Rocky Mountain Record Show, Some Mile High Prices and What Not To Do When Buying Records At a Show 

Now I don’t feel so bad about missing it. Very seldom have I ever found deals on anything non-classical at record shows.

Wow, looks like a big show. Thanks for showing all the records and prices. Cool stuff

That is a wonderful venue; so bright and open. My goodness, those prices! Steve, please don't beat yourself up; we've all done it. I can't wait until you have your rig set up so you can start spinning again. Have a great weekend. (Denver looks like it's quite beautiful)

Superb video Steve. The fair looks great, some of those prices though eek! I was glad you got your Cramps grail and replaced your Marquee Moon and Modern Lovers then... damn pity they aren't the OG's you paid for.

Hi Uncle Steve. Good that you were able to get out to that local show and poke around... meet some folks and do some networking. Too bad the prices were high. It's been my experience that shows like this tend to have prices 10-25% higher than most stores. It's the same thing at comic book shows. Some vendors take advantage of the 'buying frenzy.' Thanks for taking us along. Have a good one. Cheers!

I love these videos Steve! It makes me realize just how diverse the VC is. I saw so many albums on a few of the sellers WALL that I’ve put into my purge bin. Makes me smile to know that we all are different in so many ways 🤙🏻

Wow! 3 levels!!?? My kind of show! Fun stuff Steve. 😎👍

Hi Steve! Some of the sellers are out of control. I work in purchasing for a living, so I am extremely conscious about pricing at whatever is on offer. At least you got 3 things you truly love and that is priceless at the end of the day! Hope you're loving your new home in Denver. ✌

Wow. Great punk selection! Lots of classic groups, Black Flag, Plasmatics, The Clash, Suicidal Tendencies, Husker Du, Minor Threat . . . Pistols, NOFX, Ramons. Congratulations on your take homes! Beautiful 📺 album! Never thought I’d congratulate someone on getting the cramps 😂. I told Tim he might run into you up there. Great video.

Gidday Steve. Great footage, looks like a fantastic show. I would probably pay too much and buy too many, but I would enjoy. You got some nice pick-ups. Thanks.

Hey Steve fun vide

Great tour Steve, that was a huge fair. I tend to go through the cheapie boxes and usually find something to amuse me. I like looking at the prices vendors are asking and just chuckle to myself. Like you said, it’s a free country and no one has to buy. At least you got some records you love. Cheers.

Wow. Those prices! The Modern Lovers-that's one I would love. I do have a 90s/00s CD reissue, but it should be on vinyl. I have an original copy of the live album, and it remains one of my favourite live records of all time. Nice, if expensive , haul, Steve

I have sold at shows for 10 years or so, there's a wild range of pricing and condition, def had people stop by my booth and pull a record and tell me they paid double from another vendor and my copy for sale is cleaner. I feel like i tend to find some deals at shows, but you also got to dig deep, overall they are a lot of fun.

You also should have bought that Buff Medways album I saw you browse past. I really need to record shop with you in order to keep you on the proper garage rock path of life. LOL -JT

Bummer about those Mile High prices! Looked like a big space. Don’t feel too bad about potential overpays, happens to all of us. I got bit not too long ago on a sealed album at a show advertised as a 1st press…and it wasn’t…and it was warped on opening. Aaaaaarrrrggghhh 😂

Already finding your footing in a new world. That Modern Lovers album is a gem; at one time it was probably my favorite. Paid to much? Maybe but who cares. You'll get a lot of enjoyment from it. Same with the Cramps. But I understand how you feel. I bought a grey-market copy of Radio Birdman's second album. I was so excited to see it at a record show that I just reacted... without really looking. It wasn't until I got home that I realized my mistake. Now, the real kicker is that I sold that bootleg off because I was determined to get and original. And... now I wish I had the bootleg. lol. Sometimes we can't win! lol. Be well, Steve. Cheers! Shawn

Hey Steve! Had no idea you went to this show, too. We made the trip as well, but it ended up being the most disappointing show I've ever been to. I feel strange saying that, but it just wasn't my day apparently...even with 3 floors of records! I only walked out with one record. The prices were INSANE. Something has happened between last year and this year with regard to pricing. I had such good luck at this show last August, but not this time. Did you stop at the vendor on the 2nd level who had amazing 80s and post-punk stuff but had nothing priced? I pulled 4 or 5 records to ask how much they were, and he wanted $150-$200 each. I checked them on Discogs later and they should have been around $50-$75 each. SCAM! Hey, you got some essential titles, though! Oh, bummer on the unofficial Cramps. The hunt continues! Cheers!

I'm waiting for you to be making a video at your son's business and suddenly he appears in the background, "Dad! Get back to work!' - JT

Steve, some of these prices I saw deserved to be on the "holy moly wall" as Noble Records (Dillon) would say. I saw some nice Alex Chilton (Big Star) albums as you were flipping through. The big problem I see with you getting those three (3) albums that you wanted is that you are still going to be wanting originals the next time that you see them! I was wondering if you would see Tim (University of Vinyl) there, and you settled that. Thanks, Chris

Hello, those high prices destroy little of the fun Ishall try to find the Cramps album, if you like that group you also would like Gun Club I think Look forward to record store day soon......

