Call me an archaeologist because I love to dig. Digging through crates of records, that is. The art of digging through a record store has been lost over the years (and I don’t count the recent surge in vinyl sales as “record digging”). Pre-2007, I rarely came across records, only seeing them covered in dust, usually owned by parents of friends. That all changed though when I decided to learn to DJ. Looking back now, I’m glad I was surrounded by hip hop purists who forced me to buy LP turntables over computer softwares or CD turntables. They wanted me to get a feel for records and learn the true art of DJing, the way Kool Herc revolutionized it.
Before I even bought my tables, I went out to and bought some records because I didn’t want to be that dude that had turntables and no records. Luckily, at that time, there was a couple more record stores in Buffalo than now. On any given day, if I drove by a Record Theater and I had a few dollars to burn, I’d run in and go through their used vinyl section. 99% of the time, I’d find nothing of quality but for some reason, I’d always come out of there with a handful of records. In the beginning, I didn’t a Serato so my goal was to just up my record collection. Because of that mentality, I now have some records I don’t really want to admit having (like Big Tymers’ Gangsta Girl featuring R. Kelly). Later, I would find out that when the stores get their records, the employees usually go through the stash and keep all the good ones. But every once in a while, a gem will fall through the cracks.
Another way to find quality records is to know your music. Being a hip hop head, I did my research on which artists producers like to sample off of. I could name a few off now but that would defeat the purpose of you doing the research so I’m staying mum.
I remember going into these stores thinking I would leave quickly and end up staying there for an hour or more at times. And after every time, I’d always feel a little dirtier and I could feel a layer of dust on my fingers from the old broken down sleeves.
Anyways, Buffalo was where it all started for me. From here on out, my eyes were just a little bit wider, keeping an eye out for any obscure record stores or garage sales.
Keep an eye out for my digging adventures in New York City and Long Island.
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Comments ( 1 Comment )
IV the Polymath added these pithy words on Mar 05 10 at 2:57 pmYo great post! Record theatre is ass – they do always snatch up the good joints. Had to start boycotting them last year. Check out M & B on Deleware if you digging for jazz. Peace..
