From: Dr. Axel Barcelo Aspeitia -- Investigador (abarcelo_at_minerva.filosoficas.unam.mx)
Date: 2003-10-24 02:17:04
. . . the situation in Mexico City is rather different. Record collecting
never caught up here at all. In the early to mid-nineties some specialty
vynil stores appeared here and there, on the most 'chic'and trendy parts
of the city, but most of them quickly went out of business. (BTW, there is
no place I know to buy used CDs either, so it is not just a vynil thing.
People just do not buy used records). So, I get all my used vynil from
flea markets. This being such a huge city, most flea markets contain
hundreds if not thousands of unsorted vynil records: from old 78s to more
recent 12"s, including old bootleggs and home recordings. Most of the
stuff is 80s Latin Pop (this is not surprising
if you know at least a little bit about Mexican recent economical history
and demographics) Since most of the very few record collectors in town are
interested in so-called 'Classic Rock', it is not difficult to find good
old jazz and funk. However, finding original pressings (instead of their
Mexican ones), requires some patience. Also, they are mostly sold dirt
cheap (the highest price I have paid is two dollars for some near-mint
new-wave albums a few months ago). However, if you want to find stuff in
good conditions, you should buy them as soon as they hit the street, for
vendors do not take any good care with them, and many times leave them in
the street overnight (just covered by a piece of canvas) or stuff them in
samsonite suitcases. In rainy season, you can be sure they will be
soaking wet, and in sunny season, they will likely be sunbent. On the
other hand, don't expect anybody to be impressed with your rare groove
collection.
Dr. Axel Arturo Barcelo Aspeitia
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+ Instituto de Investigaciones Filosoficas +
+ Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico +
+ Mexico Distrito Federal +
+ (52)5622 7213 +
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www.mp3.com/drxl
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