The Life and Times of the Creatively Stunted

Time for yet another new ongoing feature based on one of my all time favorite time wasters: the eBay.

eBay has effectively sucked up countless hours of my productive life, typically hours in which I was being payed to do something else. I’m fascinated by the things that show up there. So in honor of those brave sellers who are willing to post the bizarre, the outrageous, and the down right unbelievable, Creatively Stunted is proud to present Viva La eBay!

Our first offering comes to us from Pittsburgh, Pa. in the form of 3 million + records, CDs, and tapes. Ladies and gentlemen, we give to you The World’s Greatest Music Collection!

Here it is , in all it’s glory. Literally millions of albums can be yours for less that $1 a piece, but only if you have all the money upfront. Honestly, it seems like a pretty amazing deal, and if I had several million dollars to burn and a decade’s worth of free time to sort, organize, and enjoy this collection I’d be all over it. (Anyone looking for a truly unique wedding gift for Heidi and I look no further!)

According to the auction, The Record Rama collection boasts over 1,500,000 45s, 1,000,000 LPs , and 300,000 CDs, not mention countless pieces or memoribelia and technology all collected by owner Paul Mawhinney and his associates. Apparently, the collection represents 99% of the Billboard charts. That being said, it was estimated by the Library of Congress that only 17% of the collection has been released in a CD or digital form. 17%! My curiosity as to what lives in that other 83% is boundless. I can only imagine the forgotten gems that are hiding within those stacks.

I’d have to say, however, that my favorite part of this auction is what you find in small print under the bid box.

Kickass ad placement, Mastercard! If there’s anyone I can think of who would be most tempted by “up to $25 cash back”, it’s the guy who plans on spending 3 mil on a warehouse full of vinyl. Total bid after rebate: $2,999,975.00. Score!

Truthfully, I hope this archive finds an amazing home. And if the new owner ever feel the urge to float a few extra Smiths 12″ singles my way, I would promise to love them unconditionally.