"Heart of Texas" Goodwill [Waco TX]

My night in Waco was one to remember, but their vinyl selection won't be bringing me back anytime soon.  The bottom rung of a small bookcase was all they had to offer and of that, only a later album from Rog (seen below) caught my eye, and even that could not induce me to purchase anything.

Still, it was a true experience to be.....

Upscale Resale and Thrift [Lockhart TX]

Only an idiot would drive three hours south from Dallas to Lockhart for barbecue but that is exactly what I did.  I scouted a number of locations for vinyl but none panned out - all were out of business.  Ironically, I included Upscale Resale in that list as I was driving out of town when I swerved dangerously to stop by what was obviously it's newest location!

They did not disappoint with no shortage of vinyl, much of which was mid 80s R&B - a strange subgenre never before seen in bulk of this level.  That did not interest me, but a couple oddballs did: an early Gord album, and a Bob James 9th (which falls beyond the current 8 album threshold I am enforcing).  The RTF record is certainly not something I need - I own their effective discography - but I left it up top for the next person who stops in to peruse in the hopes they might broaden their horizons to one of my all time favorite albums.

The Vintage Freak [Bedford TX]

I've been at this long enough that sometimes I shake my head at my own irrational actions and why I carry on, despite a mountain of reasons to turn in.  I felt so worn out the late afternoon I discovered The Vintage Freak in Bedford, Texas that by all accounts I should have called it a day.  I'm glad I didn't!

After my standard thrift store circuit in a new town, I did a Google Maps search for 'record store'.  Generally these interest me less but I am clearly a glutton for punishment.  This place was so close to my hotel, and was the only one in the list which was still open, I knew I couldn't pass it up.  I had a bit of trouble finding it, as it is part of a complex and it's storefront is not on the main drag.  But after exploring deeper back into that empty parking lot, I saw the sign.  And away I went!

                       

I was immediately greeted by clerk Eric, who I mistook for the owner, given his zest for his occupation (can you blame him?).  He pointed out the new releases and asked if I needed anything in particular, then I had at it.

I came up soon on the Canadian issue of Kim Mitchell's biggest album - I grabbed the US version long ago and have toyed with ordering this version online (as I figured it downright impossible to find it in the states, much less in Texas!).  And for only $4 the deal didn't even make sense!

I continued to browse the store and could not help but to admire greatly the A&M monument they had on the wall - too many copies to count of the TJ Brass classic.

Eric later took me aside to show me a collection of stand up arcade games they are putting together - this reeks of an successful idea back home of which they could not possibly be aware - I only wish I'd be around to pump quarters into these things! He said the collection will eventually be moved to the open storefront on the street front which I had driven past.

The Vintage Freak also has a large amount of Pyrex - another obsession of mine. I grabbed a piece for my girlfriend's birthday (the next day, when I would fly back) to add to the bounty of gifts I had already accrued.  I paid my tab and was ready to leave when Eric pointed out a few new boxes near the front door which contained a plethora of Engelbert records! I swiftly grabbed a promo version of an Epic album I already had as well as a comp I had never seen before which I also had to add to discogs! Scores abound! The Vintage Freak is a world class record store that would succeed in any market and I consider it a privilege to have visited and picked up a few items.  I hope one day I can return.  Until then, I wish them only the best of luck in their future business. 

DFW thrift

Had what very well may be my one and only trip to Texas and I took advantage! I was at the tail end of a brutal cold and my head was congested as hell...the ride was turbulent and I was sitting at the absolute last row, an honor I have never before enjoyed and hope to never again.  If I had been 1% hungover I would have barfed for sure.  The plane was packed and uncomfortable and when I got off my head was so compressed I was dizzy the rest of the day.  I explain this only to make note of the fact that I was truly in a daze, I could not focus my thoughts very well and I felt terrible.  But as I began, I very well may never be down this way again and there were so many spots to hit I knew I'd have to work hard to hit as many as I could.  I had a rental car and I was all alone (I do not often experience this good fortune) so I was ready and prepared to do some serious damage to the local scene and I certainly did.




First up was the UGM Thrift Store in Irving.  I was not certain that they had vinyl and I did not bother to call but I was instantly rewarded, probably 500 vinyls but they were practically in a heap.  Luckily there was a chair which not only allowed me to relax but put my head at the level of the vertically stored vinyl so that I did not have to crane my poor neck quite as much.  Recently I lamented finding a few Johnny Rivers albums but not the one I wanted.  'Rewind' features a array of Jimmy Webb penned songs, and for the era it is really outside the box for Webb's work at the time, which otherwise featured acts that have stood the test of time a bit more.  I do not say that to take away from Rivers at all but I think that few people know this album as one that accents his song writing so much.  Have you guessed it yet? Indeed - I found it here.  I also found a stack of Glen Campbell's first 4-5 albums in perfect shape, I wanted to eat them, or take them to bed with me for a cuddle.  But I have them (no doubt in less perfect condition) so I left them behind for the next digger.





Next up was the Irving Goodwill.  As I pulled up I saw another store - Thrift Giant - nearby but alas they had no vinyl.  Goodwill did however on two end caps in their book section.  The only platter worthy of note was from the hometown favorites the Vocal Majority, likely the nation's most famous and decorated barbershop chorus.  I passed on the album as I am not fond of Christmas music but it was in delightful shape and I quickly took photos of the center labels for discogs.com.

This gem awaits the next digger.  You owe me for leaving it behind.

Last up was another Goodwill in Bedford, where my hotel was.  I was really exhausted at this point and wanted to turn in but I had to heed the call.  Inside I found a mere laundry basket full of vinyl and perhaps not ironically, the only one of note was yet another Vocal Majority album.  This one I surely would have glanced right over had I not spent half of my life researching private press barbershop quartet and chorus albums.  I don't know if KVIL is a local radio station or something and coincidentally I had to fix the artist name for the VM on discogs for this release over a year ago.

My trip in Texas was far from over but thankfully I could take a rest after this madness.  Please oh please...do not fly when you have a head cold! I recovered enough that evening to continue my hunts.  Stay tuned!