Photo: Feng Hai
When I was younger, I did not have a definite plan to start collecting; rather, I had the idea of acquiring all the music released by Jean-Michel Jarre. It began modestly, and through a friend, I first obtained the double vinyl live album Concerts in China in 1985. In 1986, I purchased Zoolook, which had been released two years earlier. Oxygene and Rendez-Vous quickly followed. At that time, record stores and physical releases were what mattered; we were unaware of digital releases. Through the magazine Record Collector, I soon discovered that many singles were available. These 7” singles intrigued me because of their format, and I have always been fascinated by the small record covers of singles.
Collecting records by Jean-Michel Jarre can accommodate most budgets. You can find nice used records at reasonable prices, but some rarer releases can be more expensive. Unfortunately, there are always individuals who buy rare editions to resell at a profit, making it harder for enthusiasts to collect.
Many collectors find joy in the search for elusive records. The excitement of discovering a hidden gem at a thrift store or a record fair can be exhilarating. As one collector noted, "Finding that mispriced, hidden gem just sitting there" is a significant part of the experience. This aspect of collecting fosters a sense of adventure and community among enthusiasts.
I have always enjoyed watching my collection grow. Much of the joy comes from seeing the value increase and comparing prices on Discogs. It is also gratifying to share this interest with others and see what other fans have in their collections. Fortunately, there are instances where fellow Jarre collectors help each other obtain rare releases to resell at retail prices. I have experienced this several times.
For many fans and vinyl enthusiasts, collecting Jarre's records is not just a hobby - it's a passion.
Collecting records is a multifaceted hobby that attracts enthusiasts for various reasons, ranging from the love of music to the thrill of the hunt.
Happy collecting!
Record collectors can be categorized into various types
based on their motivations and collecting styles:
1. The Completist
The Completist is a type of collector who is dedicated to acquiring every release from a particular artist or band. They often feel compelled to obtain all variations, such as color pressings or special editions.
_________
2. The Audiophile
The Audiophile collector is focused on sound quality, audiophiles seek out high-fidelity pressings and rare recordings that offer superior audio experiences.
_________
3. The Casual Collector
The Casual Collector is a collector who enjoys music but do not feel the need to complete entire discographies. They may collect records from artists they like without pursuing every release.
_________
4. The Digger
The Digger is often associated with hip-hop culture, diggers scour record bins for samples and unique sounds to incorporate into their music.
_________
5. The Specialist
The Specialist focuses on specific genres, labels, or themes within their collections, allowing them to develop extensive knowledge in their area of interest.
Essential Albums for Collectors
Start with the Basics: Begin with Jarre's most famous albums before venturing into rarer territory. While every Jarre album has its merits, some albums are considered essential for any serious collection: All studio albums, live albums and compilation albums, preferably French editions.
In general
Use resources like Discogs.com to research different pressings, their rarity, and current market values.
- Original releases and French editions
- Early pressings of albums and singles pre-Oxygene
- First editions are seen as closer to the artist's original intent
- Explore different pressings: Different countries often have unique pressings or packaging. Collecting various editions can be an interesting pursuit.
Different countries and titles
Most collectors prefer the French releases, as these are considered "original" releases, since they come from Jarre's own country and language. The quality of French pressings is also often better than from other countries. French editions sometimes have different titles than most other countries, such as “Les Chants Magnetiques” (Magnetic Fields) and “En attendant Cousteau” (Waiting for Cousteau). Some Spanish releases may have their own title in parentheses, such as “Cantos Magneticos” under Magnetic Fields singles. You can also look at the Argentinian releases of Oxygene and Equinoxe which are called “Oxigeno” and “Equinoccio”.
Different sleeves
Different titles often lead to different sleeves. A collector may be interested in the same record (with the same music) but with a different album cover or sleeve. The same single may come in completely different covers, such as the Scandinavian edition of the single “Equinoxe 5”, where the cover is the same as the album, unlike all other editions. This makes the single collectable and sought after. Other examples include the Japanese singles of Les Granges Brulées and the Chinese editions of “The Concerts in China”.
