I love that "What are you looking for?" I reply with "Where on earth do I start." I have a Most Wanted list and there are records on it that I've spent almost 40 years looking for!
You hit on some really good points. The guy who was making up the prices as he goes wouldn't have gotten a sale out of me. If it says $1,99 and you try to charge me 4x that, I'm leaving everything in my hands at the counter and walking. Bad business!
There were other customers in the store that threw a fit because he did that and claimed the record was half the price at other stores. The clerk responded by saying “you should have bought it there”. 🤦♂️ Then he lost the sale.
As someone who is primarily into extreme Metal, especially Black Metal, Funeral Doom and some Death, it is a bit disappointing for me personally to see so many cool looking record shops and then go in and find hardly anything I want to buy. I'm well aware that's not the shop's fault, it's just an unfortunate side effect of my music taste. I've got dedicated extreme Metal online stores to find them for decent enough prices but you know.. I just wish I could experience the thrill of visiting a record store and coming across boxes of stuff I'd love. It's not that I don't love other genres of music, it's just that Black Metal especially along with Funeral Doom are the genres I'm genuinely passionate about, and I don't want to own any albums that I'm not genuinely passionate about. I kind of get that experience when going to merch stands at live shows but at those points you've got limited time to look before the next band starts and once you buy you've got nowhere safe to put them unless you have a car parked outside, which I don't. Plus I'm not made of money so I don't go to live shows too much anyway.
The biggest thing that drives me crazy is when the bins in which the vinyl is stored are so tight that browsing through the records is a nightmare! You have to take every vinyl out individually to have a good look instead of simply flicking through them.
Well, as a guy who loves melodic rock/metal, it's not always easy when all they play at the store is death metal blasting my ears. I know, it's just me, lol.
This was an absolutely great video. I hate going into record stores and going through the CD bins and they’re all just crammed in there and it’s very hard to go through anything. When I went to New Jersey and visited Sound Exchange, I was so impressed the way Anthony has everything set up. It was very easy to go through things. Plus, being legally blind, it does make it sometimes difficult to go through things, but I just take my time. Most of the time when I go to the record store, I am just going to browse and I have no idea what I want until I actually see what they have
You’re so lucky you have multiple stores in your area, I have one and it sucks. I love going to stores and searching for gems like you. I have friends in Hawaii that complain they have nothing since tower records closed down. The internet is my go to but I love finding physical copies that I can hold and finding them is also part of the fun
Do count my lucky stars with how many record stores I have. And despite the things I complain about, I love all the stores. I would be lost without them.
@@BrendonSnyder that's one thing (besides food choices, family, friends and real live bands [not just cover bands]) that I miss moving from Long Island to Florida 3 years ago. I only have one record store within an hour drive from me and an hour and a half (or longer) drive to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa to see concerts or other record stores. the competition keeps prices low.
Yeah me living in Newport Tennessee we have none there's a very small store a town over in with a cell phone store can't make that up. As big as Sevierville is no record stores so it's off to Knoxville McKay's is awesome they sell it all CDs movies vinyl etc. But a city that size three total that I know of and one is vinyl only and I'm a cd collector
I live in Hawaii and I do most of my CD shopping online because there are hardly any music stores out here. Stores like Target and Walmart only have small sections for CDs nowadays and it's usually for new releases that came out.
Firstly I think record stores playing different types of music is one of the things I enjoy most about going to them. I don't know how many times I've been in a record store and heard something that I was unfamiliar with or hadn't heard before and ask the person running the place" what is this playing?" And I discover a whole new type of music that I didn't know I could enjoy. I mean come on in one of the clips you hold a meatloaf bat out of hell album, there's only so many times a person can hear him crooning and not be tired of it.
Great series Brendon - My biggest pet peeve that drives me nuts at a record store is when the store clerk has no idea of the artist you are looking for. But i do love when you turn the record store clerk onto music they were unaware of.
Yeah it’s a catch 22. I want the music store guy to know more than me so they can help me find new stuff, but it is nice to be able to share the gift of music and turn people on to new stuff.
ya a frien and I were at a store. she made the mistake of going crazy when she found a certain lp. it was not priced. but it probably went from a 5$ lp to 20$ i told the owner to fuck off and left.
I was at this record store where a lot of albums and CDs were not priced, and when you take it to the register, the store owner checks out the price on Discogs. Needles to say: A. I only bought a couple albums that were priced (cheaper ones, $6-$8) B. I will not go back to that store, even though their inventory was impressive.
Most grocery stores here no longer have plastic bags. Some have paper bags. and most have those reusable ones that you can buy, but the secret to that is, I always carry a bunch of them in the back of my car, so I bring at least one in with me before I start shopping. I have forgotten a couple of times, but it's a good idea to just bring your own bag with you, and try to make it a habit.
I went into a record/cd store recently that had all the records in the traditional record bins, and all the CD's below those in boxes like what you see on the left side in this video at 4:50. No CD's were on any walls or in any waist high bins in the entire store......I walked in, saw that, and headed straight to the door because I'm 58 and I can't get on my knees on the floor to flip thru CD's. Putting stock too high or too low, where people can't comfortably browse is my biggest pet peeve.
My nearest city with a few record stores is about 40 miles away which would be fine but at least 3 of the 5 stores are up stairs & i am stuck in a wheelchair. The other two stores are cramped & have a sense of claustrophobia about them plus there is no way to comfortably peruse the records so i gave up about 7 or 8 years ago & go online. Sure it has limited my options & made me more isolated but at least i can research & peruse in an environment suited to my needs without pushy clerks or people behind muttering i am blocking the way. Once a year we have a record fair in the townhall i would occasionally go to that as it is done in a more open environment with learned people & other enthusiasts.
Big one with records is when they're packed so tight in bins that they're almost impossible to peruse without taking a stack out. Also when they are at floor level and you have to lay on the floor to look at them.
Record stores with records at floor level should have little footstools to sit on so that people don't have to bend over or lay on the ground to dig through them.
I agree totally having also worked in a record store years back one of the main things I always found bothersome when going into other stores is just lack of order. Once again this is my issue with Book Off here in NYC, though now they moved their whole music section downstairs the issue is still the keeping up with the order and then many times no rhyme or reason to how some things are put out, its been a slide down for this spot for me at least, having always coming away with stuff almost every visit, I seldom even go in there any more, and I cannot remember the last time I bought something there. Also I forget the name of the store in the village area close to Bleecker and they have tons of everything its just too much stacked on stacks and impossible to even go through stuff at times, so I know space is an issue in these places and it seems like everyone trades in to these stores but there has to be a better way than just piling huge Jenga stacks, if its not shopable you are stuck with that inventory and your store is going to be tons of clutter. Also the huge other issue I have with book off once again is how they now seem to be going a bit nuts on pricing, I get it the pandemic hurt all these stores big time, but, $20 on a used cd? that people can order on Amazon for half that price and get it sealed.
The last time I was at BookOff they had begun raising their prices so much it was no longer worth it. Prior I would walk out with 10 CDs. The last time I found 2 CDs and probably pause the same as when I was getting 10 CDs. I’m not interested in paying “collector” prices.
It’s madness to charge new CD prices for used CDs. Crazy. I think they are looking on Discogs to assess pricing but they have to take into account things being out of print but then coming back into print and being available new at a lower price, and the cost of postage with internet sales! They look to get the maximum they can get but greed will ultimately cost them.
Interesting topic. I am in Istanbul right now and found some amazing record stores. The bad thing about them is that the cds are piled up in a way you can't pull a cd to have a look at. Other than that, the shopping is fun so far and i found some great stuff!
This video made me smile. Thank you! I agree with all of it. But they are 1st world problems. I'm in SLC wherecwe have Randy's Record and Blue Whale Records. They are both great at pricing everything and they tend to play crowd pleasing music. Occasionally, the employees will play their personal play list. I feel like they're telegraphing their unique taste in Indy music. I think it makes the patronscanxious to get out. Randy's puts price stickers on both the covers and records. As they mark them down, they leave the previous stickers on and even add notes like "1st pressing" or "Japanese pressing" etc.
