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================================================
A List Of Mailorder Sources Of Progressive Music
================================================
"Independent distribution is virtually dead. ...Most American stores
get nearly all their wares from six suppliers." (CBS, Warner, BMG,
Capitol-EMI, Polygram, and MCA.)
-from "Hit Men" by Frederic Dannen, Vintage Books 1991 (ISBN
0-679-73061-3)
------------
Introduction
------------
Despite the major labels dominating the music industry and
distribution, artists are still releasing their own product and some
small labels are dedicated to releasing new music and reissuing old
releases once considered rare, out of print and lost forever. Small
distributors are still around filling a need, helping us find those
releases that nobody else seems to carry. Even in large metropolitan
areas in this age it can be difficult to find a retail music outlet
that stocks even a small selection of progressive music. The same
is essentially true of mail order vendors. It is too difficult
and expensive for a small business to maintain a large inventory
on hand. Both retail and mail order vendors tend to have special
areas of interest, typically heavily influenced by the interests
of the employee(s) ordering the stock. With many small one-person
businesses in music mail order, the focus of musical interest
is often somewhat narrow and consequently it is hard to find any
one mail order source for everything if your musical tastes are
diverse. This listing of sources attempts to address this problem by
listing comments from customers of the various vendors to help obtain
a better idea of what they stock and what service can be expected.
If you are serious about tracking down hard to find music you will
end up having to turn to a variety of resources to find what you
want. This list is oriented to that perspective, with no intent to
imply that any one vendor is better than another.
Many of the vendors are small operations running out of people's
homes or on a modest budget. Please be considerate when calling
numbers with preferred calling hours listed as the owner might not
enjoy answering your calls during meals or while abed. It is probably
a good idea to send a SASE (Self-Addressed- Stamped-Envelope) or an
IRC (International Reply Coupon from the Post Office) if writing
overseas. It may not be necessary but I consider it a gesture of
goodwill and it can make the difference in whether you get a reply
or not. Catalog costs listed here may be inaccurate, or a catalog
may have a fee associated that is not noted here. No guarantee
is made for the accuracy of addresses, pricing or opinions listed
herein. Please help keep this up to date by informing of any changes
or corrections.
Please note that comments below are not attributable and are
certainly not the product of the FAQ maintainer in the main. They
have been collated from the comments of many, many people and largely
inserted verbatim. The FAQ maintainer accepts no responsibility for
either mode of expression or content in any entry. It is appropriate
to warn others if you have been seriously or repeatedly mistreated
by anyone listed here and to that end, there has been no attempt
to disguise fairly expressed negative comments.
As of early May, 1994, all author names have been removed from
their respective contributions. This was done mainly because it was
requested and since this file appears in the Gibraltar Encyclopedia
of Progressive Rock, negative comments may be construed as libel
(though they are meant to be constructive criticism).
-----------------------------------------
Availability Of Other Mail Order Listings
-----------------------------------------
There have been a few other music (CD/LP) mailorder lists compiled
on the net - one that used to be posted to rec.music.misc regularly
has been dormant (not maintained or updated) since May 1992 but
can be found at
<
URL:ftp://ftp.uwp.edu:/pub/music/misc/mailorder.rmm>
The current version has been unchanged since May 1992 and contains
some out of date addresses but is still a huge list of resources. The
updated version the file can be obtained as
<
URL:ftp://ftp.uwp.edu:/pub/music/misc/mail.order.big>
The revision borrows liberally from this listing but managed to
keep some outdated addresses - in cases of conflicting addresses the
one found in the list you are currently reading is probably correct.
Yet another mailorder list called INFOCD is maintained by
MIKEY@
perch.nosc.mil. This can be found at
<
URL:ftp://ftp.uwp.edu/pub/music/misc/mailorder.infocd>
There are some additional lists in that directory of possible
interest, for example the file
<
URL:ftp://ftp.uwp.edu:/pub/music/misc/mailorder.bootlegs>
which is a list of sources in the USA of, um, hard to find rarities.
