Brian Lacy

SHOPPING WITH AUDIOECLECTICA: The Record Collector- Hollywood, CA


One of my favorite things to do is go shopping for music, movies, books, memorabillia, and then some. Depending on the store and what I’m searching for, I can spend hours at a time in these stores. I thought it would be fun to bring attention to these stores. Tell you about the store, the stock they have, condition things are in, prices, how the place is in general, even get into how the people that work there are. As of late, my friend and podcast co-host Justin and I have been taking excursions to a variety of different stores. Some that we have been to a ton, some that we haven’t been to in years, and new ones that we’ve been meaning to check out. So with that in mind, go shopping with Audioeclectica.

For the first one it’s only fitting that I write about the oldest record store in Los Angeles, The Record Collector. Located in Hollywood off of Melrose Ave, The Record Collector has been there for over 50 years. This store is an amazing place for its rich history, detailed and archived collection, and very knowledgeable guys that work there. Upon walking in you are surrounded by giant shelves full of vinyl records and classic film posters. One of the other things I noticed was how clean it was. For a store that’s been around this long, it’s quite a sight to see on its own. This is one of those kinds of stores that you should absolutely bring a list at. It’s much easier to have what you are looking for and they can search it out for you. I have a list that I always have with me (a google doc/google sheet is a good idea!!!) and after looking over what I had on it, they only had one artist I had on my list (it was The Allman Brothers). Most of the stock The Record Collector has is from 1980 and before specializing in jazz, classical and scores/soundtracks. The quality of the LP’s that they showed me were in great shape and condition and the price was quite right. The owner, his name is Sandy couldn’t have been nicer. He was quite the story teller too. Another thing that I really liked about this store was all the vintage stereos and speakers found throughout. The jazz album they had playing sounded great through the stereo that was 80 years old.

One of the other reasons why Justin and I went here besides him not ever going was, all the negative reviews on Yelp. We didn’t experience a single thing that these reviews mentioned. It was one of the most personable record store experience I’ve had in a a while. Being in the age that we are in now, of course there would be people that go out of their way to put negativity out there, and especially the elitist record collectors. This store is a gem and should be treated as such. I’d give this experience and store a 10 out of 10. I look forward to going back with a list of jazz albums to get.

By: Brian Lacy

Address:
7809 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Instagram: @recordcollector.melrose

COMING SOON TO AUDIOECLECTICA


Welcome to the almost all new Audioeclectica. Since last year when I took a break from this, I had a lot of time to think about what I wanted this site to be moving forward. As much as I enjoy writing about bands, albums, songs, etc, I came to the realization that I can’t keep up with it on a daily basis. So, as this new chapter of Audioeclectica begins, the articles might not come every day but, there will always be something to check out whether on Audioeclectica.com or on the socials.

During that break I also started to finally put the pieces back together to relaunch the Audioeclectica Podcast. Yes, I know everyone has a podcast these days but, I too have a lot of stuff to share and it’s going to be a fun way to talk about multiple bands and topics. My friend Justin (also a fellow Audioeclectica Reader) will be joining me on the podcast to discuss a myriad of topics. The Audioeclctica Podcast will launch in mid March.

Live Shows are a huge part of the new Audioeclectica. For the past couple years I’ve been working with “Cobalt” Dave Politi, the founder of the legendary So Cal All Ages club, The Cobalt Cafe, on a new venture called The Cobalt Presents. Essentially we brought back the old Cobalt at different venues throughout So Cal, and have reinvigorated a scene for up and coming bands both younger and older, as well as reuniting some old school Cobalt bands. If you are looking for a show please send us an email at thecobaltpresents@gmail.com.

Also coming soon will be Audioeclectica Radio. I’m working on building a really fun and interactive old school radio show where I will play whatever I’m feeling like and talk about interesting things as well as have specialty shows for genres and more. I’m sick of streaming sites and their algorithims ruining music and the listening aspect. So I’m brining it back old school.

Some of you might have already started to see new logo rollouts for Audioeclectica. That’s all part of the fun behind the scenes of what is going on. I’m working on a full on revamp of the site and how it looks. I’m planning on making Audioeclectica more than just an underground thing and I sure hope you all stick around for all that is to come for Audioeclectica.

There will be a lot more to come as well but, I can’t give away all the surprises!

See you at a show or on the interwebs!

-Brian

What I’ve Been Listening To: November Edition


Since I took a break I’ve been trying to catch up on everything I’ve missed out on. I’m still catching up but I thought I’d put together a list of a few albums that I’ve been listening to. I recommend you all check these bands and albums. I can guarantee you’ll find something you like! Also on a side note, if any of you out there are graphic designers, Audioeclectica could use a new logo! Hit me up!

