The Local Search for That Old-Time Rock-and-Roll
By Ann Cameron Siegal
Special to The Washington Post
Friday, April 18, 2008
A tune is stuck in your head, but you can't place it. What's the title? Who's the artist? Aaarrgghh, it's driving you crazy. Try humming a few bars to your computer and see how far that gets you.
Therein lies one problem with digital downloading. Sure, it's handy, but it's impersonal.
But pop into one of the cozy brick-and-mortar music shops still thriving locally and you'll inevitably find someone who'll hum along, know the title and suggest similar cuts as well. Rooting through stacks of CDs or vinyl records, chatting in person with other music aficionados, meeting local musicians -- it's personal service and serendipity rolled into one.
The atmosphere in these independent stores is reminiscent of that in old barbershops, says David Eisner of Takoma Park's House of Musical Traditions. "It comes down to a sense of community."
Whether you are a baby boomer seeking to connect with your past or a high schooler just discovering Led Zeppelin, there's a whole locally intertwined group of experts who know the tunes and the players. Though their numbers may be shrinking (Orpheus Records in Arlington plans to shut its doors at the end of May), their fans remain loyal and the experience they offer is unique.
Step inside and be instantly inducted into a bustling, melodious word-of-mouth community.
DOWNTOWN WASHINGTONMelody Records
1623 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-232-4002.
Open Sunday-Thursday 10 to 10,
Friday-Saturday 10 to 11.
Owners: Jack and Suzy Menase.
Melody Records' customers have remained loyal through three decades and three moves. Now carrying only new CDs, Melody is still known for its opera, jazz and classical collections.
"Our service is very addictive," Jack Menase says. Staffers (some have worked at Melody for more than 25 years) demonstrate expertise in specific genres, including international music, blues, New Age and rock.
Longtime customer Annie Singer says: "They don't make me feel embarrassed when I ask about country music -- and that's huge. Nice, helpful people, a store that's human scale but not limited, and even has fair prices, right near Dupont Circle! What more could a music lover want?"
Customers can preview most CDs by putting on headphones and waving the CD under a barcode scanner.
Notable: Periodic drawings for tickets to local concerts.
Quote:"People don't realize the extensive classical collection we have," says Leon Dana, an employee who honed his musical knowledge years ago in his father's former shop, Serenade Records.
DJ Hut2010 P St. NW, second floor; 202-659-2010.
Open Monday-Thursday noon to 9,
Fridays noon to 10, Saturdays noon to 9; closed Sundays.
Owners: Sina Mollaan and Chris Stiles.
The store reopened in February after a devastating fire last summer -- brighter and livelier than ever, with new stock, including reissued vinyl and new CDs, with an emphasis on independent releases.
Seekers of old-school hip-hop, R&B, reggae, house, down-tempo, Baltimore club, drum'n'bass, '80s hits, rock, disco or funk will be in heaven.
Glean advice from some of the District's club personalities who work or hang out there, including Oso Fresh (a.k.a. Bobby Alirezai), known for his mix of classic hip-hop at Aroma, or Sam "the Man" Burns, who spins deep, soulful house music at the Eighteenth Street Lounge.
You can create your own CD in-house from the store's digital download site or use the store's DJ-matching service to find the perfect fit for an upcoming event. DJ Hut also rents and sells DJ equipment.
Notable: A booth where guest DJs perform or where demonstrations help show people how to DJ. Just ask for a demo.
Quote:"We have music you can use," Burns says.
ADAMS MORGANFour record shops within walking distance make this a destination for those seeking the community music experience. "Each store is unique, and each has its own personality," says Som Records' Neal Becton, a former Post employee.
Red Onion Records & Books1901 18th St. NW; 202-986-2718.
Open Tuesday-Thursday noon to 7,
Friday-Saturday noon to 8,
Sundays noon to 6; closed Mondays .
Owner: Josh Harkavy.
No musical inspiration in the name here: Harkavy loves to cook with red onions. His passion for collecting LPs led him to open the intimate music and book emporium at 18th and T streets a little more than a year ago. "If you have the right formula and the right location, you'll succeed," he says.
