I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment. Sometimes I want the experience of spending hours just digging through crates and making a record store my home for a few hours. Other times I really enjoy the scrolling of inventory online or in looking for something particular. The finder’s gasp when you stumble upon something you had been wanting but weren’t expecting to see can surely be online or IRL and as long as that thrill is there, and as long as you support independent and small businesses, it’s win win.
And wow thank you for the nice shout out! That was a lovely surprise to see my name. While I am mostly online, I try to recreate the in store feeling at my pop-ups. Talking to customers is one of my biggest joys in doing this. Heads up that I’ve got a big sale dropping this Saturday, Nov 30th and I can now ship internationally!
Thank you, Kadrian! You hit the nail in the head with what you said and how you expressed it. I feel exactly the same way. I wonder whether it’s because we are of a younger generation and we missed vinyl in its heyday. For me, at least, and I’m sure is the case for you as well, it’s all about keeping some balance and checking out a little bit of everything everywhere, whether in-store or online.
Shout-out is well deserved! Shipping internationally, you said…? Say no more! 🤣 I’m going to be paying a virtual visit soon!
I am a bricks-and-mortar person, but I also live in a city that, when it comes to records, is spoilt for choice (check out the link below). I go to several, and I know and have good rapport at all of the ones I frequent regularly. It's not uncommon that when I take a few LPs up to the till, if it is, say, $43, they will round it down to $40. I have also been contacted by a specific record store when a few ultra rarities came through their door. They called me first as they knew I loved the band and offered them to me before they put them on the floor (I snapped them up). That same shop, which has been in their space for over 40 years, was recently told by the building's owner they had to move out by the end of the year. I immediately went down and told them that when they find their new space, I would happily be there to help them move if they needed me. I very much feel that I am part of a community, which I don't feel when buying online.
Also, I am a dedicated recycler of records and buy mainly used LPs; I feel like in a bricks-and-mortar shop, I have my own judgment on whether to purchase it as I can see the condition in front of me with my own eyes.
For record enthusiasts, this is how lucky we are in Portland (keep in mind we are a city of approx. 640,000 in the city and 2.24 million in the greater metro area): https://recordstores.love/us/or/portland
Thank you, Michael, for reading and commenting. I tend to keep a balance between in-store and online: in-store for the experience, online because I am more likely to find exactly what I need. I also buy predominantly second-hand and often chase specific editions which don’t abound in brick-and-mortar shops. That’s how I started building my network of “trusted sellers”, as I call them.
I believe one can feel a sense of community online too (Substack, for example), and that ultimately the community is where the heart is, it doesn’t have to be in person. However, I see what you mean about the face-to-face interactions. I’m often running around like a headless chicken so don’t have as much time as I would like to, but I make a point of visiting my regular brick-and-mortar record stores at least once a month.
Great to hear Portland is well equipped when it comes to record stores, especially considering its population, as you pointed out.
Absolutely. I think, also, being in a larger city to get from point A to point B (e.g., a record store in West or South London if you live in the opposite end of town) is significantly harder and more time-consuming than it is for me to get from Southeast Portland to North Portland.
Thanks, Michael. Yes, that’s a fair point. I’ve always lived in big cities, so for me everything is always busy and a bit chaotic. The good thing in your case is you can visit several stores in Portland with relative ease! Do you guys drive a lot over there? Or do you use public transport?
We own one car. We have great public transport, which I often take to work. We also ride our bikes a lot (my wife rides it every day to work), and we also often choose to walk because we enjoy long walks. We often walk a few miles to a different part of town and then take the bus or train home. Regarding the record stores near me, I can easily walk to about 7 of my favorites.
Unrelated to vinyl, I have always enjoyed that when I visit Portland I can get around with a mix of walking and the train/bus. And plenty of record stores to choose from!
Correct. For What It's Worth on (I think?) was on Canyon, close to the intersection with Cedar hills Blvd. I can see it in miy head, but might be off by a block or two. We preferred Tower, but would still go there once in awhile. I can still smell the incense.
2nd Avenue is probably the one you are thinking of. It is a pure old Portland through and through. Sadly, they are the ones who are being booted out of their building at the end of the year. However, they are beloved and are actively looking for a new spot. I spoke with them soon after the announcement, and I think they feel confident they will find a new shop. That said, their store is jam packed with stuff, so it will be a colossal chore to move, thus why I offered to help. I think many people have stepped up and offered them help, which is great and a testament to the community.
