From advice on evaluating recordings to lively discussions of bootlegs to the history of recording formats, The Music Lover's Guide to Record Collecting covers all the tracks. Designed for anyone who collects records for pleasure or profit, at garage sales or on eBay, this guide is both informative and entertaining. Author Dave Thompson, a 20-year veteran of record collecting, offers engaging essays on every facet of this fast-growing hobby including the evolution of recording mediums, from 78s to MP3s; the distinctive character of imports; the "most collected" artists, from the Beatles to Nirvana; collectible labels, such as Sun, Chess, and Motown; and original packaging that enhances collectibility.