Just about all of Red Onion's selections are original vinyl pressings. No wading through easy listening or Reader's Digest collections to get to the good stuff. Jazz, soul, Beatles and rock never seem to go out of style, says Harkavy, a fan of the late '60s for the creativity and turmoil apparent in the decade's music.
Notable: Hosts occasional vintage music and clothing cocktail parties, with clothing supplied by Listopad, a D.C.-based vintage clothing resource.
Quote:"I'm proud of that moment when people find the one album they've been looking for. That makes me happy," Harkavy says.
Crooked Beat Records2318 18th St. NW; 202-483-2328.
Open Mondays 2 to 9, Tuesday-Thursday noon to 9:30, Friday-Saturday noon to 10, Sundays noon to 7.
Owners: Bill and Helen Daly.
A North Carolina transplant in 2004, Crooked Beat focuses on "hard-to-find independent and import labels existing outside the radar of the mainstream," Bill Daly says.
LPs outsold CDs at the shop in 2007, Daly says, so Crooked Beat is cutting back on new CDs from major labels and enhancing its vinyl collection.
In-house charts highlight top sellers. For example, two top sellers in March were Stephen Malkmus and Vampire Weekend. The shop's all-time biggest seller is by the Evens, a D.C. band featuring Ian MacKaye of Fugazi.
Notable: Holds in-store CD and LP release events. Call for details.
Quote:"I have to show the kids how to use a record player, but I'd have to ask them a lot about computers," Daly says.
Smash Records2314 18th St. NW; 202-387-6274.
Open Monday-Thursday noon to 9,
Fridays noon to 1 0, Saturdays 11 to 10, Sundays noon to 7.
Owners: Daisy Lacy and Matt Moffett.
A Georgetown fixture for more than 20 years, Smash has been in its new location less than a year. This second-floor loft is colorful, fun and punk-rock throughout.
You'll find new or used vinyl and CDs, vintage clothing and accessories, and even $2 cassettes. Satiate your appetite for Electric Frankenstein, Black Flag or Bad Brains.
On the first Tuesday of every month, the store holds a sale with refreshments.
Notable: First anniversary party is May 6.
Quote:"We sell more used vinyl than anything," Lacy says.
Som Records1843 14th St. NW; 202-328-3345.
Open daily noon to 8.
Owner: Neal Becton.
"Som" is Portuguese for "sound," and 95 percent of the sounds here are on vinyl. "This week's treasures," highlighted on one wall, heralds LPs chosen for the rotating honor, Becton quips, because "they're either really expensive or they look really cool." He pauses, surveying his selections. "Or it's just something I really like."
"The Best of Gherkin," a dance compilation ($29) is displayed next to the Blue Mitchell Quintet's "Down With It!" ($70). The Tony Pastor Show's "Shakin' Up Vegas" ($10) is there just because Becton likes the album cover.
The store also has a well-stocked $1 bin and many LPs in the $4-$10 range.
You'll find most genres, including a good international mix divided by region. Som also takes local artists' recordings on consignment.
Notable: Som is on the same block as the Black Cat club.
Quote:"I'd love to get some more '60s Brazilian records," Becton says.
MARYLANDJoe's Record Paradise
1300 E. Gude Dr., Rockville; 301-315-2235.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 to 9, Sundays noon to 6.
Owner: Joe Lee.
Joe's fifth location in Montgomery County since 1974 carries a high volume of 45s, LPs, CDs and cassettes. Now poring through 100,000 albums from the estate of well-known Baltimore music aficionado Leon Kagarise, Lee delights at finds, such as the "butcher cover" of the 1966 Beatles album "Yesterday and Today."
The store is known as a place to find obscure and classic recordings, and regulars often know to check for gems in boxes beneath the racks.
A cadre of jazz regulars pops in several times a week. Melvin Stephens, a customer since 1975, found a 78 rpm of the "Wizard of Oz" soundtrack. Comedy fans might find a recording of legendary black comedians Pigmeat Markham and Moms Mabley. Beach Boys fans might find the elusive "Pet Sounds" album.
