Chicago Transit Authority-s/t
Alice Coltrane-Transcendence
I found these records and the local Charlie's Records and Tapes. Right when I walked into the store there was really loud, Korn looking guy, that was talking to everyone he could in the store. As I started digging, he began talking to me and ended up being pretty nice, but a little too intense. Record digging is a very solitary activity that requires intense concentration, and talking to someone means I'm not looking at records. I found out this guy was in town from Alaska to see his friend fight in the Fightworld International match that was going on at the local convention center. Seems like a long trip to check out a fight, but I guess I can understand his enthusiasm at the record store as digging in Alaska is probably pretty disappointing. He told me the best thing about digging is meeting people and talking about records, and learning about new music from other diggers. Nope. The best thing about digging... is digging. If there is something great to be found, I don't want some other schmuck to find it before I do, or miss out on something while making small talk with some stranger.
Ok, so I'm being a little sarcastic, but record store jabber is some of the most awful conversation that takes place in this world. This is a sample:
Korn dude: "Aww man! They got some Grace Jones records!"Me: "that's cool..." (but thinking, I don't give a shit, don't talk to me)Korn dude: "I wonder if they have any Kraftwerk records here, they got everything in this store!"Me: "I doubt it, I occasionally see Kraftwerk records around town but its pretty rare." (but thinking, why don't you just look and shut up about it, besides the selection is pretty lame)Korn dude: "Yeah, I bet everyone keeps those all locked up."
Then there is the awkward silence. Is it appropriate to turn my back on the guy so I can look at more records, or do I just dart for the counter and be happy with what I have in hand?
Anyway, the records I found were decent. I really dig the Chicago record, which is something 18-year-old me would have broken my kneecaps for saying. But, it has a great mix of catchy pop songs, hendrix style guitar jamming, all thrown in with some varying mix of soul, funk, and jazz/rock fusion. The Coltrane record was a little disappointing, her earlier material is much better, but its worth at least a couple more spins.
1 comment:
Haha, love the post! Especially since I can relate a great deal to that situation.
Had this annoying guy that used to always call be about my "Records Wanted" ad in the paper, but the thing is he didn't call to talk about selling/trading he just called to talk about records...then one day guess who I run into at the records store? him! haven't seen him or spoken to him since though...thankfully
collecting/hunting is solitary in a sense, also a little selfish (but who cares?) while I do enjoy discussing music, I much more enjoy finding some grade A records for cheap!
Cheers,
-Daniel
ps. nothing embarrassing about Chicago, although I used to be a narrow minded punk/hardcore only kid I've broadened with age. They're a good band, and that's a great album. Hard to find in good shape though (black covers)
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