Sister's Hometown Thrift & More [Ardmore TN]

It took me a few days in Huntsville AL to understand that I was only 15 minutes from the state line.  So at last, I check Tennessee off the list! Didn't know when I'd ever get this one done.  Saw a thrift store in Ardmore, I believe the street it is located on is actually the state line.  I called in advance to make sure they had records and a few decent ones! Ironically I've had that Rosanne Cash song in a playlist this week and it just keeps coming on again and again.  That synth melody is like a snake, it transitions from note to note so smooth.

If you would have asked me about Moe Bands or Jerry Clower 10 days ago, I'd say "sorry, can't help you".  Now I know them both thanks to the Branson trading cards I just found in Tulsa!

STATE #41 VISITED!

I don't know when or how I will get to some of these stragglers but I hope it is before long.  I'd like to visit Oregon the most just so I can drink craft beer, but Mississippi is very fascinating to me.  I'm sure there are some great thrift stores down there.  Until then, I'll just keep at it!

Idle in Iowa

This is my 4th trip through Iowa in the past 6 months or so, and my second time in Des Moines.  This time I was here for 3 nights and had some downtime.  I checked and while I had perused vinyl in Iowa before, it was a long time ago and not very thorough.  So I knew I'd make time to find something else on this trip.  I started with Marv's.

Marv's unfortunately had about 95% of their inventory as new, sealed vinyl.  Not my bag at all, largely because I don't like that many contemporary artists and I don't want to pay $15-20 for every record.  They did have a small amount of used stuff, but much of it was valuable and priced accordingly.  One of the guys in there gave me a flyer for another shop called 'Vinyl Cup Records' not far away and recommended them, but unfortunately they are only open in the evening so I knew I wouldn't be going.

I ran across a St. V's and swerved to check it out.  Looks like it's been over a year since I checked one out, and that was in Idaho! This is also the 30th time I've documented a visit, I'd guess at least 20 of those posts were for unique locations so nice to hit a good even number.  Not quite as nice to have junk records, but they were all in such good shape that I could just read the spines really quickly and disqualify them as anything I'd be bringing home.

I had great disappointment that I wasted time going to Marv's when Red Rooster was not only closer but clearly was going to be a proper record store where I would actually have something to dig.  I called a little after noon and got no answer, I called again a bit later to make sure they were open and indeed they were.  So I ran out to get a bite to eat and then headed over.  Parking in the area is slim, you can't park on Euclid but I spied a sign showing there was parking out back.  It was a little tight in a big truck but I made it work.  Conveniently there is even a back door so you don't have to walk around front.

The shop keeper was busy going through some vinyl when I walked in, but no other customers were currently in the shop.  I instinctively said 'hey how are you' or something casual of that nature.  He said 'good' but nothing else.  That felt a little terse but I tried to brush it off.  Unfortunately it got worse from there.

I wandered around for a bit as I always do, getting the lay of the land but could not locate the jazz section (if there was one).  He asked what I was looking for and I said 'jazz'.  He replied that he would have to clear that section off, apparently it is sufficiently unpopular so as to cover it with stacks of other random records and even some shopping bags and other stuff.  An awkward moment transpired when I had to ask him to repeat himself as I genuinely did not understand what he said.  I felt like he seemed put out that he had to do this and again my spidey sense was screaming but I brushed it off and thought maybe I'm misunderstanding things.  Turns out if you get this feeling twice in a few minutes, it is probably genuine.  I looked through the new releases in the meantime but didn't find anything.  

Once the jazz records were open, I got up in there.  It is a tight area and the bins were pretty packed, so it was hard to see what I was looking at without bending the jackets to peer down inside.  Luckily, every record is labeled in the upper right hand corner with the artist name and some other notes.  The bins in the back were very hard to see even with the labels, as they were so recessed and so packed with records.

But before long, I found a handful of good vinyl.  I have all the Pat Metheny group albums (plus some on CD and tape) but the only solo album I have is his debut.  Lately I had been streaming New Chautauqua and thought of all the times I came across a copy and let it go.  I was hoping I'd find one and promised myself I'd scoop if it I did.  My wish was granted and for only $6!  Next I found a 5000 series release by Lalo Schifrin I didn't know existed.  It was a few bucks more than I wanted to pay but I was going to grab it anyway.  That was until a few moments later (Apparently the 'S' bin was a lucky one for me) that I found the Shadowfax album just after the one I already own and love.  This was half the price of the Lalo album, so I did a catch and release on that.

At this point I was really satisfied that I came out of there with two good records and prices I definitely liked.  And I had yet to look at the tapes and CDs!  I quickly found a great Jeff Beck album on tape (mint condition, looks like) for $2 and I can't wait to put it on when I get home.  Shortly after that I specifically went on a hunt for PMB CDs (strictly for my truck) and was delighted to find one.  What a score!  But here is where things between me and the gentleman in the store really reached a head.