I like both solo artists and bands alphabetized by the first letter of their name i.e. Poison and Phil Collins. Because that's how Spotify does it and how I think about them. But that's just me and I know I'm in the minority here. Great video, I completely agree with these otherwise.
Kix lack of larger success always mystified me. They feature great riffs, excellent melodies, tight rhythm section and Steve's stellar vocals! Album after album of highly melodic (without sounding limp and wimpy) hook filled, fully rockin' songs......what's not to like? And they kill it live, widely known as a band to see on stage! Finally, a reputation as really good dudes, to boot. Dig em' and have turned on quite a few friends to their killer catalog. The word "underrated" is completely abused when talking about music artists, but in this case couldn't be more accurate! Great post and take care.
The one thing that drives me crazy is when I have money and can't find anything. Then when I only have enough money for a few items, I have to pick and choose. Never fails whether I'm looking for movies or music.
I often feel like record store employees are out to prove how eclectic their taste is (especially in nyc) and will purposely play the most obscure experimental and noisy stuff they can find. At one store a guy was playing what can only be described as the sound of car horns and trash cans and kept pointing out to customers how weird his taste is and how his boss would "freak out" if he heard what he was playing
I like putting stuff under one banner band. It helps people find stuff associated that they wouldn’t normally know. Also helps the store. Who’s buying something a Sabre Tiger album, but might buy it because of its relationship with Keel. Makes total sense to me.
There was a record store in Baltimore back before cd's called Record Bar. Wall to Wall hard rock and metal. The girls working there looked liked they just came from a Crue video shoot. Miss that place and that decade.
I know that place. I walked in with a lot of money to spend and left with nothing. It was the worst record shopping experience ever.. like comically bad. Sadly I would have bought tons of things were priced and priced fairly.
Hey Brendon! This is a fantastic video and I completely agree with all your peeves. Here’s a few of mine and please note this doesn’t apply to all of my local/fav shops, but I have seen these at some out there: - Any Beatles/Stones album is $25+ regardless of condition, because…”well, it’s the Beatles”. Just because a junky condition album is by a certain band, doesn’t warrant an automatic price. - You mentioned this, but shop staff that jump on you the moment you walk in OR eyeball you the whole time so you can’t even enjoy your visit. - No organization. Just total chaos. - Weird alphabetical system, and you mentioned this using Alice Cooper as an example. I am always looking at what’s in the Coop tabs. I have found bootlegs, 12-inch singles, solo stuff, group stuff, Billion Dollar Babies-side project, whatever. But it always throws me when Coop is listed in the “A’s”, yet the same shop has Jimi Hendrix in the “H’s” as you’d expect, and then Ray Manzarek has his own tab and not lumped in with The Doors. So weird. - “Nope, never heard of it” and that’s it. Guess I’m outta luck lol. I also am usually not looking for the mainstream/regular stuff, but to not even try to help me further hurts. - Price tags on the album jacket itself rather than the outer plastic sleeve. I know this one can’t be helped a lot of the time and is often done to prevent price swapping, I get it. But price tags come in all shapes and adhesives and some are not as forgiving as others. I’ve had to keep some on rather than risk jacket damage. I do have a favourite shop that tries to use the small “garage sale” type dots wherever possible as they tend to easily come off. But, the big old thick square rectangular ones can be brutal sometimes. That’s my two cents! :)
Good one today, Brendon. I hate it when a store disrespects their own stock. For example piling cds in jenga piles or in a window with huge sun exposure or records or cds so low down you have to slither on the floor to look at! lol. Oh, and playing music that makes you want to run for the exit or start breaking things or get into a fight right there, lol.
Hi Brendon, Ron Keel does sing on that Saber Tiger cd. just to let you know. but Yeah, i agree with you on why would that cd be with Keel ones, etc. what drives me crazy is when cds are vertical on a shelf. i have to tilt my head just to look through the cds
Does he sing on all of the songs? I looked up the band and did not see him listed as the singer of the band. IDK, I would buy it if he sings lead on each track.
I wish it was standard for all CDs on sale to be displayed in such a way that the spine titles are always visible. Where I go to, that isn't the case, and you end up having to touch every case in order to see what's available, which I presume nowadays would present hygiene concerns as well as the obvious convenience issues.
Great points made, Brendon! My biggest pet peeve when looking through CDs at my local electronics store at the mall is finding a bunch of misplaced CDs that should've been placed in their specific sections like Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, and Judas Priest, etc. So, I have to dig through all the CDs to make sure I don't miss anything.
Nowadaze, I would expect that level of "organization" at a local elex store. A true Record Store, owned by (supposedly) someone that loves music and records/cds? They should be held to a higher standard.
I used to work at Sam goody. We got to choose our own music. The managers would open the brand new CD's and then re-wrap it again I always thought that was kind of not the best thing.
Yeah we did the same thing at stores I worked at too. But still then we had people who would select really weird stuff verses overly popular and it was kind of the same thing. Sometimes the democratic approach is not always best.
hi, did you ever see Andy Rooney on 60 minutes? This reminds me of something he may have done. If not, Andy used to have a lot of great observations on different topics pointing out how nonsensical things were. I don’t recall the name of his segment. He was always very clever in his insights. Good one.
One thing that drives me crazy about a record stores is CD prices. I hate to be that guy but I have to be honest speaking particularly on brand new CDs/new albums. Do they have to cost $15 bucks or more. I look at vinyl and CDs differently. CDs to me should cost between $10-$14. I know it can’t always be the record stores fault it’s probably the record labels but still. I can’t justify paying more than $15 for a newly released CD.
I agree with you on most of your pet peeves. They would drive me crazy. Take your own bag in with you. That's the whole point of those bags, to re-use them.
There’s a store that has been around 50 years and solely metal music However, it’s so packed it’s impossible to see the stock . There will be boxes of records on top of the glass cabinets of where the cds are Boxes of cds just literally boxed Have to ask does he have x y or z album Pity as I just want to browse without knowing what I want
One local record shop deceptively declared closing down sale but only to "reopen" it after 3 weeks and still calling out for same discounts on those unsold stuff. You won't get more crazy than that..
One of my pet peeves are when you bring your choices up to check out and then the clerk is kind of scoffing and laughing at what you picked to buy. I actually walked out of a store or two because of these attitudes. Just check me out for my purchases and don't be laughing at me.
Great points all of them Brendon! Especially this store with those towers of cds, I mean that’s useless! Insane! One problem with organizing is that many of these places have way more stuff than they can accommodate so they basically end up being like big warehouses drowned with merchandise where you cannot find anything!
I like a variety: whether i buy thm or not. All vinyl, no thank you. Its kinda neat to see 45's. And collectables like T-s, or even a Beatles' clock, etc. there's a store in @Buffalo, if you spend $50 they give you $5 off.
My two cd stores at my city sometimes put the wrong genre of music for some artists and sometimes put the tracklist in the face and not the front cover. This mades me crazy too.
Five things to drive me crazy at record stores I was going to a record store won't give a name away but you did a video of it when you lived in Manhattan the owner of the record store is super nice. He remembered me from his brothers record store in the 1980s and 1990s one of his coworkers I'm pretty he was a security guy comes over to me when I'm looking at the hip hop CD's and tells me how to put the CDs back and I'm not doing it right I never went back. Too I'm a stickler for this and it happens a lot of times I am chain stores like target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Newbury Comics it's Friday morning that's when the new releases should be out on Saturday night Sunday night Monday Amazon's got a problem with that to not get it shipped to be on time . Even worse, the albums were in the back they weren't just delayed by the mail. This is a small peeve and something more recent with the vinyl. It bothers me that I don't know what condition the record is and you get home and you find out the condition is unsatisfactory. Another peeve and happy with the record store Manhattan that I mentioned above and even his brothers record stores I loved greatly if you're going to sell a used album seller for the price of a used album not a brand new album they were selling used items with record club stickers on the back for $910. That's not the price of a used out even my favorite record store Manhattan that I went to for years. They knew me there my brother even worked there they were selling CD for $9/10 that we used. The last one happened to me on Long Island I asked my friend to go in and look for to albums for me. They had to be non-record club editions non-promos. When my friend went to ask for the tour CDs, the guy laughed at me. I'm a collector I'm a stickler, and a certain portion of my CDs Hass to be as purchased when they first came out. No need to laugh at me about it.
