When it comes to 45rpm Vinyl Records, Parkers Records and Comics is here to answer any question you may have.  Owner Don Parker has traveled across the country to find the best 45’s available.  From well preserved collections that owners have decided to let go, to dusty boxes at garage sales, Don has hunted down some of the most sought after 45’s available.

Over the years an unrivaled inventory has been built, and samples of most are available (over 30,000 samples!)  In the inventory you will find the artist, the track(s) on each side, the label, number, grade,  and type.  All of which lead up to the price, or how much it is worth.  The goal is to leave you without questions, but in the case you do have a question we are more than happy to answer it.

Some of the records that people often seek are northern soul records.  This style led to early disco, break dancing, and really created its own genre of dancing.  Then there are the funk 45’s that offer a complex rhythmic style.  These are just two of the many types of 45’s we keep in stock.

Should you find something you would like to purchase, you can order online!  Our stock is accessible as ever, so that you can add great sounds and value to your collection.

Those who know about Parkers Records and Comics know that we have one of the best collections in the world.  The foundation of our collection is the 45 rpm records that make up a lot of our inventory.  When thinking about 45’s Doo-Wop, Garage, or Novelty records may come to mind.  If that’s what came to your mind, you’ve come to the right place.

If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, you may have seen that one of our recent spotlights for records was a doo-wop 45 by Bob Knight Four-“So So Long Good Goodby” / “You Tease Me” on Taurus 100.  We post these spotlights weekly, and we offer information on price, release dates, and conditions.  This one happens to be in mint condition, released in 1962, and it’s $60.00.

If you’re looking at a record, maybe you’re unsure about the sound quality, condition, or if it’s the item you had in mind.  With Parker's we give you complete accessibility to our collection with sound clips, and the ability to order online.  Everything you need is right here online.  Even if you decide to order online, we encourage you to visit our store right here in Cincinnati.  The in-store inventory is a site to see, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you stumbled upon a record or comic you’ve been looking for!  You can get a sneak peak tour of the store on our Google Plus page.

Parker’s is a rewarding business because we have collectible items to satisfy our customers, along with some that may bring back great memories!  We hope that you will come and check out our collection in its entirety.  If you’re looking online and have any questions, just give us a call!

Buying comics online gives you the convenient option to order from a huge selection of new, old, and collectible comics without even having to leave your home. Parker's Records and Comics knew it was important to make this an option! Our inventory is updated almost daily to ensure that we have a wealth of options for you to pick from.  However, if you do want to see the items in person and explore our collection, we do have a physical location as well.

From A-Z we have thousands of comics including those from the Golden Age, Bronze Age, and Silver Age.  On top of this, classic comic books from Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Archie Comics, Gold Key and many more are available. If you’d like to get a glimpse of the kind of comics and records we have to offer, we frequently post photos with prices on our Facebook page.  For example two of our recent posts are the Bronze Age X-Men comic “Death of Thunderbird” from 1975. Then we have a 1962 R&B/Soul 45 by Fay Simmons. Both of these items, along with much of our inventory, are in mint condition.

We have used and new comics with prices that vary, along with records, that are all accessible through the World Wide Web.  If you are looking for something specific and don’t see it online, give us call we might have it in the store! You can also find our email address on the website.  We’re happy to answer any question you may have.

Bring History to Life With Novelty Records

Novelty records are more than just collector’s items. Most adults remember what record players looked like, cassette players, and monstrous CD players. You could drag your kids to the museum, repeatedly make sure they do not touch anything, and read small tidbits about music legends. However, you can explore history first-hand with Parkers RC.

Actually Exploring Music Legends Instead of a Trip to the Museum

There are more to novelty records than the music. You can help future generations experience what owning a record was like. Unlike semi-indestructible MP3 players with solid state drives that can be dropped, stepped on, go through the washing machine and still work, records are meant to be cherished. You can’t get the songs back on a cloud network after you drop a record, and you have to carefully play it every time. Keep history alive and well by experiencing music in a way that is difficult any other way.

Get Something Good in the Mail for a Change

Another piece of history that most adults remember is when good things actually came in the mail. Parkers RC will ship a new record to you, and you can actually look forward to getting the mail again. Show your children what it was like to order special items that aren’t for holiday gifts. Relive some of the most memorable music of all time the way it was first heard by thousands, on a record.

Boring Music History or an Exciting Hobby?

Music history can be lackluster at times, but where’s the fun in instantly downloading an MP3? Grow your existing record collection or start an exciting new hobby with novelty records. Get the records that meant something to you a few short decades ago, and keep your own history alive and kicking.

Order Records From Parkers RC Today

Call us at (513) 575-3665 for more information about our records. Make swing dancing sessions pop, or relax to sounds straight from the 1940s with our extensive collection of online records. 