--------------
Vendor Listing
--------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vendors in the USA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
::Name::
ABCD
::Address::
17 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT 06851
::Phone::
203-831-8301
::Fax::
203-831-8238
::Comments::
Request a catalog if nothing else. They've got a great selection
of European and Japanese imports, some domestic stuff too. One of
the priciest places I've dealt with, especially for shipping! But a
good selection nonetheless. Import CDs only. Full length CDs only,
no CD singles. They keep everything in stock, so there is a very
quick turnaround for your orders. They're a little stingy about
sending catalogs, though, so be persistent.
I have found them to be very helpful. Turnaround time is fast. They
didn't seem stingy with the catalog when I requested one, although
they did mention that an update was forthcoming, and I might want
to wait. I can't comment about the prices as the CD I was looking
for is known to be expensive (in the $30 range!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Aeon Music
::Address::
P.O. Box 421544, Los Angeles, CA 90042
::Fax::
(213) 343-1925
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.mediaonline.com/bizads/aeon.html>
::Comments::
Run by Francisco Morales. The catalog is extensive, mostly of
used LPs and new CDs, a mixture of set sale and auction items
(mostly set sale). A lot of rarities and obscurities.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Ambient Music
::Address::
18633 Topham St., Reseda, CA 91335
::Comments::
Not sure if they're still in business. They used to carry a decent
selection of electronic/new age stuff.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Art Control Enterprises
::Address::
10301 Lake Ave. #825, Cleveland, OH 44102
::Comments::
Run by Steven F. Del Nero. A set sale and auction list of used but
near mint CDs and LPs. Steven mails out this catalog about once
a year or so of used items. The first part is an auction and the
second part is remaining items from previous auctions. His list is
fairly large and diverse, including obscure progressive, improv
and industrial music but pricing is close to what I can find the
items for new if I can find them (but I do live in an area with
good music stores). Quality of most items is supposed to be near
mint. Worth checking out.
A recent flyer from ART CONTROL said it's turning into a full-time
business and will be expanding to stock more new items in the
future. Probably with more frequent catalogs
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Store::
Arula Records
::Address::
PO Box 332, Southbridge, MA 01550
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.ultranet.com/~ares/arula>
::Comments::
Just released first mail order catalogue of independent progressive
music releases, including fusion, space rock, art rock and
progressive rock. The catalogue, along with sound samples,
is on line (see above for URL).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Audiophile Imports
::Address::
P.O. BOX 4801, Lutherville, MD 21094-4801
::Phone::
(410) 628-7601
::Fax::
(410) 628-1948
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.cyboard.com/audiophile.html>
::Comments::
Lots of fusion from around the world. Good prog selection,
however not as extensive as another Baltimore location, which is
Of Sound Mind. Catalog has a nice thumbnail blurb on each of the
CD's offered (some are just personel listings, but it's better
than nothing!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Backroads
::Address::
418 Tamal Plaza, Corte Madera, CA 94925
::Phone::
(800) 767-4748
::Fax::
(415) 924-0648
::Comments::
Extensive catalog of mostly new age/emusic. A bit pricey and they
don't stock vinyl. They also have available radio station lists
for Echoes, Hearts of Space Radio and Musical Starstreams. They
come out with regular updates/new release notes. They can take
special requests and have access to some imports from Europe.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Jeff Baker
::Address::
R.D.2, Box 294, Camden, DE 19934
::Comments::
His catalog of "progressive, psychedelic, electronic, folk-rock
to hard-rock collectable LPs CDs" is $1 ($2 overseas)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Bananamoon
::Address::
PO Box 110952, Cleveland, OH 44111
::Phone::
216 671 8305
::Fax::
216 671 8305
::Email::
bmoon@
netcom.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.geocities.com/Paris/2190/>
::Phone::
216-671-8305
::Comments::
Progressive rock and psych from around the world. Strong emphasis
on Italian prog. All manner of goodies from Delerium, Vinyl Magic,
Mellow, Germanofon, etal. Email for catalog, updated monthly,
or for inclusion on mailing list. Want lists, suggestions welcome!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Barking Pumpkin Records/Barfko Swill?
::Phone::
1-818-PUMPKIN
::Comments::
This is Frank Zappa's mailorder business for Zappa and the Mother
of Invention releases and products such as posters, tshirts, etc.
