Last year, publisher Roostercow started a zine called Used Records and Tapes, which offered, well, reviews of used records and tapes that a handful of authors happened to enjoy. The point was to pay tribute to good and sometimes bad music bought at a discount in stores across the country, as a way of highlighting the importance of record stores. The two zines are wonderful reads, and now they’re back with a brand new third issue.
This time, however, the focus is on the records and not so much the methods of which they were acquired. Instead, each author was allowed to talk about a favorite record that they felt like writing about. Although the concept is somewhat different, Used Records and Tapes is still an enjoyable and insightful read.
There are plenty of interesting entries here. One story tells of a reader’s love of Beck’s experimental Stereopathetic Soulmanure, which came out days before Mellow Gold. He relates finding a used copy on vinyl for 35 dollars, mulling over whether to buy it, and opting not to. He changes his mind later, only to discover it had been sold. Another story discusses at length the bizarre Evel Kneviel album from 1974, aimed at the youth market. One article talks about a handful of bizarre albums by weirdo Eugene Chadbourne, while another espouses their love for Repo Man’s soundtrack—a sentiment we echo heartily.
Used Records And Tapes #3 is exactly what a zine should be—fun, informative, and enjoyable to read. It’s certainly that, and since there aren’t as many music zines in print these days, Used Records and Tapes fills that void quite nicely.
Purchase Used Records & Tapes #3: Roostercow
The Recoup 
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