What Will It Be, Record or CD?

(I wrote the following article for publication in a booklet distributed to the media and customers attending the Giant L/A Record Show in January, 1997. It was written primarily from the perspective of a record collector, not a record dealer. At least one of the predictions has already come true. And while several years have passed, the virtues of vinyl remain the same. However, one thing has changed. I finally broke down and bought that expensive, high end audiophile system that includes a Harman Kardon amplifier and Polk speakers.)

I'm a person who has several hundred CDs, and an even larger collection of record albums and 45s. I enjoy both formats. But if I had to choose between one or the other, I would select vinyl without hesitation. There are two basic reasons for making that choice - cost and selection. Right about now, someone is jumping out of his seat! "A lot of old records are outrageously expensive, and the major chains don't even sell vinyl anymore!"

I should point out that my musical tastes run along the lines of vintage jazz and pop vocals. Much of what I'm looking for can be found at yard sales, flea markets and from dealers who employ reasonable pricing habits. While it's true that compact discs outsell vinyl at the mall stores, it's exactly the opposite at the places I shop. Finding a stash of several hundred CDs for fifty cents apiece at a weekend yard sale is something I've never encountered.


Between October, 1994 and November, 1999 I promoted 16 record collector shows in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This photograph was taken at our third event at the Lewiston Armory on April 15, 1995.

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The major complaint I have with compact discs isn't the format itself, or even the price. I simply can't find a lot of the music I want on anything else but records. I'll be specific. I am a big collector of anything released by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Della Reese, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong and so forth. Unfortunately, the major labels simply have failed to release the bulk of their recordings. Instead, their marketing strategies have focused on boxed sets and other collections, supplemented by only a handful of reissues of original titles. In my lifetime, I certainly don't expect to see the release of the complete discography of any of these artists on compact disc. In the case of some artists, many of the original recordings on tape probably don't even exist. Meanwhile, if Capitol and Reprise won't reissue everything in their Sinatra archives, you can imagine how selective they are with their other artists.

CDs are nice when you want to slap a stack of them on a carousel disc player and get about your business. And while some will disagree, they frequently sound better than their vinyl counterparts if only because they're missing the pops, scratches and hiss that are part and parcel for many old records. But finding albums in mint condition is a supreme joy. And having them to hold, with liner notes I can actually read without bifocals or a magnifying glass is wonderful. I don't like noisy recordings anymore than the next person. But a good diamond needle and a little extra care seem to work pretty well, assuming you have a decent copy to begin with. And when it's necessary and a better copy comes along, I simply upgrade. However, I think it's interesting that recently some contemporary artists have "inserted" artificial tape noise on their CDs - either for the novelty, or perhaps believing it appeals to the buying public.

On the subject of sound superiority, I've heard both arguments. One point of view states that analog recordings have a richer, warmer sound while digital recordings eliminate certain frequencies necessary for full-bodied listening pleasure. The other point of view says digital sound is free of distortion and offers a more precise reproduction of the original performance, while vinyl's reliance on direct contact between the surface and the stylus results in product degradation from the first playing. This article won't end the debate.

When confronted with the arguments, many of us fail to comprehend or appreciate them. Technically speaking, we don't speak “technicalese.” It reminds me of a story I read in Reader's Digest. A gentleman was shopping for his first CD player and asked the salesperson the meaning of "hybrid pulse D/A converter." He was informed it meant the machine will read the digital information encoded on the CDs and convert it into an audio signal - that is, into music. In other words, the CD player plays CDs. In that sense, it has a clear advantage over a record player.


Maine Public Broadcasting Network personality Toby Leboutillier was a frequent customer at our shows. He is seen here loading up on 45s for his long-running oldies radio show "Down Memory Lane" that first hit the air in 1979.

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Frankly, I'm not the one to speak knowledgeably about the clarity, quality or superiority of sound systems. I'm not a credible audiophile. I can't spew the technological jargon, produce the scientific formulas or provide the mathematical equations that are tossed about so freely in this debate. For one thing, I've never owned the type of stereo system that would enable me to make an honest evaluation. Second, I don't have the hearing of a dog. So there you have it. Why am I writing this article in the first place? I guess because I'm assuming that most people who attend our collector shows are more or less like me, and the choices we make between CDs and vinyl records are based on several considerations, not just sound quality. After all, if no one settled for less than perfection, we'd all have exorbitantly priced systems.

Speaking of features, each format has certain advantages over the other. A great option of most CD players is their programmability. Select your favorite songs, delete the Yoko tracks, and jump on the exercise bike. But other times playing disc jockey is more fun. Somehow I just can't get as excited sharing my favorite Mose Allison masterpiece on CD. For some reason, whether it's due to sentiment or snobbery, I prefer pulling out that 12-inch disc with the blue Prestige label from the original gatefold cover. This isn't some miniaturized high-tech clone. It's the real thing.

