Before starting into my second report on the condition of the quest for vinyl in KC, let me make a quick follow up report on Crate Diggers, the movie that I linked last time. Since that post I was once again able to see the film on the big screen at the KCK Film Fest on January 30th. Tony Ladesich had four short films showing and Crate Diggers was definitely a crowd favorite, not only, but definitely due to the “star” of the film- James Trotter. I was able to meet James at a showing of his drawings and paintings at First Friday’s in the Crossroads Art district. He also currently has two pieces in the Ripe exhibit showing through the end of this month. Here’s a link:
Besides being a talented artist he is still collecting records and he is still not happy about “the b*@#h that stole his records”. He is quite a character and I’m glad I was able to make his acquaintance.
Now on to the records. Over the last couple of weeks I have visited several local retail outlets that have records for sale that you may not have thought to check. I’m going to highlight four of these locations. First up is Boomerang. It is mostly a vintage clothing store recently relocated to 3900 Pennsylvania in KC MO- 64111. Surrounded by disco era outfits and going down the staircase are several crates filled with vinyl gold. The prices are reasonable, but they aren’t giving the records away. There is very little fluff, mostly just great old records in pristine shape. The owners seem to have a good idea of what they have but are more interested in selling the records than marking them way up. Its not your typical place for records but the digging was good. I came away with two mint condition (more on condition later) 1st pressing Jackie Wilson records on the Brunswick label, a beautiful Mingus on Columbia still in the shrink wrap, a Jim Flora vintage jazz cover- album as art, and the the cream of the crop was an ultra rare, 1st pressing on the Prestige label, copy of Miles Davis’ “Steamin’ with The Miles Davis Quintet” featuring John Coltrane. The cover has one of the coolest cover photos ever, although I don’t promote smoking. This one now resides in a frame on the wall of my music room. You can see the cover in the group photo below. Here’ a link to Boomerang’s website:
Next up is Prospero’s Books. They had previously had a section of the basement subleased to Red Rooster Records, but now Prospero’s is the sole proprietor of the vinyl and it has made the climb up the stairs from the basement to prominent locations throughout the store. They have a great selection of all types of music and very good prices. I didn’t personally find anything on this visit but have found several very nice records there in the past and the vinyl is growing at this location. It will be in my short list of places to regularly visit. Prospero’s is located at 1800 W 39th St, KC MO and on the web at:
The third spot I’m going to pass on is the only one I have reservations about sharing, deep seeded, very selfish reservations. This is my first “secret” goldmine of vinyl revelation. Deloris’ booths are what makes me love music and records particularly. Personally, she is one of the most knowledgeable and at the same time approachable record dealers I have ever met. If you are looking for blues, soul, jazz, and R&B records or collectibles, then you live in the right city. Hobley’s Music & Books, located at the very back of the flea market at 224 W 75th St in KC MO, is right in the heart of the 40 blocks of the city that I call home and it houses the best selection of jazz, R&B, and blues records that I have come across in my searches throughout the US and Canada. I almost hyperventilate ever time I visit and I have to only take a small amount of money for self preservation, knowing that I will see things I can’t afford and will dream of for years. Deloris has a museum of music for sale. If you’ve got the cash, she’s got the vinyl fix you crave. Her prices are excellent and the condition of the records are in accordance with the asking prices. This trip I came away with two Coltrane mono albums on Impulse, Prince “Controversy”, Howling Wolf “Big City Blues”, and Lightnin’ Hopkins “Live at the Bird Lounge” . I can’t say enough good things about this record heaven, but please don’t buy all the 10 inch Charlie Parker LP’s. I’m trying to save up…
The last of this episodes featured retailers is a more traditional crate digging establishment, The 2nd Chance Thrift Store located at 7740 S. Wornall, KC MO 64114. It is your typical thrift shop, loads of interesting crap including a large section of vinyl. Its traditional crate digging- dirty, dusty, with loads of trash. I always try and remember that ones mans trash is another man’s treasure. I didn’t find any treasure this trip, but its there I’m sure. I’ll be back for another try real soon.
Okay, now as I mentioned in the last blog, this will be the first in an ongoing, quick tutorial on record terms and “things you need to know”about buying records. This time- CONDITION.
The most important thing to take into consideration when buying any record is the condition. I’m about as far from an audiophile as you will find, but I do want to be able to listen to any record I buy. No matter how collectible or rare the record is, if you can’t play it because it’s completely trashed, then it’s no better than a coaster. When looking at a record you are thinking of buying, look for deep scratches- ones you can feel with you fingers or finger nail. If you can feel it, you will hear it when playing it. Check for cracks, especially in older records. Check to be sure the record is flat and not warped. Condition is usually referred to in terms like M(mint), VG(very good), or G (good). Mint is a perfect record, one with no imperfections. It should look like it did when it was new. You won’t very often find this. VG is where most records lie; very playable with some pops and hisses- what you come to expect records to sound like, some would even say what gives them life. Good is the bottom of the acceptable level, playable, but with allot of noise. The better the condition, the higher the price you should expect to pay, even when crate digging. The condition of the cover is as important as the record when it comes to collecting. A perfect cover, still in the shrink wrap, can amplify the value of the record immensely and I personally never buy a record if the cover is thrashed unless it is very rare and I have hopes of finding a replacement cover for an exceptionally beautiful record.
I hope this helps those new to record collecting. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have about anything vinyl related in the comments section of the blog and I or another fellow collector will be sure and help you out with an answer.
Okay, enough for this time. Here’s a picture of my recent finds mentioned above and until next time good digging everyone.
Recent Finds
