There’s a unique rush that only a vinyl collector truly understands. It’s that moment when you’re scrolling or browsing, and you spot a masterpiece – something you’ve wanted for ages – listed at a price that feels like an absolute steal.
That’s exactly how I felt this week when I finally got my hands on the Four Tet – Live at Alexandra Palace London, 24th May 2023 3LP box set.
A Masterclass in Atmosphere
If you’ve ever seen Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) live, you know it’s less of a “gig” and more of a spiritual experience. This specific performance at Ally Pally was legendary, featuring that massive, immersive light installation by Squidsoup. A gig I REALLY wish I was at.
While we can’t recreate 42,000 hanging LEDs in our living rooms, this box set is the closest thing to being in that crowd. It’s a limited, hand-numbered edition of just 2000 copies, and the attention to detail is staggering:
The Sound: Spread across three LPs, the tracks (like the epic 25-minute ‘School Green Romantics’) have room to breathe. The lacquer was cut by Matt Colton at Metropolis, so the low end hits exactly where it should.
The Visuals: It comes with a beautiful booklet filled with photos of the night and – for the gear nerds among us – technical details of the hardware and software used to run the show.
The Feel: From the rice paper inner sleeves to the heavy-duty box, you can tell this was a project of passion.
In a world where “limited edition” often just means a different colour of plastic, this box set feels like a genuine piece of music history. Finding it at a good price isn’t just about saving a few quid; it’s a reminder to stay patient and keep your eyes peeled. The right records always find their way to the right decks eventually.
This set is going to be a staple on my platter for a long time. It’s proof that electronic music doesn’t have to be cold—it can be organic, evolving, and deeply human.