When I was looking at the tapes I saw a nice stash of 80s and 90s metal bootlegs.  There were a bunch of Slayer live recordings, some of them from the mid 80s.  I must admit, I was almost enticed to grab one.  In an effort to patch things up with this guy who I did not know, but who clearly didn't seem to like me, I said aloud "You've got a nice selection of metal bootlegs over here".

No response.  For the third time, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought 'he didn't hear me', though not speaking loud enough isn't something I've ever dealt with in my life.  At this point I was satisfied with my pile of music so I went up to the cluttered counter to check out.  After considering it for a moment, I decided to repeat myself.  Bear in mind, at this point we are about 18" apart.  He actually kind of shrugged his shoulders and said 'So?'.  I didn't even know what to make of this.  I replied 'I didn't mean it in a critical way, just trying to make conversation'.  There was yet another awkward silence so I added 'Did I rub you the wrong way or something?' and he just said 'not at all'.  

At that point I considered just walking out.  I can get the records elsewhere, don't really need them and it would please me NOT to give money to a person who clearly is independently wealthy (or more likely, prideful) enough to shoo customers out of his tiny store with a bad attitude.  Not only was this probably the most awkward situation I've ever had in a record store, but also maybe the most awkward situation in any retail scenario, ever.  This blog is filled with numerous stories or having great discussions about music and life in record stores, so I don't know what this person's problem is. Was he sensitive to the fact that he was selling media of a questionable legality? That was NOT my point. Not a bad place, but not worth that kind of response.

Savers [Las Vegas NV]

I was perfectly happy to check Nevada off my list with my visit to Record City.  But that night I wanted to have a few drinks and selected the Huntridge Tavern at my watering hole.  After a couple fairly wild bus rides I found my way and what do you know - there was a Savers in the same strip mall! It was a half hour before close so I'd be remiss not to stop inside and see what they had to offer.

They didn't have much in the way of LPs but they had a ton of 7", tons of picture sleeves.  Too many to go through so I just took a glance.

Two 80s classics here - of quite different genres.

File these under 'actors pretending to be singers'.

The one on the right (Bob Welch) I considered buying because I've always loved the song, but I didn't want to sit with it at the bar (which was dumb).  The second one I thought was interesting as it is clearly foreign - the kicker is that someone recently paid $80 for this!  Just the fact that this has been sold 8 times says a lot.  Looks like Anna-Frid Lyngstad is one of the four members of ABBA and everyone knows they have a devoted following.

So the next night - my last night in town - I rushed back again to grab it.  I already knew at that point I'd grab some others as well.

I could see immediately that someone had been meddling in the past 24 hours! My heart raced because I could not find this damn 7"! So I took a deep breath and figured I'd just go through every single in the bins because who knows what else I might find.  There must have been at least 150 of them, it was interesting because I even found a few doubles (or triples!).  So it must have been someone's collection.  It took a while but I did the deed and did eventually find what I was looking for - and then some!

Believe it or not I actually had even a few more than this but I did a catch and release on a handful.  Here is the breakdown:

Deniece Williams - Let's Hear It For The Boy

Couldn't pass on the picture sleeve.  I am a fan of Niecy, grabbed an LP a couple years ago in Grand Rapids.

The Sanford/Townsend Band* - Smoke From A Distant Fire / Lou

Classic track.  I put a quick video on Vimeo a few years ago in tribute.

Bob Welch - Sentimental Lady / Hot Love, Cold World

One of my favorite songs ever.  RIP Bob.  This will go well with the Mexican import I snagged in Kentucky a ways back.

The Kai Winding Orchestra - More / Comin' Home Baby

I have the original (or at least earlier) issue of this single which I found in a Goodwill in Orlando, and the LP which I got in Canada.

Kyu Sakamoto - Sukiyaki / Anoko No Namaewa Nantenkana

Funny because I only know this song from Kai's cover on the same Canadian LP I just referenced.  I knew this was the original and it was too odd to find both of these singles together not to grab them both.

Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke

Came across a bunch of Stevie singles and kept hoping I'd find this one.  Then the song came on the radio in Savers.  A little while later, I found this.  Sounds unbelievable, but it is true, I promise.

Stevie Wonder - Part-Time Lover

Grabbed this strictly for the instrumental B-side.  What purpose was that supposed to serve?

Steve Winwood - While You See A Chance

What a classic track.  Reminds me of childhood.  Wish I found the picture sleeve, but alas I did not.

Don Johnson - Heartache Away

Novelty, couldn't resist the picture sleeve.

