Collections Interview
Name: Matt
Forum Username: mattoz85
Location: Toms River, New Jersey, USA
Age: 19
When and how did you get into Garbage?
Summer 1998 – sitting at home one night, and there was a show on MTV called "Video Cliches" where they would play a series of videos that had a common element. One of the videos was "I Think I’m Paranoid" and I fell in love with the song.
When did you start collecting?
May 1999 – I discovered eBay with my mom’s credit card. I had no idea what Garbage stuff was out there - all I knew about were the b-sides and singles. The first thing rare item I bought was a (overpriced) Garbage 7” box set.
Do you or did you have any aims when you started out collecting?
At first, I wanted to collect every US and UK single, so I could have every b-side. Then I started to collect a bunch of promos so I could have every remix. Now my goal is to collect every last US and UK commercial and promotional release. Except for cassettes. I don’t like them. (Except Trash 36 because it’s a Trash item.)
How big is your collection?
Let’s see... (digs up Word file of collection)... I have: exactly 155 music items; a few bootlegs; various CD-R’s of concerts; a few promotional posters for the singles and albums; various band posters; a few V2.0 t-shirts and a hat, 1 BG t-shirt, and 2 BLM t-shirts; postcards, stickers, calendar, etc.
What is your favourite Garbage item in your collection?
Version 2.0 – US CD album. It’s the first Garbage item I ever bought. The booklet is noticeably worn from reading through it so many times. The back of the case has a small crack, and the entire case is scuffed from being in my pocket at a concert – but I’ve never changed the case because I want to keep it exactly how I bought it.
How much do you think you have spent on your collection?
Don't go there
What’s the most you have spent on a Garbage item?
Whatever I paid for a sealed Vow 7” back in 1999. Don’t remember how much exactly.
What’s the most you would ever spend on a Garbage item and what is it?
The item is Trash 01. The most I would spend is $150. That sounds pretty low, considering how much these have sold for on eBay recently. So I’ve made peace with the fact that I may never get one...
Does your Garbage collecting Obsession stretch to seeing the band live in concert?
Eg: Do you follow the band from Show to Show for a period during a tour?
No. I’ve never seen them more than once on any leg of a tour. Although I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing them 2 nights in a row, or something like that, I think it’s more special to have that one night to remember, instead of the memories of 4 different nights all jumbled in your head.
Will you ever sell your Garbage collection? If you were asked this same question in 5 years time what would your answer be?
I have sold off parts of my Garbage collection that I thought were extraneous at the time. (I have since re-purchased everything I’ve sold, though.) Right now, I wouldn’t sell anything. I see past my collection being an investment – for me this is a hobby and a passion of sorts. In 5 years time, I would probably sell part of my collection if: Garbage has broken up; and I can make a profit on the items being sold. I would never sell albums or singles, just the promos or something. I would still want every song, b-side, and remix in my collection.