Request for someone in the States coming to Britain in the next while

[lethargic_man]

Some years ago a patient gave my father a tape of guitar music, which I rather took to. It's recorded off various LPs or CDs, which the handwritten inlay does not identify directly, but gives enough information to track down with a little investigative work. As part of my general campaign to buy back legal copies, whether firsthand or second, of music I have taped from other people - but also because tapes wear and their quality degrades - I would like to get CD copies of the tracks on this tape.

The first four tracks, which are a kind of jazz (I don't know the name for it) turned out to be from the album Aranjuez by Jan Akkerman and Claus Ogerman. I have just identified the source of the next four, which are, like most of the rest of the tape, pieces of Spanish guitar... and unfortunately, they come from a five-CD boxed set, which HMV and Virgin are selling for £31. This seems a bit steep for the sake of four tracks. :o) Now, a rummage around on the Web reveals that Amazon have this album for £24ish, and there are a variety of prices from Vespuccian shops down to £14, which is about the limit I would normally consider buying for a single CD... but they all charge an arm and a leg for international shipping and customs.

Consequently, is there any of you domiciled in the States paying a visit to Blighty in the next while who would be prepared to act as a Stateside delivery address for this CD, and bring it across for me when you come?

Comments

[hatam-soferet.livejournal.com]

I believe that if I post it to you as a Gift, you don't have to pay customs on it, and international shipping is rather more reasonable if you just go to the post office. Either way, I'll happily take delivery of it. Send it to me care of Drisha, address at www.drisha.org, and I'll take care of getting it to you.

[lethargic-man.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your offer.

How much are we likely to be talking, for P&P, then? overstock.com gave $10.87 for international shipping and handling, and $2.29 for customs. You had said (http://www.livejournal.com/users/livredor/74737.html?thread=655089#t655089) you were going to be over here this summer; has that changed now you have come over briefly already?

Two additional points: first is that the whole 5 CD set seemingly fits into a single-CD-sized jewel case (that's what was on the shelves in HMV and Virgin, but I couldn't open it to check as it was shrinkwrapped). Secondly, if you keep it to bring across this summer, I don't mind you listening to it in the meantime. :o)

[hatam-soferet.livejournal.com]

Buggered if I know how much it'd be, but I wouldn't have thought it would be that much. Anyway, yes, I'm planning to come back in the summer, so it could come with me then, if nothing else. I'm also hoping for visits from my various international spies, any of whom could be a transatlantic camel if for some reason I don't come over. So send it along.