't a right or wrong answer, and that's exactly why I thought it would make an interesting discussion.
I'd really enjoy hearing your thoughts in the comments, both here and on the video.
As always, thank you for being part of The Collection Vault.
2 months ago |[YT] | 1
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The Collection Vault
This week’s decode: Machine Head by Deep Purple.
We’re opening a new chapter while continuing our journey with Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson. Just a brief pause as we add a new flavor to the channel. Excited to share this next step with you all.
5 months ago |[YT] | 1
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The Collection Vault
Interesting results so far in the poll, and some great suggestions in the comments too. It’s still early days, so every vote counts. If you haven’t voted yet, now’s the time. You’re helping decide the next full decode series.
5 months ago |[YT] | 1
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The Collection Vault
Which band should I decode next in a full album series?
Make your choice in the poll (190) Poll from The Collection Vault - YouTube to assist me with deciding.
Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson albums are still being decoded, however I’m preparing the next full album journey for the channel.
I’ve already started first-decode research for several bands I grew up with.
Now I’d like your input.
Which artist should become the next full decode series?
Every band listed will eventually be covered, the poll will simply decide what comes next.
If your preferred artist is not listed, suggest them in the comments.
5 months ago |[YT] | 2
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The Collection Vault
Which band should I decode next in a full album series? If your preferred artist is not listed, suggest them in the comments. Choices show artist and first decode album.
5 months ago |[YT] | 2
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