Hello,
First of all, I want to say that I am a long time fan of Mary Hopkin!
40 years!
I am not an authority on music nor do I claim to be.
This posting is just my honest and humble opinion:

Trying to get music for nothing from peer to peer sites and torrents seems to be a common happening today. It effects every artist! Not just famous artists. I know of many "unknowns" that also have their music posted in torrents and/or various internet peer to peer websites.

Sometimes though, the artists will post the music theirselves or give someone else permission to do so.
In many ways, that may be the only way that the "unknowns" can have their music heard!
It can be a great promotional opportunity for new artists.

However, I also believe in supporting your favorite artists.
Their are so many great artists releasing music that it is impossible for most people to buy everything during these tough economic times.

For myself, I always try to support my very favorite artists by buying their new CD or DVD.
I know for a fact that not every artist is filthy rich. There are many "known" artists that still struggle along with the rest of us common people! They depend on sales and concerts for their livelyhood.
One can look at my collection of thousands of albums, DVD's, ticket stubbs and CD's from the years and know that I have supported my artists.

Nowadays, times are not so bountiful for many people!
I used to search ebay for bargains and rarities. But I have to be frugal, so I haven't used ebay for years now.
It is unfortunate that many have taken advantage of ebay by posting promotional albums, pirated or even stolen merchandise!
One must try to use good judgement while shopping on ebay!
Ebay does have mechanisms in place to remove items that one feels are listed illegally or inappropriately. You should contact ebay if you have issues with certain listtings.

I know only a very few people with internet access that hasn't downloaded music from peer to peer sites or torrents.
I would be lying to say that I haven't done so myself!

It's unfortunate that Mary's "Spirit" album is so hard to find.
I can understand why the torrent might be so popular!
It's a fantastic album!
I hope it can be reissued! Perhaps with even some additional recordings from the sessions or perhaps outttakes!

Sincerely,
Topper Fralick



 

I think this is very sad, if typical.  If people keep ripping off artists/musicians, they won't be able to pursue careers in music.    Then we ALL suffer from a lack of music that never gets created because the creators had to take a day job selling shoes or something instead of performing or recording.  Music is too important to be left to hobbyists and pretenders and the easily marketable.  I appeal to common decency -- please support a musician; buy his or her album!  Make it possible for them to make a living making music and we'll ALL be the richer for it.



 

..For years, even before the 'beloved internet' I have wanted and tried to share Mary's music with those 'fans' who have not been able to obtain deleted recordings.  It is really difficult to seperate the collector or trader from the 'fan'.  I have always tried to point people to places where the recordings can be obtained legitimately but I have had my fingers burned a couple of times and it hurts especially when you have had a dialouge with a 'fan' for some time. 

I have seen these recordings that Jessica has mentioned I have emailed sellers asking questions about the recordings and I never get an email back with an explanation. 

Even a reputable site like Amazon cannot be policed
e.g go to this link at amazondotcom
..http://www.amazon.com/Those-Were-The-Days/dp/B001BVUJA8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1246879885&sr=8-5..
I have emailed the seller saying that this is not the SUndance recording of '...days' I actually got a reply, but they maintain it is Sundance...! it is a really difficult situation. I put my 'review' on there
and said what I think but what is one voice...

'We' must support the artist and the producer or 'we' are the ones that will lose in the end!
Pat..
 

Thanks for your comments! It's nice to know there's some support out there. And where would we be without dedicated music fans!

Interestingly, just had an order from Japan for a box of Festival Halls - "big in Japan" is a cliche for good reason!

Well, much of my music collection is "preloved" which at least means someone listened to it first! Perhaps those eBayers should take the shrinkwrap off and scratch the cover a bit, put some thumbprints on the booklet...

 

Don't give them any ideas Jessica they are doing ok all on their own - unfortuately!
 

..Hi Jessica,....I ordered a CD and payed through PayPal. Can you let me know when I will get delivery. I did change my Canadian address to a U.K. address and maybe this is the holdup.....Can you help?....Thanks,....Allan..