My reason for writting this article is to aid others in the collecting of recorded sound. As a dealer/collector, it took me years to figure out what I was doing and how to do it better. Now I literally have a museum of immortal music, soundtracks, speeches, comedy and the artistic covers that protect them. It's a great way to entertain and fun to relive the best moments of the past with pleasure.

      First thing to know is that condition is all important. A record worth $100 in mint condition aint worth a buck if it's worn out or damaged. Second is that the album cover represents about a third of the value; but, without it the record is worth maybe five bucks. Save those mint album covers & naked records. They might come in handy. Third is content. Is the music memorable? Is it the best version by the best artists in the heyday of the music's moment in history, like Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day"?  Did the music have a mass appeal or did it have a cult appeal or did it appeal to the critical listener, like Dave Brubeck's "Take Five"?  Does it knock your socks off or break your heart or place you in an eternally cherished place in time and space, Like Dean Martin's "That's Amore"? Are the Album covers collectible for their artistic bravery, Like Santana's "Abraxis"? Does the music seem to touch the listener or represent a mass moment in the collective memory of our culture, like Roy Roger's "Happy Trails To You"?

      Ask these questions and find out if you are purchasing a collection of sought after treasures or a pile of discarded plastic. Remember, common music is like pulp fiction---massed produced to flood the market. It'll never really be rare. Once you learn what's valuable and collectible, ask yourself whether you like it or not. Buy a price guide and go to it. Enjoy your venture into the history of sound.