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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• Robbie Robertson Takes Listeners on a "Crazy" Journey

  Robbie Robertson's 1987 single "Somewhere Down the Crazy River" retains its mystery and sensuality.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 18, 2008

• Isaac Hayes: A Guide to His Most Famous — and Little Known — Compositions

  Isaac Hayes became famous as a dynamic performer, but was also a stellar songwriter, having penned songs for various artists.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 13, 2008

• John Hiatt's Bring the Family An '80s Masterpiece

  John Hiatt's masterwork amazes with its deeply personal lyrics, bare bones production, and blend of rock, blues, country, and folk.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Aug 05, 2008

• Mary J. Blige's Underrated Mary Shows Her Vocal Versatility

  Mary J. Blige's powerful 1999 album cemented her status as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul and as worthy successor to past soul divas.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 29, 2008

• Bill Withers' Live at Carnegie Hall Treats Listeners to Deeply Personal Songwriting and Performing

  Bill Withers' under appreciated live album functions not only as a great listen, but as a master class to songwriters and performers.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 22, 2008

• Celebrating Level 42's Jazz-Fusion Roots

  Think you know everything about 80s band Level 42? Listen to their early material and gain a whole new perspective.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 15, 2008

• Jaco Pastorius Transformed the Bass Forever in His 1976 Solo Debut

  Think you've heard great bass playing? Listen to jazzman Jaco Pastorius's 1976 self-titled album and learn from a music visionary.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 07, 2008

• Music Review: Massive Attack - Blue Lines

  Massive Attack's first album challenges listeners with a unique combination of soul, hip-hop, trance, and reggae.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jul 01, 2008

• Music Review: Maxwell's Embrya Remains A Romantic Hidden Gem

  Released 10 years too early, this sophomore album challenges listeners with abstract lyrics and unusual instrumentation, yet emits pure sensuality and soul.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 23, 2008

• The Cutout Bin: New Moon Shine and Hourglass Remain Underappreciated James Taylor Albums

  James Taylor experienced a creative renaissance in the 1990s, yet that work is frequently overshadowed by his classic hits.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 16, 2008

• Music Review: Patrice Rushen - Straight from the Heart

  This seamless fusion of jazz and R&B remains as fresh today as it did over 20 years ago.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 06, 2008

• Music Review: The Monkees' Head Soundtrack Remains A Worthy Trip

  This week's column uncovers The Monkees' unjustly overlooked film soundtrack, a collection of solid 60s rock and pop. It also shows the group at their most cohesive and polished.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on May 26, 2008

• Stevie Wonder's A Time to Love Has Universal Meaning for All Listeners

  Stevie Wonder 's unfairly neglected album shows an artist who still has something to say.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Apr 21, 2008

• Jazz Singer Johnny Hartman: An Underappreciated but Brilliant Vocalist

  While not as famous as Sinatra or Cole, Johnny Hartman remains one of the greatest--and most under appreciated--interpreters of the Great American Songbook.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Apr 16, 2008

• Singer Janis Siegel Feels At Home with Various Music Styles

  This week's Cutout Bin features Manhattan Transfer's Janis Siegel and her second solo effort, At Home.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Apr 08, 2008

• London Elektricity Puts An Unusual Spin on Electronica

  The Cutout Bin looks at London Elektricity, an unusual electronica/dance artist that transcends the music genre.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Apr 01, 2008

• Michael Franks's Abandoned Garden An Eloquent Tribute to Jobim

  Michael Franks's eloquent tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim remains an unappreciated gem.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Mar 26, 2008

• Go "Far Out" with the Crown Heights Affair

  Digging through the music racks for lost treasures.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Mar 18, 2008