Great article Andy! As you know, I’m not currently a vinyl enthusiast but I imagine that if I do end up getting into vinyl I’d see myself hitting both brick & mortar stores as well as online options.
Although it’s not vinyl, my wife and I used to do a lot of collecting (maps, books, antiques) and I think there’s probably a lot of similarities in both of those collecting realms.
We loved to go to physical antique malls and stores, and found so much joy in the hunt. But there were also a handful of online purveyors that I came to know quite well that I trusted and that would occasionally reach out when they came across something they knew I’d be interested in.
I think, as in all things, that spirit of community is (for me) an important element, whether I find that through physical stores or a handful of trusted online merchants.
Thank you, Mark! Much appreciated. Yes, I think the comparison you make with other collectibles is spot on, especially when it comes to the “riches” (not just materially speaking, but also in terms of the community) that both realms can give us. Thanks a lot for pointing this out.
I prefer brick and mortar shops if at all possible. I have 3 that I hit on a regular basis and 3 more that are in the expanded rotation. It's worth paying a little more in the store to keep money in my city and cultivate relationships with people at the store. I'll buy on discogs, online record stores, and places like eBay or whatnot but I really prefer to be able to pick up the record, look it over, and decide if I want it.
I've mentioned this story on substack already, but it's worth repeating here about why I favor brick and mortar. A couple weeks ago I went up to my favorite record store, Black Cat Records and Comics in Dallas. I hadn't been in a while so when I walked in, the guys working were like "hey, haven't seen you in a while." Which, it's nice to know they think of me as a valued customer. I always buy something when I go in, I don't make a mess of the bin, and I'll shoot the shit with them. But then one of them said "oh, we got a bunch of Star Wars records in a collection we bought and set them aside for you. Pick out the ones you want," and he handed me a stack of 8 records. I picked out the 4 I didn't have.
I collect any records related to Star Wars and months ago I had told the guys that if they ever get any Star Wars records in, to let me know. I can't get that buying on Amazon or Target or Walmart. Maybe if I bought enough from a discogs seller and formed a relationship I could email them and ask. But that's a lot more work and a lot less fun than hanging around at the record store.
Thank you, Jeff! That's awesome. I love the fact they remembered you and your preferences. That kind of service, and the attention to detail that goes with it, is invaluable. I love stories like this one as they show how music and, specifically, records, can help us connect. It's no longer just a transaction, like you would get some groceries or a pint of milk at the supermarket. It's a lot more.
Interesting piece, Andres, and like you I tend to do a bit of both - or at least I have historically. Since starting up Record Shop Stories though, I’m finding my entire vinyl budget (if that’s even a thing!) goes in the record shops, and I order less online.
I still use Discogs or Ebay for specific wantlist things, but I enjoy the element of surprise of flipping through the racks in store too much!
The other week I found three great records in a local vintage shop for £11 (all in) - which just wouldn’t happen online. In fact, if I’d bought the same three on Discogs it would have costs me nearer £100 including postage! Always good to keep your options open and support indie sellers wherever possible, as you say. They need us as much as we need them!
Thank you, Rich! I agree with you. It’s good to support both as and when we can, but you’re right when you say the deals you can find in-store are truly one of a kind. That’s what I meant when I talked about the bargains you can find in brick-and-mortar stores.
Unfortunately I don’t always find what I want in-store, which means online is sometimes the only option for me.
I can’t believe you sha Nan’ again! Your adlibs are the best part of your essays! I’m never going to read one again (and I haven’t in a while) when the audio version is so entertaining!
My attempt at including shenanigan into my reply might be a little forced but I had to give it a try.
Thank you so much, Steve! Music to my ears, seriously. I put so much love in the voiceovers and it really is as close as I can get to my truest self (as unfiltered as one can possibly get in a public forum). Your support and feedback mean the world to me!
Of course, word ho that I am, I'd ask my friends if they wanted to go visit my friend, Shena Nigans. "I believe Shena's is open tonight! Shall we visit Ms. Nigans?" So, off to Shena Nigans we'd go!