The line usually has an informational recording during non business
hours, and I think they also answer general questions about Zappa
and take orders during regular business hours - probably 9am-
5pm California time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Cadence
::Address::
Cadence Bldg, Redwood, NY 13679
::Comments::
Extensive jazz/folk catalog which you must subscribe to. Also have
some avante-garde and fusion releases.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
CRI - Composers Recordings Incorporated
::Address::
73 Spring St. Suite 506, New York, NY 10012-5800
::Comments::
List over one hundred artists in their 1992 catalog. Mostly
Neo-classical/avante garde. Lou Harrison, John Zorn, Milton
Babbit, Harry Partch, Otto Leuning, Guy Klucesvek, etc...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Calendula Records / Mt.Olympus Imports
::Address::
Rick Haney, c/o 6207 22nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98115
::Comments::
Now here's a guy who I had a real bad mail order experience
with. I sent him money for both of the HAPPY THE MAN CD's (Japanese
Pressings), which he had listed in his catalog. Six months later I
got one of them, and a refund for the other. This was after about
40 long distance phone calls to his answering machine he never
once returned a call, and it turns out that at the time he put his
catalog out, he didn't have the discs in stock, in fact hadn't even
ordered them yet. His idea was to take a bunch of orders THEN order
them after he had enough to guarantee a healthy profit for himself.
I had a bad experience with a record store in Seattle that was either
called Mount Olympus or that was the title of a mailorder catalog I
later got associated with that store. I went to a store in Seattle
and found an amazing stock of new and used progressive rock there. I
bought a bunch of stuff and after I left town I called to arrange
another order which a friend was to pick up for me. Many of the LPs
they had were priced at high collectors prices, and I specifically
asked them for a handful of releases, and I asked them to pull any
2 of about 6 releases they had by Embryo. The friend got there and
found the order totaled $185 instead of the $70 I'd told him it would
be, and he thought something was fishy and didn't take the order. A
month or two later I found the store billed my VISA card anyway,
and they still had the records "held" for me because they didn't
have my shipping address. Turns out they'd pulled they entire Embryo
section priced at $25 each thinking I'd wanted them all. I resolved
it and was happy to get LPs I couldn't find anywhere else, but it
was pretty sleazy on their part. The Mount Olympus catalogs I saw
had a lot of rare LPs, but at very high prices. It was (loosely?)
affiliated with the store that tried to burn me. This happened
around late 1987, so it's possible that the store and/or mailorder
biz are gone now or operating under another name. I would recommend
that you make sure you know exactly what you're getting before you
send any money to these folks or place an order.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
CD Connection
::Address::
1016 East El Camino, #322 Sunnyvale, CA 94087
::Phone::
(408) 733-0801
::Fax::
(408) 733-0850
::Modem::
(408) 730-9015 Up to 9600 bps (8 data, 0 parity, 1 stop), San
Francisco/Berkeley (510) 843-1259, Chicago (312) 751-2447, New
York City (212) 532-4045
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.cdconnection.com/>
::Comments::
58,000+ Cds listed on-line, accepts VISA, MasterCard, $3 per
regular order; free shipping on orders of $100 within 48 US
states, Phonolog(tm)-Select - industry standard song/track title
database. Downloadable catalogs so you can search offline, and
available via mail for $5 (deductible from next/first order). The
Golden Ears Society - music critics. Ships to Canada, Overseas
shipping info available. Claims 94%%%%%%%% average ability to deliver - 90
-100%%%%%%%% of orders filled. Delivery of orders requires approximately
1 work week + shipping time (1-2.5 weeks depending on location. A
separate account must be established on each system (city) you
will be using if you call more than one location of this company
to place orders.
