Do Not Sell At Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World's Rarest 78rpm Records

If, and you already know the answer, you've ever put your CDs or LPs in alphabetical order, or, worse, in alphabetical order and sub-ordered by genre (or grouped by use of Telecasters rather than Stratocasters) then this might just be the book for you. Amanda Petrusich dives (literally) into the murky waters of collectors of 78s, getting to what it is in us that requires us to classify, rank, order and acquire things - especially those things associated with music.Hold up, don't head for the doors; this is an endlessly fascinating, entertaining and really funny book and Petrusich is a mighty fine writer too. So, we get to meet some of the main 78 collectors in the States, we get a great overview of American music from the early part of the 20th century, she flags some great things to hear (that you can do easily), introduces us to Harry Smith (think of a really odd great uncle who shows up at the holidays, drinks too much, falls asleep, scares the kids, entertains the kids, and worries outloud about UFOs, the Man and milk), and recounts her own trail of tears learning to scuba dive so that she can wade into the waters in Wisconsin searching for frisbee'd 78s.It's a riot of a read, but she takes time to let the collectors talk and takes time to tease out why certain music from certain times is deemed "important" - every generation throws a hero up the pop charts, sang Paul Simon, but collectors are really only interested in those that didn't even throw a flicker of a shadow anywhere near popularity. Is rare the same as good?Have a read of this great book, have your headphones ready, be willing to pause to rooting around on YouTube to track down certain songs and performers (believe me, it's really really worth it) and then spend the next long while trying to get to grips with I Wish I Was A Mole In The Ground and Last Kind Word Blues.

This book is to add to a collection of information resources on records

I collect CDs and LPs, although perhaps not to the exclusion of other pursuits. However, reading through Petrusich's book on the collectors of 78s, I think I'm downright normal! This is a fascinating examination of manythings: the history of recorded American music and the characters and labels that were involved; the collection of 78s and the passions invoked by those who do so; and several examinations of why some genres of music, such as Jazz and Blues, became important for collectors.The book unfolds chapter by chapter showing not just the author's fascination with the collectors of 78s, but also her own decent into the collecting mindset (what else would you call it when she learns to scuba just to search a muddy river bottom for discarded stampers?). Along the way we meet a bunch of interesting characters who collect and assemble historical retrospectives, the history of some of the labels that recorded the music, and the people who were involved, from artists to recording engineers.The book is well written and an entertaining read, but I found it best to read in smaller chunks, such as by the chapter, and not reading big chunks at once. Part of this is simply information overload, and part is the way the book is structured. Even if you have no interest in 78s or even in music, this is a fascinating examination of collectors, and the collection of 78s, and well worth the reading time. Enjoyable!

A very interesting book about the cabal-like world of 78rpm collectors, the records they collect, and the music that obsesses them.The author, Amanda Petrusich, is an engaging and capable writer. Had I not been interested in the subject, her enthusiasm would likely have sparked my interest.As an inveterate collector and listener of 78s, I was particularly intrigued by this book. I also love reading about collectors - so it's the perfect book, right? Well, almost (more below). Although I was largely familiar with the cast of characters and a fair number of the stories, I still found her retellings interesting. I discovered many little nuggets of information I was heretofore unaware, and a few clarifications that were very helpful.However, I do have a couple small gripes. There were a few personal digressions that added little to the narrative and sometimes got in the way. In particular, the section about her journey to troll the Milwaukee River to find long discarded 78s from the Paramount Records pressing plant in Grafton, Wisconsin. The idea was clever - sort of George Plimptonesque - but there was too much of a narrative detour, especially considering she came up empty. I found myself skimming/skipping several pages until the story got back on track. There's a trend I've noticed among some younger writers, to occasionally insert too much of themselves in the story. A little adds context and a personal touch to the story, but too much is a distraction.Also - I was hoping to hear more biographical detail from members of the so-called blues mafia, particularly Bernard Klatzko and Pete Whelan (whose 78 Quarterly was a wonderful publication). She did a fantastic job with James McKune, however.So, should you buy this book? If you have any interest in prewar music, then YES. If you are 78 collector, another big YES. If you are a record collector - YES again. If any of this seems even a little intriguing - a final YES. Especially if you are under 40 (or 30) and don't know what a Victrola is. Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the music of the early 20th century!

This is absolutely the best read in the past 10 years as far as I am concerned.... once I started reading, I could not put it down and finished it in a day. I wish I could read it again for the very first time. Where's to video documentary to go along with it? I have loaned out my copy to record store owners and other music enthusiasts, and I think we're about ready to start a diving club...... :)