In my first column I talked about one of the newest purchases for my ever-growing record collection. At last count I had more than 400 CDs, 900 vinyl albums and 1300 45s. There is just barely room for my children in the house! I figure once they leave home for college I'll take over their rooms with my collection and they won't be able to move back!

This time, I thought I'd provide you with some specific web sites to visit if you’re trying to locate an item for your own collection.

I have many favorite sites and usually like them for different reasons. For instance, I like CDNow because I can create a wish list. CDNow has frequent sales of 30% off and they sometimes have wish list sales, whereby you get $2 off each item priced above $10 that has been saved previously to your list. The site also has a "rewards" program but, as Shania Twain would say, "that don't impress me much".

Immediate discounts

If you are not a member of BizRate.com I suggest you join because it allows immediate discounts when you sign on to sites like CDNow and TowerRecords.com (the one I like best). TowerRecords.com usually has the lowest price and their shipping is the cheapest as well. You can save things to your cart, but not authorize them for payment, which in effect creates a wish list. Another bonus is that they sell used CDs.

Speaking of which, I have had good luck buying used CDs. When purchased through an outlet like TowerRecords.com they normally look just like new, and there is no difference in sound quality.

If you live in the US, you could also try Half.com which has CDs, movies and books. Many of the same products are offered by different sellers, all at different prices. You choose the seller you want to order from - for instance, you could order three different items from three different sellers - and shipping is VERY reasonable. I have ordered at least five items from this site already and have not had one bad experience. What’s more, first-time customers can get $5 off their first purchase! Also, if you are inclined, Half.com allows you to list your own items for sale. You name the price, Half.com collects the money via credit card from the buyer and forwards their address to you. You ship the product and Half.com pays you at the end of the month. I've not tried this myself but I'm thinking about it. Keep in mind that they do not list any vinyl products.

Rare and hard to find items

For rare and hard to find items on vinyl go to Gemm.com. This site has more than 3,000 sellers - some private citizens, some businesses - both in the US and abroad. They list vinyl and CDs, as well as some books and memorabilia, and you will find the same item listed several times by different sellers at various prices. I've used them a number of times with good results. The only drawback is you pay full shipping for EACH seller you choose to buy from. Like Half.com you can list items you no longer want for sale, and pay Gemm.com a nominal fee. I can't remember the exact amount, but it was less than 10% if memory serves me right. I've not tried this part of their service yet but I'm considering it.

For an exhaustive search, go jump in the POOL! Operated by Gary Larkin, this site comprises an enormous ring of sellers and people interested in the preservation of oldies. Go inside the purple border and click; when you get to the next screen scroll down ‘til you see a bunch of number sets in bright blue - then start browsing. You’ll find hundreds of record sellers and web sites like The Lively Set produced by people who LOVE oldies. At last count Gary was up to nearly 850 links!

Rate your favorite artists

For fun you could try AllMusic.com, a site which gathers information on the commercial output of a multitude of artists in every genre of music I can think of. When you access this site, you can rate your favorite artists in the All Music Guide, and they will use your input for upcoming printings when they issue new books on music or movies. (I believe they do this at least once every two years.) You can go back and forth to rate the artists' music style and any movies they might have appeared in.

Hopefully, I've supplied you with some helpful information, or at least suggested a few sites which may prove entertaining one rainy afternoon. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear from you. I enjoy discussing nearly every genre of music. My email address is: rah369@yahoo.com.

See you on the flip side!