Rarity and Limited Editions
Several factors contribute to making a record pressing valuable or sought after. Rarity is a key factor in determining a record's value. Limited edition releases on picture discs or colored vinyl, such as the yellow vinyl pressing of "Equinoxe," are popular among collectors.
Other limited edition pressings, especially those with unique characteristics, are highly prized by collectors.
For example:
- Records pressed in small quantities:
- La Cage 7" - Estimated 117 copies (2C 006-11.739 M)
- Oxygene 7-13 LP - Estimated 300 copies (EPC 486984 1)
- Radiophonie series 9, 10 and 12 - 1000 copies
- Electronica Project box - Numbered 1000 copies (88875108352)
- Equinoxe Infinity Remixes (Astralwerks) - Numbered 75 copies (ASW.WL008)
- La Cage 7" - Estimated 117 copies (2C 006-11.739 M)
- Special colored vinyl releases:
- Oxygene LP - Orange vinyl (2933 207)
- Equinoxe LP - Yellow vinyl (FDM 83150)
- Equinoxe LP - Blue vinyl (88843024691)
- Oxygene LP - Blue vinyl (88843024681)
- Equinoxe Infinity LP - Green vinyl (19075876451)
- Oxygene 4 single - Blue vinyl (PPS 491)
- Equinoxe 4 Maxi - Blue vinyl (FDM 16.101)
- Oxygene LP - Orange vinyl (2933 207)
- Test pressings (1 to 10 copies provided to the artist)
For the dedicated collector, certain Jean-Michel Jarre releases are particularly prized:
- Music for Supermarkets(Musique pour Supermarché) (1983): The holy grail for Jarre collectors. Only one copy was ever released, auctioned for around 69,000 francs (approximately $14,000 at the time). Jarre destroyed the master tapes, making this the ultimate rarity.
- Oxygène (Original 1976 Press): First pressings of this groundbreaking album are highly sought after, especially those in excellent condition.
- Deserted Palace (1972): Jarre's first album, released before he gained fame. It's relatively unknown and quite rare.
- Les Granges Brûlées (1973): A soundtrack album that predates Jarre's electronic music career, making it a unique collector's item.
JARRE
COLLABORATIONS
Pre-Oxygene
Albums and singles released before Jarre gained fame in 1976 is sought after and collectable.
- Deserted Palace (1972): Jarre's first album, released before he gained fame. It's relatively unknown and quite rare.
- Les Granges Brûlées (1973):
A full soundtrack album that predates Jarre's electronic music career, making it a unique collector's item. - Les Granges Brûlées (1973): 7” single from the album.
Even reissues of pre-Oxygene albums are collectable. This is because the original releases have been difficult to find, and reissues are a great opportunity to acquire a physical copy, even if it is a reissue. These are often released in limited quantities. Examples of this are Transversaille's reissues of Les Granges Brulees (2023) and Deserted Palace (2025). In addition, there is a test-pressing album of Transversaille's Les Granges Brulees in a very limited quantity.
- La Cage single was written in 1969 but released in 1971 and was Jarre’s first ever released music. The b-side contains Erosmachine. Some say that only 117 copies exist and is naturally a sought-after record. The single also have a library tag on the cover.
- Pop Corn released in 1972 under the pseudonym Jammie Jefferson.
- Ziz Zag Dance released in 1972 under the pseudonym Foggy Joe.
- Cartolina / Helza released in 1974 under the pseudonym 1906.
Musical and lyrical collaborations
Before his breakthrough with Oxygène in December 1976, Jean-Michel Jarre had already carved out a varied career in the French music world. From 1972 he mixed experiments with electronic gear and commercial assignments, gaining experience and funding the synthesizers that would later define his style.
That same year (1972) he collaboratet withe Samuel Hobo, issuing the single Freedom Day and Synthetic Man. Jarre wrote all the music, pointing toward a fusion of rhythm and electronic colour.
He collaborated with the progressive trio Triangle, co-writing Le Matin du Premier Jourand Récréation, and produced the experimental Hypnose (1973) with illusionist Dominique Webb.
For television he created Le Satyricon (1975) for Le Sport en Fête, an idea later reworked in Équinoxe Part V (1978). He even produced jingles, including one for Match TV.