If you're on the internet, you can telnet to
cdconnection.com and get
a full, online database search of their stuff plus the facilities
to order by credit card. I found CD CONENCTION's prices not too
bad but their overseas shipping charges are outrageous.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
CD Europe
::Address::
PO Box 8561, Deerfield Beach, FL 33443
::Phone::
305-481-8984 (Orderline: 9-5 EST 5 weekdays), 305-481-1724
(Customer Service: 9-5 EST weekdays),
::Fax::
305-481-8817 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
::Modem::
408-985-2094 Up to 9600 bps (8n1)
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.cdeurope.com/>
::Comments::
Like CD CONNECTION above but specialises in European imports
(for the US). Unlike CD CONNECTION, their overseas shipping
rates aren't too bad but their prices are high. If you are on the
internet, you can telnet to
cdeurope.com to access their entire
catalogue. You can also order on-line using credit cards. Very
useful but, like CD CONNECTION, very costly.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Cleefo
::Address::
Box 652, Ellington CT 06029
::Phone::
(203) 875-2315 3-10PM EST
::Comments::
Cleefo (that's his name) specializes in cutout CDs, Cassettes
and Videos of all types. He used to send out a list, but rarely
does anymore as his stock turns over so quickly. Just this year
(92) he was able to get me two long- out-of-print Synergy CD's
and Dixie Dregs "Dregs of the Earth" CD. It's best to just call
and let him know what you're looking for. I've never had any
problems with his service, he's always been friendly and helpful
on the phone, and has a network of other record-show type dealers
that he works with, which in some cases allows him to get some
long-lost obscurities in record time. (he couldn't find me a copy
of Utopia's POV though !!). Overall very good prices.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Coriolis Records
::Address::
Box 3528, Orange, CA 92665
::Comments::
They handle only a very limited selection of (mostly) Southern
Cal. independent artists: Walter Holland, Djam Karet, Neuronium,
Steve Roach, Mark Dwane, and a handful of others.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Daystar
::Address::
PO Box 411, Huntington Station, NY 11746
::Comments::
A small label. Stuff by Heresy(prog), Ernest Woodall (Emusic),
Tony Garone (avant-folk) and others.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Da Music
::Address::
Box 3, Little Silver, NJ 07739
::Comments::
A lot like Backroads. With a bit more jazz and instrumental.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Dutch East India Trading
::Address::
PO BOX 800, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-0800
::Comments::
Carries some Wyatt and Soft Machine BBC releases and probably
other BBC Peel Sessions too. Appears to be licensing the material
from Strange Fruit records. I've heard that they have a mailorder
catalog but I haven't asked for it because I can find the releases
in local stores here already.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Ear/Rational Music
::Address::
1592 Kilkenny St., Boulder, CO 80303-1646
::Fax::
303/665-3325 vox/fax
::Email::
ear-rational@
xmission.com, angst@
xmission.com
::Comments::
The ear-rational mail address is automated. Send `catalog' as
the subject (not body) for catalog. Send `subscribe' for regular
updates. angst address is for human enquiries. Quite a large
selection of ambient/industrial music.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Echo-Discs
::Address::
PO Box 224, Eagle, PA 19480
::Comments::
Distribute the stuff you would hear on the program "Echoes". Mostly
newagey/emusic with some jazz/acoustic.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Electronic Cottage
::Address::
PO Box 3637, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
::Comments::
I quote "...the magazine dedicated to electronic audio folk art,
cassette culture and electronic experimental music! An inside
look at the indie music scene featuring articles, profiles and
editorials by home tapers themselves!"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
ESD - East Side Digital
::Address::
530 North 3rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
::Phone::
612 375 0233
::Fax::
612 359 9580
::Email::
esd@
noside.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.noside.com/esd>
::Comments::
A small label that has releases by Fred Frith, Henry Cow, Happy
The Man, National Health, The Residents, and more. Last time I
wrote they mailed me a catalog that was months out of date, but the
prices were pretty decent and cheaper than other mailorder vendors
that carry their releases. Associated with Ryko's mailorder too.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Eurock Distribution
::Address::
PO Box 13718, Portland, OR 97213
::Phone::
(503) 281-0247 (10 AM - 5 PM US Pacific Time ONLY !!! Mon-Sat)
::Email::
apatters@
teleport.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.teleport.com/~apatters/>
::Comments::
Eurock started as a magazine in 1973, specializing in European
progressive, space rock and electronic music. The owner of this
enterprise is Archie Patterson, whose preferences lie primarily
in electronic driven space music and melodic progressive rock, and
his lists tend to reflect this. His lists come out every 60 days,
and each item is accompanied by a brief description and synopsis
which I've found to be very accurate for the most part. He has his
own in-house label (also called Eurock) which features artists like
Gandalf, Green Isac, Erik Wollo, Dweller At the Threshold and Tim
Story. One thing to note is that Eurock generally does not restock
items after they are sold out unless the demand is overwhelming,
and he gets things in fairly modest quantities, so the best policy
is to give him a call as soon as the catalog comes out to reserve
the items you want - if you wait more than a few weeks some things
will no longer be in stock. Generally he's happy to discuss the
items he has in stock over the phone if you need more information,
and in fact I'd recommend this, as he can get your feedback from
previous orders and learn what your tastes are and make specific
recommendations for you. I've been dealing with Eurock for about 7
or 8 years, and I have never had any problems, nor do I know anyone
who has... He generally delivers within 2-3 weeks after receipt
of payment. Does accept credit cards. The newest development with
Eurock is the Web page where he posts each catalog as it comes
out and includes audio and visual supplements as well as special
features on specific artists. In the future it will become even
more of an information source eventually evolving into a site that
attempts to keep people updated on the latest news and music in
the Eurock genre.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Kinesis Inc.