Santo & Johnny - Sleep Walk / All Night Diner

What a classic, looks like this is the original issue from 1959.

Bruce Willis - Respect Yourself

See my comments regarding the Don Johnson single above.  Fun fact: when this came out in grade school the video was on all the time.  Also my dad was a big fan of Moonlighting.  I always thought Bruce Willis smirk was cool (still do) and I used to try and imitate it when I was a kid.

John Waite - Missing You

Pretty played out song, but again, could not leave the picture sleeve behind.

Steve Winwood - Roll With It

Same motivation as the John Waite single.

Rodney Dangerfield - Rappin' Rodney

What an atrocious piece of garbage.  Can't believe it is the promo.  The cover makes me want to vomit.  What does a dirty shirt and little sunglasses have to do with hip hop?

And of course Lars Berghagen & Anni-Frid Lyngstad - En Kväll Om Sommarn / Vi Vet Allt, Men Nästan Inget .  I just listed this for $40 OBO  I was able to peel the Savers sticker off no problem which I was worried about.  There is another sticker, so old and dry its ready to fall off.  It says 'Hirsch's Skivor' which means 'Hirsch's Records' and is/was a record store in Denmark.  This didn't come out until 1971 but the store had been around a while, here is a photo I found from the 1960s.  Wish my time machine had some fuel!

Idaho Idocy!

A couple years ago I was fortunate enough to head over to Seattle.  I had a great time, and checked out some vinyl, and thus ticked Washington off my list.  On this trip, I had some work in Spokane and plenty of downtime.  I wasn't about to waste time running ragged in Washington - been there, done that.  However when I saw that Coeur D' Alene was only about 35 minutes away, I made breakfast plans for my last day.  I headed out early, got a bite to eat and then hit the track hard on the hunt for platters!

First up was the Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Store.  It was raining pretty steadily and I found a spot on Sherman Ave and figured I could walk north from here.  I was blown away to find a copy of a Bob James effort in a place such as this.  Not much else to see however, so I headed out.

Just a couple blocks north was my second stop.  This was a smaller store and it almost felt high end.  Very tidy and a pleasant woman behind the counter.  My eyes caught the CD racks from across the room and I hoped I'd find some platters when I neared.  I did - but alas, nothing doing.  Onward and upward!

So after fumbling around in the rain for a bit, I determined that the 'Coeur D'Alene Thrift Store' did not exist, it's address was in the same building where St. Vincent's main offices were.  So I moved forward a few blocks to a St. V's.  This one was big - real big, and it was jammed with people.  They had a pretty serious music section and a nice double sided rack stuffed with records.

I found a couple decent scores, clearly all from the same collection, but all water damaged severely.  Most painful of all was the Gord album you see below.  It seemed to be the original incarnation with the original title.  I come across this record often, but never this version.  Had to leave it behind as it was literally crumbling in my fingers.  Next to it sat one of my all time favorites - of course, I already own this one.

Last up was a Goodwill.  This one had a weird sign that I've never seen before.  Don't know if this is something new or maybe a regional thing.  They had junk for vinyl but a handful of interesting Christian music.  Turns out the guy with the eye patch is fairly prolific and has put out a huge load of records over the years.  I feel a little bad for highlighting it here, as there is nothing funny about someone losing an eye.  I can't feel quite as sympathetic for the group in the second photo, because those clothes (and that mustache!) are truly, truly bad.

                               

STATE #36 - COMPLETED!

Goodwill [Plainfield IN]

I have been through this store and this area too many times to count at this point - I just created a new label to keep track of all these trips so you know it is getting serious!.  I pulled some scores out of here over the years and even when I strike out I enjoy the hunt.  That could be said of all places as I am an optimistic and realistic digger, but especially here in central Indiana as I am almost always in a great mood when I get the opportunity to travel here.

I am a sucker for 12" singles and I love alternate remixes and that kind of stuff.  So it was a no brainer to scoop up this guy.  At work we use this sometimes as a triumphant theme song when we complete a big job (even though it is actually a forlorn love song).  Both versions here are interesting to someone like myself who has long enjoyed and analyzed the song.

What an awesome record.  The vinyl itself was totally covered in cat hair and dust but the grooves aren't dirty, just surface filth.  Took that off easily with a microfiber rag and my custom 99% isopropyl/distilled water mix.  Nice to see that someone actually used an inner sleeve with a generic outer sleeve, often it seems like people think that because they don't have a legit outer sleeve it isn't needed.  Neglect! Ironically it looks like this did come with a proper outer sleeve, which leads me to believe (hope?) that this was used by a DJ or something somewhere.  The outer sleeve isn't beat up like it was abused, but the corners are so soft and worn it looks like it had been rubbed and touched and used thousands of times.  I just used it again to dub both sides and what a delight they are! The instrumental is truncated and is really more of an instrumental of the remix on side A than the normal LP cut.  Also pretty awesome that I was only charged for a 45 so I saved a few cents.  I don't care about the few cents but it is nice to keep it under a buck and not have to carry around a load of change the rest of the day!