Nice one Steve. And that poster collection, wow 3:27. Sorry you got scammed on that Cramps LP. I saw them at the LA Roxy early 80s. Kid Congo Powers on guitar!

Love the record sale walk around. I think prices just getting a little higher than they should be. But hey that’s the norm lately. I’m glad you found the Cramps album.

We have all paid too much at one time or another. One example for me was the yellow vinyl version of Bad Music For People. When I got home I found out it was a bootleg.

Bummer about the records not being OGs. It's pretty amazing that something that sold as poorly as the Modern Lovers' first album would have a second pressing. The record industry continues to baffle. And - despite getting drilled a minor new one, at least you have the records you wanted in some version. And you can always sell those, when you find the OGs you seek, to lower the price of the new acquisitions. Perhaps I should start a Dear Abbie column for the VC - it could probably used one.

At pricey record shows it helps to go with a budget. I'll usually stop by an ATM before and get cash. Then I force myself to only spend what I got in cash. But yeah it's hard to turn down a record that you really want and been looking for.

Wow, you started with two records that I need to acquire. I should get the third one too. Prices are crazy everywhere, it seems. I say "I paid too much" after every record show.

Hi Steve, Great to see so many of the younger generation present at that show. Personally i tend to stay away from these shows as you rarely find any 'deals' at them, and i tend to get drawn in to buying things i maybe shouldn't (ahem!) , although you shouldn't expect to be fleeced at them. Hopefully these kids won't be put off . Hope you are settling in ok in your new abode. Best wishes, Cliff.

Looks like a silkscreen edition of the debut album by Toots & the Maytals on the wall at 2:02, I have never seen one of those in person. Thought it looked small from the opening shots but actually a pretty big show, and nicely spread out. Our record fairs here tend to be compressed into one big room and so they get claustrophobic with the amount of people crammed in all trying to browse the tables. See what you mean by the prices though, $15 for the Cars...that's the pitfall of shows, there's gobs and gobs of records, lots that you don't normally see and so the adrenaline gets going, it happens that you end up overpaying once in a while. Looks like a fun day anyway, cheers

Hi Steve, I agree with you, pricing here in Australia has gone nuts too. I go to record fairs but only buy what I really need. I don't need too many records anymore, have most of what I want. enjoyed your footage. Ffree entry, that is good.

One dealer had a Milford Graves LP I’ve been looking seven years for.

Wow, sounds dangerous out there my friend! Yeah, getting too excited when finding a record can go wrong. First thing to look for, when digging for an original, is to look for some wear on that cover, ring wear, or indent, or edge wear. But with that Television and Modern Lovers albums, like you said you needed to look at the run-out-grooves.

Professor, welcome to Sticker Shock city! I remember when I moved to the Boston area from Central Ohio back in '93 - it was CRAZY! And still is. What we pay for our apartment every month in metro Boston could get us THREE in Ohio . And music is the same. Sorry you overpaid, but it happens, it always does. But will you enjoy them? If you can enjoy the music and not think of the price, then you are all set. Somehow, I think that will be the most important factor. Take care!

First of all Mike can I just say thank you for the top shelf generic AI sounding tunes accompanying the vision of you sifting through over the top priced records. Those Nick Cave records looked totally legit Ha!! You got 3 absolutely classic records, but yeah not great to pay too much. I guess your new house just got a bit smaller so you could get those records. Now I have reading goggles, I'm bringing to every record show or store because they give those glasses discounts. I am jealous though. I've never got a kiss for buying records. Where do I go to get that? Where's Furry Mike going to rest his weary bones now? No soft porn but quite the analogy ha, ha! Great stuff Mike. Cheers...Mike

Hi Steve! Yeah, the last few record shows that I've been to here in Michigan have also seemed to be on the upward swing as far as prices go. I don't know if it's a case of the venues charging the vendors more to rent the space, or if it's just opportunistic sellers, or something else entirely. Whatever the root cause, I've decided to take a break from shows for a bit and stick to the shops. Despite the prices, I think you got a couple of pretty good additions! Cheers!

Hey Steve Man that was a huge show! I had better luck in Ann Arbor maybe the Midwest prices are better. Most of the records I bought were about the discogs median one was worth quite a bit more than I paid Take care Brian ☮️

I would have been paralyzed by sensory overload at that show. At the SF show last weekend I had to leave after less than an hour and a half because I was too dizzy and I still hadn’t dug half the bins. I wish I had taken a break and gone back for another crack at it.