::Address::
1430 Wisp Ct, Hanover, MD 21076-1693
::Phone::
410-551-8081
::Fax::
410-551-8081
::Email::
info@
kinesiscd.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.kinesiscd.com>
::Comments::
The Kinesis label sports such artists as Fonya, Cathedral and
Illuvatar. They have an excellent web page and take credit
cards. They also have CDs by other labels for sale.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Mantis Music
::Address::
PO Box 567, Hampstead, MD 21074
::Phone::
410-374-5016
::Email::
mantis2@
erols.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.erols.com/mantis2/>
::Comments::
Used LPs only. Phone only between 10am and 10pm EST and ask for
Allen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Music Books Plus
::Address::
2315 Whirlpool St., #132 Niagara Falls, NY 14305
::Address::
23 Hannover Dr., #7 St. Catharines, ON L2W 1A3, Canada
::Phone::
(905) 641-3471
::Fax::
(905) 641-1512
::Email::
info@
nor.com
::Comments::
Music Books Plus distributes worldwide books and videos on music,
songwriting, recording, audio, multimedia, video, lighting and
computers. To subscribe to the free monthly electronic newsletter,
send message to email address above. To receive a printed catalog,
include postal address. Contact: Tricia Janzen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
G.A.S. - Gong Appreciation Society
::Address::
Gas America, Po Box 1151, North Wales, PA 19454
::Comments::
GAS in the USA offers some merchandise, tapes, tour info and
newsletters but carries less of the rare tapes and CDs and other
products compared to GAS UK. See GAS UK listing in the international
mailorder section for more details. Not really a mailorder source,
but worth mentioning here:
Gong San Francisco Concert info hotline
P.O. Box 470535
SF, CA 94147-0535
(415)905-4535
Info about upcoming San Francisco area shows and releases by Gong and
Gong-related tour network. Daevid Allen, The Magick Brothers, Tim
Blake, Mother Gong, and Gilli Smyth have done local shows already,
and Richard Sinclair, Kevin Ayers, David Cross band, and Gordon
Haskell are some of the artists possibly playing here in the future.
Also, if you're interested in Gong, see the Spectrum Music Video
listing for info on a Gongmaison live video they carry. Send an
SASE to them for more info.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Generations Unlimited
::Address::
199 Strathmore #5, Brighton, MA 02135-5210
::Comments::
Focus tends to be on hard core electronics. David Prescott,
Jorge Thomasius and Conrad Schnitzler. Also distribute Badland,
Radium, Pogus and other labels.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Grand Rapids CD
::Address::
3544 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
::Phone::
616-363-4960
::Fax::
616-363-1078
::Email::
STGRCD@
aol.com
::Comments::
We currently stock over 500 Prog/Elec Cds and have a free catalogue
for mail order.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Used-Music Web
::WWW::
<
URL:http://cygnus.uwa.edu.au/~cpudney/usedmusic/>
::Comments::
Buy, sell, trade and advertise used CDs, vinyl, cassettes etc.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Labyrinth
::Address::
575 3 St. Apt. 1-D, Brooklyn, NY 11215
::Comments::
A mail-order distributor run by my friend Tony Coulter (who does a
great radio show on WFMU). He's an expert on obscure progressive
rock, a lot of which he has available for sale or trade. He also
carries a lot of Recommended/Re stuff. Some random items from
his current catalog: Ron Geesin, Super Sister (Dutch prog rock),
Blegvad, Re Quarterly, obscure Italian prog rock, Fat, Faust, R.
