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.

Columnists

Kit O'Toole

Articles in this feature

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• Enter Another World Through Fleetwood Mac's "Hypnotized"

  Fleetwood Mac's 1973 track enraptures the listener with its mysterious lyrics and Mick Fleetwood's steady beat.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Mar 25, 2010

• Be Transported Back to the '70s and '80s by Bugz in the Attic's "Consequences"

  Are you a fan of Shalamar, Cameo, or other '70s and '80s dance-funk? If so, try London's Bugz in the Attic.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Mar 12, 2010

• Groove to Paul Simon's Rhythm of the Saints

  Paul Simon's "Graceland" followup deserves recognition for its unique combination of world sounds and memorable lyrics.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Feb 24, 2010

• Split Enz's "I Got You" Sounds Fresh and Different 30 Years Later

  Split Enz's 1980 single fuses new wave and 1960s pop.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Feb 13, 2010

• Let Donell Jones Tell You "What's Up"

  Underappreciated R&B singer/songwriter Donell Jones has proven to be a formidable talent.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jan 30, 2010

• Donald Fagen's The Nightfly: A Modern Classic

  Donald Fagen's first solo album still sounds fresh with its jazzy narration about optimism and disillusionment.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jan 12, 2010

• Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas": A Timeless Holiday Classic

  Donny Hathaway blends R&B, romance, and traditional holiday images to create a unique Christmas carol.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Dec 11, 2009

• R.E.M.'s Tells of Life's Rich Pageant

  R.E.M.'s 1986 album reflects political and environmental awareness as well as optimism.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Nov 26, 2009

• Giving George Harrison's Thirty Three and 1/3 Another Spin

  George Harrison's often overlooked album features beautiful ballads, his trademark humor, and just a touch of soul.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Nov 11, 2009

• "Going to Kansas City": Journeying Through the Catalog of Leiber and Stoller

  Exploring the catalog of songwriters Leiber and Stoller reveals the very foundations of rock & roll.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Oct 29, 2009

• The Round Midnight Soundtrack Shows Jazz's Broad Spectrum of Sounds and Emotions

  The soundtrack to the 1986 film functions as an all-star tribute to the jazz genre.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Oct 14, 2009

• Genesis Shows Off Their Progressive and Pop Rock Roots on Three Sides Live

  Genesis's 1982 album proves the music fan's maxim of "the live version is better."

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Sep 27, 2009

• Vocalese 101: An Overview of the Underappreciated Vocal Jazz Movement

  What is vocalese? Learn about the history of the jazz vocal movement and its essential recordings.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Sep 16, 2009

• Delve into the Rich Sonic World of Quincy Jones's The Dude

  Put on some headphones to fully appreciate Quincy Jones's considerable producing and arranging skills.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 30, 2009

• Jamie Lidell's Jim Perfectly Pays Tribute to '60s and '70s Soul

  Unfairly overlooked, Jamie Lidell's 2008 effort shows his vast musical versatility and sincere love of soul.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 21, 2009

• Sting Fuses Rock and Jazz Flawlessly on His Classic Live Album Bring on the Night

  Sting demonstrates his versatility, interest in jazz, and love of live performance on his 1985 album and documentary.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 05, 2009

• Rediscovering Chicago House: A Brief Introduction

  Listening to Chicago house music is a lesson in modern dance music and hip hop.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 22, 2009

• What Were Those Songs Stevie Wonder Sang at Michael Jackson's Memorial Service?

  The two songs Stevie Wonder performed may not be as well known but have rich histories.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 09, 2009

• Womack & Womack Engage in Love Wars with Soulful and Danceable Results

  Womack & Womack's underrated album may date from 1983, but its roots are in pure Philly soul.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 24, 2009

• Celebrate Singer and Guitarist Kenny Rankin's Unique Talent with The Kenny Rankin Album

  Kenny Rankin's 1976 classic beautifully marries pop and jazz using strings, guitar, and a lovely voice.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 10, 2009