Here's a typical item: “I collect anything and everything concerning the Carpenters singing duo, especially need TV, radio, concert tapes and photos. Have lots to trade on the Carpenters and your favorites. Please trade! Thank you!” You’re welcome!! That from Ms. Ribble (not her real name) of East Boston, in Rabid Fan, a fanzine/collector’s mag devoted to any number of musicians, but—most especially—the “Carpenters singing duo.” You love it, admit it.

Hi ho, and away we go, into the way-out world of record collecting...a terra incognito • of memorabilia-hoarding (pastel portraits of Wayne Newton, Ronnie James Dio’s laundry tickets, feature stories on Roger Whittaker CREEM’s rejected 3,098 times) that goes far beyond not only vinyl—it goes beyond the pathological. Seriously, I’m not making these up: “J will pay $10 for the address of Neil Diamond's fan club. ” “Would love to hear from other Journey fans (especially anyone who knows any of their San Francisco hangouts!).” “Want to buy or trade Springsteen articles, information, rumors, anything!" Wonder how much I could get for the old “Springsteen paid $20 for the address of Diamond's fan club” rumor?