Stevie Moore, and many many things I've never heard of. Carries
LPS and CDs.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Doug Larson
::Address::
62 Crane St., Caldwell NJ 07006
::Phone::
(201) 226-6332
::Email::
douglars@
hicom.net
::Comments::
Doug has a very extensive list of all kinds of progressive from
all over the world, and his prices are fairly reasonable. A really
easy guy to deal with and not too opinionated about things. If you
call (after 4PM EST) he'll take your order right then and ship
it as soon as he gets payment. He sends everything out priority
mail, which all makes his TAT very quick. From the west coast, my
experience has been typically 7 working days from the day I phoned
in the order and sent the payment, to the day the discs arrive.
That beats everyone else hands down, even guys on the west coast
Doug's definitely the fastest turnaround in the business. He handles
a really good selection of Italian 70's prog, I'm really impressed
with his selection of other types of stuff too. He will make a
sampler tape of various discs in his list for a nominal charge,
but don't ask him to record the whole disc, just selections. He
advertises in goldmine every two weeks, which is a good way to keep
up with the new stuff he gets in stock. He's also got an extensive
list of rare and o/p LP's. Highly Recommended.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
The Laser's Edge
::Address::
P.O. Box 388, Voorhees, NJ 08043-0388
::Email::
lasercd@
aol.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.lasercd.com/>
::Phone::
(856) 751 6444 (1PM to 6PM EST)
::Fax::
(856) 751 7466
::Comments::
Run by Ken Golden. A good man who is also a self-confessed Cranky
Old Bastard.
The Laser's Edge is a Label and mail-order CD only distribution run
by Ken Golden. Ken gets the medal for having positively the most
descriptive and informative catalog of any mail-order outfit I've
ever dealt with, every disc is reviewed carefully, and opinions are
offered - one of the few people I've ever seen who will tell you that
a disc he carries is crappy if it really is! The in-house label (TLE
also) has many releases mostly by long forgotten independent artists
from the 70's, but there are some new releases as well. Artists
include: The Load, A Triggering Myth, Werwolf, Landberk, Spring,
Nightwinds, Atlantis Philharmonic and others.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Linden Music
::Address::
PO Box 520, Linden, VA 22642
::Email::
linden@
shentel.net
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.shentel.net/linden/>
::Comments::
Carries Kit Watkins releases and other stuff by his cohorts in
Happy the Man, as well as other new-age, electronic and space
artists. Has advanced on-line ordering facilities using First
Virtual.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
M M
::Address::
P.O. Box 63, Ashland, MA 01721
::Email::
MMMusic@
ix.netcom.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/4500>
::Comments::
The proprietor's name is Mark. Don't know the last name. He doesn't
deal in super rare stuff, but he only does Prog and fusion.
