#62 Houston, Texas Record Store Tours

[@Bends95]

Great video,and great tours! 👍👌🤘✌😎🎶

[@FlipSideCT]

+Bends95 Need to see some vinyl vids from you.... :) Steve

[@Fearnoarts]

Great vid, as usual, brother. Always love the record store tours, man. Great meet up with brother Paul. Too bad you guys didn't have time to do a showing together. Again, sorry for your loss.

[@FlipSideCT]

+Fearnoarts Thanks Bruce......Yes, it was real cool to meet Paul, and he taught me some Jazz vinyl tips also. Maybe I will get to go to Austin with him. Steve

[@timallen2336]

Hey Steve, you seem to be doing well and that makes us all very happy. Great that you got to hand with Paul, and the books looked cool. I love recording session books. Take care...

[@FlipSideCT]

+Tim Allen Hey Tim, appricate your comments, puts a smile on my face. It has been hard, as there were no signs at all, and then poof! I lost a huge part of me. It was great to meet Paul, a great VC'er and person. I will be back to Houston hopefully next year. I want to try Austin. The books are cool.....like your said recording sessions are a great read.....thanks Steve

[@CornishPrepper]

Great video mate, love you channel. Thanks Steve

[@FlipSideCT]

+Outback-Vinyl thanks Outback, these comments help the MoJo going. Makes my day. Thanks, and hopefully you will make vids, if not, glad you are watching. Steve

[@nrod66]

Some cool records at the stores (Japanese Piper At The Gates of Dawn, Human Beinz, Shadows of Knight) and cool books too. Thanks for the ride.

[@FlipSideCT]

+nrod66 there were some nice ones displayed.....I just could not justify the price....glad you took the trip! Steve

[@vinylpatrol101]

I wish I could but Diane's folks just flew in from California, thanks for the invite. See at the Cromwell show if your going.

[@FlipSideCT]

+VinylPatrol debating it, there is a special show I may ho to. arcmusic.org/blog/arc-holiday-record-cd-sale-dec-7-15/

[@Paneeks1960]

Hi Steve, It is great to hear that the VC sent you some nice messages regarding your brother. This is the first time that I actually saw the outside of Half Priced Books. It kind of reminds me of Goodwill. > Sound Exchange looks very cool. Has a Nuggets in Boston look to it. > Sig's Lagoon looks like the most hippest record store out of them all. I was always curious about Jack Bruce's solo albums. Now I know to stay away from them. I think I heard one or two songs on 'Into The Storm' and I was not too impressed. It was great to see that you got some time in with Paul. A very cool cat and a dynamite fellow VC friend. Plus he loves the Mighty Blimp which is a double plus. {smile} Looking forward to seeing the finds from the record shows. I hit one late last weekend and it was packed. Talk to you soon Steve. Always good to see you my friend~ Rob/Boston

[@FlipSideCT]

+Paneeks1960 Hey Rob, good to hear from you, and thanks for all. I wanted to show 1/2 price as we New Englanders have no idea about it. Book wise it was great. Sig's was sweet, but as mentioned, very pricey. JBruce's Songs for a Tailor is a good one. I was so glad to meet up with Paul.....great VC'er and person. Blimpites are always welcomed. Look forward to your show pick ups. I can not believe the amount of folks buying now, doubled from last year. It is very interesting seeing and watching this transformation happen. Talk soon my friend, Steve

[@Paneeks1960]

I cannot believe the amount of people who are into collecting vinyl now Steve? I just worry that it is going to end kind of like the baseball card boom did. Anotherwords overkill. What do you think about it? Rob

[@FlipSideCT]

Great pondering question. Well, they paced the RSDays out, which keeps the interest going for mainstream. But, the record industry is saturating the "big" stores just like they did years ago which killed the record shops. Then there is the internet sales. The baseball card companies got greedy and it became all about the insert speciality cards and not the regular cards anymore. Then the prices of packs and boxes went up as the speciality cards increased. $400 for 1 card in 1 box??? That to me chased the small purchasers away. Still don't think records will ever catch up to mp3 etc, and I think album collecting will level off. As it can be a costly project. A great forum question....this is why I am buying as much as I could now, we just don't know. :)

