Abbey Road

Let It Be

‘You know they had singles other than the Anna record, of course? Even so, it’s actually a rather extensive list.’

Penny took back the paper. ‘Yes, I know, but that’s also the only single that I know my dad had for sure. And when I checked the list of Beatles singles online – well, it’s just way too much to focus on, so I decided to concentrate on just the albums for the moment.’ Obviously she had no idea what Ned’s original collection consisted of, but her mother had mentioned ‘albums’ quite a bit in the diaries, and from her limited knowledge, these did seem rarer and more prized while singles (with the exception of Anna) seemed much easier to come by.

‘Indeed. A shame you can’t just download each of these on iTunes. Would be so much easier, but I suspect that’s rather missing the point.’

‘Exactly.’ Penny put the list back in her handbag. ‘I think it would be best if I just focus on the full-length albums. If I start getting into the extended play albums and the live recordings and all of that, well, I could easily be at this for the rest of my life. And I would also be broke. Besides, I’m guessing that I don’t have to worry about anything that was released after 1977 – that’s when my dad sold his collection after all.’

Colin nodded. ‘Good theory. Now let’s see what this gentleman has for us today.’

Having placed some phone calls to record stores around Dublin, Colin had a lead on a first edition Yellow Submarine album at a place in the city and he and Penny had travelled up there first thing that morning.

Penny walked quickly next to him on the street. ‘What did he sound like on the phone? Do you think he might give us a discount?’

Colin chuckled. ‘I doubt it. These people can be somewhat reclusive – socially introverted usually. Sorry to disappoint – but he is connected. That’s why I felt it was worth our visiting in person.’

Penny shuddered. ‘I feel like I am dealing with the mob.’

Coming to a stop in front of a store that looked decidedly vintage, Colin looked up, double-checking the address he had on his notebook.

‘This is it. And for the record, yes, you are rather dealing with the mob – just on a somewhat geekier level. And where the mob has guns – this group has turntables.’