Feature: The Cutout Bin

Remember record stores? Each shop invariably had a "cutout bin," or a sale rack containing overstock LPs and cassettes. Manufacturers would punch a hole or cut a notch into the record cover or plastic cassette case, then send these leftovers to stores to resell at a deeply discounted price. Delving through these bins would uncover some obscure artists, or an album that failed to sell very well. Often the customer would be rewarded with a hidden gem.

Re-live those days through The Cutout Bin a column that digs through the music racks for lost treasures.

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• Not Just for Kids: Looking Back at Carole King's and Maurice Sendak's 1975 Classic Really Rosie

  My final column recalls the Carole King-written launching pad of my musical education.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Mar 13, 2012

• Celebrate the Holidays Beatles-Style with Rubber Band's Xmas! Tribute Album

  You're a Beatles fan, yet you also like holiday music. How can you enjoy both at the same time?

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Dec 17, 2011

• The Hollies Found Artistic Fortune with 1967's "King Midas in Reverse"

  The British Invasion group took a huge risk with this psychedelic--and still distinctive--gem.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Dec 03, 2011

• Indulge in Cake's Brand of Humor and Funk

  Among the greatest mysteries in life includes the following: why isn't Cake bigger than they are?

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Nov 20, 2011

• Break It Down: The Winstons' 1969 Tune "Amen, Brother" and Its Role in Modern Music

  What is the most sampled drum solo of all time? The answer may surprise you.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Nov 05, 2011

• Vocalist Kevyn Lettau Goes Back to Basics on Braziljazz

  A guitarist, percussionist, and gifted singer is all it takes to create quality jazz.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Oct 23, 2011

• Loose Ends' Look How Long: An Overlooked New Jack Swing Classic

  This 1990 album exemplifies Loose Ends' sophisticated, polished brand of 1980s and 1990s soul.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Oct 09, 2011

• R.E.M.'s Early Work Shines in the 1987 Collection Dead Letter Office

  Don't miss this hidden gem in the R.E.M. catalog that best shows why this legendary band will be greatly missed.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Sep 25, 2011

• The Anthems of September 11, 2001: A Look Back

  As we mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11/01, looking back on then-popular songs reveals the country's somber mood.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Sep 11, 2011

• Rock and Funk Doesn't Get Better Than Buddy Miles' Classic "Them Changes"

  Psychedelic rock and funk come together perfectly in this soulful track.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 25, 2011

• Feel the Funk with the Live Sounds of Jamiroquai

  Fans of funk and acid jazz should not overlook the band's soulful albums recalling 1970s funk.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 14, 2011

• Billy Preston Inspires Musically and Spiritually with 1970's Encouraging Words

  Billy Preston's second album for Apple contains positive, very human messages while incorporating foot-stomping funk, soul, and gospel.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 30, 2011

• Sarah Vaughan's Love of Brazilian Music Shined on Milton Nascimento's "Nothing Will Be as It Was"

  The jazz legend's final album saluted her love of Brazilian jazz, including this underrated performance.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 16, 2011

• Rock and Roll: An Endangered Species?

  As rock stations continue to disappear, rock seems to be on life support. But is this true?

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 03, 2011

• Ringo Starr Plays Philosopher in 1992's "Weight of the World"

  The former Beatle's often overlooked 1992 single exemplifies his personal and professional transformation.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 20, 2011

• Gil Scott-Heron (1949-2011): Godfather of Rap, Poet, Musician, and Uncompromising Artist

  Throughout his life, the artist defied labels and spoke the truth through his powerful lyrics.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 05, 2011

• Experience Vocal Ecstasy with Jazz/Pop Choir Perpetuum Jazzile

  Hailing from Slovenia, Perpetuum Jazzile proves that music transcends language.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Apr 29, 2011

• Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll: The Highly Original World of Ian Dury

  Meet one of the most unique artists to emerge from the English New Wave scene of the late 1970s.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Apr 18, 2011

• Steppenwolf Steps Away from the "Wild" Side in 1968's Powerful "The Pusher"

  Although most famous for "Born to be Wild," Steppenwolf recorded other groundbreaking songs, such as this underrated classic.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Apr 01, 2011

• Anita Baker's Solo Debut Shows Why She's The Songstress

  Overlooked in 1983, Anita Baker's debut solo album set the stage for her successful career.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Mar 20, 2011