By the mid-’70s Jarre was an in-demand lyricist and composer for established singers. He wrote for Christophe, contributing to the landmark albums Les Paradis perdus (1973) and Les Mots bleus (1974).
For Françoise Hardy, he supplied Que vas-tu faire? and Le compte à reboursin (1975), marrying poetic lyrics with elegant melodies. Singer Gérard Lenorman recorded Jarre’s La Belle et la Bête and La mort du cygne the same year.
His collaboration with Patrick Juvet soon became pivotal, as Jarre co-wrote and produced material that helped shape Juvet’s rise in France’s disco-pop scene. Meanwhile, Jarre’s restless creativity he wrote Jolly Dolly for the one-off rock act Blue Vamp, and composed Lady for Bill and Buster.
Though many of these titles remain little known, they honed Jarre’s songwriting, production, and arrangement skills. They also provided royalties and credibility, bridging his pop sensibility with the electronic landscapes he was developing privately. By the time he composed Oxygène, Jarre had accumulated nearly a decade of songwriting, scoring, and sound experimentation — foundations that turned his 1976 album into a landmark of modern electronic music.
Jarre collaborations:
Here are some of the singles where Jarre has contributed to the production:
- 1972 – Samuel Hobo – Freedom Day / Synthetic Man - (Music by Jarre) France: AZ10776. Italy: AZNP1002 (different sleeve)
- 1973 – Dominique Webb – Hypnose Pt.1 / Hypnose Pt.2 (instrumental) - (Music by Jarre) – MT4043
- 1973 – Patrick Juvet – Toujours du Cinéma / Au Jardin d’Alice - (Lyrics by Jarre) – France: 61833
- 1974 – Bill and Buster – Lady / Sleepy Day Sunshine - (Music by Jarre on Lady) – MT4056
- 1974 – Blue Vamp – Jolly Dolly / L’Esprit de l’Homme (Music by Jarre on Jolly Dolly) – VP59002
- 1974 – Christophe – Les mots Bleus / Le Dernier Des Bevilacqua - (Lyrics by Jarre) – MT4061
- 1974 – Christophe – Senorita / Le temps de Vivre – (Lyrics by Jarre) – MT4058
- 1974 – Christophe – Les Paradis Perdus / Mama – (Lyrics by Jarre) - MT4048
- 1974 - Christophe - L'amour, Toujours L'amour / La Bete - (Lyrics by Jarre - MT4054
- 1975 - Christophe - Petite Fille du Soleil / Le Petit Gars - (Lyrics by Jarre on B-side) - MT4073
- 1975 – Gérard Lenorman – La Belle et la Bête / Marie (Music by Jarre on La Belle…) – CBS3436
- 1975 – Francoise Hardy – Que vas-tu faire? / Le Compte A Rebours - (Music by Jarre) – France:16664 Portugal: NS6396 (different sleeve)
- 1975 - Patrick Juvet - Magic /
J'Ai Peur De La Nuit - (Lyrics by Jarre on Magic)
- 1976 – Patrick Juvet – Faut pas Rêver / L'Enfant Aux Cheveux Blancs – (Lyrics by Jarre) – France: 62228
- 1976 – Patrick Juvet – L’Enfant aux Cheveux Blancs / Faut pas Rêver – (Lyrics by Jarre) – Germany: 36011 (different sleeve)
- 1976 - Christophe - Daisy / Macadam - (Lyrics by Jarre) - 2097209
- 1977 - Christophe - La Dolce Vita / La Melodie - (Lyrics by Jarre) - 2097220
- 1977 – Patrick Juvet – Ou sont les Femmes? / Les Bleus au Cœur - (Lyrics by Jarre) – France: 62298 Spain: 021277/4
- 1977 – Patrick Juvet – Les Bleus au Cœur (single-sided) - (Lyrics by Jarre) - France: HS65 (different sleeve)
- 1977 – Patrick Juvet – Megalomania / Jessica – (Lyrics by Jarre) - 0036027
Promotional Releases and Japanese pressings
Various promotional singles and EPs, often featuring unique mixes or edits, are highly collectible. Examples include the French promo 7" of "Revolutions" and the UK promo 12" of "Zoolook". The “Equinoxe Infinity Remixes» released on Astralwerks is a limited promo edition where only 75 copies exist.