One of the things you're learning (which everyone on radio learns...and TV, for that matter, especially when airing live) is that when it's clear YOU'RE having fun, we listeners are having a ball, as well! Your ease, comfort and humour at the mic comes thru, and I guarantee we, then, want to hustle on over to hear your delightful Shena Nigans on your V.O.! Keep up the buena trabajo, mi amigo!😁👍Shena💃
You betcha, Boobie! You asked about America's usage of the word, and I just noticed Green Day named an early 2000's album "Shenanigans," and for a season in the mid-'60s, we had a TV game show!👉 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenanigans_(game_show), although, to be honest, I think they were more merchants of folderol, chicanery, and tomfoolery than anything even closely resembling Shena and her gang!
But, I was 10 in '65, and likely saw that game show....I saw most of them, especially when I was home "sick" from school (although "Shenanigans" was a Saturday morning entry, and I was glued to the TV on Saturday mornings....I also watched a lot!), and Mommy used to go buy me some new Dot-to-Dot books (as I called them) to keep me busy on sick days!
👼Not sure of the etymology of the word, but I'd be interested in discovering! Here, I think we just love the utter ridiculousness of the word's sound! It's just giggle-worthy saying it!
I know parents used to use it a lot scolding their tiny in-house scofflaws: "That'll be quite enough of your shenanigans, young man! Now, march back up to your room, and mind your peas and cues!"
That was my mom....seems I used to like to play billiards with select vegetables.
Are you an Shenanigator that is instigates shenanigans on this post. I do jest, 😀. I find when I am looking for vinyl at a fair price, record fairs are ideal for this.
I'm mostly wrapping my mind around the presence of the Barry Manilow album alongside Bruce and the Everly Brothers.
🤣🤣🤣 fair enough!! "Variety is key". There's method to the madness 😉
Lol.
I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment. Sometimes I want the experience of spending hours just digging through crates and making a record store my home for a few hours. Other times I really enjoy the scrolling of inventory online or in looking for something particular. The finder’s gasp when you stumble upon something you had been wanting but weren’t expecting to see can surely be online or IRL and as long as that thrill is there, and as long as you support independent and small businesses, it’s win win.
And wow thank you for the nice shout out! That was a lovely surprise to see my name. While I am mostly online, I try to recreate the in store feeling at my pop-ups. Talking to customers is one of my biggest joys in doing this. Heads up that I’ve got a big sale dropping this Saturday, Nov 30th and I can now ship internationally!
Great writing as always, Andres!
Thank you, Kadrian! You hit the nail in the head with what you said and how you expressed it. I feel exactly the same way. I wonder whether it’s because we are of a younger generation and we missed vinyl in its heyday. For me, at least, and I’m sure is the case for you as well, it’s all about keeping some balance and checking out a little bit of everything everywhere, whether in-store or online.
Shout-out is well deserved! Shipping internationally, you said…? Say no more! 🤣 I’m going to be paying a virtual visit soon!
I am a bricks-and-mortar person, but I also live in a city that, when it comes to records, is spoilt for choice (check out the link below). I go to several, and I know and have good rapport at all of the ones I frequent regularly. It's not uncommon that when I take a few LPs up to the till, if it is, say, $43, they will round it down to $40. I have also been contacted by a specific record store when a few ultra rarities came through their door. They called me first as they knew I loved the band and offered them to me before they put them on the floor (I snapped them up). That same shop, which has been in their space for over 40 years, was recently told by the building's owner they had to move out by the end of the year. I immediately went down and told them that when they find their new space, I would happily be there to help them move if they needed me. I very much feel that I am part of a community, which I don't feel when buying online.
Also, I am a dedicated recycler of records and buy mainly used LPs; I feel like in a bricks-and-mortar shop, I have my own judgment on whether to purchase it as I can see the condition in front of me with my own eyes.
For record enthusiasts, this is how lucky we are in Portland (keep in mind we are a city of approx. 640,000 in the city and 2.24 million in the greater metro area): https://recordstores.love/us/or/portland
Thank you, Michael, for reading and commenting. I tend to keep a balance between in-store and online: in-store for the experience, online because I am more likely to find exactly what I need. I also buy predominantly second-hand and often chase specific editions which don’t abound in brick-and-mortar shops. That’s how I started building my network of “trusted sellers”, as I call them.
I believe one can feel a sense of community online too (Substack, for example), and that ultimately the community is where the heart is, it doesn’t have to be in person. However, I see what you mean about the face-to-face interactions. I’m often running around like a headless chicken so don’t have as much time as I would like to, but I make a point of visiting my regular brick-and-mortar record stores at least once a month.