Notable: Lee has dozens of stories about local music legend Root Boy Slim and has erected a humorous in-store shrine to the eccentric rocker.
Quote:"We've survived because we don't pigeonhole ourselves," Lee says.
Roadhouse Oldies958 Thayer Ave., Silver Spring;
301-587-1858.
Open Monday-Friday noon to 7,
Saturdays 11 to 7, Sundays noon to 4.
Owner: Alan Lee.
Customer Debbie Greeley took advantage of the listening station recently to hear "Long Tall Glasses" by Leo Sayer for the first time. Nodding her head in time to the music, she seemed to like the beat.
Roadhouse is a cozy, friendly outlet for doo-wop, Motown, soul and '50s/'60s rock recordings. Rows of 45s dominating the center aisle and tacked on the wall have given the place the nickname "the museum."
"It's the whole wow factor," manager Scooter Magruder says. "Folks are surprised that we also provide music played today."
A Silver Spring fixture since 1974, the shop also offers LPs, CDs, cassettes and music DVDs.
Notable: For older eyes, Roadhouse has magnifying glasses, all the better for reading small labels.
Quote:"Music really hasn't changed. It's still about love and heartache -- just presented a different way," Magruder says.
House of Musical Traditions7040 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park;
301-270-9090.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 to 7,
Sunday-Monday 11 to 5.
Owner: David Eisner.
Small selection, gigantic community. A fixture in folk circles for decades, House of Musical Traditions carries only local artists' CDs, primarily folk, Celtic, jazz and blues. It is also known for its focus on folk instruments, classes and its Monday night concert series in Rockville.
Want to preview an album before buying? All you have to do is ask. "We're somewhat old-fashioned in that we're happy to spin a disc for you," Eisner says.
And you just might meet the artist. When a customer sought a gift for someone who "kind of likes blues but doesn't like it too loud," Eisner turned to Miles Spicer, a local blues guitar player who was in the shop. "Hey, Miles, can we put on your CD?" Eisner asked. Sale made.
"We're spreading the music around in a more personal way," Eisner says.
Notable: The store is moving later this month to a house nearby with more space (7010 Westmoreland Ave.).
Quote:"If it has a roots-acoustic basis to it, with emphasis on original material, that's for us," Eisner says.
VIRGINIACD Cellar
709-B W. Broad St. Falls Church;
703-534-6318.
Open Monday-Friday 10 to 9,
Saturdays 10 to 8, Sundays 11 to 7.
Owner: Dave Giese.
Vinyl has recently been appearing in CD Cellar's two stores. (The Arlington store closed its current Wilson Boulevard location but will reopen at 2607 Wilson Blvd. on May 1.)
With a stock that is 90 percent used CDs and LPs, CD Cellar replenishes its stock daily, so regulars check in often for first choice of fresh pickings. And if you collect album art, the store sells framed LP covers. Beatles and the groundbreaking art style of '50s and '60s jazz covers are popular.
You'll find a small collection of new CDs and LPs, primarily from Dischord and Eighteenth Street Lounge labels, with a few reissued oldies thrown in.
Notable: A selection of classic, belt-driven turntables have been put into fine working order by in-house electronics wiz Michael Francis.
Quote:"We're knowledgeable and handsome. What more do you need?" says manager and buyer David Schlank.
Record & Tape Exchange9448 Main St., Fairfax; 703-425-4256.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 to 9,
Sundays 11 to 6.
Owner: Kevin Olsen.
Located next to Trader Joe's in the Fair City Mall, this cozy shop, known as RTX to regulars, offers new and used vinyl and CDs.
Vinyl is what brings folks into this shop, its third location since 1976. What they'll find among the folk, rock, jazz, reggae and country are the small presses of obscure sounds not available for downloading.
RTX will add USB turntables to its stock soon, so all that vinyl can be played via computer.
Notable: Store credit on used vinyl or CDs is usually 50 percent more than cash value.
Quote:"You can get three records for the price of a few downloads," manager Rich Sansbury says.
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