Record Store Revival
BY JOEL SCHOMBERG
If you haven’t heard yet… vinyl records have made a comeback. For members of Gen X this might seem like a cruel joke. After all, as kids we collected tons of records up into our twenties. And then the 90’s brought us the Compact Disc, and a significant portion of the population exchanged their vinyl collection for plastic. That is until the iPod came out in 2001 and everyone started downloading Mp3s because we were led to believe that was the future. But that future dream quickly went obsolete with the development of streaming platforms like Spotify or Tidal. And now as we live in this age where nearly all of music history can be held in your front pocket and accessed from anywhere, people are being drawn back to where it all started, the lovable vinyl record.
Some conspiracy minded people might say that this is a just ploy by the corporations just to sell more stuff to you, the consumer. And this could be true but consider a more devious scenario where these companies work to get us hooked on streaming music, and with access to your credit card they slowly suck away at your income month after month. And when suddenly they decide to introduce some new technology, you will be left with nothing to show for your years of investment. So why not just put your hard-earned money into something that history has shown to last? Music fans from all around seem to be asking themselves this very question. We can see this by looking at the numbers. The Recording Industry Association of America reported that vinyl album sales were at around $882 million and have outsold CDs for the 3rd consecutive year. Streaming still makes up about 70% of all the music consumed. But the record is definitely making a comeback.
Some will say they prefer the richer warm sound of vinyl, or the nostalgia. The album as a collector’s item is also a big factor. Most record labels have been re-releasing their out-of-print recordings or creating all sorts of limited editions and colored vinyl. The vinyl pressing itself has been going through a type of renaissance. Wax Mage is a record label out of Cleveland a dragon’s eyeball. Another one reminded me of an ice blizzard from the lands of Jotunheim. Yes, this is just the vinyl itself and not the packaging. Further proof of this revival is the dozens of new record clubs popping up on the internet that will send you curated selections each month based on your listening preferences. Turntable Kitchen is one such company with a unique twist. They specialize in a monthly subscription service that pairs records with coffee or food.
There are certainly lots of fun options out there to draw the collectors in. But I still think there is a deeper cultural reason that records are making a comeback. I think people are wanting to have a more tactile and authentic music listening experience in this ever-increasing digital age. They want that ritual of putting the needle on the record and sitting down to look at the album cover or read the lyrics. Much like this copy of the Weekly Volcano that you hold in your hands, there is a desire to bring back traditional media. A desire to support the artists directly, and to be engaged with something other than your phone. And with this idea of engaging with real life outside of a screen, there is something that used to be an essential part of our shared musical history. I’m talking about the record store.
Once on the decline, the brick-and-mortar record store has also experienced a resurgence. True, some of them have never left. Thankfully for us they stuck it through with their passion and commitment to this form of enjoying music. While many others have just started up, some of them right in the middle of the covid pandemic. What is important to note, record stores are much more than just a place to shop. They are places that create community. It is somewhere you can go hear something completely unexpected, something that doesn’t come from algorithm. It's also a place to go with your friends, or to learn about what is happening in your town. And this type of community through music is not just limited to the traditional storefront. There are traveling vendors, swap meets and all types of markets. Fortunately for us, Tacoma has a good selection of all of these. Here is a sample of what is out there. I encourage you to get out for the love of music and community and check these places out.
House of Records & Turntable Treasures – 608 N Prospect St. Pete VanRosendael-Owner
House of Records is one of those places where you go when you have the time to do some deep digging. More than 120,000 records! I would say the majority are quality used copies of the classics. Rock, pop, and jazz. But they do carry new vinyl as well. Owner Pete VanRosendael claims they have the best classical selection in the state. What’s more this is the place to shop for turntables. They have new and vintage audiophile quality equipment. And you can’t ignore their deal of $100 in free vinyl with the purchase of select turntables.
Weekly Volcano: How long have you been in business?
Pete VanRosendael: House of Records and Turntable Treasures used to be two separate shops across the street from each other on 6th Avenue. I Started T.T. in 1996, and House of Records was originally owned by local icon Don Kirsch around 1986. When he retired, I bought House of Records and combined the two business into this one location.
WV: Best album or song of 2023?
PV: I’m not up on the new music. What you’re going to find here is old school.
WV: What do you think is the best single year in music?
PV: 1969, It was the end of one era and the start of another, from The Beatles to King Crimson and Black Sabbath. The same could be said for the late 70s with punk and New Wave
WV: Taylor Swift, yea or nay?
PV: I totally respect her and what she says about artists and the payout for their work is very profound. Artists should be paid for what they are streaming and not just the top tier like her.