Reasons to Read Comic Books

Parker’s Records and Comics is here to provide you with the absolute best in new and collectible comic books through our online comic book store, and we want to do the same for your friends. If your friends don’t understand why you’re so proud to be a self-proclaimed comic book geek, we’ve got a few good reasons for you to give them the next time they ask.  

A Joy to Read

You know all too well how enjoyable it is to sit down and read your favorite comic book series. We live in an age of multiple distractions, and it can be difficult to focus on a single task. It’s quite a feat when something as simple and low tech as a comic book can hold your attention and keep you enthralled for hours at a time.

Imagination Stimulation

Comic books can spark your creativity and give you a different way of looking at the world and everything in it. Actors, writers and even web designers have all remarked on how big of an impact comic books have had on their careers. It’s entirely possible that mankind’s next greatest achievement might be inspired by a simple comic book bought from an online comic book store. The possibilities are endless.

Inspiration

The superheroes we read about in comic books save lives both on and off of the page. Back in the days of WWII, comic books were used to inspire patriotism and support for the war effort, and in the 60s and 70s they were used to subtly address social issues such as race and bigotry. Today, comic books are still used as a way to teach readers how to live better lives and be all that they can be no matter what may come their way.

Literacy

One of the absolute best things about comic books is that they get people both young and old reading. Kids learn new words by reading comic books, and older readers get the mental stimulation that comes with reading. If you know of anyone who finds reading to be a chore, introduce them to the world of comic books.

If you’d like to check out our online comic book store for yourself or for your friends, visit Parker’s Records and Comics website.   

Safely Storing Your Old LPs and 45s

A vinyl record collection is something to be treasured. Those old sounds you remember will stay fresh and clear if you take the time to learn how to store your records correctly.

Improper Storage Can Damage Records

Many vintage vinyl records and 45s were not created with longevity in mind; record manufacturers were able to produce cheap products by skimping on vinyl weight and paper quality. This results in an item that is prone to warping and splitting.

Warping and splitting is caused by excessive heat and pressure applied over a long period of time, though different types of heat and pressure affect the vinyl and paper differently. The lightweight album cover is the record’s primary protection; protecting this outer layer should be your first concern.

Standard Storage Considerations

There are three basic considerations to keep in mind when storing vinyl records. These include:

·         Use place storage sleeves

·         Replace missing paper inner sleeves

·         Store records vertically

Place a clear, acid-free plastic sleeve over the album cover. Most of these are designed for standard, single record covers though it is possible to find sleeves made for gatefold albums or two-disc sets. This will protect the paper from rubbing and scuffs. It will also help the paper resist moisture, which can potentially cause the paper to stick to the vinyl’s surface. This can damage the delicate grooves and diminish the sound quality.

Inner paper sleeves protect the record’s surface from dust and grit. If the original sleeve is missing or damaged, replacement ones can be purchased for just a few cents apiece.

Finally, make sure that your vinyl records are stored vertically, just like a row of books. You can use bookends with a broad, solid surface to prevent the row from tipping over. Storing your records at a slant should be avoided since this can cause the vinyl to warp.

Building a Collection to Enjoy Forever

Storing your records correctly is easy and will ensure that your collection stays in great shape. When you are ready to build your collection, just browse through our great selection!

Vinyl Records are Bringing the Music Back

Vinyl records are making quite a come back in the music scene. With their raw, authentic sound, creative sleeves, and vintage feel, it is no wonder why more people are stepping back in time to purchase and listen to records. Here at Parker’s Records and Comics, we are excited and committed to help you find whatever record you are looking for!

Why Buy Old or Vintage Records?

Vinyl records, otherwise known as vintage records, produce a higher quality sound that cannot be matched with the audio on an MP3 player, CD, or cassette tape. They are composed of a petroleum based plastic called vinyl and are made when sound waves create vibrations in the plastic, creating the grooves on the record. These records were the main way of producing and selling music until the 1970’s. However, records have made a huge comeback in recent years due to the demand for more authentic music and recordings.

What we Offer

We are dedicated to offering you the best selection in vinyl records, EP’s, and 45’s. Our selection includes:

• Vintage 45's 
• Vinyl LP records
• Soul and Funk –examples include James Brown and Ray Charles
• Instrumental pieces
• Jazz-examples include Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald
• Reggae
• Reissues
• Pop and Rock-examples include Elton John and Stevie Wonder
• Picture sleeves

Grading Records

Grades are not just for students anymore! Here at Parker’s Records and Comics we take great pride in our grading system for our records. The top grade is sealed, meaning the record has never been opened or played. Next is mint, meaning the record is in perfect condition. We also rate records as being very good, but these can be scratched and may not have their original sleeve.

If you are ready to give the sound of vinyl records a try, please visit our store or order online. We can help you experience the raw and genuine sound of records, 45’s and EP’s.

