From tips for evaluating recordings, to lively discussions of bootlegs and piracy, to the history of recording formats, to collectible artists and more, The Music Lover's Guide to Record Collecting covers all the tracks. Designed for anyone who collects records for pleasure or profit, at garage sales or on eBay, this guide is both informative and entertaining. If offers a wealth of detail and informed opinion – unique in a field dominated by stodgy price guides. Engaging entries and essays explore the development of all recording mediums, from 78s to MP3; the distinctive character of imports; “most collected artists ” from The Beatles to Nirvana; collectible labels, such as Sun, Chess and Motown; original packaging that enhances collectability; and much more.

The term 'record collecting' is shorthand for a variety of related practices. Foremost is the collection of sound recordings in various formats - although often with a marked preference for vinyl - by individuals, and it is this dimension of record collecting that is the focus of this book. Record collecting, and the public stereotypes associated with it, is frequently linked primarily with rock and pop music. Roy Shuker focuses on these broad styles, but also includes other genres and their collectors, notably jazz, blues, exotica and 'ethnic' music. Accordingly, the study examines the history of record collecting; profiles collectors and the collecting process; considers categories - especially music genres - and types of record collecting and outlines and discusses the infrastructure within which collecting operates. Shuker situates this discussion within the broader literature on collecting, along with issues of cultural consumption, social identity and 'the construction of self' in contemporary society. Record collecting is both fascinating in its own right, and provides insights into broader issues of nostalgia, consumption and material culture.

The perfect guide for all collectors of Western film, television, radio and comics memorabilia, this book contains everything you need to know about getting your old Lone Ranger comic book signed by Clayton Moore or tracking down that Hopalong Cassidy lunchbox. Festivals and conventions in your area, the best museums (from art to Native American history to toys), which newsletters and magazines to subscribe to, which websites to check. The section on reference books includes biographies, genre histories (radio drama, mysteries, comedies), studios, music reference, serials and cliffhangers, locations and movie ranches, episode guides, cast listings, film listings, price and collectible guides, and a list of publishers. Each entry shows the author(s), publisher, format, length, and a brief summary. This book has it all: commemorative artwork, posters, production stills, lobby cards, autographs, books, costumes, newspaper strips, comic books, cups, plates, and utensils, commemorative weapons and play sets, toys, games, models, lunchboxes, Christmas ornaments, magazines, movie and TV props and memorabilia, scripts, press packets, audio and video recordings, and cereal box premiums. The book tells how best to preserve your treasures and how to get in touch with other fans, whether buying, selling, or swapping. A survival guide to auctions, garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, and antique stores follows. Systems of ranking item quality, cataloguing guides, and format diagrams for listing and insurance purposes are included, as is a list of collector clubs.

Contains approximately 20,000 mostly English language sources for academic libraries of all sizes.