Five Essential Halloween Albums

October has arrived, bringing the perfect excuse to embrace all things spooky. From dressing up in creative costumes to indulging in sweet treats, one of the best ways to heighten the eerie atmosphere is with a bone-chilling soundtrack. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or simply getting into the spooky spirit, these five essential albums will set the perfect haunting tone for your All Hallows’ Eve.

Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party

Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party (1985)

Why it’s essential: Danny Elfman and his band Oingo Boingo infused their playful new wave, ska, and rock style into this classic album. The “Dead Man’s Party” title track is a Halloween staple, evoking images of skeletons dancing in celebration. The rest of the album is just as lively, making it perfect for any spooky soirée.

Standout tracks: “Dead Man’s Party,” “Weird Science,” “Stay”

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How to Protect Records when Submitting them to Audio Media Grading

Grading a record is traditionally performed by individual sellers, rating the condition of the vinyl and the record jacket, which can be two separate grades or a collective grade of both the vinyl and cover. Using standards defined by the community, records are graded from Mint to Poor, with the Goldmine Grading Guide being the most recognized standard. Most sellers are honest and fair when grading records, but opinions about a record’s condition can vary, which can be frustrating for buyers who disagree with the seller’s grade.

One solution comes from Audio Media Grading (AMG), which offers independent grading and archiving services for records, CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks, and more. Their team of experts authenticate and grade each item to provide an unbiased, professional opinion about its condition.

AMG Staff at the Austin Record Convention
Jeremy and Rob from AMG at the Austin Record Convention
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Organize Your Music Collection with Record and CD Dividers

Whether you’re a record or CD collector or a record shop owner, keeping your music organized can be a challenging task. That’s where BCW Record and CD Dividers can help.

BCW Dividers are made from acid-free plastic that is strong and durable. Sold in 25-count packs, our dividers come unlabeled so you can customize them to your specific needs using a label maker, stickers, a marker, or a paint pen. All of our 12-inch Record Dividers are available in white or black.

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Record Toploaders Provide Extra Protection for Your Favorite Vinyl

Sports and trading card businesses have relied on Toploaders to protect, store, and display their most valuable cards for decades, but did you know that BCW Supplies now offers five sizes of Toploaders designed specifically for vinyl records?

Made from two layers of semi-rigid plastic reinforced with high-impact grade PVC along the edges, our Toploaders protect rare and valuable 12-inch and 7-inch records. Records slip securely into the top of each loader to offer maximum protection, prevent corner dings, and keep records and their jackets looking pristine. The clear plastic also makes these ideal for behind-the-counter wall or shelf displays.

Our Record Toploaders are available for 7-inch records and four subtly different sizes for 12-inch records. The PVC used in all BCW Toploaders contains no plasticizers or stearates and will not harm records or jackets in any way.

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Protecting Your Vinyl Record Collection

With more vinyl records being pressed all the time, BCW Supplies wants to ensure record collectors and independent record stores have plenty of options to protect, store and display their collections. That’s why BCW has recently expanded its product line with more vinyl record accessories for both 12-inch and 7-inch records.

Record shops and show vendors can apply for a BCW direct wholesale account to get their best value on record supplies.

Outer Sleeves
BCW sleeves are open on one side, while bags have resealable flaps. BCW now has 2 Mil, 3 Mil and 4 Mil options.

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BCW Expands Selection of Record Supplies

With more vinyl records being pressed all the time, we at BCW Supplies want to ensure you have plenty of options to protect, store and display your collections. That’s why we are expanding our selection of music supplies, adding 21 vinyl record accessories to our product line. Whether you are buying for your personal collection or stocking your record store, everyone has their preferences when it comes to record sleeves, bags, jackets, and more. Now, you have more options!

Record stores and show vendors are encouraged to apply for a BCW retail account to get record supplies at wholesale pricing. The wholesale application process is simple. Add your basic information and your state business license or retail merchant certificate to start saving.

Record Outer Sleeves
2 Mil Polypropylene Outer Sleeves are BCW’s most popular record accessory.
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Dec. 4th South Bend Record Show Admission Discount

Michiana Record Collectors – Don’t miss the Sunday, Dec. 4th, South Bend Record Show. This event will have more than 85 tables, full of LPs, 45s, CDs, and more. Find an eclectic inventory of music from multiple genres. The show will be at the Gillespie Conference Center at Hilton Garden Inn, 53995 State Road 933, South Bend, IN.

South Bend Record Show Discount

Save $2 on admission when you present the coupon below. You can select to print this page, or simply show the graphic below on your phone when you arrive at the admission table. The 9 a.m. early-bird admission is normally $7 but will be $5 with the coupon. Regular 11 a.m.-5 p.m. admission is $2, but will be FREE when you present the coupon!

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Top 5: ’80s One-Hit Wonders

This blog series is inspired by Rob Fleming, the protagonist of Nick Hornby’s novel “High Fidelity,” originally published in 1995, and the film, Broadway, and TV adaptations that followed. Rob, and his trusty employees Dick and Barry, are known for creating Top 5 lists for almost anything, but especially music. We encourage you to play along by commenting on your own Top 5 or sharing a Top 5 subject matter you would like to see in a future post. 

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Five Anticipated Releases to Look for on June 18 RSD Drop

Music fans can rejoice. Record Store Day‘s June 18 drop date is almost upon us. This Saturday date is a follow-up to the main event, which took place on April 23, bringing out the rest of the releases originally slated for April that didn’t make the shelves because of manufacturing delays.

As has been widely reported, the growth of new vinyl releases has put a strain on existing pressing plants, causing delays on pre-orders and pushing back independent releases for months. This year, even Record Store Day was not immune.

Of course, the good news for both collectors and independent businesses is June 18 marks another chance to celebrate record stores with a batch of exclusive, limited, and first-release titles on vinyl and CD. Be sure to check the list before you hit up your favorite store.

In the meantime, here are five of the most anticipated music releases to look for on Saturday.

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Is There a Way to Prevent Record Jacket Ringwear?

There’s a familiar mantra among crate diggers when they pull a classic record from a bin to discover a well-worn jacket.

 “Well, you play the record, not the cover, right?”

Yes, vinyl condition is everything in the hobby, but truth be told, most collectors would prefer that the jacket be as pristine as the record itself, especially when it comes to ringwear.

Ringwear is the visible imprint of the vinyl disc shape on both the cover and the back of a record jacket that occurs over time. While it is most often caused by improper shelf storage, the repetitive nature of pulling a record out and then returning it to the jacket can also contribute to ringwear. 

3 record jackets with ringwear
Unsleeved LPs with ringwear and rough edges on the jacket
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