It can be a head scratcher sometimes when you find artists/bands filed in other sections. I know i found a Morris Day solo album in the Prince section (which i get). Stores are just looking to generate sales anyway they can. But if an artist/band is big enough on their own -- I don't think it makes sense to put them out of alpha order.
Yeah I respect that but sometimes they’re so far off like some of the ones I showed that I feel the bands would never been found even if someone was looking for it.
I agree with your pet peeves, Brendon! I would think twice about ever visiting the store with the Trust CD again. That guy is a bully not a music lover. When a vendor has so much CD stock that it cannot be cared for properly, that should tell the vendor that the stuff is just not selling. One might consider pricing it all at $5.00 each (or less) and blow it out. Or BOGO. Or anything to move that stock. Chances are the CDs way down in the high stack are not in great shape. I am definitely willing to pay more in a well-kept store! In a rat-hole, I expect to pay less. 😎. Rock Always! - Heather
Yea all of that makes sense and you wonder why these stores don’t do that to clear out stuff they have had for years and years but they don’t. I think they’re secretly hoarders. 😂😂😂
To a degree I actually kind of like messy stores once in a while. Theres one in my town that’s just TOTAL chaos, but I’ll find gems hidden away in dusty crates in the back that are priced well below value, because the guy priced them before covid or something. Just gotta put in the legwork. It’s not ideal but it has its silver lining as well.
I went to a record store that alphabetized by FIRST NAME...so, you want some Dylan? Gotta go to the B's. Literallly walked out of the store once I saw it was laid out that way.
For me I absolutely HATE when other bands/artists are filed with a band even if they were a past member or have a solo record. Dont put Slash’s Snakepit with GnR. I’ve worked at record stores, I always made sure every artist had a title card and when I did label work I always suggested the same when I went to stores that did not have title cards. If you build a standalone display, that’s one thing, but a section in the store. No. The Jethro Tull under “T” is annoying. I literally was just in a shop yesterday and that very thing happened. What’s even more aggravating - Black Sabbath under “s” are you kidding me? If you own a shop, even if you don’t listen to metal, you know Black Sabbath should be under the “B” section. And that one shop with the CDs stacked on the floor in mountains about 5 feet high. Drives me insane. The music they play is insane too. Great video. Loved the second part as well.
I follow your show, because I like the way you present your music, and because I fell in love with your custom shelves.😁 The true is, our music taste don't line-up very well. Yes, I have Rock, Hard Rock, a little Metal. I have a huge collection of Blue Note Jazz from 1955- 1965, Avant-garde Jazz, Progressive Rock, Jazz Rock/Jazz Fusion, and World Music from Africa, Brazil, Central and South America. One more thing, I'm 59 years young, I'll be 60 in December! The older I've become, Instrumental music is what truly makes me happy now! 😉
When I was at Izzy's we were sticklers for alphabetizing. And everyone who came through the door was greeted, asked if they needed assistance, then "If you need help finding anything, let me know" Sometimes I would talk with certain customers if they had similar musical tastes and I was getting to know them on their 2nd or 3rd visit.
I hate the "New Used Arrivals" sections, where they just stuff every collection the store just acquired before sorting them out where they should go. Especially because they already priced them all, but were too lazy to sort them in the rest of the store. I also find it's an excuse because they have no room for all these new used records.
I'm visiting the store. If a person is there 8 hours a day, I'll let them listen to what they want. As long as it's an album that I can buy. I have been in a store where people are playing their personal collection and it's something I've been looking for. Teases.
Your argument about how a music store categorizes an artist in their store? Every music store has there own asinine way of displaying their inventory. When I go shopping for music in a store that's new to me, I do a walk through to see how the place is laid out.
At an out-of-town used record shop an hour from my hometown, I found a $10 Legs Diamond "Fire Power" album (1978) in with the bargain records that were mostly priced at $2. They (the cashier and owner, who the cashier had to call for permission) first offered me the album at $5, but if I paid that for the album, I'd be spending just $25 on food and gas as I traveled home. So I decided to pass on the album. Finally, they let me have the record for $2, because that was the original spot where I found it. I did thank them for giving me a deal, though I did feel a bit guilty about it (they probably lost quite a bit of money from that one, given the FACT that it was technically a $10 record.)
As for the price sticker mislead situation, that happened to me, too, as I saw that with Rocky Burnette's 1979 debut LP "The Son Of Rock And Roll," which features the feel-good mid-tempo Top 10 hit pop single "Tired of Toein' The Line," a somewhat rare album and song which at the time could not be streamed, and the actual album has NEVER been released on CD (this was at the very same out-of-town shop where I bought the Legs Diamond record.) I saw a white price tag that said $1 (the album was actually $2, because it was in with the $2 bargain vinyl record section.) The cashier (who was related to the owner) had to chew it over before letting me have it for a buck. If you didn't know, Rocky Burnette is the first cousin of ex-Fleetwood Mac and Mick Fleetwood's Zoo guitarist Billy Burnette.
I was at a Big Name record store at a Mall in the 90's and I was ask as soon as I walked in the Store...I said I'm looking for Lion....He replies Oh You mean White Lion...I had to leave immediately! Lol
Even though disorganization really bugs me, I know that more often than not, it's customers not putting stuff back where it belongs just as often as it is the employees not doing their due diligence. But I am definitely with you on the whole thing about pulling the price out of a hat when you take it up to the register ... it's one thing if there is NO price sticker on the item and you have to ask. But if there is a price tag of any kind on a CD or album, that's what I expect to pay when I take it to the register. Having the cashier say "oh well clearly this record is worth double that price" or what have you is ridiculous. I'm not here to barter or haggle - it's a STORE not a RECORD FAIR. The other thing that I hate (even though I realize some stores feel compelled to do it) is when the products (mainly CDs) are locked behind glass. Not only do you have to get someone to unlock it to buy anything, but you need it unlocked if you want to see anything but the spine of the disc. While I get that it's mainly a theft deterrent, let's be honest - these places aren't old school music stores in a mall with high school kids trying to steal a Dr. Dre cassette. Most of the remaining stores that still sell physical product have an adult clientele of collectors (to varying degrees) who aren't very likely to stuff a copy of Sticky Fingers into their jacket. Like I said, I get the rationale, but anytime I walk into a store with the stuff locked up behind glass, I turn right around and leave.
I’m going to come off snobby here but I hate it when I’m asking about a band and the record store clerk is unaware or never heard of the artist. I get not knowing obscure ones but I’m talking about bands that most serious music fans, who I assume would be record store workers, would know about. I also hate when an album is filed under the name of the album instead of the artist. It’s not too hard to look at a band name on the side of the cd or album and know the artist name is on first. 😅😂 I also can’t stand when a record store clerk, who has access to so many albums decides to play an album that has been overplayed. Great video, Brendan. I enjoy the channel.
No that’s not snobby. I feel like if you work in a record store you should know music. So many times I deal with people who are not fans of music and they are just working there like it’s a regular job. That drives me crazy.
@@BrendonSnyder Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. It’s kind of like if you to a computer store or something. You want to know that the staff is knowledgeable about what they are selling.
Enjoyed watching. When nothing is in order or alphabetized, i simply walk out as I don't have hours to spend going through the stock. Crazy that shop turned down your $30 offer for that rare cd.
Just a (very) small and (very) stupid one from back in the 90ies: In various records stores both in the US and here in Europe I have found that (imho) shitty band FireHose in the FIREHOUSE section I was looking for, ( or vice versa) happened in at least 5-10stores. Anyone remember that?!?
