Crate Digger: An Obsession with Punk Records

By: Bob Suren

Narrated by: Bob Suren

A small-town Florida teenager discovers punk rock through a loaned mix tape, and punk music and culture slowly takes over all aspects of his life.

His new passion causes him to form a band, track down out-of-print records he loves and reissue them, open a record store, start a record distribution operation as a public service, mentor a host of young musicians, and befriend all manner of punk luminaries along the way.

Slowly his life's pursuit pushes him to the point of personal ruination and, ultimately, redemption.

©2015 Bob Suren (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

It’s Good

I really enjoyed this book. I was unfamiliar with Bob, but familiar with some of his bands and his label.

As a punk and hardcore record collector, this was a fun listen. It’s always fun to talk with friends about bands we love and how we got each record, and by the end of this book I felt I knew Bob on a personal level and were discussing records as if we’re close friends.

A story about punk records and divorce

The voice is unique and it’s a lifestyle/subculture most people aren’t very familiar with. Having grown up in Tampa and knowing a lot of the people involved, author included, it was interesting to see Bob’s perspective on a lot of things that are kind of vague memories for me. Ultimately sad though.

Surprisingly great!

As a fellow punk rock vinyl addict, the title immediately caught my eye. I expected a book of relatable shenanigans in pursuit of rare wax treasure, and I was not disappointed. What I did not expect, was a relatable life tale as well. While I am more of a 90’s punk (The Virus, Oxymoron, Chocking Victim, NOFX), I was able to relate to the passion and appreciation of the art, the music, the “scene”, and that feeling of finally catching what I call White Whales (rare vinyl I’ve been hunting for). Well written and reeking of superb DIY ethic, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys punk rock in general, especially record collectors. A great tale about a guy with a big heart who collects vinyl. Cheers!