Great to hear Portland is well equipped when it comes to record stores, especially considering its population, as you pointed out.
Absolutely. I think, also, being in a larger city to get from point A to point B (e.g., a record store in West or South London if you live in the opposite end of town) is significantly harder and more time-consuming than it is for me to get from Southeast Portland to North Portland.
Thanks, Michael. Yes, that’s a fair point. I’ve always lived in big cities, so for me everything is always busy and a bit chaotic. The good thing in your case is you can visit several stores in Portland with relative ease! Do you guys drive a lot over there? Or do you use public transport?
We own one car. We have great public transport, which I often take to work. We also ride our bikes a lot (my wife rides it every day to work), and we also often choose to walk because we enjoy long walks. We often walk a few miles to a different part of town and then take the bus or train home. Regarding the record stores near me, I can easily walk to about 7 of my favorites.
Unrelated to vinyl, I have always enjoyed that when I visit Portland I can get around with a mix of walking and the train/bus. And plenty of record stores to choose from!
De Jango, 2nd Street, and Turntable Mary's were my go to stores back in the day. I think 2nd Street is the only one left.
There was also a great store in Beaverton, for what it's worth, at least I think that was what it was called.
Correct. For What It's Worth on (I think?) was on Canyon, close to the intersection with Cedar hills Blvd. I can see it in miy head, but might be off by a block or two. We preferred Tower, but would still go there once in awhile. I can still smell the incense.
2nd Avenue is probably the one you are thinking of. It is a pure old Portland through and through. Sadly, they are the ones who are being booted out of their building at the end of the year. However, they are beloved and are actively looking for a new spot. I spoke with them soon after the announcement, and I think they feel confident they will find a new shop. That said, their store is jam packed with stuff, so it will be a colossal chore to move, thus why I offered to help. I think many people have stepped up and offered them help, which is great and a testament to the community.
At one point, I basically lived at 2nd Avenue. Some really great memories from that place.
Great article Andy! As you know, I’m not currently a vinyl enthusiast but I imagine that if I do end up getting into vinyl I’d see myself hitting both brick & mortar stores as well as online options.
Although it’s not vinyl, my wife and I used to do a lot of collecting (maps, books, antiques) and I think there’s probably a lot of similarities in both of those collecting realms.
We loved to go to physical antique malls and stores, and found so much joy in the hunt. But there were also a handful of online purveyors that I came to know quite well that I trusted and that would occasionally reach out when they came across something they knew I’d be interested in.
I think, as in all things, that spirit of community is (for me) an important element, whether I find that through physical stores or a handful of trusted online merchants.
Thank you, Mark! Much appreciated. Yes, I think the comparison you make with other collectibles is spot on, especially when it comes to the “riches” (not just materially speaking, but also in terms of the community) that both realms can give us. Thanks a lot for pointing this out.
I prefer brick and mortar shops if at all possible. I have 3 that I hit on a regular basis and 3 more that are in the expanded rotation. It's worth paying a little more in the store to keep money in my city and cultivate relationships with people at the store. I'll buy on discogs, online record stores, and places like eBay or whatnot but I really prefer to be able to pick up the record, look it over, and decide if I want it.
I've mentioned this story on substack already, but it's worth repeating here about why I favor brick and mortar. A couple weeks ago I went up to my favorite record store, Black Cat Records and Comics in Dallas. I hadn't been in a while so when I walked in, the guys working were like "hey, haven't seen you in a while." Which, it's nice to know they think of me as a valued customer. I always buy something when I go in, I don't make a mess of the bin, and I'll shoot the shit with them. But then one of them said "oh, we got a bunch of Star Wars records in a collection we bought and set them aside for you. Pick out the ones you want," and he handed me a stack of 8 records. I picked out the 4 I didn't have.
I collect any records related to Star Wars and months ago I had told the guys that if they ever get any Star Wars records in, to let me know. I can't get that buying on Amazon or Target or Walmart. Maybe if I bought enough from a discogs seller and formed a relationship I could email them and ask. But that's a lot more work and a lot less fun than hanging around at the record store.
Thank you, Jeff! That's awesome. I love the fact they remembered you and your preferences. That kind of service, and the attention to detail that goes with it, is invaluable. I love stories like this one as they show how music and, specifically, records, can help us connect. It's no longer just a transaction, like you would get some groceries or a pint of milk at the supermarket. It's a lot more.