[@Paneeks1960]

Excellent response Steve. I know that you are younger than I am but I know that you remember how hot records before the CD boom. I loved going into new and used record stores because they were packed with nothing else but vinyl. Well, cassettes and eight tracks too but they did not take over the whole store like CD's did when they were hot. That is why I love this whole new vinyl boom that is going on. I do feel bad for anyone who sold their whole vinyl collection in place of CD'. But it did mean more used records for us. NYC and Boston had the most incredible record shops back then. As long as there are still new stores opening up I see vinyl holding strong for many years to come. If you are not going to RSD and you want me to look out for something for you just let me know~ Rob

[@FlipSideCT]

+Paneeks1960 yeah Rob, it was great that there was no other B.S. unlike Newbury Comics. Yes, the boom is great to see. One day I was at a store, a few older skateboarders (maybe 22) were looking at Neil Young records and discussing about Neil, I chimed in and we had a fun discussion. I then told them that if I saw them on the street, we most likely would have never conversed. It is great to bridge the gap with the younger ones with the boom happening. I see more thrift and book stores now selling used records, so we do have some possible longevity occurring. Thanks for the RSD offer....nothing is appealing to me, no must haves. Thank you for the offer, and all that you contribute to & for everyone. Steve

[@darkdubh]

Always a thrill to check out unfamiliar stores to see what you might find.Ha,spotted Joyce "I Get Excited".One of those collectable bad records.Theyre not asking for much for Dr Strangely Strange Heavy Petting.I know its rare but a grand and a half?Great insightfull video Steve.Nice book scores,the Chrissie Hynde autobiog would be a very interesting read I'd say.Nice Sydney Bechet score.

[@FlipSideCT]

+darkdubh Thanks for that reply, it makes it worth while to do these. Someone else commented on the Dr Stangely also, I say, I would take 160 albums over that 1 easily. The Sydney was different with the New Orleans sound. Thanks again, Steve

[@nicholasjamesmurphy5507]

Digging the vibe of the last store.

[@FlipSideCT]

+Nicholas Murphy Raw Rock and Roll......Sig's has the perfection down.

[@thumpfinger]

Hey Steve I'm catching up on your vids , my heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. I have tragically lost quite a few family and friend tragically but I couldn't imagine not having my little brother around . So my thoughts go to you friend. Very cool video be safe and take care brother. I really dug the record store part. Peace bro!

[@FlipSideCT]

+thumpfinger Thanks Ben.....you know that terrible feeling of a family loss then. Losing my brother was my ultimate though, I am the last one left.....it is an emptiness that can not ever be replaced. Sux, but we have to move on. Keep that relationship going with your bro! Glad you liked the stores....thanks Steve

[@halfmt4643]

6:38 YES !! That's what I love about record shops in Houston. (Nurse with Wound) But then again, it's nice going to shops like Half Price that don't have the slightest clue about music where you can pick up experimental stuff for 2 bucks. (If you can find any)

[@FlipSideCT]

I see you did a Houston search, thanks for warching and commenting. There are more shops to see. I am suppose to be down in Houston end of Oct. Dont think that is going to fly.....Paul was going to be taking me to a few more stores. Exactly, for $2 bucks you can experiment. Cheers Steve

[@halfmt4643]

Cactus and Sound Exchange have been around for decades. Vinal Edge is in the Heights. I haven't been there in years, but when I did go it was out in the suburbs of Houston. I loved that place. The owner was a DJ on KPFT back in the 80s and played punk and noise.

[@FlipSideCT]

Cactus was cool, but the best was Sig's. Laying out the day's trip was a challenge to visit all these, but worth it and fun. I do this in all cities I travel.

