sra@hocda.UUCP (S.ABBOT) (05/30/84)
< a line for the hungry black hole > The best record guides available are those put out by [Osborne and] Hamilton. The 5th editions of the rock & roll 45s and rock & roll albums are out, and Osborne seems to be out of the picture. They are fairly complete, but list only domestic pressings. They also stay away from bootlegs, but in some onstances tell how to identify a counterfeit of a rare record from the real thing. I have noticed that both guides have missed some items (more in the 45s guide than the albums), but as a general guide I find them very useful. They also give the catalog numbers, year of issue and approximate value (in 2 conditions - "average" and "near mint") for each listing. In some instances I disagree with what they consider "rock & roll". For example, Chuck Berry is listed in the albums guide (he is DEFINITELY rock & roll), but was omitted from the 45s guide. He is, however, in the Rhythm & Blues guide. The R & B guide is far from complete, though. They chose to list everything, including 78s, but only if they are worth $5.00 (I believe) or more. The guides currently available are: Presleyana (for Elvis fans - very extensive) Rhthm & Blues Country & Western Soundtracks & Original Cast Record Albums (rock & roll) 45s (rock & roll) They are supposed to have some more in the works, such as Jazz, Pop, Comedy/Novelty, Classical, etc. They are published by O'Sullivan Woodside & Co., Phoenix, AZ and are available in most book stores. Scott Abbot Bell Labs, Merrimack Valley mvuxa!sa || hocda!sra