Photo: Eddy Brière

COLLECTING

JEAN-MICHEL JARRE


SOURCES | COLLECTABLES | WANTED

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. French editions may have other titles (in French) than most countries, for example Les Chants Magnétiques (Magnetic Fields) and En attendant Cousteau (Waiting for Cousteau).



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.



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 - like
    • 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)
       
  • Special colored vinyl releases - like
    • 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)

  • 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.



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."


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 (e.g. Cousteau on the Beach)
  • Unique inserts
  • Manufacturing errors or misprints (e.g. Equinoxe misprint CD)



Autographs and Personalization

Authentic signatures from artists can significantly increase a record's value, especially when accompanied by certificates of authenticity.



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. For valuable items, consider having the seller provide detailed photos or videos.



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 refear 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:


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.