[@highrantdistrict]

Great video, Steve! It's interesting that there's such a pricing difference between Houston and CT. Granted, I don't know if the average incomes are higher than where you live in the areas you shopped, but I would never have thunk it if so. It's funny, when someone mentions Houston - and having never been there - what I've always heard is that it is the land of everlasting construction, so it was funny to hear a jackhammer outside one of the shops. And I'm similar to you in that if I go into an independent record shop, almost no matter want I'll find something to buy to help support them. Cheers! Tom

[@FlipSideCT]

+High Rant District hi Tom, excellent comments! There are one or two stores in CT that i just won't buy from. But prices are fair. The area I am in is a higher income and where I. Shopped in Houston was defintely lower. You are exactly right about the construction. I noticed how much there was myself, a lot. Even in the city. Thanks for all, Steve

[@BarakaPDub]

Remember that Sidney Bechet record was going for $150 in Sig's...what a bit of irony that you showed that at the end. You lucky dog. I loved the video and I'll have to check out the Sound Exchange again. I haven't been there in over five years but it looks like they have a nice wall of schlock and I dig some schlock provided it's not over priced. The Half Price Books here have really been ravaged in the past couple of years by the hipster crowd so it's really hard to find gems anymore. The books were cool though and I just happened to him my local Half Price Books today. The used record bins were a bust but I did pick up a Penguin's guide to Jazz. The Rolling Stones Book looks really cool. I didn't even know such a thing existed. Your spirits seem a little bit worse but I am hoping the weekend will find something to improve your outlook. Take care my friend.

[@FlipSideCT]

+BarakaPDub Hi Paul, I actually got the Sidney up here, and thru it in this vid. It was good talking with the Sound Exch owner, that is definitely a good measuring stick for a store also. Now that explains the 1/2 price store selection. I am still a bit down. I was tired and exhausted when I did the video, but wanted to get one out asap. All my best Paul. Steve

[@TheHogsEarReport]

First off, sad to hear about your loss. What ever the VC has said, goes for me too. I really enjoyed the Texas tour. I could spend hours looking in those shops. Songs for a Tailor was Jacks 1st LP, good one. I would like to get his Harmony Row. Fat Mattress, I enjoy that one as well. Take care and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[@FlipSideCT]

+The Hogs Ear Report Thank you my friend! Glad you enjoyed that. I can imagine the time you would spend, as the gritty ones attract me also. I have Jack's first, but will look for HRow. Happy Thanksgiving to you also!

[@johnbellamy3406]

Hi Steve, Sorry to hear about your loss. I can't begin to imagine how that must feel.That Chrissie Hind book looks good. Let me know if you enjoy it when you get through it. I am reading Margrave of the Marshes by John Peel right now and can heartily recommend it. Cheers.

[@FlipSideCT]

+John Bellamy thanks so much John. That is appreciated. I most likely read that book next.....(I have so many to get to, and I only read a few pages at a time, get to sleepy). That Peel book sounds awesome, and will look for it. Thanks Steve

[@bencostello7317]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. Condolances, Steve.

[@FlipSideCT]

+Ben Costello thank you Ben, appreciated.

[@merickz78]

That Sidney Bechet record was a pretty cool find considering you got it at a thrift shop. Bummer that you didn't find anything you were looking for, but the record stores you showed did look like some pretty cool shops for the most part. I was kind of surprised that's all you picked up down there in Houston. Take care Steve.

[@FlipSideCT]

+erick medeiros Hi Erick, I was surprised also.....I would have picked more up, but it was higher prices down there, it was not like there was nothing to choose from. The Sound Exchange and Sig's were the better ones and I enjoyed those, but would have liked to walk out with more. thanks Steve

[@sherryk1978]

I've been looking all over for that Hogan's Hero's!! haha

[@FlipSideCT]

That is funny! I never see it around, and sometimes I need to think twice before I put things back.

[@bencostello7317]

Still can't get over how big the stores are in the US, someone on the FB page showed that exact Dr Strangely Strange LP. $1600 w.t.f. ?!?!?! Great to see Paul wearing his needlegroove T in the video!