The comic book world is full of superheroes. Reaching as far back as the 1930s, fans across the world have read in pure awe as they've watched these men and women clad in superhero uniforms complete with tights battle the evil that we simply couldn’t.

After much deliberation, we've arrived at the top 10 most awesome comic book heroes of all time. If you agree or disagree with us, let us know in the comments section below.

Superhero #1

Superman

Superhero #2

Batman

Superhero #3

Spider-Man

Superhero #4

Captain America

Superhero #5

Wolverine

Superhero #6

Wonder Woman

Superhero #7

Judge Dredd

Superhero #8

Hulk

Superhero #9

Iron Man

Superhero #10

Dare Devil

Do you have a favorite superhero? Let us know in the comments section below this post.

And don't forget -- comic books "stay alive" with your support. If you're in the Milford area, stop by and show your support! We're located at 1222 Route 28, Suite C. We sell all sorts of comics - we've got something for everyone.

Some people don't understand why vinyl records are still relevant in today's world. Well, roll up your sleeves, take a seat and read along - we're going to tell you exactly why you should be "buying vinyl".

Why Should I Buy Vinyl?

There are three basic reasons people still invest in and buy vinyl records - and why you should, too.

Reason #1

They just look cool. Vinyl records have that old-time aesthetic to them. While cassette tapes and CDs don't particularly look all that cool, vinyl records stand out. People love to show their guests their awesome vinyl record collection. Not only that, but all records are encased in specially-made-for-vinyl cover art on the sleeve. Purchasing vinyl makes buying music feel like something - it adds even more meaning to the music.

The ritual of taking a record out of its sleeve and putting it on the player usually means it's time to listen to and focus all of your attention on the music. 

Reason #2

Vinyl records are usually worth more than other music mediums (cassette tapes, CDs, etc), and their worth can grow with time. Buying vinyl records today is the only way to purchase music that is likely to give you a return on your investment. You can't very well resell a digital music file, can you? If there is a demand for the record, chances are that its monetary worth will only grow over time.

Not only that, but they're worth more to the owner as well - they're something to actually display as a relic of sorts inside the collectors' home.

Reason #3

Yes, vinyl records actually do sound better than other mediums. And we're going to explain why that is.

First off, vinyl records are an analog recording. They produce analog sounds - not digital sounds. Some would argue that records are "easier on the ear" or "softer."

We think Jonathan Strickland, Senior Editor of HowStuffWorks.com, put it best:

“An analog signal is continuous, meaning that there are no breaks or interruptions. If you were to hum a descending note, people hearing you would be able to detect the change in pitch, but not point to specific moments when the pitch jumped from one note to the next. Digital signals are not continuous. They use specific values to represent information. In the case of sound, that means representing a sound wave as a series of values that represent pitch and volume over the length of the recording. In a primitive digital recording of that descending note you hummed, you'd hear a single long sound as a collection of shorter sounds.”

Most of the famous rock stars of the past and present are still on board with vinyl. Are you?

Overview of Vintage Northern Soul Records

Even though "Northern Soul" sounds like it's a type of music, it doesn't actually refer to any specific kind of music. For many people, though, it's a name and an icon that means everything.

According to allmusic.com, most soul music is named for the region where the music was created, or for the type of sound that the music has. Northern Soul, however, is named after where the music was played, and in the past, that was in clubs in north Britain. That's right -- 'northern soul' refers to '70s dance club music in northern Britain. During the prog rock era, a few underground clubs played '60s soul records - but they weren't just as type of soul, they were the most underground and obscure American soul music records that the DJs could come up with. The DJs were essentially obsessive collectors -- and they started a fad. And a trend was born.  

Allmusic.com put it this way:

"Usually, these records sounded like Motown, Chicago soul, or New York soul, but they were records by unknown or underappreciated performers; Major Lance was one of the biggest names on the scene. These records were dubbed Northern soul because of the clubs. Northern soul continued to gain popularity until the mid-'70s, when punk and disco stole its thunder; however, it never really faded away. Some clubs remained open and there was still a collectors' market for the singles, and many rare singles were going for astonishingly high prices. Most importantly, many clubgoers, from Marc Almond to Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs of St. Etienne, went on to form their own groups, which kept the spirit of Northern soul alive."

Some of the most prominent & collectible Northern Soul records today are:

• Millie Jackson - "Caught Up/Still Caught Up" / the best of
• Gene Chandler - the best of / "The Duke of Earl"
• Jerry Butler - "The Sweetest Soul" / "Soul Workshop" / the best of
• Syl Johnson - "Bridge to a Legacy"
• The Impressions - "The Very Best of the Impressions"
• Bettye LaVette - "The Scene of the Crime" / "Do Your Duty" / "I've Got My Own Hell to Raise" / the best of
• The Dells - "Always Together: Great Chess Ballads" & many more
• The Manhattans - the best of