When it comes to preserving culture, tradition, or advanced civilization's little toys, nostalgia is relevant to a point. But we're not comparing the horse and buggy to a Ford Saturn. Vinyl records made a huge leap in their quality from the days of the Victrola and the Edison players. In terms of sound reproduction capabilities, the comparison between contemporary vinyl from the 1950s onward and the modern compact disc is so close that disagreements persist.

As I consider other advantages of records over CDs, several thoughts come to mind. When the turntable is thrown out, along with it goes the opportunity to sample an array of experimental, and yes weird, music from a previous era that will never find its way into the digital world. Also lost is the beautiful cover artwork that adorned so many treasures of the past. In the effort to pack more sound into a smaller space, the aesthetic virtues of vinyl are being forfeited. Turning yourself entirely over to CDs is not unlike reading a novel on your computer screen. The next step may be to download your music off the Internet. Also not to be forgotten are the pleasures of collecting 45 rpm discs and discovering them in their original picture sleeves. And finally, as an investment, I personally believe rare vinyl still holds an edge on its digital counterpart.

As I've already admitted, there are many times when I turn to the compact disc for my listening pleasure. But for me, it's the difference between driving an automatic and a stick shift. Sometimes I want to get where I'm going quickly - the rest of the time I'm drawn towards features such as style, control and originality. In those situations, you can have your Ford Saturn. I'll take the '57 T-Bird.

Is eBay a Safe Place to Buy Records?

Whether eBay is a safe place to buy records presents two different questions. Will the seller send me the records once I've paid for them? And, will they be in the promised condition? In fact, eBay is both the best place in the world to buy records, and the worst place. Anyone who is an avid collector of records and has bought on eBay already knows what I'm going to tell you. This is for everyone else.

Let's tackle the issue of seller fraud first. I can dispose of that concern in a few sentences. When interviewed on CBS "60 Minutes," eBay founder Pierre Omidyar stated that only 30 sellers out of one million fail to deliver on their promise to ship the goods. That means there is a .003% chance you won't get the records. The good news is there is a 99.997% chance you will get them. On the other hand, will you really get what you paid for?

The majority of people selling records on eBay are simply downsizing their collection, or disposing of those accumulated by their parents or grandparents. In most cases, it's not their intention to misrepresent the condition of the records. It's simply that they don't understand the grading system, and have no experience in determining condition. I've learned this the hard way. Maybe you won't have to.


This is a Polaroid photo of my very first record player alongside my collection of LPs and 45s. Somewhere in that stack is the very first album I ever bought - "Songs, Pictures and Stories of the Fabulous Beatles" on the Vee Jay label. It's now worth over $500, but beware of counterfeits.

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When you buy a record on eBay, you want it to head directly to your turntable platter, not your garbage can. So, how can you be sure the seller knows the difference between VG+ and Near Mint? The most obvious answer is to check his other listings and his feedback. Does he sell a lot of records, or is he getting rid of his collection? Do his listing descriptions sound like someone who understands the hobby, or does he radiate ignorance? What do his buyers say? Here's the kind of feedback you should look for to ensure a safe purchase.

"Goods arrived swiftly, well-packaged and in stated condition."

"Seller graded the records perfectly. The music is great!"

"Thank you for a flawless experience. The record was near mint as promised."

"In better condition than promised. Trust this guy."

If you don't view a comment of this kind on the very first feedback page, you're probably better off hitting the back button. Still, there is one way to know with relative certainty that a record is in good condition even if the seller isn't an experienced dealer. If the record is sealed, and therefore unplayed, there's a good chance you'll get what you paid for - unless of course the disc has been warped by heat, mildewed from moisture exposure, or broken from rough handling.

Whether you'll be happy with the condition of the cover is another matter. I've found that most people who are fussy about the condition of the record, are equally concerned about the condition of the cover. Your only recourse is to look for clues in the description, and hope there's an adequate photograph of the record cover provided in the listing.

The good news is that eBay has a plentiful supply of reputable sellers who understand the hobby and are experienced graders. The top sellers are frequently able to offer helpful information on the artists, release dates, first pressings, etc. Their prices are frequently higher, but that's because they select only the very best stuff to sell and toss out the rest. Their eBay stores and auction listings emphasize their knowledge, and encourage trust and safety.

Many of these established dealers used to sell at the record shows. Some still do, although many of the shows have either died out or have been overshadowed and outnumbered by the CD collector conventions. As a result, eBay has become one of the most convenient venues for sellers to place their high end stock of LPs, 45s and 78s. A few sell from their own web sites, while others have found success using popular non-eBay sites.

Perhaps none of this really matters unless you are a condition nut. The fact is, quite often the records that won't satisfy a hardcore collector will actually play just fine - at least to the ears of the novice listener. If you fall into that category, a high percentage of the records on eBay will probably suit you just fine. In that case, I recommend running a search for the item you want and buying the one listed at the lowest price.

