Ken asked for this thread. . . so, I'm going to try to this sumbitch out.

 

First off, if you don't have a good independent shop, go online.

 

Second, buy used when possible. If you buy your top-40/popular/library items used, and buy your odd-ball CDs full boat, you tend to come out even, or below budget (for those of you fools who have a budget for such things).

 

45s or 78s?

 

Now. . . where does Unkie Trunke find new good music?

 

Pandora.com is awesome. . . use it. . .

warning: Pandora does get confused when you span too many genres in one go.

warning II: last I checked, their classical/western-art music offerings were gimpy.

 

Whatever gets you there, RB.

But it's worth noting that, NO, I'm not selling my Nat King Cole Trio, Inkspots, Satchmo, or Dizzy 78's any time soon.

 

KEXP.org

'Nuff said. If you have a particular LOVE (i.e. you're a metalhead), there's usually a show for you.

Seriously though, listen to your college stations for a week. . . you'll probably find something you like. . . it just may be on a specialty show at 4am.

 

GO TO SHOWS!!!!

Artists don't make much money on CDs. Go to shows.

You've risked $15 on a CD before. . . why not risk $10 plus $3 on gas to see some live entertainment?

Also, these days, I try to buy the CDs at the show, or off the artists' website. Chances are often in the favor of a few more bucks getting into the hands of the artists.

 

Accordingly.