Brendon, now you get it! This is what upset me with Sound Exchange. The guy at the front, who I believe is very rude, has told me twice there are no bags. However, I’ve seen them hanging up, and you have multiple bags. I have brought my kids there three times, hoping to meet you and Anthony, but each time I left feeling somewhat disrespected. It doesn’t take much to be nice.
Anthony doesn’t work weekends so hit the store up during the week to meet him. If I’m there it would be a Friday only if I’m off and we film in the morning. But because I’m usually working I tend to go on Sundays more after listening to music on Saturday and deciding what I want to search for and then hitting up the store. Sorry you’ve missed us each time you’ve visited.
I had a friend who worked in a Christain record store, and he was a metalhead and the new Megadeth album just came out "Symphony of Destruction" and he played it over the speakers. I am glad no old lady come in and heard that. it was just him and me in the store.. i love memories. 😂😂
I've helped customers in record stores even though I don't work there.I remember one xmas a lady was looking for something for her kids.I said what are you looking for she said SRV and I can't find it.I said it's in the blues section.What else Iron Maiden it's in the metal section.She said your more help than the people who work here and why can't they just keep it in one section
I've helped people too on occasion. I've even resorted cds that are in the wrong place, gets on my nerves. Another big irritation; packing the racks too tightly, especially with multiple copies of the same title.
Good video, years ago when I was going to record stores nothing was more annoying than being accosted by clerks "can I help you?". Like what should I say? "Teach me the alphabet so I can understand how the records are organized here"
I worked in a record store where we were required to greet every person who came in, give them a sales flyer, and ask if they needed help. I absolutely hated doing that to people. Needless to say I didn’t stay at that store long and went to another one that gave people space until they needed help.
Stores that don't even have any CDs. I find a lot of these newer start ups don't even have any CD inventory. There's only one within reasonable driving distance to me that even has CDs and that's probably only because it's been around for 30 years and they understand there's still a market for it, even though it's not "cool" right now.
Many good points in this video . I understand why a store would put Jesus Christ Superstar with Alice but if I was looking for the JCS album I would not go to the Cooper section to find it . I do that kind of separation with my collection in software . Under Cooper , Alice it would have "related" and those artists would be in their own alphabetized section . As for the mixed playlist while shopping , I prefer that to one artist or type of music while I am there . I don't want to hear 40 minutes of an artist I don't like but 1 song doesn't bother me . Great video , great topic .
On the artist/band name thing - Alice Cooper would go under “C” no matter what (band or artist) because he is a real person. Band names that include the name of a real person (e.g. “Dave Matthews Band”) go by the first latter of the last name of the person’s name (this is library science rules). On the “rock” genre, “Pop” really isn’t a true genre, so popular artists that are Rock would go there, but if they lean more soul, or whatever, then they go in the right genre. However, things like Heavy Metal, Punk, etc. could go under Rock, especially if it’s not a particularly large store and breaking out Heavy Metal and Punk would cause some anemic looking sections. There’s no reason for Rap to be in there, though - that’s just bad organization. On the labels, that just happens - old labels are old labels and sometimes removing them damages the sleeve, so it’s not removed. The negotiation thing… eh. He may have paid a big price for it and doesn’t want to buckle, but yeah, after a while, you should think about marking it down.
I understand your frustration about having to wade through multiple genres to be able to find the stuff you like, but I think a bigger problem is when they do break out different genres, but are inconsistent with which artists should be located within each. And sometimes they are outright wrong. In some stores, I've found bands like Fastway in both the Metal and Rock sections, so they would run the risk of losing sales because if someone found them in one of the sections, they wouldn't think to also look in the other. I would prefer that they either group Metal with Rock, or else reserve the Metal section for more extreme stuff, and leave the Ratt and Motley Crue in the Rock section. My guess is that the Cannibal Corpse fan is probably not also looking for Motley Crue, but who knows? Unfortunately, I don't have many choices in my home town, so I guess I'll take what I can get when I can get it, regardless of how they organize it!
The deal I do hate in any store: Here we are (back in 2007) I’m headed to Walmart here we go I’m getting the new Genesis DVD at the time it was “When in Rome”…. Okay I didn’t find it, so I asked someone to assist me to getting this item. It’s been like this everytime I go to a store to get a new release they don’t have out to grab and go pay.
Overpriced second-hand albums are so frustrating (I'm talking just common titles). You would think when you have literally thousands of items in stock you would want to keep them moving. Even thrift stores are starting to get overpriced.
Hi Brendon 👋 The record stores i have been in the staff there usually leave people to search for want they want. Occasionally a staff member will approach me and ask if they can help me to find something. That's okay. But i agree with you , i don't like a store owner who is pushy. I feel the same when I'm buying clothes. In your video , i would be put off by the stacked cds too. It would just be my luck that i would want a cd from the bottom. As for the music playing its their business what they play. I've been in a store and someone asks the staff what is the music that is on. And that person is interested in buying it. But all that said you gave brought up some good points. 👍
The one with the long isle of music racks that had the genres all mixed together is BookOff. See link to an experience video if you’re interested ua-cam.com/video/QyBHMx5GDOE/v-deo.html
I like when they play different kind of music because that shows the variety of material they have.
That’s a good point.
I love that "What are you looking for?" I reply with "Where on earth do I start." I have a Most Wanted list and there are records on it that I've spent almost 40 years looking for!
You hit on some really good points. The guy who was making up the prices as he goes wouldn't have gotten a sale out of me. If it says $1,99 and you try to charge me 4x that, I'm leaving everything in my hands at the counter and walking. Bad business!
There were other customers in the store that threw a fit because he did that and claimed the record was half the price at other stores. The clerk responded by saying “you should have bought it there”. 🤦♂️ Then he lost the sale.
@@BrendonSnyder That's just bad business, period.
As someone who is primarily into extreme Metal, especially Black Metal, Funeral Doom and some Death, it is a bit disappointing for me personally to see so many cool looking record shops and then go in and find hardly anything I want to buy.
I'm well aware that's not the shop's fault, it's just an unfortunate side effect of my music taste. I've got dedicated extreme Metal online stores to find them for decent enough prices but you know.. I just wish I could experience the thrill of visiting a record store and coming across boxes of stuff I'd love.
It's not that I don't love other genres of music, it's just that Black Metal especially along with Funeral Doom are the genres I'm genuinely passionate about, and I don't want to own any albums that I'm not genuinely passionate about.
I kind of get that experience when going to merch stands at live shows but at those points you've got limited time to look before the next band starts and once you buy you've got nowhere safe to put them unless you have a car parked outside, which I don't. Plus I'm not made of money so I don't go to live shows too much anyway.
Dif you see the UA-cam about the metal store in Sydney Australia. I think you would love it.
The biggest thing that drives me crazy is when the bins in which the vinyl is stored are so tight that browsing through the records is a nightmare! You have to take every vinyl out individually to have a good look instead of simply flicking through them.
Yeah that one drives me nuts too! I just filmed a segment on this for a future Part 2 episode that I’m compiling right now.
Thank you Brendon, for saying what most of us feel in Record stores.
👍
Well, as a guy who loves melodic rock/metal, it's not always easy when all they play at the store is death metal blasting my ears. I know, it's just me, lol.
I know some music is just a turn off for me and then I leave.
I mean, they do have melodic Death Metal haha. But I know what you mean.
This was an absolutely great video. I hate going into record stores and going through the CD bins and they’re all just crammed in there and it’s very hard to go through anything. When I went to New Jersey and visited Sound Exchange, I was so impressed the way Anthony has everything set up. It was very easy to go through things. Plus, being legally blind, it does make it sometimes difficult to go through things, but I just take my time. Most of the time when I go to the record store, I am just going to browse and I have no idea what I want until I actually see what they have
Sound exchange back in 1988-1991 was sooooo packed, that you couldn't pull anything out of the bins.
You’re so lucky you have multiple stores in your area, I have one and it sucks. I love going to stores and searching for gems like you. I have friends in Hawaii that complain they have nothing since tower records closed down. The internet is my go to but I love finding physical copies that I can hold and finding them is also part of the fun
Do count my lucky stars with how many record stores I have. And despite the things I complain about, I love all the stores. I would be lost without them.