WV: Watching the Wheels or Maybe I’m Amazed?
PV: I’m a John Lennon fan. Paul was a little to popish for me.
WV: What is the best beginners turntable, non-audiophile but good quality?
PV: Audio-Technica AT-LP60 with headphones.
WV: Best local band past or present?
PV: Sons of the Force from Tacoma. If you like 70s rock with great guitar licks and something that will surprise you, jump on this band wagon. You can read my review on House of Records Facebook page. My next favorite local band is StrangelyAllright. They have played Art on The Ave 4-5 times.
WV: Do you have a favorite album cover?
PV: Absolutely! King Crimson, In The Court Of The Crimson King.
Bread Truck Records
Owner Alan Chalfant has been in business 7 months now. You might have seen him this last summer at one of Tacoma’s many local markets. Inside the truck you will find a selection of classic rock, heavy metal, R&B, Jazz and lots more. There is even a listening station built into the truck. Bread Truck Records is available to come to your next event. Send him a message on FB or IG @breadtruckrecords
Weekly Volcano: Best Sunday morning song?
Alan Chalfant: I have to go with the classic Johnny Cash’s “Sunday Morning Comedown”. It’s hard to mess with as far as Sunday morning songs.
WV: How long have you been collecting records?
AC: I just turned 40 and got my first when I was 8, so a little over 30 years.
WV: What is your favorite new artist?
AC: I really like XXXTentacion. I’d been hearing the buzz, so I got an album, and I was kind of amazed by how much I liked it. It was really, really good! I grew up a rocker but as you start collecting records, you hear a lot of different stuff so there is lots of music I enjoy.
WV: Micheal Jackson’s Thriller or The Eagles Greatest Hits? (The top 2 selling albums of all time)
AC: Thriller. It’s a phenomenal album that has stood the test of time. Young people still put on songs from that album.
WV: Last live show you saw?
AC: Guns and Roses.
WV: Do you use any streaming services?
AC: I do, I use Apple music. But it’s usually when I am doing activities like washing the dishes and I’m not really paying attention… But if listening to music is the activity itself, then I put on my records.
WV: Best local band, past, present, or future?
AC: For the past I have to say The Sonics. They first put Tacoma on the map as a hub for music, so you have to give credit to them. As far as new… Jacob Jess. I love the guy’s music! His live performances are great too. He doesn’t give it away… he puts it in a curio box, shines a light on it, and you get to enjoy it and then he takes it with him when he goes. I think that’s the best way I can describe it. And he is worth checking out.
Atomic Genius - 111 W Meeker Beth Curtis- Owner and Operator
Located in historic downtown Puyallup and open for just over 2 years, this shop caries a well curated selection of new and used discs and a whole rack dedicated just to local artists. But what makes Atomic Genius unique and such a great asset to this inviting neighborhood is that they have a cool little art gallery in the back where they host all ages live music events.
Weekly Volcano: Favorite new album from 2023?
Beth Curtis: Black Pumas - Chronicles of a Diamond.
WV: Favorite Sunday morning song?
BC: Fearless by Pink Floyd
WV: Last live show you saw?
BC: Ghost @ White River Amphitheater
WV: Watching the Wheels or Maybe I’m Amazed?
BC: Watching the Wheels
WV: Will CDs make a comeback?
BC: People still come in all the time looking for CDs. I don’t think any of the mediums are going to go away.
WV: Do you remember your first record ever?
BC: I think I was 4 and it was the Spinners, Rubberband Man, it was a 45 that I would play over and over again on a Fisher Price player.
WV: Best local band, past or present?
BC: Goodness
Parable - 3551 Mckinley Ave
Parable is a family owned culturally affirming community space in the McKinley Hill neighborhood. They host poetry showcases, Open mic’s, local markets, and benefits. You can find a handpicked selection of artisan products, books, plants, clothing, and of course a small but worthy selection of records both new and used. Come take a rest on their big comfy couch, sip a warm cup of tea and listen to music. Located at 3552 McKinley Ave.
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Drastic Plastic Records – 3005 6th Ave
Located on the Ave. Drastic Plastic is another old school shop. I love this time capsule of a place, and I have gotten a lot of great stuff here like from Black Sabbath to Hall and Oats. You might not find much beyond 1989, but there is still a little bit of everything. In addition to records, you will find a large collection of vintage cassette tapes (which also seem to be making some sort of comeback), Cd’s, movies, music memorabilia, as well as a sweet grim reaper bong which will give you the perfect toke to listen to a worn but well-loved Master of Reality disc.