The buyer's remorse is palpable and I've been there (not so much anymore...I now keep it in check), but you'll forget about it quickly and just enjoy the records for what they are. Just don't forget so much that you don't learn from it! I picked up the Rhino High Fidelity version of that Television album and I absolutely LOVE it; it's awesome. I do not any dog in the race (as with the Pink Floyd - Animals 2018 Remix which I also love unabashedly) about "the way the artist intended etc". I go with the way my ears and brain take it in and enjoy it. I also recently picked up Grateful Dead - American Beauty even though I already had a solid copy because these are so impressive; like Tone Poets for rock records. I can't recommend them enough. Nice to see that Jeff Tweedy had his own booth at 2:32. 😆Pricey city I'm sure but it looks beautiful. I would love to visit one day. Enjoy your time there. Cool as well that you ran into Tim from University of Vinyl! 14:33 Cheers! EDIT: to add "don't*

I think my innate cheapness might have saved me in this instance. However I have been FOMO'd into a bunch of pre-orders with the distinct possibility I might wind up disappointed. Sorry you had a bad experience. Hopefully you'll score some unexpected bargain sometime soon.

HI Steve. I don't have a phone from which i could check the discogs. I've noticed it could be a good thing. On my last record show i bought a single thinking "this is what i've bought" then came home and took a closer look and thought "what have i bought?" It didn't ask for much to see that it wasn't what i thought it was. Just a bit more than cursory glance on the sleeve. Now there are record shows coming up on the next three consecutive weekends. I sincerely hope i won't make it to all of them. On the other hand, i just bought record boxes and they're not all full now. And we can't have that with good conscience, can we? Pasi

Rocky Mountain Record Show seems to be around a lot. Was The University of Vinyl around? How is you Grand Baby doing Steve? Oh Yeah Awesome Pick ups Steve! I'm Happy for You Buddy!!!

The Modern Lovers & Television situation I could live with. Even early represses of those records go for the equivalent of $50.00-$80.00 dollars here. The Cramps would have left me fuming. I have The Comp ‘Off The Bone’ which I think has pretty much the same track list...also getting very expensive...I got my copy for £10.00...I realise this isn’t helping Steve! 😂

Orig Cramps albums not easy to find here in Canada !

Steve, cool you went to record show. Boo on the high prices, boo on the con artists. I’m slowly going back to CDs more and more. Records are out of their tree. The prices won’t go down until we stop buying. I made a commitment for some RSD releases, after that I’ll be done for awhile

Hi Steve - I'm looking for an RCA Low by Bowie & saw one ! I would of scored 🏒 !

Hey Steve at lease you got some records you love , but from some of the prices you were showing OMG . I would to be a newbie shoping for viynl now dats. it has become a rich man game? or is it just that show you were at ?

It's the thrill of the chase. And the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Vengeance is the Cramps's own label.

I think everyone is spending too much at vinyl shows these days. I'm glad I stopped record collecting. However, I replaced it with a hobby 100X more expensive, luxury sport boat ownership. I've received $6K in invoices in the past 3 weeks (2K winterization, 2K dockage for 2024 season, 2K for 2024 insurance) and the boat isn't even in the water yet!

I am thinking should I go to record show, but am ready to buy anything. And driving there isn't free eather! I saw also one Cramps album but I wasn't sure would I like it or not, because I haven't listened them so much. So what would be best way to start with the band... mr. Finglish (Bäd English Recs)

I know a guy here in Omaha who was going to sell at that show. I went to the Omaha show on Sunday. It was packed. I walked out of there with 0 purchases. I see no need to overpay for vinyl when I can just stream it. I own enough music already. If I can't get it really cheap I pass.

1st Modern Lovers- will have "Home of the Hits" on the label. Marquee Moon- seek out a red label German pressing. Wow. Cramps- Drastic Plastic pressing is very nice. Or ....take Centrum silver or Geritol daily hahaha.

Don't feel guilty my friend. If it sounds good the origins are overrated. Happy listening 🎶😌

Hello Steve; Record shopping at the show. When looking thru crates, your not looking, thru crates. Do not be a poker face, or Horshack shopper owe!, owe!, owe!. Common mistakes. At a show project an adversarial nature. Always remember the '' Con Is On'', if you don't pay attention. Some of the prices are as high as the 🏔 Rockies. Some good but expensive pick ups. Take care,🤷‍♀Tina & 🤷‍♂Pat!~

Of course, you have to do your homework, but.... Sellers with bootlegs are just so annoying...

I am consistently surprised at the type of people drawn to angry complaining musical statements. I see the cramps as not having a lot in common with this guy, the guy obviously knows the situation better than myself.

Wow Steve! And wow, wonder what that whale cost (Eddie Vedder, Into the Wild). Amazing posters! Woa, 3 stories!?! Huuge. Like my Denver dream destination, GABF (Great American Beer Fest in Denver). Not going to happen, but still eh? Didn’t even get kissed?!? 😄 Yeah, quite the prices there, woa… Thank you for letting us come with Steve 😊 And congratulations! For the find.

That sucks Steve. Won’t happen next time.

So, Hanna was there. She posted on IG that she was disappointed in that show. Sorry you overpaid for those albums. Hope everything else is going well, Steve! Cheers ✌🏻

You got bamboozled. You got hoodwinked. U got burned.

Everything is a mile high in Denver.

Record buyers and their money are soon parted.