Village Thrift [Pennsauken Township NJ]

After driving from Coatesville Pennsylvania to Wilmington Delaware, I made the trip north to New Jersey.  I was rolling the dice that this place would have some vinyl, I couldn't find a phone number that anyone would answer and I was low on time to find anything further east from Pennsylvania where I needed to return to.  So onto Village Thrift!

Village Thrift was enormous and had a gigantic packing lot.  My eyes darted left and right in search of vinyl.  If they didn't have any, it would take some doing to find somewhere else on such short notice.  

Well I won and I lost.  They did indeed have vinyl, but only the saddest selection you could imagine, I think there were 5-6 platters total and all junk.  I kept thinking 'there must be more' but alas there were none to be found.  So I made my way back to green pastures in Philly.

So while I came up empty handed, I was able to legitimately check state #34 off my list and I hope I get back to explore what NJ has to offer in terms of vinyl soon.  I already have a trip planned to Vermont for the end of the month which will entirely complete the east coast - Maine to Florida! Stay tuned!

Goodwill [Wilmington DE]

It took me until I was all the way in Pennsylvania again to realize that Delaware and New Jersey were really close by! So I made some adjustments to my already packed itinerary to check these states off my list, as who knows when I will have the chance again!

I decided on a regular old Goodwill as time was so limited.  While I didn't find anything I was impressed with the nice selection of Eng records so I displayed them nicely for the world to see here.

So that would be state #33 for anyone keeping track - so glad to know that I was able to zoom through and handle some vinyl during my jaunt!

Goodwill, Downers Grove

I swore I had never been to this place.  I was tooling around and had to make a run to Trader Joe's.  The local grocery stopped carrying the coffee that my girlfriend likes and Trader Joe's is is other favorite.  I don't mind going as I drink the coffee as well and I also like to buy myself some random stuff there.  I normally go to the Trader Joe's in Glen Elyn but due to my aforementioned 'tooling around', the Downers Grove store was closer.  As I pull up I was shocked to see a Goodwill in the same strip mall.  How could this be? Turns out I have been there before, but it has been over three years!

The wall of records I saw back then was gone, replaced by the standard issue LP bin.  I found a load of Engelbert I haven't seen in a while and some other gems.  Largest of all (which I walked away with) was another Marion Lush album.  Great condition too! I have spotted the mono version of the Brasil 66 debut a few times, I got my own a while ago, but it is always temping to just pile 'em up.  I passed.

Two soundtracks - both with great title cuts, did a catch and release on both, though it was difficult.  Up at the counter, they even had a couple REO albums hidden back there.  I've seen Goodwill do this before, but then when I asked to see they were labeled quite cheap.  Who knows.  A worthwhile stop!

Goodwill [Greenfield IN]

Nice to get back in the swing of things after a short while of inactivity.  I drove 4 1/2 hours to Cambridge City Indiana, did my work in only about 2 hours, then drove back west to spend the night in Indianapolis.  This was on the way and well worth it.


Roger Miller ‎
I scooped this in Michigan about 2 1/2 years ago.  Don't see it too often.

Arnett Cobb Is Back
Not familiar with Mr. Cobb but this one did look interesting.  I had terrible cell reception so I was having trouble doing any kind of research on artists and releases.  I wonder if it was this misprint (linked here) I found, I might have grabbed it in that case.

Force Majeure
I was sure this was a 12" single due to the short track list (either durations were not listed or I did not see them), which did seem odd given the limited info I had on this groups genre.

Let Me Party With You
Fairly outrageous disco album in beat condition.

Solid Gold
This one I have a little regret on not grabbing, it is nearly 50 years old.  The track list is solid and something about the font and the colors on the cover called out to me.  Again, I couldn't do any research, not sure if it would have mattered, maybe the lesson is to go with my gut once in a while.

Good High
Something about Mr. Brick here makes me uncomfortable.  Maybe it is that he seems very uncomfortable, despite his efforts to look like he is having a pleasant day.  This gives me bad vibes.

What A Diff'rence A Day Makes

Finally one I did grab.  I wouldn't pass on much Kudu stuff, it is an extension of my CTI obsession.  Nice bunch of sidemen here.  Still has the original inner sleeve to boot.  The price did seem low and now that I look closely, it seems like the lazy cashier accidentally charged me for a 7" and not an LP!