@@BrendonSnyder that's one thing (besides food choices, family, friends and real live bands [not just cover bands]) that I miss moving from Long Island to Florida 3 years ago. I only have one record store within an hour drive from me and an hour and a half (or longer) drive to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa to see concerts or other record stores. the competition keeps prices low.
Yeah me living in Newport Tennessee we have none there's a very small store a town over in with a cell phone store can't make that up. As big as Sevierville is no record stores so it's off to Knoxville McKay's is awesome they sell it all CDs movies vinyl etc. But a city that size three total that I know of and one is vinyl only and I'm a cd collector
I live in Hawaii and I do most of my CD shopping online because there are hardly any music stores out here. Stores like Target and Walmart only have small sections for CDs nowadays and it's usually for new releases that came out.
I Hate When They Can't Order New Releases Because They Can't Find It I Just Order From My Guy On E.BAY
Firstly I think record stores playing different types of music is one of the things I enjoy most about going to them. I don't know how many times I've been in a record store and heard something that I was unfamiliar with or hadn't heard before and ask the person running the place" what is this playing?" And I discover a whole new type of music that I didn't know I could enjoy.
I mean come on in one of the clips you hold a meatloaf bat out of hell album, there's only so many times a person can hear him crooning and not be tired of it.
Great info from rock’s Frontline🎉
👍
Great series Brendon - My biggest pet peeve that drives me nuts at a record store is when the store clerk has no idea of the artist you are looking for. But i do love when you turn the record store clerk onto music they were unaware of.
Yeah it’s a catch 22. I want the music store guy to know more than me so they can help me find new stuff, but it is nice to be able to share the gift of music and turn people on to new stuff.
Great video. 👍👍👍👍
Thank you Tom, and thanks for the extra support, I really appreciate it. 🙏
Great video. The pricing at the counter drives me crazy as well!
Honestly I’m shocked anyone runs a business that way.
ya a frien and I were at a store. she made the mistake of going crazy when she found a certain lp. it was not priced. but it probably went from a 5$ lp to 20$ i told the owner to fuck off and left.
I liked the topic of this video! Great job! Northern New Jersey loves you :)
Thank you John! It’s good to be loved 👊
Great video. I really enjoy your channel. I worked in record stores on and off from 1987-1994
I was at this record store where a lot of albums and CDs were not priced, and when you take it to the register, the store owner checks out the price on Discogs. Needles to say: A. I only bought a couple albums that were priced (cheaper ones, $6-$8) B. I will not go back to that store, even though their inventory was impressive.
Great topic! You were spot on.
Thanks! I know we have all have these kinds of crazy issues 😂😂😂
Most grocery stores here no longer have plastic bags. Some have paper bags. and most have those reusable ones that you can buy, but the secret to that is, I always carry a bunch of them in the back of my car, so I bring at least one in with me before I start shopping. I have forgotten a couple of times, but it's a good idea to just bring your own bag with you, and try to make it a habit.
Love the videos! Ever go to Siren Records in Doylestown, Pa? That’s my spot! Lots of great used CDs. Come on out!
No I haven’t ventured down that way just yet.
@@BrendonSnyder oh man you gotta. If you ever decide to ill buy ya a coffee to help fuel your search
All valid reasons for things that annoy you nuts. I completely agree with you on that. Excellent video.
I went into a record/cd store recently that had all the records in the traditional record bins, and all the CD's below those in boxes like what you see on the left side in this video at 4:50. No CD's were on any walls or in any waist high bins in the entire store......I walked in, saw that, and headed straight to the door because I'm 58 and I can't get on my knees on the floor to flip thru CD's. Putting stock too high or too low, where people can't comfortably browse is my biggest pet peeve.
These stores are just over crowded to have to use the floors at all.
@@BrendonSnyder Exactly. I imagine they waste a lot of their own money buying things that will never sell.
My nearest city with a few record stores is about 40 miles away which would be fine but at least 3 of the 5 stores are up stairs & i am stuck in a wheelchair. The other two stores are cramped & have a sense of claustrophobia about them plus there is no way to comfortably peruse the records so i gave up about 7 or 8 years ago & go online. Sure it has limited my options & made me more isolated but at least i can research & peruse in an environment suited to my needs without pushy clerks or people behind muttering i am blocking the way. Once a year we have a record fair in the townhall i would occasionally go to that as it is done in a more open environment with learned people & other enthusiasts.
Big one with records is when they're packed so tight in bins that they're almost impossible to peruse without taking a stack out. Also when they are at floor level and you have to lay on the floor to look at them.
Record stores with records at floor level should have little footstools to sit on so that people don't have to bend over or lay on the ground to dig through them.
I agree totally having also worked in a record store years back one of the main things I always found bothersome when going into other stores is just lack of order. Once again this is my issue with Book Off here in NYC, though now they moved their whole music section downstairs the issue is still the keeping up with the order and then many times no rhyme or reason to how some things are put out, its been a slide down for this spot for me at least, having always coming away with stuff almost every visit, I seldom even go in there any more, and I cannot remember the last time I bought something there. Also I forget the name of the store in the village area close to Bleecker and they have tons of everything its just too much stacked on stacks and impossible to even go through stuff at times, so I know space is an issue in these places and it seems like everyone trades in to these stores but there has to be a better way than just piling huge Jenga stacks, if its not shopable you are stuck with that inventory and your store is going to be tons of clutter. Also the huge other issue I have with book off once again is how they now seem to be going a bit nuts on pricing, I get it the pandemic hurt all these stores big time, but, $20 on a used cd? that people can order on Amazon for half that price and get it sealed.
The last time I was at BookOff they had begun raising their prices so much it was no longer worth it. Prior I would walk out with 10 CDs. The last time I found 2 CDs and probably pause the same as when I was getting 10 CDs. I’m not interested in paying “collector” prices.
It’s madness to charge new CD prices for used CDs. Crazy. I think they are looking on Discogs to assess pricing but they have to take into account things being out of print but then coming back into print and being available new at a lower price, and the cost of postage with internet sales! They look to get the maximum they can get but greed will ultimately cost them.
I always enjoy going to record stores I go to apollo records every other Friday.
Interesting topic. I am in Istanbul right now and found some amazing record stores. The bad thing about them is that the cds are piled up in a way you can't pull a cd to have a look at. Other than that, the shopping is fun so far and i found some great stuff!
This video made me smile. Thank you! I agree with all of it. But they are 1st world problems.
I'm in SLC wherecwe have Randy's Record and Blue Whale Records. They are both great at pricing everything and they tend to play crowd pleasing music. Occasionally, the employees will play their personal play list. I feel like they're telegraphing their unique taste in Indy music. I think it makes the patronscanxious to get out.
Randy's puts price stickers on both the covers and records. As they mark them down, they leave the previous stickers on and even add notes like "1st pressing" or "Japanese pressing" etc.
I like both solo artists and bands alphabetized by the first letter of their name i.e. Poison and Phil Collins. Because that's how Spotify does it and how I think about them. But that's just me and I know I'm in the minority here. Great video, I completely agree with these otherwise.
Great shirt. Underrated band. 🤘🤘
Yes I love the band. Sad to hear they are returning this year.
Kix lack of larger success always mystified me. They feature great riffs, excellent melodies, tight rhythm section and Steve's stellar vocals! Album after album of highly melodic (without sounding limp and wimpy) hook filled, fully rockin' songs......what's not to like? And they kill it live, widely known as a band to see on stage! Finally, a reputation as really good dudes, to boot. Dig em' and have turned on quite a few friends to their killer catalog. The word "underrated" is completely abused when talking about music artists, but in this case couldn't be more accurate! Great post and take care.
The one thing that drives me crazy is when I have money and can't find anything. Then when I only have enough money for a few items, I have to pick and choose. Never fails whether I'm looking for movies or music.