[@FlipSideCT]

+Ben Costello there are some small stores, but, you need to be a specialty if that is the case. There are an increase of non vinly stores selling vinyl now, as they see the demand. This what i am seeing now. The show attendance is doubled also since last year. $1,600, that is the case where i rather buy 160 records instead. Paul was great and a true vinyl geek. Thanks Ben Steve

[@vinylpatrol101]

Hi Steve, ironically I picked up the very same Jack Bruce album at the New Haven show. Same thing not very impressed with it but maybe I'll give it one more chance later. Brandon

[@FlipSideCT]

+VinylPatrol Hey Brandon.....that is funny....I could not believe what I was hearing...but his first one is much better. I am heading to NYC for a show this Saturday with a friend if you are able to join us....? let me know if you can go thanks steve

[@garyking1833]

Fun video. I've been thinking about doing some video while crate digging here in LA. Did you have any store employees give you a hard time?

[@FlipSideCT]

+Gary King Hi Gary, 99% of the time I ask if it is OK, but explain it is only for their benefit, as it is free advertising. Never been shutdown. Hope you do as it is always interesting, and to let VC know about pricing. Thanks Steve

[@psykodj67]

sorry Texas was not as good but still great to see what you found especially the books...I would have grabbed those Chrissie Hynde and Stones books as well.Great vid,take care and have a great week

[@FlipSideCT]

+psykodj67 thanks for the comments......well I will be back and see more, and hoping it is Austin Steve

[@dixielandfarm]

Fat Mattress - great pickup. Too bad the prices were too high during the excursion, unless those prices at the last store was $3.99 - then there was GOLD on that shelf...

[@FlipSideCT]

+dixielandfarm Hey Kris...I actually wanted a hoedown old fashioned country/blues record store, with tumbleweeds blowing by it......too high for me....they gotta be getting folks buying as many albums were high priced. They said collectors were buying mostly there, even with the universities near by. Yea, gold....that is why I teased ya... Steve

[@Thedarkstuff]

Weird how every Half Price Books looks identical on the inside. I need to grab that Chrissy Hynde book, she's great.

[@FlipSideCT]

+The Dark Stuff LOL, my first time in HPB. I forgot to mention, that the footage would help us North Easterners now understand what they look like. Wish we had one.....You, would dig that book! I am looking forward to reading it next. Thanks Dave, Steve

[@FlipSideCT]

+FlipSideCT P.S. check this out www.numerogroup.com/project12

[@m-howl5028]

Too bad about the lack of Texan deals....I expected a bunch of rare Lightnin' Hopkins records or something. Great footage however! All the best Steve, hope you're doin' well - Mike

[@FlipSideCT]

+M Jones exactly Mike, i was hoping for some deep country/blues.....ehhh. Will try hopefully Austin. Thanks Steve

[@nicholasjamesmurphy5507]

So sorry to hear about your brother.

[@FlipSideCT]

+Nicholas Murphy Thanks Nicholas, it was a major blow. Steve

[@helmutdiggy6874]

Bummer about Texas, how was the Danbury show ? I'm assuming you went . I was on my way but ended up bringing my wife to the ER , good times . Did you happen to hit up the Electric Buddhist in Portland while you were in Maine ? I was there yesterday picking up a receiver , wasn't too impressed with their section.

[@FlipSideCT]

+helmut Diggy Hey HD, yea, expected better. I really wanted to find a good ol classic country vinyl store....eh, Austin here I come. Yes, went to Danbury. It was real good, and very crowded, which is good and bad. I bought a good bunch, then again, when I got a few home, they were more scratched up then I thought. Sorry to hear about the wife......ER's not a good time ever. Yes I did go to the EB in Portland, and agree with you. Around the corner there is a better store that I always find things at. Thanks !! Steve

[@DocStrangelyStrange]

$1600 for Heavy Petting?! That's pricey!

[@FlipSideCT]

+DocStrangelyStrange ouch, yes. Will still remain on that shelf for a long time