Since I last posted, my collection has grown significantly. Included in my hunting I returned to some old haunts and discovered some new ones. I have purchased more than a few lps from Rasputin's in San Leandro, Half Price Books in Dublin, and I just recently returned to Cheap Thrills in SLO. While I was in the SLO area my wife's uncle also let me take the remainder of his collection. More great guitar stuff to listen to here for sure.
Last summer I was able to head up to my old college stomping grounds, Arcata, CA. While I was there I visited People's Records. This is a fantastic little shop that provided many an Elvis Costello album to my collection back in the day. From here I purchased The Clash's London Calling and Frank Zappa and the Mothers - We're Only in it for the Money.
A couple of months ago I went to a store in Folsom (a town I go to frequently where I have family) called Dimple. Their vinyl selection is limited and pretty low priced. I got some cool stuff here including Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and Stan Kenton.
Over my recent spring break I visited a little hole in the wall store, Needle to The Groove, in a funky little east bay town called Niles. Great shop, totally laid back atmosphere. He has some higher priced stuff and TONS of $1 records. From here I scored Todd Rundgren's Something/ Anything among other gems. And just a couple weekends ago on Record Store Day I checked out The Groove Yard in Oakland. This place specializes in jazz but also has a smattering of blues, rock, classical and other genres. I am on a bit of a jazz kick lately and was really digging this place. Great atmosphere and the owner knows his stuff. It is a bit pricey but everything is guaranteed. From this spot I picked up Eric Dolphy and Ron Carter - Magic and Muddy Waters' London Sessions among others. Great recordings that I can't stop listening to.
In other news, I discovered a really cool phone app called The Vinyl District that will tell you where any record store is within a 20 (or more) mile radius. A must have app for any vinyl junky.
I really just wanted to get this out to satisfy my wish to get back on this. I will come back later to spend more time going over some records of note and will do my best to update recent acquisitions. I also have some related record collecting obsession ideas to hammer out here. All for now.