Murphys Law! 😂
All great and valid points
Thanks for watching!
I often feel like record store employees are out to prove how eclectic their taste is (especially in nyc) and will purposely play the most obscure experimental and noisy stuff they can find. At one store a guy was playing what can only be described as the sound of car horns and trash cans and kept pointing out to customers how weird his taste is and how his boss would "freak out" if he heard what he was playing
I like putting stuff under one banner band. It helps people find stuff associated that they wouldn’t normally know. Also helps the store. Who’s buying something a Sabre Tiger album, but might buy it because of its relationship with Keel. Makes total sense to me.
I organize my own collection that way as well.
I remember going into Vintage Vinyl many times, and the same clerk would blast absolutely unlistenable grindcore
There was a record store in Baltimore back before cd's called Record Bar. Wall to Wall hard rock and metal. The girls working there looked liked they just came from a Crue video shoot. Miss that place and that decade.
I literally lived in a Record Bar in VA between 1983 and 86. What a great music store it was.
Heads up, Ron Keel did vocals on that particular Sabre Tiger album. The only reason I bought it.
yup. that place in elmwood park drives me nuts. Nothing priced, 5 foot tall stacks of CD's. The ones on the bottom will be pressed into diamonds soon
Haha…you recognized it! 👍
I know that place. I walked in with a lot of money to spend and left with nothing. It was the worst record shopping experience ever.. like comically bad. Sadly I would have bought tons of things were priced and priced fairly.
Hey Brendon! This is a fantastic video and I completely agree with all your peeves. Here’s a few of mine and please note this doesn’t apply to all of my local/fav shops, but I have seen these at some out there:
- Any Beatles/Stones album is $25+ regardless of condition, because…”well, it’s the Beatles”. Just because a junky condition album is by a certain band, doesn’t warrant an automatic price.
- You mentioned this, but shop staff that jump on you the moment you walk in OR eyeball you the whole time so you can’t even enjoy your visit.
- No organization. Just total chaos.
- Weird alphabetical system, and you mentioned this using Alice Cooper as an example. I am always looking at what’s in the Coop tabs. I have found bootlegs, 12-inch singles, solo stuff, group stuff, Billion Dollar Babies-side project, whatever. But it always throws me when Coop is listed in the “A’s”, yet the same shop has Jimi Hendrix in the “H’s” as you’d expect, and then Ray Manzarek has his own tab and not lumped in with The Doors. So weird.
- “Nope, never heard of it” and that’s it. Guess I’m outta luck lol. I also am usually not looking for the mainstream/regular stuff, but to not even try to help me further hurts.
- Price tags on the album jacket itself rather than the outer plastic sleeve. I know this one can’t be helped a lot of the time and is often done to prevent price swapping, I get it. But price tags come in all shapes and adhesives and some are not as forgiving as others. I’ve had to keep some on rather than risk jacket damage. I do have a favourite shop that tries to use the small “garage sale” type dots wherever possible as they tend to easily come off. But, the big old thick square rectangular ones can be brutal sometimes.
That’s my two cents! :)
Good one today, Brendon. I hate it when a store disrespects their own stock. For example piling cds in jenga piles or in a window with huge sun exposure or records or cds so low down you have to slither on the floor to look at! lol. Oh, and playing music that makes you want to run for the exit or start breaking things or get into a fight right there, lol.
Oh I so hate “sun bleached CD cases” OMG I forgot about that one!!!
Hi Brendon, Ron Keel does sing on that Saber Tiger cd. just to let you know. but Yeah, i agree with you on why would that cd be with Keel ones, etc. what drives me crazy is when cds are vertical on a shelf. i have to tilt my head just to look through the cds
Does he sing on all of the songs? I looked up the band and did not see him listed as the singer of the band. IDK, I would buy it if he sings lead on each track.
@@BrendonSnyder Hi Brendon, yes, he sings on every track. great album. i bought the cd 1997 when it came out.
I wish it was standard for all CDs on sale to be displayed in such a way that the spine titles are always visible. Where I go to, that isn't the case, and you end up having to touch every case in order to see what's available, which I presume nowadays would present hygiene concerns as well as the obvious convenience issues.
That would be cool!
Great points made, Brendon! My biggest pet peeve when looking through CDs at my local electronics store at the mall is finding a bunch of misplaced CDs that should've been placed in their specific sections like Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, and Judas Priest, etc. So, I have to dig through all the CDs to make sure I don't miss anything.
Nowadaze, I would expect that level of "organization" at a local elex store. A true Record Store, owned by (supposedly) someone that loves music and records/cds? They should be held to a higher standard.
I used to work at Sam goody. We got to choose our own music. The managers would open the brand new CD's and then re-wrap it again I always thought that was kind of not the best thing.
Yeah we did the same thing at stores I worked at too. But still then we had people who would select really weird stuff verses overly popular and it was kind of the same thing. Sometimes the democratic approach is not always best.
hi, did you ever see Andy Rooney on 60 minutes? This reminds me of something he may have done. If not, Andy used to have a lot of great observations on different topics pointing out how nonsensical things were. I don’t recall the name of his segment. He was always very clever in his insights. Good one.
Hey Brendon, are you going to Wayne on Saturday? If so, see you there!
Probably! 👍
@@BrendonSnydersorry I spelled your name wrong initially! Fixed it
Baton Rouge ... Baby's so cool!!!
One thing that drives me crazy about a record stores is CD prices. I hate to be that guy but I have to be honest speaking particularly on brand new CDs/new albums. Do they have to cost $15 bucks or more. I look at vinyl and CDs differently. CDs to me should cost between $10-$14. I know it can’t always be the record stores fault it’s probably the record labels but still. I can’t justify paying more than $15 for a newly released CD.
I agree with you on most of your pet peeves. They would drive me crazy. Take your own bag in with you. That's the whole point of those bags, to re-use them.
That happened to me last week. Raised price on I never said it was worth more. .
There’s a store that has been around 50 years and solely metal music
However, it’s so packed it’s impossible to see the stock . There will be boxes of records on top of the glass cabinets of where the cds are
Boxes of cds just literally boxed
Have to ask does he have x y or z album
Pity as I just want to browse without knowing what I want
One local record shop deceptively declared closing down sale but only to "reopen" it after 3 weeks and still calling out for same discounts on those unsold stuff. You won't get more crazy than that..
I wouldn't mind a store playing avant-garde Jazz...
Put EVERYTHING, EVERYONE under The Yardbirds. Problem solved. 😀
Haha 😂😂😂
One of my pet peeves are when you bring your choices up to check out and then the clerk is kind of scoffing and laughing at what you picked to buy. I actually walked out of a store or two because of these attitudes. Just check me out for my purchases and don't be laughing at me.
I know what you mean when I go to the record store. I like to hear hard rock and heavy metal.
Nice Shirt!!!! 😄
Have you ever been to Amoeba in LA? Apologies if you created a video about it and I missed.
Great points all of them Brendon! Especially this store with those towers of cds, I mean that’s useless! Insane!
One problem with organizing is that many of these places have way more stuff than they can accommodate so they basically end up being like big warehouses drowned with merchandise where you cannot find anything!
Yeah I just bypass those kinds of stacks.
I like a variety: whether i buy thm or not. All vinyl, no thank you. Its kinda neat to see 45's. And collectables like T-s, or even a Beatles' clock, etc. there's a store in @Buffalo, if you spend $50 they give you $5 off.
All vinyl stores seem like the kind of stores I'd rarely ever visit.
My two cd stores at my city sometimes put the wrong genre of music for some artists and sometimes put the tracklist in the face and not the front cover. This mades me crazy too.
Five things to drive me crazy at record stores
I was going to a record store won't give a name away but you did a video of it when you lived in Manhattan the owner of the record store is super nice. He remembered me from his brothers record store in the 1980s and 1990s one of his coworkers I'm pretty he was a security guy comes over to me when I'm looking at the hip hop CD's and tells me how to put the CDs back and I'm not doing it right I never went back.
