Rock & Roll Archaeologist: How I Chased Down Kurt's Stratocaster, the "Layla" Guitar, and Janis's Boa

Rock and Roll Archeologist is a terrific read for anyone who cares about pop culture, since in its pages author Peter Blecha entertainingly describes the orgins of the monument that is the Experience Music Project in Seattle and his particular role in its founding. But this book also has a special place for those of us who know the joy of finding a much sought-after piece of vinyl or the rare collectible. In fact, though the book tells Blecha's story from record hound to rock curator with good humor and great detail, it simultaneously maps the psychic terrain of the collector in all his (and sometimes her) quirkiness, obsessiveness and ardor. You may see someone you know in its pages -- or maybe yourself. Fun and fascinating. I highly recommmend it.

Author Peter Blecha is an obsessive music collector and former senior curator of the Experience Music Project: he's spent his lifetime haunting used record shops and antique stores to track down rarities and instruments played by rock's greatest icon, and here provides a lively blend of music history and first- person adventure in the search for elusive music memorabilia. Rock & Roll Archaeologist documents his transition from fanatic to recognized artifact expert in the field, and makes for an inviting, fun read.

Really liked this book. I used to think I took stamp collecting seriously but after reading this book I'm throwing in the towel. A fascinating autobiography about one man's journey from hobbyist record collector to music history expert. Blecha was one of the early curators of billionaire Paul Allen's EMP (Experience Music Project) and this is the story of his life ---- from garage sale record scrounger to museum curator. A very funny read filled with lots of interesting stories about the art and mania of collecting, the thrill of the hunt, and his life as a curator responsible for spending a decent portion of Allen's fortune to build a world class music archive. If you have any interest in collecting - whether it be vintage coca cola bottles or hub caps - this is the read for you.