However, if you're prepared to pay $20 for that early Perry Como album on the RCA Victor label in the "Living Stereo" format, or $2,000 for the red vinyl release of the Moonglows Christmas album on the Chance label, you may want to take a real close look at the dealer's experience before you hit the "Buy it Now" button.

My Direction Home

My mother turned 16 years old less than three months before I was born. One of my first memories was of her in bobby socks with black and white saddle shoes, pedal pushers, and her hair drawn back in a pony tail. The television was turned on, and Bill Haley and the Comets were playing “See You Later, Alligator.” Over the next few years the soundtrack of my life featured Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Fats Domino, and a plethora of doo-wop and rock-a-billy.

Flash forward to February, 1964. I’m in 5th grade, walking the 8/10th of a mile to school with Barbara T. and Penny L. Suddenly, Penny turns to Barbara and says, “Wouldn’t Mike look so cute in a Beatles haircut!” Barbara agrees enthusiastically. Meanwhile, I’m thinking, “What in the heck is a Beatles haircut?” (And of course, why wouldn’t I look cute in a Beatles haircut too?) That evening Ed Sullivan introduces a new singing group from Liverpool, England. Their names are John, Paul, George and Ringo. At that precise moment, the world changed forever.

I listened exclusively to KJR-AM radio out of Seattle. Disc jockeys like Tom Murphy, Larry Lujack, and Pat O’Day were indelibly linked to the music I loved, and the notion that someday I too would become a famous radio personality.

Over the next few years, and continuing through high school and college, I became a music snob. In my opinion, groups like Jimi Hendrix Experience, Who, Cream, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and the Doors were unsurpassed for their rebellious innovation. I was in awe of bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra, ELP, Procul Harum, Yes, and Soft Machine for their musical wizardry. Crosby, Stills and Nash, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, and the Moody Blues had a message that resonated strongly with me and the other kids at my end of the playground. Groups like the Monkees, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and even Creedence Clearwater Revival and Grand Funk were considered irrelevant.

By the time the mid-70s had rolled around, my musical tastes were finally beginning to broaden. It was not unusual for me to go from David Bowie’s “Ziggie Stardust” album, to a spin on the turntable with Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, or Barbra Streisand. I couldn’t persuade any of my friends to see Frank Sinatra in concert, so I went alone.


My first job with any music connection was with the University of Washington Daily as the Arts & Entertainment Editor. When I joined the staff I had no idea they handed out paychecks at the end of every month. The illustration was created for my weekly column, and was drawn by Dave Horsey who went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist with the Seattle Times.

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My dream of becoming a rock jock never completely materialized. I spent a few years as a radio announcer for various Northwest country stations, but eventually jumped to commercial television news and finally into public television where I produced documentaries and public affairs programs. My obsession with music and record collecting served me well during those years. I became the guy other reporters and producers consulted when they were looking for the right music to compliment their program segment.

By the mid-80s after my broadcasting career had landed me in New England, I was simultaneously attending and promoting record collecting shows, and finding myself buried in vinyl LPs and 45s. I was steadfast in familiarizing myself with as many kinds of music and artists as possible – always on the lookout for the talented but lesser-known singers, the obscure genres, and the little-known releases from past eras that came to fill the void most contemporary music could no longer satisfy within me.

Now, flash forward to June, 1998. I’m holding a garage sale and a lady begins loading up on all kinds of records and music memorabilia I have for sale. After she had filled several boxes she remarks, “You ought to sell some of this stuff on eBay.” This time, I wasn’t too embarrassed to ask. “What in the heck is eBay?” That night I went on the site and registered as a new member, and almost immediately placed a few things up for sale. Once again, a single moment changed my world forever.

Within 3 months I was making enough money to justify a career change. Since that time I have been a full-time seller on eBay, hawking records and record supplies, along with books and collectibles. It’s a great life, and it has given me an even greater opportunity to explore the music world as it exists on vinyl. And that in essence is the inspiration for this blog.

What I hope to do over time is to share and compare notes with record collectors who have gone beyond Frank Sinatra, to discover lesser known male saloon and pop singers like Matt Monro, Bobby Short, and Gordon MacRae. I look forward to writing relevant essays on their female counterparts including Mabel Mercer, Sylvia Syms, and Julie London. I relish the thought of paying tribute to the masters of Easy Listening including Mantovani, James Last, and the Jackie Gleason Orchestra. I hope to drop in on some of my favorite music genres such as exotica, lounge, and the 50s Latin-style craze. Over time, I hope to offer some worthwhile comments on the great film soundtrack composers like Ennio Morricone, John Barry, Maurice Jarre, and Jerry Goldsmith. I also look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for the lesser-known Broadway and off-Broadway musical cast albums that have crept into my collection. Finally, I intend to spend some time sharing tips on collecting, preserving, storing, and generally just appreciating old records.

As part of the magnificent eBay Community, and with the good fortune to have become a successful music entrepreneur, I look forward to indulging both my vocation as a seller, and my avocation as a collector. And so, symbolically anyway, this is my direction home.