I’m kind of new to this Record Store Day thing. Last year I went to Charlemagne and Renaissance on Birmingham’s Southside. Don’t even remember what I bought to be honest. I just wasn’t in to shopping for records, I guess.
This year I was feeling it a little more as I continue to countdown my record collection officially standing at 678 records (there’s more than that now because of outings like the one Saturday.
I went to Seasick this time and confirmed what kind of collector I am.
I spent $10. For 10 records.
While others were pulling multicolored vinyl reissues of popular new or rediscovered hip music at $20, $30, $40 a pop, I dove into the bargain bin. It’s easy to take a gamble with 1 buck rather than $50. Now what I got may not be impressive to a ‘real’ collector, it affirmed my growing awareness that I am a bargain record hunter. My collecting began in the 1960s, 1970s as a kid. I have 678 from then which i am counting down on this blog to raise awareness of this brain disease I have: Lewy body dementia.
More than half of my records are likely cutouts. If I have any expensive collectibles, I can tell you its by accident for the most part.I went about 25 years without buying a record when CDs came out in the 1980s.
So Saturday was confirmation of this aesthetic. No Record Store Day fancified records for me –though I don’t begrudge those who did walk away with shiny new vinyl. In fact I’m envious. But I’m also excited about my little 10-spot haul. Here’s my list in alphabetical order. I picked these in 30 minutes arriving about 3 -something.
The Carpenters — “Horizon.” A Rolling Stone critic called this album the Carpenters”most musically sophisticated.” For me they are a guilty pleasure featuring Karen’s beautiful voice. This somewhat underlooked album has Solitaire’ and ‘Only Yesterday.’ For my wife, Catherine, there’s no guilt. One buck still in shrink wrap.
Rick Derringer “All American Boy.” I was disturbed when I lost this record many years ago. I loved it at 14. I was ecstatic finding it in the $1 bin Saturday. “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo.” A quarter if you can name two bands Derringer was in.
Dave Edmunds “D.E. &th” — I’m a big fan of Rockpile, Nick Lowe and Edmunds.
Four Tops “Soul Spinning” — Early soul from this Motown quartet. A little more raw than their immensely popular later work.
Mouth and MacNeal “How Do You Do.” The song is the best-worst song in the world as declared by MyVinylCountdown.com Had to buy it for a buck. Had never actually seen this before.
The Partridge Family -“Up to Date Nostalgia purchase. Enjoyed the TV show when I was 10. David Cassidy and Shirley Jones. were the only two allowed to sing. The others lip-synced professional singers.
The Raiders “Cherokee Nation.” Big hit was the title song. Wasn’t it controversial? Paul Revere was gone from the group at the time but ostensibly the most talented –Mark Lindsay — was keeping it real;
Rainmakers — When this came out in 1986 Newsweek called it “the most auspicious debut album of the year.” “Let My People Go-Go.” I used to have this on cassette and played it to death. Awesome find for me, these Kansas City, Mo., boys.
Swimming Pool Q’s “Blue Tomorrow” I have this album. It’s one of my favorite albums. Why would.n’t I buy a back-up copy for a buck.
The Young Rascals “Groovin’ — I have their greatest hits. But critics say this is their best album. Title song is classic. This group had about a dozen hits over several years.
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