I must be nuts. Here are my low-cost tips and sources for buying Cajun, Louisiana Creole and zydeco 78s, 45s, and 33s online. Leave a few for me, okay?
1. Don’t buy at auction if you can help it. There’s that’s the most important thing I have to say. People who sell through auction sites are in it to make money. I know because I’ve sold there, too.
2. The best bet is to buy in person. There are great used record stores all over the country, most in larger cities. In New Orleans, I go to the second floor of the Louisiana Music Factory, where all used recordings are displayed. In Ville Platte, LA, go to Floyd’s Record Shop. Why? You can see what you’re buying without relying on someone else’s grading system. And you may be able to haggle a bit, especially if purchasing several recordings. Talking to the people who work there can’t hurt; they know their stock best and can alert you to new stock.
3. Buy online from the labels first. Floyd’s also sell used 45s online. When an auction site says that the seller has “recently acquired in Ville Platte,” that’s where they’ve been. The excellent California-based Arhoolie sells both 33s and 45s. In many cases these are new, sealed copies, in great shape.
4. Try the used music sources next. I’ve had pretty good experience with GEMM and Alibris. Dealers often set prices below what you pay at auction. And you can set up ‘agents’ or saved searches to find out when something you want comes on the market.
5. Finally, if you just can’t find what you need elsewhere, use the auction sites. You know them, the biggest one has a name like a body of water.
This is probably the only post I’ll ever make that will save you money. And consider giving or leaving them to the ULL Dupré Library’s Cajun and Creole Music Collection. That’s when you’ve enjoyed them enough.
September 1, 2010 at 10:11 am
Great site! Merci for the tips!
September 1, 2010 at 11:52 am
Et bien merci a toi! I also enjoy your blog–as time permits to read! It’s great hearing about daily life in Acadiana. Be there for Festivals Acadiene et Creole!
January 10, 2011 at 6:44 pm
I get great deals from auctions all the time.
You’re mistaken. Bad advise.
January 11, 2011 at 9:32 am
I stand by my advice (note the correct spelling). If looks like you’re in the business and have considerable time to monitor auctions. Most people don’t, and I get my best results by going to the source. Or, am I discouraging people from buying from you? Are you an auction seller of vinyl?
June 13, 2013 at 9:37 pm
I see this is years old, so possibly dead in the water, but have been having a terrible time finding zydeco vinyl locally and am now turning to the internet.. (I live in Indiana.. not a huge call for it.. I probably only know it exists because I studied French for years and live outside of a community in Kentucky that puts on a free blues festival that is funded largely by the proceeds from zydeco night.. tonight is zydeco night, so my local inclinations finally broke – had to leave but listening to Chubby Carrier streaming from the festival as I type this) – what should you expect to pay for vinyl? I will be looking at your other suggestions momentarily.. I’ve so far been looking at amazon which has a very limited selection, and mostly from private sellers and VERY expensive… I’m used to buying vinyl for 1-15 dollars used typically and 20-30 (sometimes more, but not much) new… 100+ dollars for a record is not something I can spend.. especially since my vinyl gets a lot of use on a record player with… issues… I’d be worried to put a pricey record on.. and I don’t collect.. I listen.
June 13, 2013 at 9:46 pm
I just clicked on ONE link and am finding prices I am much happier with… Thank you SO much… since zydeco isn’t big around here, I will be clicking a bit blind with some googling if I have no clue what I’m buying (only know the artists that have played here that I’ve seen or that I’ve found on CD – so about 5), but I see now that there IS hope… I’m a bit hopped up after 4 hours almost five hours of live, radio, then streaming zydeco/cajun/creole – so I am probably a bit too excited, but you just made my night.
June 13, 2013 at 9:55 pm
Im sorry for posting so many things, but I looked at your actual page and realized you are still quite active.. I take back my initial question.. what record should anyone who loves what they’ve heard of zydecoetc but has very little exposure listen to? You have seriously opened up a whole new vinyl buying experience for me and something will be purchased tonight, but would love some advice from someone who knows their stuff.
June 19, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Thanks for your comments. I stand by my initial posting though the advice applies more to purchases online. If you can find used vinyl in a local thrift store or record dealer, that’s often the easiest and cheapest way to go. Otherwise online services like GEMM, which specializes in vinyl, and even Alibris, whicch includes vinyl alongside books, are useful. Buying from the record company is generally cheaper than online auction services. Arhoolie is just finishing up a sale on Cajun and zydeco CDs, for example. eBay is the 900-pound gorilla, and where I buy many recordings, but it tends to be a little more expensive, though often the simplest place to look for a desired recording. Good luck!
June 19, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Just realized your question is as much about what to buy as where to buy it. As a listener and not a collector, start with the great old ones: Clifton Chenier, Boozoo Chavis, and Buckwheat Zydeco. Some suggested songs: Buckwheat Zydeco. Zydeco boogaloo. (from “Turning Point” Rounder 2045) Hot Tamale Baby. (from “Waitin’ For My Ya Ya” Rounder 2051); Boozoo Chavis. Zydeco Hee-Haw. (“Zydeco Homebrew” Maison de Soul 1028) Paper In My Shoe. (from “The Lake Charles Atomic Bomb” Rounder 2097). Clifton Chenier. M’Appel Fou (They Call Me Crazy). Allons A Grand Coteau (Let’s Go To Grand Coteau). (from “Bogalusa Boogie” Arhoolie 347) Ay, Ai Ai. French Town Waltz. Black Snake Blues. (from “Bon Ton Roulet! & More” Arhoolie 345). There are many later artists, like Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Willis Prudhomme, . And the modern style: Beau Jocque. Motor Dude Special. (from “Git It Beau Jocque” Rounder 2134). Maybe a “core collection” posting is not a bad idea.