“I grew up in Lawrence, NJ—five miles from the Princeton Record Exchange. My first experience with buying music though was on cassette. Vinyl didn’t come in until later. I would save my money, take the bus into town, and sift through the tapes for hours on end, just to walk out with a few bucks worth of merch.”
“I remember the smell of the album covers while searching through all the music, and I still feel like a kid when I walk in there—it transports me back. I think for me, going in there wasn’t just about the music—it was seeing all the people. When I was a kid, I just liked watching what people would buy, see what they were wearing, hearing their conversations.
A lot can happen in a record store. I’ve seen breakups, people making out, children get yelled at, angry merchants chase out teenagers, smoking, people fall in love with new bands, and I think even a heart attack or two.
It makes me so sad that there aren’t more of these places. In NY, I have a lot of choices, but I know I’m spoiled. Most people don’t live here, and most towns don’t have a local record store. I have nothing against MP3s, but it’s just not the same thing. There’s nothing like reading the back of an album cover and learning about your favorite band. I mean, I feel like I’ve studied these musicians just as much as I’ve listened to them. I mean, really studied!
Putting a record on a turntable is actual work, so you’re paying attention to it. You’re being much more mindful. Putting an MP3 on is so easy and I think that ease allows for a lack of focus. We have so much going on all the time—put a record on and pay attention for a minute—it won’t kill you.
Oh, and the sex! Chicks love guys who play records, and I’m surprised more people haven’t caught on to this. Anybody can press a button and turn on a song, but when you take the time to put on an album, women are usually impressed. Especially now, most people don’t listen to vinyl, so it’s like you’re showing them a long-lost artifact or something.
Plus, it gives you time to think of smart things to say because you’re sitting there and listening. After you take the time to put the record on, you get to sit together and listen to it. Alone. In a room. Good deal.”
—Luke Elliot
We’re delighted to debut Luke Elliot’s “To Feel Your Love” taken from his forthcoming release, Provisions. “I wrote this song during a difficult breakup. I’m pretty sure I composed it at Westminster Choir College—I used to sneak into their rehearsal rooms to write music. I would tell them I was a student, and no one ever asked for my ID.” Provisions lands on store shelves June 24.
