Expert: Matt Gregersen - 12/21/2005

Question
The Beatles somehow got around EMI and allowed "Nowhere Man" to be used on a compilation issued in San Francisco in 69.  The record was called "FIRST VIBRATION", was meant to raise consciousness about the dangers of "speed" (methamphetamine, what a surprise!).  Other artists included Canned Heat, Hoyt Axton (The Pusher), Ravi Shankar, Things to Come and other well-known groups of the time.
Can you tell me how this came to be?  No-one I know has a clue, but I have the record to prove it.

I suppose it's priceless to boot, since no one knows it even existed and it was a very limited edition put out by a street-level "help" organization at the time.

Have you ever heard of this album?  If so, could anyone even venture a guess as to its rarity, value, etc.?

I've looked high and low for info...but all I have is the record.....hunnnh!

Let me know if you need more...I can get serial number and official issuer if that'd be any help.

David R. Jennings


Answer
Hi David, and thanks for your question.

Unfortunately, I've never heard of this compilation either. But considering how tight Apple is now on lending out Beatles songs, my guess would be that it is very much a rarity and probably worth something. I'd have no idea how much, I guess, because this is the first time I've ever heard of a Beatles song being lent to a compilation!

I'm not quite sure who you could take it to to get it appraised. Maybe if there's a legitimate record store near where you live they could give you some idea. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, but if you find out you should let me know . . . I'd like to see how much it's worth.

Matt