Known for their high-quality pressings and unique packaging (including obi strips), Japanese editions of Jarre's albums are prized by many collectors.
Unique Features and Errors
Records with distinguishing features can be highly valuable:
- Misprinted labels like “Cousteau on the Beach”
- Unique inserts
- Manufacturing errors or misprints like the “Equinoxe” misprint CD where font and image are larger at the right edge of the cover
Autographs and Personalization
Authentic signatures from artists can significantly increase a record's value, especially when accompanied by certificates of authenticity. For collectors, a signature provides a direct and personal link to their favorite artist, adding sentimental and monetary value.
Be cautious when buying signed records, as there are many fraudulent autographs. Always ensure the signature's authenticity before purchasing.
A dedication can be appealing for sentimental reasons or if it's to a notable individual, but for resale, a non-personalized signature is often more desirable.
Condition
The condition of a record significantly impacts its value.
Collectors prioritize:
- Near-mint condition vinyl
- Well-preserved album covers and sleeves
- Intact original inserts or posters
Always check the condition of both the vinyl and the sleeve. When buying valuable items online, consider having the seller provide detailed photos or videos.
To learn how to grade your records, you can refer to Discogs' guide to grading.
Building Your Collection
For those looking to start or expand their Jean-Michel Jarre collection, here are some tips:
Attend Record Fairs: These events can be treasure troves for rare finds and opportunities to connect with other collectors.
Join Collector Communities: Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Jarre or vinyl collecting can be great sources of information and leads on rare items.
Proper storage: Invest in good quality inner sleeves and outer protective sleeves to keep your records in top condition.
Be patient: Building a comprehensive collection takes time. Don't rush to overpay for items; good deals often come to those who wait. It took me more than 30 years to build the collection I have today.
SOURCES TO FIND
JARRE RECORDS
Where do you find your records and what should you look for? What is expensive and what is affordable? A lot depends on how rare the edition is and its condition. To learn how to grade your records, you can refer to Discogs' guide to grading.
Here is an overview of where I frequently find and buy my records.
Discogs
On Discogs, you can post your own collection, create a want list, view other people's collections, and browse a large selection of records for sale. While prices can often be inflated, you might find some good deals. It is a comprehensive database and one of the best resources available; registration is free.
Here is a link to my Discogs profile
eBay
eBay is familiar to most people. By creating a profile, you can watch items and receive reminders about the time left in an auction. The platform offers both new and used items, with options for auctions and fixed prices. You can also set up alerts so that eBay will email you when something specific you are looking for becomes available.
Record fairs
Attending record fairs is a fun experience. You will always encounter people who share your interest in collecting records. Record fairs are held all around the world, so be sure to look for local events in your area. Here is a short list of selected sites:
- https://sites.google.com/site/recordfairsuk
- http://www.irishrecordfairs.com/
- https://www.allgoodcleanrecords.com/record-fairs/
- http://www.platemesser.info/
- https://www.recordplanet.nl/en/platenbeurzen.html
Facebook groups
Use Facebook to find fan pages and groups dedicated to record collecting. The community is growing, but there is still room for more fans and collectors. Users often share their collections with other members.
Your local record shop
Don't forget to use your local record shop. Nice records and rare gems might pop up where you least expect it. And it is important to support small independendt stores. Some local record stores also provide online shopping, but I prefer to give them a visit. Here are my two favorites:
COLLECTABLES
These items are sought after by collectors and are hard to find. They are available, except for Music for Supermarkets, but they are often priced highly.
Music for Supermarkets
The rarest of rare records.
Only one copy exist of this LP.
La Cage / Erosmachine
Jarre's first single. Produced in 1969 but released in 1971. Only 117 copies suppose to exist.
Interior Music
Promo for Bang & Olufsen. Limited to 1000 copies.
Oxygene 7-13 vinyl LP
Original 1997 edition is a rare collectors item. Some say it is limited to 300 copies.
WANTED
Most of these records are considered rare and sought after by collectors. Here are some of the items I am still looking for. Please contact me if you want to sell or trade.