Too I'm a stickler for this and it happens a lot of times I am chain stores like target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Newbury Comics it's Friday morning that's when the new releases should be out on Saturday night Sunday night Monday Amazon's got a problem with that to not get it shipped to be on time . Even worse, the albums were in the back they weren't just delayed by the mail.
This is a small peeve and something more recent with the vinyl. It bothers me that I don't know what condition the record is and you get home and you find out the condition is unsatisfactory.
Another peeve and happy with the record store Manhattan that I mentioned above and even his brothers record stores I loved greatly if you're going to sell a used album seller for the price of a used album not a brand new album they were selling used items with record club stickers on the back for $910. That's not the price of a used out even my favorite record store Manhattan that I went to for years. They knew me there my brother even worked there they were selling CD for $9/10 that we used.
The last one happened to me on Long Island I asked my friend to go in and look for to albums for me. They had to be non-record club editions non-promos. When my friend went to ask for the tour CDs, the guy laughed at me. I'm a collector I'm a stickler, and a certain portion of my CDs Hass to be as purchased when they first came out. No need to laugh at me about it.
Yeah I feel you on all of those things. Definitely not cool to laugh at or make fun of someone for who they like or how they collect.
It can be a head scratcher sometimes when you find artists/bands filed in other sections. I know i found a Morris Day solo album in the Prince section (which i get). Stores are just looking to generate sales anyway they can. But if an artist/band is big enough on their own -- I don't think it makes sense to put them out of alpha order.
Yeah I respect that but sometimes they’re so far off like some of the ones I showed that I feel the bands would never been found even if someone was looking for it.
I agree with your pet peeves, Brendon! I would think twice about ever visiting the store with the Trust CD again. That guy is a bully not a music lover. When a vendor has so much CD stock that it cannot be cared for properly, that should tell the vendor that the stuff is just not selling. One might consider pricing it all at $5.00 each (or less) and blow it out. Or BOGO. Or anything to move that stock. Chances are the CDs way down in the high stack are not in great shape. I am definitely willing to pay more in a well-kept store! In a rat-hole, I expect to pay less. 😎. Rock Always! - Heather
Yea all of that makes sense and you wonder why these stores don’t do that to clear out stuff they have had for years and years but they don’t. I think they’re secretly hoarders. 😂😂😂
To a degree I actually kind of like messy stores once in a while. Theres one in my town that’s just TOTAL chaos, but I’ll find gems hidden away in dusty crates in the back that are priced well below value, because the guy priced them before covid or something. Just gotta put in the legwork. It’s not ideal but it has its silver lining as well.
So with something like the Rat Pack, would you have Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin under R/P or keep them separated completely.
I went to a record store that alphabetized by FIRST NAME...so, you want some Dylan? Gotta go to the B's. Literallly walked out of the store once I saw it was laid out that way.
Don’t know if I would have walked out but I certainly would have asked what they were smoking when they decided to do that. Haha 😂
For me I absolutely HATE when other bands/artists are filed with a band even if they were a past member or have a solo record. Dont put Slash’s Snakepit with GnR. I’ve worked at record stores, I always made sure every artist had a title card and when I did label work I always suggested the same when I went to stores that did not have title cards. If you build a standalone display, that’s one thing, but a section in the store. No. The Jethro Tull under “T” is annoying. I literally was just in a shop yesterday and that very thing happened. What’s even more aggravating - Black Sabbath under “s” are you kidding me? If you own a shop, even if you don’t listen to metal, you know Black Sabbath should be under the “B” section. And that one shop with the CDs stacked on the floor in mountains about 5 feet high. Drives me insane. The music they play is insane too. Great video. Loved the second part as well.
Bands that start with the word "the" should also not be under T.
I've purchased so many CD's from music being played in the store.
Yes but I’m sure you have equally not bought the weird tiles that have been played.
I follow your show, because I like the way you present your music, and because I fell in love with your custom shelves.😁 The true is, our music taste don't line-up very well. Yes, I have Rock, Hard Rock, a little Metal. I have a huge collection of Blue Note Jazz from 1955- 1965, Avant-garde Jazz, Progressive Rock, Jazz Rock/Jazz Fusion, and World Music from Africa, Brazil, Central and South America. One more thing, I'm 59 years young, I'll be 60 in December! The older I've become, Instrumental music is what truly makes me happy now! 😉
When I was at Izzy's we were sticklers for alphabetizing. And everyone who came through the door was greeted, asked if they needed assistance, then "If you need help finding anything, let me know" Sometimes I would talk with certain customers if they had similar musical tastes and I was getting to know them on their 2nd or 3rd visit.
Fun, fun video. You didn’t mention how other customers can be so annoying and inconsiderate.
No, but you’re right about that too.
@@garagegeek4863 That really isn't a store problem as much as it is a customer problem.
I hate the "New Used Arrivals" sections, where they just stuff every collection the store just acquired before sorting them out where they should go. Especially because they already priced them all, but were too lazy to sort them in the rest of the store. I also find it's an excuse because they have no room for all these new used records.
No issues with the volume of the music that is played Brendon ? That would be my #1 gripe. The music at 11:05 is abysmal.
Yeah sometimes it is way way way too loud for my tastes. I’ve left stores for that reason.
I'm visiting the store. If a person is there 8 hours a day, I'll let them listen to what they want. As long as it's an album that I can buy. I have been in a store where people are playing their personal collection and it's something I've been looking for. Teases.
Your argument about how a music store categorizes an artist in their store? Every music store has there own asinine way of displaying their inventory.
When I go shopping for music in a store that's new to me, I do a walk through to see how the place is laid out.
Yea that’s true of most places. Music categorizing is a personal thing to most people. But unfortunately it doesn’t all makes sense.
At an out-of-town used record shop an hour from my hometown, I found a $10 Legs Diamond "Fire Power" album (1978) in with the bargain records that were mostly priced at $2. They (the cashier and owner, who the cashier had to call for permission) first offered me the album at $5, but if I paid that for the album, I'd be spending just $25 on food and gas as I traveled home. So I decided to pass on the album. Finally, they let me have the record for $2, because that was the original spot where I found it. I did thank them for giving me a deal, though I did feel a bit guilty about it (they probably lost quite a bit of money from that one, given the FACT that it was technically a $10 record.)
If I had more cash on hand, I would have settled on the $5 offer. But unfortunately, I did NOT bring a lot with me.
As for the price sticker mislead situation, that happened to me, too, as I saw that with Rocky Burnette's 1979 debut LP "The Son Of Rock And Roll," which features the feel-good mid-tempo Top 10 hit pop single "Tired of Toein' The Line," a somewhat rare album and song which at the time could not be streamed, and the actual album has NEVER been released on CD (this was at the very same out-of-town shop where I bought the Legs Diamond record.) I saw a white price tag that said $1 (the album was actually $2, because it was in with the $2 bargain vinyl record section.) The cashier (who was related to the owner) had to chew it over before letting me have it for a buck. If you didn't know, Rocky Burnette is the first cousin of ex-Fleetwood Mac and Mick Fleetwood's Zoo guitarist Billy Burnette.
they were playing the platoon soundtrack i believe lol
Doesn’t matter, still wasn’t good or appropriate for a record store IMO.
See the band Liquid Tension Experiment 3, edition Cd1/ LTE3 Cd2/A night at the Improv Blu-Ray 5.1 mix with visualiser
An real artistique effort at low price
I was at a Big Name record store at a Mall in the 90's and I was ask as soon as I walked in the Store...I said I'm looking for Lion....He replies Oh You mean White Lion...I had to leave immediately! Lol
Which Lion are you referring to?
Even though disorganization really bugs me, I know that more often than not, it's customers not putting stuff back where it belongs just as often as it is the employees not doing their due diligence. But I am definitely with you on the whole thing about pulling the price out of a hat when you take it up to the register ... it's one thing if there is NO price sticker on the item and you have to ask. But if there is a price tag of any kind on a CD or album, that's what I expect to pay when I take it to the register. Having the cashier say "oh well clearly this record is worth double that price" or what have you is ridiculous. I'm not here to barter or haggle - it's a STORE not a RECORD FAIR.
