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I get many requests for copies of this show or that show. Maybe you were at a show and you'd like to get a copy to preserve the experience. Maybe you're interested in hearing some of Todd's new songs or his older stuff with the Nervous Wrecks. Maybe you're just looking to build your music collection. Whatever the reason, here is some basic information to help you get started...

WHAT DO THE ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS ON THIS SITE MEAN?

A simple glossary/key to clarify the information:

AUD = Audience recording
DAUD = Digital audience recording
SBD = Soundboard recording
FM = Recorded from an FM or other radio broadcast
TV = Recorded from a television broadcast
CDR = Blank CD media
DVD = Blank DVD media
= Setlist available
= Photographs available
= Audio recording available
= Video recording available

HOW DO I FIND PEOPLE WITH THESE RECORDINGS?

An easy place to start would be at db.etree.org. This website is a database of live recordings from a huge variety of artists. You can search the site by artist, then by date. Once you have found a show you are interested in, you will have an option to "view users with this show." From that list of users, you will be able to view that particular user's entire list of recordings and then contact that user for a possible trade or B&P.

Occasionally, Todd Snider shows will surface on Dime a Dozen. If you are familiar with the use of bittorrent, you can find a wide variety of recordings here.

THAT'S GREAT, BUT WHAT IF I HAVE NOTHING TO TRADE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT B&P STANDS FOR?

If you have nothing to trade, your best bet would be to request a B&P (B&P stands for "Blanks and Postage"). In a nutshell, a B&P works like this: you find someone to agree to copy a recording for you, you send them enough blank media to cover the recording as well as a return envelope with enough postage already on it to allow it to find it's way back to you. For details on how to complete a B&P properly, visit this link found on etree.org. It should answer any specific questions you might have.

WHAT OTHER THINGS SHOULD I KEEP IN MIND IF I DECIDE TO START TRADING RECORDINGS?

A few rules of thumb:

1. Never record a show TAO (Track at Once). Always use the DAO (Disc at Once) option on your burning software. The TAO option creates a short gap between each track and takes away from the listening experience of the concert.
2. Never convert recordings to mp3. Not only does this reduce the quality of the recording, it also creates a tiny "click" between each track.
3. Stay in contact with the person you're trading with. It is good trading etiquette to let a person know when you've sent you're end of the deal and also when you've received their end.
4. Be honest. If you've got a bad recording, don't lead others to believe that it's of better quality than it is. If you mislead others, you will quickly gain a reputation among traders as someone to steer clear of.
5. Try and use quality discs if at all possible. They cost a bit more but the cheaper discs are more likely to cause skips in the recording. Quality brands include Sony, TDK, and Fuji (among others). Personally, I've had problems in the past with Imation, Verbatim, Office Depot, and other cheaper brands.

SHOULD I JUST PAY FOR RECORDINGS RATHER THAN GO THROUGH ALL THIS TRADE STUFF?

No. No. No. Money should never change hands when it comes to these recordings. If you are paying for a copy of a show, whether that's on eBay or through a private collector, you're getting ripped off. There's always somebody who will be willing to copy a show for you. Sometimes it takes a little digging, but if you spend money on these recordings, not only are you getting into some legal issues, you're wasting your money on something you could easily get for free. If a taper is hoarding a recording and/or asking you to pay for it, I would recommend that you look for another recording elsewhere and tell the stingy taper where to stick his/her recording.

I'M GOING TO SEE TODD PLAY SOON AND I WANT TO RECORD THE SHOW. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

While it is clear that Todd and his people are genearlly cool with recording at his shows, I would suggest contacting the venue directly (in advance) to clarify any policies they may have. Many venues have no problem with recording but others have a very strict "no camera" policy for those of you looking to take a video camera. Personally, I contact the venue via email and print their response if they approve. Then, if I have any problems on the night of the show, I have documented approval from the venue manager.

Once inside the venue, if you're looking to record audio or video from the crowd, just do so without causing a distraction to others. If you've got a video camera, don't get pissed off when people walk in front of the camera...you're there for the show....what you're doing is extra. If you're looking to record audio off the soundboard, talk to the person running the sound to get any last minute approval. Some venues allow it...others don't. Whether you're recording audio or video, you should also get a last-minute okay from Todd's tour manager, Dave Hixx -- the sound guy will likely need to do this before he'll let you hook up anyway.

Finally, and most importantly, share your recording. A recording of a show does no good hidden away in a box in your closet for the next ten years. Share it with a few other fans and ask them to do the same. The recording will quickly make it's way around to those who are interested. One common way to do this is through the Todd Snider listserv.

Other than that, happy taping....happy listening....

Enjoy...