I went to Buffalo today to my soon to be closed favorite record store, Home Of The Hits. I've been going there for about 15 years or so. The owner has gotten older and is no longer making enough for someone in their 40s to live on. Basically, technology is kicking the ass of the mom and pop record store. It was sad because no one was in the store. Normally, it's all hustle and bustle, especially on Saturdays. This time it was more like stopping by to pay your respects at a wake. The street it is on has all the hipster and pseudo hipster sotres, so I'm hoping that Christmas shoppers were simply making their way down the street and hadn't gotten there yet. I'd hate to think they are all resigned or dumb enough to only shop at the shitty big box chains. The overall lack of concern for the music is pathetic, as is the direction of the mainstream industry. I always forget that there are more of them than of us.
Anyway, Home Of The Hits is still very well stocked for a closing business. I think they are trying to clear out as much merchandise as possible before shutting down in January and sending it back to where it came. I got a 15% discount and they stamped my reciept for a 20% discount. I'm hoping to get back up there after Christmas. I told the clerk I don't know if I would be able to get back, but that I would try. If you live around Buffalo and are readng this, please try and go to the store before it closes. Message me if you need directions.
The place is the best record store I have ever been in. After traveling around some, this became clear to me. I'm sure your town might have something as cool too, and I don't doubt that there are other shops scattered across the USA that are on par with Home Of The Hits, but fuck it, this place is the best ever. Like I wrote about how it used to be full of people on a Saturday. You were going someplace special every time you went in there and were always going to walk out with some cool new album or have had a conversation with somebody who likes the same music as you. I wish the indepdent team was winning. The place has proper style, character and soul, something all those other chain stores can't match. I'm rambling. Support your local scen while you still have it. I remember going there in the summer and hearing EVR talk about soccer and the Verve. I remember when I first found the place going there and picking up whatever 'zines were in the entrance space. I will always remember the thick, heavy wooden door when you walk into the converted house on Elmwood Avenue.
Happy trails, Home Of The Hits.
Anyway, Home Of The Hits is still very well stocked for a closing business. I think they are trying to clear out as much merchandise as possible before shutting down in January and sending it back to where it came. I got a 15% discount and they stamped my reciept for a 20% discount. I'm hoping to get back up there after Christmas. I told the clerk I don't know if I would be able to get back, but that I would try. If you live around Buffalo and are readng this, please try and go to the store before it closes. Message me if you need directions.
The place is the best record store I have ever been in. After traveling around some, this became clear to me. I'm sure your town might have something as cool too, and I don't doubt that there are other shops scattered across the USA that are on par with Home Of The Hits, but fuck it, this place is the best ever. Like I wrote about how it used to be full of people on a Saturday. You were going someplace special every time you went in there and were always going to walk out with some cool new album or have had a conversation with somebody who likes the same music as you. I wish the indepdent team was winning. The place has proper style, character and soul, something all those other chain stores can't match. I'm rambling. Support your local scen while you still have it. I remember going there in the summer and hearing EVR talk about soccer and the Verve. I remember when I first found the place going there and picking up whatever 'zines were in the entrance space. I will always remember the thick, heavy wooden door when you walk into the converted house on Elmwood Avenue.
Happy trails, Home Of The Hits.
comradesnarky:
Damn, that sucks. 
Little record stores like that are precious gems, it's a shame that they're getting rarer and rarer with each passing day. I'd stop in if I could make it up to Buffalo before heading home, but I doubt my dad's gonna be willing take a two hour+ side trip. Boo.
Little record stores like that are precious gems, it's a shame that they're getting rarer and rarer with each passing day. I'd stop in if I could make it up to Buffalo before heading home, but I doubt my dad's gonna be willing take a two hour+ side trip. Boo.