The Revolution will be Webalized

Look at all of the fun that we had! Record Store Day 2009

It was a long day (as can be seen from the worn expression on my face from that last photo!) but well worth it. Thank you to everyone who showed up for the festivities, it was truly a pleasure to see each and everyone of you. I wish that every day could be record store day (in my line of work, it sort of is). I apologize for the lack of photographic evidence from said event but I just couldn’t step away from the counter. I think that I’ll go craft some sort of paper chain that will allow me to count down the days until next year’s Record Store Day.

It has risen from the tombs…

I love you the Jesus Lizard singles seven inch box set. I love you.

It’s kind of like Christmas (or some other fantastic present getting day), kiddies!

There are about a million things that I could write about, seeing as how it’s been so long since my last post. I could talk to you about the shows that I’ve been to (Nick Cave, two days in a row and I was sick with the flu, but I loved every second of it.. Nick Cave, not the flu. I also saw Black Mountain, it was so loud that I felt dizzy. I would say loud as *$%& but that phrase can only belong to Tad). I could talk about what recent albums and EPs have been released (Springsteen, Death Cab for Cutie, Decemberists and sooner than later, Big Business, etc…) or the movies that I’ve seen and books that I’ve read (the answer to both of those is Twilight. I’m ashamed to admit it but allow me to explain just a little bit, He’s a vampire and he loves her. Seriously).

No, what I’d like to write about right now is Record Store Day.

You see, Record Store Day is like this fantastic almost holiday. Its purpose is to raise awareness of Independent Record Stores but if we’re being honest, to a sick record obsessed kid like me, it’s more like Christmas. Some beautiful Christmas filled to the brim with Jesus Lizard seven inches, Decemberists seven inches, Sonic Youth seven inches (did I mention that there would be seven inches?) and Barsuk Soda (pictured above) and Aaron and I wearing matching t-shirts (not pictured above, yet) and DJs and live performances and five-dollar used CD sales. Oh wait, this gets better, unlike Christmas, I don’t have to get up early for mass and there are no angry relatives (unless, of course, my relatives read this and come in angry because of it).

Plus, tons of free stuff. Tons!

So tonight, as I lie sleepless in my bed with visions of a Sonic Youth/ Beck split dancing in my head, there will be a piece of me hoping to see you all there (after I have already grabbed all of the stuff that I want).

That’s all for now. I promise you that soon enough I will write about the shows and the records and the books and the movies (seriously. He’s a vampire and he loves her). Until then, Record Store Day. It’s only a day away.

Michael Gira @ The Echo; all the way in L.A. land.

Recently I had a conversation with some friends about people who talk during shows, especially when the band is one person playing an acoustic guitar that is not loud enough to overcome those voices.  I figure while it is annoying, it is also inevitable.  I also commented on how when everyone is quiet and paying attention at a show it is a wonderful and quite special occasion.  This was what everyone at the Echo last night was fortunate enough to experience. When respect is earned respect is given and Michael Gira has earned it by pouring his troubled mind and body into song for 30+ years. His deep, abrasive and simultaneously soothing voice spit and clawed over the small crowd for a little over hour. And if by chance you think an amplified acoustic guitar does not have the sound capacity to kick you in you in the stomach numerous times you have not heard M. Gira live. He offers a unique blend of frailty, bitterness, and unwelcome surrender.

Rob Schneider on stage with the Night Marchers!

So Rob Schneider walks into Lou’s Records…
Wednesday night before ringing in the New Year on stage with the Night Marchers at the Belly Up later that evening we were treated to a visit from Rob Schneider. Exciting, huh? Thank you Mike Olson, the super-famous vocalist from Olivelawn, for bringing him by. Look for the Olivelawn’s quickie reunion show for the Casbah’s month-long 20th Anniversary celebration on Monday, January 12. The lineup will include Olson along with Eddie Glass(Nebula, Fu Manchu), Jonny Donhowe(fluf) and O, of course!

LEMMY IS GOD!! And we got proof!

How sad is everyone that Greaser is leaving?

Please share your comments and experiences of working, shopping, chatting or hanging with Greaser, one of the nicest guys ever…

Christmas Eve Pizza Party!

Our hard-workin’ staff is treated to pizza today.

So how ’bout the super cheesy CHEESE pizza from Today’s Pizza?
Finally, an heir to the Oly-O’s throne!

Now it’s time to say goodbye…

Well, I have to say that I’m quite bummed to announce my “retirement” from Lou’s Records. My last day at the store will be December 30th, damn… I work the late shift on my last day, but I’ll be back to spend my last paycheck on music. I’ve been working at Lou’s for a little over 6 years (it’s been 9 years since I first started working here) so it’s a bit weird. My first ever real job was working here so it’s a big thing for me to be moving on. I still remember the first day I started. Hell, within the first month of working here I got to help the Supersuckers find the music they were looking for. That was a big deal for a 19 year old kid who had never gotten to see them play live cause they always played the Casbah. I’m gonna miss my home away from home quite a bit. But don’t you all worry, I’m not going that far. I’m still going to be posting stuff on the blog here, doing podcasts and updating the website/myspace page. It’s been lots of fun getting to know all the regular customers over the years. We’ve all turned each other onto some pretty damn good music over the years.

I will forever continue to buy my music from Lou’s. I love this place. Always have, always will. If I don’t get to say goodbye to some of you loyal customers before I go, Thanks for always supporting this true indie record store we’ve all love for almost 29 years now.

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