So, there's like...an event coming up or something?

We never hear anything.

I Need That Record!

“I Need That Record” is a documentary feature examining why over 3000 independent record stores have closed across the U.S. in the past decade. Are they going to die off? Will they survive?

Record stores serve as important community spaces that provide foundations for new musical and artistic scenes and movements, a place where unique under the radar bands have been continuously supported, a place where the underground can thrive, a place where independent thought is encouraged and challenged, a place where people of different ages, races, and taste can mix and mingle face to face. Unlike the internet, physical stores are a real place, with real people, where community is formed and supported. Not just record stores, but original mom and pop main street stores are all in a fight to stay alive. Independent businesses are hubs for new jobs, new innovations, and creative thought.

Over the past ten years it has become increasingly harder to compete with big chain businesses that have big money and Congress protecting them. The rich and powerful in business and government have thrown a wrench in the wheels of progress. American culture has become more isolated and atomized as a result of homogenous culture and thought. Businesses and establishments that make different parts of America distinct from one another are disappearing. In order to save community, ourselves, and our world what we need are independent creative places where new ideas and thought can be nurtured. Not more of the same…

Some interviews include- Ian Mackaye of Dischord Records Fugazi/Minor Threat/Teen Idles, Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads, Pat Carney of the Black Keys, Mike Watt of the Minutemen/reunited Stooges, Noam Chomsky, guitar composer Glenn Branca, punk author Legs McNeil, rock photographer Bob Gruen, Bryan Poole guitarist of Of Montreal, Numero Records, Rhino Records, Bloodshot Records, United Record Press (the largest vinyl plant in the U.S.), and many many many indie stores across the U.S. (NYC, Boston, DC, Cleveland, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Chicago, Minneapolis, Memphis, Nashville, L.A.). (Via thedailyswarm.com)

TVD's Weekend Shots

Music from the bus stop, cigarettes, pinball, a buttered bagel, and the Aquarian.

Todd Rundgren - Couldn't I Just Tell You? (Mp3)
Rolling Stones - Can't You Hear Me Knocking (Mp3)
Alice Cooper - No More Mister Nice Guy (Mp3)
Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear the Reaper (Mp3)
Led Zeppelin - Fool in the Rain (Mp3)
Pat Benetar - Heart Breaker (Mp3)
Queen - I'm In Love With My Car (Mp3)
Judas Priest - Living After Midnight (Mp3)
Rainbow - Since You've Been Gone (Mp3)
ACDC - Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution (Mp3)

TVD Remembers Danny Federici

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) (Mp3)
(Live, February 5, 1975 at The Main Point, Bryn Mawr, PA)

TVD | Friday @ Random

No dice...no caution to the wind. The noble Friday experiment in unchecked shuffle play whimsy has come to an end. Oh sure, sure - it was fun for about a half hour...there were the regulars (cheers whiteray!) and the copyists...ahem...but basically, I'm just bored with Bored. It'll reappear every now and again, but from here on out the TVD bully pulpit begins each Friday morning...whatever is in constant rotation, the best of the blogs, or something that simply needs to be said. And played. And shared. It's here -- Fridays @ Random.

Blanket of Secrecy - Say You Will (Mp3)
Two People - Rescue Me (Mp3)
Fiction Factory - Feels Like Heaven (Mp3)
Peter Godwin - Images of Heaven (Mp3)
The Payolas - Eyes of a Stranger [Full Version] (Mp3)