Today is National Record Store Day. It happens once or maybe twice a year and is quite fun if you still like going to record/CD stores. No matter how much you know about various genres of music (and I can honestly say I know quite a bit), going to a good ole fashioned record store is educational. I stopped by the closest one to B'game today. Unfortunately, it ain't in B'game. But 25th Ave. in San Mateo, where Vinyl Solutions has been selling vinyl and CDs for more than 25 years, is more B'gamey than some parts of B'game. Free parking. Independently owned stores. Good stuff.
I recall very vividly when B'game had a record store. The proprietor was George and I think he was 3rd generation B'game, related to the original station master. I'm not sure if his last name was Gates or not, but he had been around the local block awhile. Anyone know where George is these days?
Here's the San Mateo store this afternoon. They had two bands and a great crowd!
George Lehrfeld https://www.facebook.com/recordexchangeburlingame
Posted by: fred | April 22, 2013 at 10:16 AM
THAT's him...Thank you, Fred. Excellent link and photos. I really loved the Hatch Lane location. The Howard Ave. one was OK, but Hatch Lane was like a secret music haven. Very cool.
Posted by: Joe | April 22, 2013 at 12:13 PM
There was a nice reminder that tomorrow is National Record Store Day in yesterday's Times:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/News/ci_25578631/Record-Store-Day:-Vinyl-is-making
It notes "Meanwhile, Amazon.com reports that its vinyl sales have rocketed some 745 percent since 2008. Observers think the vinyl resurgence is fueled by hipster newcomers and nostalgic fans returning to the fold."
Posted by: Joe | April 18, 2014 at 03:41 PM
Where is "Mister Full of Himself" comments on National Record Store Day....
I have heard "rumors' that "Himself" is all tied up at the United Nations in New York attempting to be recognized as the inventor of the Wheel.
Of course Bono will be presenting the award..... According to "Himself."
Stay Tuned.
Posted by: holyroller | April 18, 2014 at 07:39 PM
Here is your reminder that tomorrow (Saturday, April 18, 2015) is Record Store Day. Even if you are buying CDs instead of vinyl, I'm sure Tommy would love to see you on 25th Ave.
Posted by: Joe | April 17, 2015 at 09:40 PM
Here is your 2016 reminder. Get out and support Vinyl Solutions or head to Amoeba in the Haight or The Record Man in RWC.
Posted by: Joe | April 15, 2016 at 07:58 PM
Here is a nice little piece from the Daily Journal on the Record Man down in Redwood City. The parking lot sale mentioned near the end was fabulous this year. A B'gamer and I got an early start and made quite a dent in the inventory last month.
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/fueling-a-vinyl-resurgence/article_e9ab58fc-d3fd-11e7-a9ae-6f5297bc73fc.html
Posted by: Joe | November 28, 2017 at 12:08 PM
I stopped into Vinyl Solutions today and Tommy mentioned that today is his 35th Anniversary of opening the shop!! Many congratulations and keep on spinning!!!
Posted by: Joe | March 01, 2019 at 03:23 PM