His prices are good, and he does stock a nice little selection
of new independent things (such as my own). He's always been
reliable and fast when I've ordered from him, and he has a sale
every few months.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Metro Records
::Address::
PO Box 10004, Silver Spring, Maryland 20914, USA
::Email::
luchchuk@
aol.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.idsonline.com/business/metro/>
::Comments::
Another Goldmine advertiser. Stocks a lot of progressive,
psychedelic, fusion, and plain old rock and roll of various
persuasions. They deal in CD's, LP's, etc., etc. Their catalog
is a must for the serious collector. I've had excellent
service, including free shipping for giving them some Internet
info(!). They're not cheap, but their prices are in line with
other vendors of obscure music.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Midnight Records
::Address::
PO Box 390, Old Chelsea Station, NY NY 10011
::Email::
midnight@
cerfnet.com
::Comments::
Another Goldmine advertiser. Stocks a lot of progressive,
psychedelic, fusion, and plain old rock and roll of various
persuasions. They deal in CD's, LP's, etc., etc. Their catalog is
a must for the serious collector. I've had excellent service. They
request alternate selections due to problems keeping obscure
albums in stock, and they'll make every effort to fill an order
even if they don't have the item in stock. I asked them about
the availability of two LP's once, and they went out and got
them for me. They're not cheap, but their prices are in line
with other vendors of obscure music.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Craig Moerer
::Address::
PO Box 19231, Portland, OR 97280
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.records-by-mail.com/>
::Comments::
Publishes an extensive list of records/CDs/45s/collectors
stuff. Mostly rock but some em/progressive stuff. A lot of lesser
known rock and some oldies. Most of their vinyl is used but in
very good to mint condition. Fully searchable Web site of some
33,000 (and expanding) titles.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Of Sound Mind
::Address::
4134 E. Joppa Road #104, Batlimore, MD 21236
::Phone::
(301) 497-6488
::Fax::
(410) 529-5761
::Comments::
The East Coast's prog Mecca! After David Hodgson closed down
Playing By Ear in Baltimore and moved it out West, Chris Lamka
bought the store and the stock. He later moved it up the road a
few miles. Chris concentrates more on progressive than David did,
with an excellent selection of Italian, Brazilian, French and US
prog (other countries are well-represented also). Good electronic
selection, also. Chris is very supportive of the prog scene in
and around Baltimore, with many in-store appearances of local
and regional prog acts. Rumor has it he's trying to set up a prog
fest of his own... Prices aren't quite as good as Ranjits', but
this business is the man's bread and butter, so I really don't
mind that much.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Parasol/Cargo
::Address::
201 North Coler, Urbana, IL 61801
::Comments::
YAID... Yet another indie distributor. Everything from AAAK to
Hector Zazou, also imports on Creation.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Park Avenue Records, P.O. Box 19296, Seattle, WA 98109
::Phone::
206-282-5604
::Comments::
I haven't ordered anything from them yet, but I have seen their
big catalog and been very impressed. (I know folks who have
ordered from them and been perfectly satisfied.)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Ponk Records/Passed Normal Compilations
::Address::
Po Box 3664, Bloomington, IL 61702
::Phone::
(309)365-4491
::Fax::
(309)365-4491
::Email::
PinkBob@
aol.com
::Comments::
Small, odd selection of compilations and mailorder with some cheap
and some regularly priced items. Includes works by Frith, Kaiser,
Don Cherry, Sun Ra, Negativland, Daevid Allen, Mother Gong, Made
To Measure and more.
Monthly catalog, 12 pages, now concentrated around their own
releases including the new Hugh Hopper, a recent Henry Kaiser and Amy
Denio. Small new and used CDs area, very Gong-based, Frith, Kaiser,
Geesin. Some used vinyl, too. They also give information about
`their' artists, mainly tourdates: Gong, Amy Denio and related,
Frank Pahl and related, `Steve Horowitz and The Code'.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Possible Productions
::Address::
351 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
::Fax::
310-491-1945
::Email::
dinokiller@
aol.com
::Comments::
Official US outlet for King Crimson/Robert Fripp projects on the
Discipline label. They accept credit card orders by email.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Progressive International
::Address::
1655 11th Street, Ogden Utah 84404
::Phone::
(801) 394-7700
::Fax::
(801) 394-7707
::Comments::
All along they have been a mail order outlet and, although I've
rarely dealt with them by mail, I've heard a lot of horror stories
not unlike my dealings with Calendula (see above). I personally
have no bad experiences. Their in-house label features artists
like Solstice, Xaal, Sinister Street, Anthony Phillips, Gryphon,
Steeleye Span, Aragon, Wayne Kramer and others. They are getting
national distribution in major chain stores like Tower and others, so
there's really no need to buy their titles directly from them. They
also handle distribution for bands like Galahad and Final Conflict,
and stock a modest selection of other imported titles as well,
although my feeling is that they would like to get out of the direct
mail-order business altogether and sell to distributors only. Like
many others, I've found that these guys are less than totally
reliable about getting things in that they say they will get in,
so my recommendation is to never order anything unless they have
it in stock when you order.
