I’ve been pretty vocal on this blog about being hyper-nostalgic and there’s been no loss of the sentiment as I’ve prepared to witness the closing of Orpheus Records in Clarendon…another thing that’s been well chronicled in this space.
But last night comes word that, despite the big going out of business sign and the lowered prices leading up to last weekend and this weekend’s dollar days–Rick may have been granted a reprieve for a little while and may be able to stay open through December and NOT shut forever this coming Saturday.
So, he asked me last night what I thought — should he stay there through December and selfishly I thought, “Well, YEA!” but for practical reasons he wondered if the loyal regulars and semi-regulars would embrace the notion of things going back to the way they were for a little while and then more close-out sales in a month or more. Here’s how Rick put in on the Orpheus website:
“In the ‘better late than never’ category we are going to attempt to communicate with others. It would be nice to be able to let you know what’s going on here. It would also be nice to know what more of you are thinking. By that I mean what you think about the short term future of Orpheus Records. After all the proclamations about our demise we have another reprieve from the landlord for December… What do YOU think?? Would you like to see Orpheus around another month or so? Should I stay or should I go NOW? (apologies to the Clash) Please, let me know. If I stayed would you like to see the Vinyl Ink stock that’s been sitting here for years?? Or do you only want me to put out stuff for a dollar. Most of the stock that is not currently available to you would NOT be a dollar. We only have a little time left. I’d like to use it to our mutual advantage. Talk to me!!!”
So, TVD readers and Orpheus regulars and (semi-regulars), here’s an opportunity to directly influence what happens over the next month or more…let us and Rick know how you feel. And I mean NOW as a decision needs to be made…another month? Wanna see that Vinyl Ink stash hit the bins? Or stick with the close out dollar days? SPEAK UP!
Update 11/7: A number of online media outlets have picked up on TVD’s/Orpheus Records’ call for feedback. Washington City Paper has a piece here this morning, DCRTV sheds some more light here (scroll down a bit), and our blog pal IntangibleArts shares his thoughts on the topic here. TVD will report back next week on how all of this has shaken out, but in the meantime please continue to make your voice heard.
The Clash – Should I Stay Or Should I Go? (Mp3)
(Images courtesy Flickr user afagen.)
