I was at Trader's World and Treasure Aisle, 2 very large flea markets in Cincinnati this weekend. Many vendors had CDs to peruse and a handful even had a soundtrack section. I ultimately ended up finding about 6 CD scores, but what I observed was that there were so few score CDs. Most were song compilations. Each vendor told me that they don't buy score CDs to resell because no one seems to want them.
So what that means is that people are coming to these vendors with film scores and getting turned down. What must happen to all those CDs? I figure they get thrown out, refiled in their basement, or given to Goodwill. Maaaaaybe they go on craigslist.
We all know used CD stores are becoming extinct. So I am guessing the best places to stumble across a film score CD are (in no particular order):
At single garage sales they're pretty hard to come by. But at a Community wide sale or street sale if you check at least 10 boxes of CDs you're bound to find some. Most will be from what was available from Columbia House.
Also, the great thing about MASSIVE garage sales is that even if you show up late, the score CDS if any will probably still be there! Has happened to me quite often, most folks are after everything but.
2. Goodwill/Salvation Army/thrift stores
Always worth a look, great thing about Varese CDs is their labels are always easy to pick out if you just do a quick scan.
I've noticed that many of these locations have now setup Amazon Marketplace stores as they realize some score CDs, and other Genres fetch a fair price!
3. craigslist
About once a month I use Search Tempest to search across Canada and the USA. I have come across the occasional sweet deal. I have also seen some results that are already sold before I can even look at the ad - which means score fans hopefully some on this board likely are already grabbing these deals.
4. Half-Price Books
Any used book store that sells used CDs is always worth a cheak.
5. flea market (to a lesser extent)
Same as garage sales, CD bins are always worth a quick scan.
One thing that has always worked well for me: if you come across a classified ad for soundtracks or scores and there is only one or two. I always ask if they have more for sale - THIS has netted me some pretty sweet finds.
Recently an ad in Vancouver someone listed a few Warcraft soundtracks. Asked, and got back a list of 30 plus great scores, many OOP. Even arranged to buy by mail.
I have had the occasional find at a garage sale. I recall one that had exactly ONE CD. It was Lost Season 2. Insta-buy!
I have found many things at Goodwill. Not so much at Salvation Army.
Never had luck with craigslist.
Half Price Books always has great stuff. Never leave empty handed.
Flea markets are hit and miss.
I am glad someone mentioned local libraries. They all seem to have a few shelves of stuff where they sell CDs. I recently found Zigman's Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium at a library.
So I guess the moral of story is that the best place to find anything is on our very own trading post. But the thrill of the hunt at garage sales, etc. cannot be underestimated!
Charity shops are pretty my targets physically, the specialty/second hand shops in London are just about extinct (going down Berwick Street is no fun nowadays).
To be honest, I've never seen any of the 'Boutique label' soundtrack CD's in any of those places mentioned ? Just unlucky I guess......but I'll keep searching.
try musicmagpie store uk on ebay.I just bought taming of the shrew for 5 pounds new, the devil in miss jones for 5 pounds new. and the vagrant 3 pounds new. free shipping too good store good bargains.