Interesting piece, Andres, and like you I tend to do a bit of both - or at least I have historically. Since starting up Record Shop Stories though, I’m finding my entire vinyl budget (if that’s even a thing!) goes in the record shops, and I order less online.
I still use Discogs or Ebay for specific wantlist things, but I enjoy the element of surprise of flipping through the racks in store too much!
The other week I found three great records in a local vintage shop for £11 (all in) - which just wouldn’t happen online. In fact, if I’d bought the same three on Discogs it would have costs me nearer £100 including postage! Always good to keep your options open and support indie sellers wherever possible, as you say. They need us as much as we need them!
Thank you, Rich! I agree with you. It’s good to support both as and when we can, but you’re right when you say the deals you can find in-store are truly one of a kind. That’s what I meant when I talked about the bargains you can find in brick-and-mortar stores.
Unfortunately I don’t always find what I want in-store, which means online is sometimes the only option for me.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I can’t believe you sha Nan’ again! Your adlibs are the best part of your essays! I’m never going to read one again (and I haven’t in a while) when the audio version is so entertaining!
My attempt at including shenanigan into my reply might be a little forced but I had to give it a try.
Thank you so much, Steve! Music to my ears, seriously. I put so much love in the voiceovers and it really is as close as I can get to my truest self (as unfiltered as one can possibly get in a public forum). Your support and feedback mean the world to me!
One of the many karaoke haunts I frequented a decade ago was, indeed called Shenanigans (https://www.yelp.com/biz/shenanigans-night-club-austin-3) in N. Austin!
Of course, word ho that I am, I'd ask my friends if they wanted to go visit my friend, Shena Nigans. "I believe Shena's is open tonight! Shall we visit Ms. Nigans?" So, off to Shena Nigans we'd go!
One of the things you're learning (which everyone on radio learns...and TV, for that matter, especially when airing live) is that when it's clear YOU'RE having fun, we listeners are having a ball, as well! Your ease, comfort and humour at the mic comes thru, and I guarantee we, then, want to hustle on over to hear your delightful Shena Nigans on your V.O.! Keep up the buena trabajo, mi amigo!😁👍Shena💃
Thank you so much, Brad! It’s so funny one of your usual karaoke bars was called Shenanigans! Even funnier what you did with the “name” 🤣🤣
Thank you sooo incredibly much for your very valuable feedback. Means the world to me!!
You betcha, Boobie! You asked about America's usage of the word, and I just noticed Green Day named an early 2000's album "Shenanigans," and for a season in the mid-'60s, we had a TV game show!👉 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenanigans_(game_show), although, to be honest, I think they were more merchants of folderol, chicanery, and tomfoolery than anything even closely resembling Shena and her gang!
But, I was 10 in '65, and likely saw that game show....I saw most of them, especially when I was home "sick" from school (although "Shenanigans" was a Saturday morning entry, and I was glued to the TV on Saturday mornings....I also watched a lot!), and Mommy used to go buy me some new Dot-to-Dot books (as I called them) to keep me busy on sick days!
Thanks! Seems to be used more fhan I thought. We use it a lot here, so I wasn’t sure how common it was over there.
Your kidhood stories are adorable!
👼Not sure of the etymology of the word, but I'd be interested in discovering! Here, I think we just love the utter ridiculousness of the word's sound! It's just giggle-worthy saying it!
I know parents used to use it a lot scolding their tiny in-house scofflaws: "That'll be quite enough of your shenanigans, young man! Now, march back up to your room, and mind your peas and cues!"
That was my mom....seems I used to like to play billiards with select vegetables.
🤣🤣🤣 absolutely! I also looove the way it sounds. It’s so pleasant to pronounce lol 😂
I've been thinking of looking online. So far my purchases have been brick and mortar and record show.
Thanks for your comment, Bob! I think venturing online every now and then is a nice complement to our in-person purchases/crate digging. Enjoy!
Are you an Shenanigator that is instigates shenanigans on this post. I do jest, 😀. I find when I am looking for vinyl at a fair price, record fairs are ideal for this.
Thank you, Anne! Shenanigator all the way! 🤣
Great point about record fairs. Unfortunately in central London they don’t abound, but I love them when I can get hold of them!