They recently issued a catalog which explains that they decided to
start up the mail distribution service again "due to the abundance
of letters and phone calls we have received". You may want to add
also that (as far as I can tell) they seem to have the lowest prices
of any catalog--$10.98 for in house, $11.98 for other domestics,
and $12.98 for most imports. As for their being `risky', I would
give them another chance before writing them off.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Ranjit Padmanabhan
::Address::
566 Crystalberry Terrace, San Jose, CA 95129
::Email::
ranjit@
netcom.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.webpage.com/~progtron/>
::Comments::
Such a clever idea: Sell CD's over the net. Anyway, I'd been
hearing about Ranjit for a couple years, mostly from Ken Welchoff
of Progressive, who recommended him highly, before I actually got
in touch with him. It was other netters highest recommendations
that finally convinced me. He sends out periodic "Descriptive"
catalogs over the net, as well as simple lists that list everything
he has in stock. All you need to do is email him and ask him to
send it. He's a very friendly guy, knowledgeable and helpful, his
selection is extremely good and his prices are good also. Once your
order is confirmed, he holds it for you, you send him the payment,
and he sends you the discs. Very simple, very convenient. He also
carries all currently available issues of Audion Magazine, and,
like Doug Larson, will make a sampler tape of things from his
list for a nominal fee.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Rockaway Records
::Address::
2395 Glendale Blvd., CA 90039
::Phone::
(213) 664-0956
::Comments::
These guys offer CDs of some live shows, Westwood One radio
discs, etc. but nothing specifically progressive, just general
interest. Ordered once - service was fast.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
RPM Records
::Address::
1900 Oates Drive, STE 200 Mesquite, Texas 75150
::Phone::
214-681-8441
::Fax::
214-681-9486
::Email::
rpmrec@
metronet.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://rpmrecords.metronet.com/>
::Comments::
We have been in business for 14 years. We sell new, used, domestic
and import, CD's, LP's, Cass and Laser Videos. Our specialty is
60's and 70's rarities, progressive and alternative. We also have a
large selection of Japanese laser discs. We have a 3,200 square ft
store on the corner of Interstate 635 and Oates Drive in Mesquite
(a suburb of Dallas). We ship out daily UPS, and accept all major
credit cards.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Round Sounds
::Phone::
(310) 376-1701
::email::
music@
roundsounds.com
::WWW::
<
URL:http://www.roundsounds.com/>
::Comments::
Round Sounds is now a net-based mail-order business. The proprietors
name is Ed, and he's a real friendly guy who'll gladly offer an
opinion on something in his list (which is mailed out at irregular
intervals and has no descriptions, just a list). Every time I'm
in southern California I always make a point to stop by his store,
he has a lot of "Rare" CD's (ahem) that he doesn't put in his list.
Most unfortunately, Ed has closed his Pacific Coast Highway
storefront. He continues to run his intermittent (to say the least)
mail order, and he pops up at the occasional record swap meet.
When I last tried telephoning, I got a forwarding number of (310)
376-1701, however,
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Sights Sounds
::Address::
332 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
::Phone::
1-908-530-8866
::Fax::
1-908-530-9868 (24 hrs)
::Email::
GENESISMAN@
aol.com
::Comments::
We like all types of progressive rock and have been in business
three years promoting and distributing bands from all over the world.
We have an extensive database of over 6000 titles and are compiling
the most comprehensive world guide to progressive rock ever seen
to date. Our catalogs are descriptive and offer some of the best
prices in the industry. We take payment by Check($ only) Money
Order, International Money Order, Visa, Mastercard. We are always
looking for new bands or labels to distribute and we offer the
largest selection of American progressive bands!
Catalogs are updated quarterly and may soon be done on a monthly
basis. In addition we have a World WIde Web page in the works
for later in 1995 from which you will be able to directly get the
catalog on-line and place orders through.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Name::
Silent
::Address::
540 Alabama, Suite 315, San Francisco, CA 94110
::Comments::
Carry stuff by Merzbow, Art Bears, Von Magnet, Einst
