Product Description

From tips for evaluating recordings, to lively discussions of bootlegging, the history of recording formats, "most collected artists" and more, this informative and fun guide covers all the tracks. Garage sale hunters and web surfers alike will find over 20 categories with proven collector appeal - from vintage rock to Christmas music, soundtracks, and much more. Engaging essays and entries explore every medium ever used to transcribe music: the first vinyl 78s, 45s, 8-track cartridges, cassette tapes, LPs, CDs, MP3 and more, plus specialty items like colored vinyl. The guide describes the significance and collectibility of bootlegs, promos and imports, as well as 100 "most collected artists" from Elvis Presley to Bob Marley, and niche artists like Tim Buckley and Syd Barrett. Some artist entries include interviews with musicians and collectors, insights on rarities vs. regular releases, and helpful "what to look for" tips. Landmark labels collected for their own sake are also covered, such as Sun, Chess, and Motown. And for those who believe a recording is not collectible without its complete packaging, photo essays illustrate original inner album sleeves, accompanying stickers, pictures, posters, and other artwork.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #193785 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 326 pages

About the Author
Dave Thompson is a regular columnist for Goldmine, America's leading publication in the field of record collecting, and has written at length for the UK's equivalent, Record Collector. Thompson has also contributed to Discoveries, Live! Music Review, Spiral Scratch, Record Mart, and similar magazines in Poland, Germany, Japan, Canada, and Australia. His work has appeared in such key music magazines as Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo, Q and Melody Maker, and he has written liner notes for such major artists as Lou Reed and Pink Floyd. Thompson's books - now numbering over 70 - include the best-selling Never Fade Away: The Kurt Cobain Story and Third Ear guides Alternative Rock, Funk, and Reggae and Caribbean Music.

Customer Reviews

very very informative!
As I was mostly interested in the history of the formats for my disseration on vinyl, rather than record collecting, I was surprised on what a goldmine this book proved itself, very accurate descriptions on every music format ever sold, with sales figures and important turning points. Must read for anyone who want to learn the history from the invetion of Edison phonograph up to 2002 when this book was published.

Start reading at 45rpm and leave at 78rpm
I agree with 'Juliana', and because this book is USA streamed, it loses out on the fact that Record Collecting is very, very difficult in the UK.

Grimy, unwashed Men with little social graces and Album knapsacks across their shoulders at 5 in the morning scouring Boot Sales, (that's Rummage sales/Flea Markets to our Cousins?) for the elusive, missed gem, or dedicated Record Collector fairs where the small collector is alienated by price. eBay? A minefield.

This book is much more however than its' title however. It's comprehensive research into every music arena/field makes it stand out from any other, and I for one, am glad I bought it. You just want more, it drags you in.

Conclusion? Wrong Title for exciting book.