Music – Songs from the Attic: A Stamp You Can Play

With its "Music – Songs from the attic" issue (Issue 2/2026), Philatelie Liechtenstein dedicates itself to a special chapter of cultural heritage: traditional folk music and its preservation for future generations. The special stamp "S'isch egal" (face value CHF 6.80) comes in an unusual form — as a playable vinyl record. Michel No. Block 60, it is issued as a limited souvenir sheet that can genuinely be played on a standard record player.

At the Heart of the Issue: Pepi Frommelt

At the heart of this issue stands Josef "Pepi" Frommelt, a pioneer of Liechtenstein folk music research. With great dedication, he collected, documented, and preserved traditional songs that have shaped the country's musical identity for decades. His aim was not only to preserve musical roots, but also to make old songs audible again.

This legacy is continued today by the Pepi Frommelt Foundation. The song "S'isch egal" (meaning "it doesn't matter") on the record is part of this traditional musical treasure — rescued from the attic of memory, as the issue's title suggests.

The Song with a Surprise

For a long time, the original song "Du und i sind Brüederli" (meaning "you and I are brothers") was understood to be a Liechtenstein folk song — until it became apparent that the original was in fact written by the Swiss composer Werner Wehrli (1892–1944). This discovery underscores the cultural value of the collection: folk music thrives on exchange, transmission, and interpretation.

In 1985, the song was recorded on an LP for the first time, preserving it for future generations.

Old Song, New Sound

The new version of "S'isch egal", released in 2023 by the Liechtenstein pop group PEPS and based on "Du und i sind Brüederli", uses contemporary pop reggae vibes and cheerful Liechtenstein dialect to bring today's reality into dialogue with the historical language of over 100 years ago.

How to Play: A Record in Your Collection

The stamp sits in the centre of the record, and the sheet's groove structure actually carries a short audio excerpt. Playing it is wonderfully simple:

The playable sheet works on most standard turntables; Philatelie Liechtenstein recommends a turntable with adjustable tracking force and a fine needle for the best result. And it remains a perfectly valid postage stamp, so it can be used on letter mail as well as played.

Watch the souvenir sheet being played: "S'isch egal" on a standard record player — music from the attic, actually spinning.

Step 1: a regular record on the turntable provides the stable base.

Step 2: the playable stamp record is placed on top.

Step 3: lower the needle — a short excerpt of "S'isch egal" plays.

Analog Meets Digital: The QR Code

You don't need a record player to enjoy the song, either. The stamp carries a QR code that links to a digital version of "S'isch egal", so the music can be listened to on any smartphone. This edition thus combines analog music enjoyment with contemporary technology — a real philatelic treat for the ears.

Beyond the turntable, it is a fully valid postage stamp — usable on letter mail, too.

More from the Issue

Alongside the playable souvenir sheet, Philatelie Liechtenstein offers first day covers and a maximum card for the "Music – Songs from the attic" issue.

Why Collectors Care

The "Music – Songs from the attic" issue is one of the most original Liechtenstein issues in recent years — a philatelic product that is at once a sound carrier (a genuine, playable vinyl mini-record), a piece of cultural history (Pepi Frommelt's folk-song heritage) and a bridge between analog and digital (the QR code). For collectors of Liechtenstein stamps, music themes, or innovative and interactive philately, the playable souvenir sheet — together with its first day covers and maximum card — is a delightful, memorable addition to any collection.

Source: Philatelie Liechtenstein (philatelie.li)

Enquire the price via WhatsApp Back to Philately World Homepage