The other thing that I hate (even though I realize some stores feel compelled to do it) is when the products (mainly CDs) are locked behind glass. Not only do you have to get someone to unlock it to buy anything, but you need it unlocked if you want to see anything but the spine of the disc. While I get that it's mainly a theft deterrent, let's be honest - these places aren't old school music stores in a mall with high school kids trying to steal a Dr. Dre cassette. Most of the remaining stores that still sell physical product have an adult clientele of collectors (to varying degrees) who aren't very likely to stuff a copy of Sticky Fingers into their jacket. Like I said, I get the rationale, but anytime I walk into a store with the stuff locked up behind glass, I turn right around and leave.
I’m going to come off snobby here but I hate it when I’m asking about a band and the record store clerk is unaware or never heard of the artist. I get not knowing obscure ones but I’m talking about bands that most serious music fans, who I assume would be record store workers, would know about.
I also hate when an album is filed under the name of the album instead of the artist. It’s not too hard to look at a band name on the side of the cd or album and know the artist name is on first. 😅😂
I also can’t stand when a record store clerk, who has access to so many albums decides to play an album that has been overplayed.
Great video, Brendan. I enjoy the channel.
No that’s not snobby. I feel like if you work in a record store you should know music. So many times I deal with people who are not fans of music and they are just working there like it’s a regular job. That drives me crazy.
@@BrendonSnyder Glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. It’s kind of like if you to a computer store or something. You want to know that the staff is knowledgeable about what they are selling.
Enjoyed watching. When nothing is in order or alphabetized, i simply walk out as I don't have hours to spend going through the stock. Crazy that shop turned down your $30 offer for that rare cd.
Sorry couldn't see u this morning but I had to go to work
Just a (very) small and (very) stupid one from back in the 90ies: In various records stores both in the US and here in Europe I have found that (imho) shitty band FireHose in the FIREHOUSE section I was looking for, ( or vice versa) happened in at least 5-10stores. Anyone remember that?!?
Haha…I know what you mean! I would get my hopes up think there was something new and then realize it was just FireHose…hahah
Brendon, now you get it! This is what upset me with Sound Exchange. The guy at the front, who I believe is very rude, has told me twice there are no bags. However, I’ve seen them hanging up, and you have multiple bags. I have brought my kids there three times, hoping to meet you and Anthony, but each time I left feeling somewhat disrespected. It doesn’t take much to be nice.
Anthony doesn’t work weekends so hit the store up during the week to meet him. If I’m there it would be a Friday only if I’m off and we film in the morning. But because I’m usually working I tend to go on Sundays more after listening to music on Saturday and deciding what I want to search for and then hitting up the store. Sorry you’ve missed us each time you’ve visited.
I always used bags from a different music store, that I'm shopping in it the time! 😉 I also wear different music store t-shirts! 😀
Haha 😂😂😂
I had a friend who worked in a Christain record store, and he was a metalhead and the new Megadeth album just came out "Symphony of Destruction" and he played it over the speakers. I am glad no old lady come in and heard that. it was just him and me in the store.. i love memories. 😂😂
I've helped customers in record stores even though I don't work there.I remember one xmas a lady was looking for something for her kids.I said what are you looking for she said SRV and I can't find it.I said it's in the blues section.What else Iron Maiden it's in the metal section.She said your more help than the people who work here and why can't they just keep it in one section
I've helped people too on occasion. I've even resorted cds that are in the wrong place, gets on my nerves.
Another big irritation; packing the racks too tightly, especially with multiple copies of the same title.
@@JIF882 I worked at a mall record store during college. If I did now, I may not bring home any cash lol.
Keep the reusable bags in the car, then take one in with you to the store. Saves you buying more. Better living everyone.
Good video, years ago when I was going to record stores nothing was more annoying than being accosted by clerks "can I help you?". Like what should I say? "Teach me the alphabet so I can understand how the records are organized here"
I worked in a record store where we were required to greet every person who came in, give them a sales flyer, and ask if they needed help. I absolutely hated doing that to people. Needless to say I didn’t stay at that store long and went to another one that gave people space until they needed help.
When they stack the records like books..✔️
Stores that don't even have any CDs. I find a lot of these newer start ups don't even have any CD inventory. There's only one within reasonable driving distance to me that even has CDs and that's probably only because it's been around for 30 years and they understand there's still a market for it, even though it's not "cool" right now.
Many good points in this video . I understand why a store would put Jesus Christ Superstar with Alice but if I was looking for the JCS album I would not go to the Cooper section to find it . I do that kind of separation with my collection in software . Under Cooper , Alice it would have "related" and those artists would be in their own alphabetized section .
As for the mixed playlist while shopping , I prefer that to one artist or type of music while I am there . I don't want to hear 40 minutes of an artist I don't like but 1 song doesn't bother me .
Great video , great topic .
I do like to relate my collection as well but I’d keep soundtracks in a soundtracks section. Glad you enjoyed this one! 👍
On the artist/band name thing - Alice Cooper would go under “C” no matter what (band or artist) because he is a real person. Band names that include the name of a real person (e.g. “Dave Matthews Band”) go by the first latter of the last name of the person’s name (this is library science rules). On the “rock” genre, “Pop” really isn’t a true genre, so popular artists that are Rock would go there, but if they lean more soul, or whatever, then they go in the right genre. However, things like Heavy Metal, Punk, etc. could go under Rock, especially if it’s not a particularly large store and breaking out Heavy Metal and Punk would cause some anemic looking sections. There’s no reason for Rap to be in there, though - that’s just bad organization. On the labels, that just happens - old labels are old labels and sometimes removing them damages the sleeve, so it’s not removed. The negotiation thing… eh. He may have paid a big price for it and doesn’t want to buckle, but yeah, after a while, you should think about marking it down.
I alphabetize my collection by first letter(s) of artists first name/band...I find it easier and it makes more sense to me
Whatever works for you is all that matters 👍
I understand your frustration about having to wade through multiple genres to be able to find the stuff you like, but I think a bigger problem is when they do break out different genres, but are inconsistent with which artists should be located within each. And sometimes they are outright wrong. In some stores, I've found bands like Fastway in both the Metal and Rock sections, so they would run the risk of losing sales because if someone found them in one of the sections, they wouldn't think to also look in the other. I would prefer that they either group Metal with Rock, or else reserve the Metal section for more extreme stuff, and leave the Ratt and Motley Crue in the Rock section. My guess is that the Cannibal Corpse fan is probably not also looking for Motley Crue, but who knows?
Unfortunately, I don't have many choices in my home town, so I guess I'll take what I can get when I can get it, regardless of how they organize it!
The deal I do hate in any store: Here we are (back in 2007) I’m headed to Walmart here we go I’m getting the new Genesis DVD at the time it was “When in Rome”…. Okay I didn’t find it, so I asked someone to assist me to getting this item. It’s been like this everytime I go to a store to get a new release they don’t have out to grab and go pay.
That bugs me so much as well.
@@BrendonSnyder at least we see eye to eye on that one.
Overpriced second-hand albums are so frustrating (I'm talking just common titles). You would think when you have literally thousands of items in stock you would want to keep them moving. Even thrift stores are starting to get overpriced.
Hi Brendon 👋 The record stores i have been in the staff there usually leave people to search for want they want. Occasionally a staff member will approach me and ask if they can help me to find something. That's okay. But i agree with you , i don't like a store owner who is pushy. I feel the same when I'm buying clothes. In your video , i would be put off by the stacked cds too. It would just be my luck that i would want a cd from the bottom. As for the music playing its their business what they play. I've been in a store and someone asks the staff what is the music that is on. And that person is interested in buying it. But all that said you gave brought up some good points. 👍
Which record store is that who had all of those CD racks ? I would spend all day in there
The one with the long isle of music racks that had the genres all mixed together is BookOff. See link to an experience video if you’re interested ua-cam.com/video/QyBHMx5GDOE/v-deo.html