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Janku Land
Janku land used to hold down the north end of 6th Ave. and is now in-between places, but that doesn’t stop Taiga from bringing the goods to the Tacoma community. Taiga describes what he does as “Trying to find cool unique records for customers at a reasonable price. Guide people to new music and things they might enjoy. I'm pretty much a hype man of other people’s art. I may not have a brick and mortar, but I do pop ups/markets like once or twice a month.” Taiga also organizes a fun interactive music night at Busy Body on 6th Ave., every third Thursday. They pick a genre, and you bring 3 records and spin them yourself. The theme for December will be New Wave. I’ll see you there!
Weekly Volcano: Favorite local band past or present?
Taiga: Noxious Fumes. A Tacoma punk band from 1984
WV: Best Sunday morning song?
T: Teenage Fanclub “Everything Flows”
WV: What is your favorite album or artist from 2023?
T: Bahh.. so much stuff came out this year but I'm gonna go with the one that's the most current and I've been listening to a lot. Institute - Ragdoll Dance LP
WV: Best place to see live music in Tacoma?
T: Always in a basement or a house.
WV: Taylor Swift - yay or nay?
T: She is so far removed from life… I can't even say anything about her.
WV: Last live show you saw?
T: By the time this comes out... Alienator, Reek Minds, Fugitive Bubble, Dekrepit at Voyeur in Olympia
WV: Best current local band for us to keep an eye out for?
T: If we are talking Tacoma, isn't Denial of Life thee band?
WV: How do record shops or records contribute to building community?
T: You grow with your customers and help them connect and network with other people in the community. Pointing direction to shows or introducing them to people to play music with. Organize events with other people/businesses in the community. Things like that. People think music is some obvious thing but there's so many cool subcultures that are a part of it.
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Hi-Voltage - 2714 6th Ave.
Out of all the great shops already mentioned, High Voltage has the largest selection of new records and contemporary music, and an abundance of used records that is updated almost daily. From Hip Hop to Punk Rock, to Jazz or Country, High Voltage will always have something for you. They also have one of the bookstores in town. Let’s talk to some of their customers and see what they think.
Karen & Hendricks - Hi-Voltage customers
Weekly Volcano: What did you buy?
Karen: The Judgement Night Soundtrack, and I’m so excited because I have been looking for this! I am also buying Mark Lanegan, Straight Songs Of Sorrow, this is one of my faves and I don’t have it on vinyl.
WV: Favorite artist or song of 2023?
Hendricks: I don’t like too many songs from 23’ I prefer vintage… Oh wait! I like “I’m just Ken” from the Barbie movie. (sung by Ryan Gosling) It’s straight fire!
WV: Best place to see live music in Tacoma?
Karen: Either Jazzbones or Real Art Tacoma.
WV: What is the saddest song you’ve ever heard?
Karen: “High and Dry” by Radiohead. I don’t know what it is, but it rips my heart out every time I hear it.
Hendricks: Fire and Rain by James Taylor.
WV: What kind of music makes you want to dance?
Karen: Nine Inch Nails
WV: News Years message to the people of Tacoma?
Hendricks: Watch the Barbie movie.
Karen: Buy More Records!
Alice - Hi-Voltage customer
WV: What are you buying?
A: Today I’m buying some Bowery Electric and some Sparklehorse
WV: Were you inspired to get Bowery Electric because they are now playing it here at the store?
A: Yes. I may have heard of them before… I’m not sure, but I love it.
WV: Do you have a favorite artist or song of 2023?
A: I have been listening to a lot of Consumed in Key by Chilly Gonzales but I’m not sure if that’s 2023.
WV: What was the last show you saw in Tacoma?
A: I saw a house show with John Vanderslice, which was amazing. And that was literally someone’s house.
WV: Do you have a favorite music venue in Tacoma?
A: Sadly, it just closed. But I went to a concert at Alma. I saw Will Sheff who is the lead singer from Okkervil River
WV: Taylor Swift, Yay or Nay?
A: Yay. I have to admit I bought Midnights, and I bought 1989 (Taylor’s version). I’m not a snob about music, I’m gonna like what I like.
Alan - Hi-Voltage customer
WV: What record did you buy?
Alan: Bandana, It’s a collaboration by Freddie Gibs and Madlib
WV: Do you have a favorite artist or album from 2023?
ALAN: So, my favorite album is called “Scaring The Hoes” it’s another collaborative album. It’s by JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown. My favorite artist out of those two would be JPEGMAFIA
WV: What’s a song that pumps you up or makes you want to dance?
ALAN: Its either “Scaring the Hoes” or All Caps by Mad Villan, Madlib, MF DOOM.