Enjoy The Tunes!
Brian

What I’ve Been Listening To:

Better Lovers- Highly Irresponsible:
This album is what it must feel like to be shot out of a cannon. It’s explosive and full of twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. It might even cause you to spontaneously start jumping up and down due to the energy this album emits. Listen to this as loud as possible!



Jerry Cantrell- I Want Blood:
Jerry’s new album feels like it picks up where Degredation Trip left off. The dark brooding vocals mixed with Jerry’s signature guitar playing makes this a great album. As much as I would love to have a new Alice In Chains album, this one will definitely hold you over till then!! Check out the track “Echoes Of Laughter” it’s my favorite on the album!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_krvAUGLYK3GCL81obV1c-TpojnXdxeBxc

Linkin Park- From Zero:
I never thought this day would ever come but here I am praising a Linkin Park album. I’ll get into how this all came to be in an article to come. This new album featuring their new singer Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara and drummer Colin Brittain is fantastic. It’s a short and concise album that runs the gamut on all that the band has done and then some. There’s some really great throwback moments on this album as well as all sorts of new things to enjoy. Really give this one a shot. In a world where so many bands have tried to cop their style, the originators return to show how it’s done!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_llu148Ny0qF6bSApqzcVOQ9MaiCYySEG8



The Smashing Pumpkins- Aghori Mhori Mei:
I love this album. It’s The Smashing Pumpkins through and through. It’s a great rock album that we’ve been wanting from them since their “reunion” was announced. Each listen makes me love this album more and more. This is another one that really deserves your attention!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nRnbe2-k5CxdkxL140Fs1baQuL8Dmrgf4

Iress- Sleep Now In Reverse:
Iress is one of my favorite bands I’ve heard in a long time. Each release of theirs gets better and better. This new one adds a heavier and darker vibe to their already dark atmospheric dreamy doomgaze sound. This is an album YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO!!!



Gouge Away- Deep Sage:
This is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. I love this album. Every song on it is impactful and meaningful. This is another album that might find your spontaneously breaking out into a one person mosh pit. Listen to this album!!!



Common Wounds- All Night Blood:
I love a good post-hardcore band and Common Wounds has all the ingredients that I enjoy about the genre. This is their first full length and it delivers quite the punch. The latter half of the album is my favorite part as it tends to be a bit more experimental and epic which I love. I’m very excited to see where this band goes as I quite enjoy them!



Drug Church- Prude:
I’ve been a fan of Drug Church for a while and they keep getting better and better. Their new album continues on the path they’ve been on with some really cool new elements that remind me of Refused a bit. Sadly I just missed their LA show. I’ll have to catch them next time!



Planes Mistaken For Stars- Do You Still Love Me:
This one is a little bittersweet. I have been a Planes fan for many years and when the news came that Gared had passed away it was quite a sad moment. Thankfully though, we have one final album from this very underrated band. This album has all the classic elements that made Planes Mistaken For Stars such a great band as well as some really great melodic moments that will have you raising your glass in cheers!



Spirit In The Room- Passengers:
If you’ve been reading Audioeclectica long enough, you know that I absolutely love Spirit In The Room. I love that each release brings in something different yet it’s still volatile and dangerous, which is something that’s seriously missing from music these days. This EP is a little more subdued and introspective, showing off a different side of Dennis Sanders. Another really enjoyable album to check out!



Kerry King- From Hell I Rise:
I really like this album. Musically it sounds just like what you think it does but, that doesn’t stop it from being an all out assault. Kerry has quite the band backing him with Phil Demmel on guitar, Kyle Sanders on bass, Paul Bostaph on drums and the underrated and awesome Mark Osegueda on vocals. Live this band and these songs are so damn good. I saw Kerry and Co open for Lamb Of God and Mastodon a few months back and it made me really give this album a now outlook.



Cold Gawd- I’ll Drown On This Earth:
I’ve heard of this band for a while now and finally sat down to check them out and I enjoyed what I heard. Their shoegazey Deftones side really comes through in a good way. The dreaminess that this album has to it makes it a great driving album as well as one to put on while working. There’s some definite love for Siamese Dream on this album and that’s totally ok!



Unto Others- Never, Neverland:
The moment I put this album on the first thing I thought of was Type O Negative only a bit more positive. This album is one of the most surprising I’ve heard this year. I love the post-punk goth vibes this album has. I’m quite interested to see what they are like live and I would love to hear them take on a Type O songs to hear what it would be like.



Pearl Jam- Dark Matter:
I’ve been waiting a long time for Pearl Jam to come back with an album like this and FINALLY it’s here. This record has a very old school PJ vibe (Ten and VS with a dash of Vitalogy). The guitars are back to being at the forefront and everything finally clicks for the first time in a long time. This album really doesn’t have the usual filler either. Each time I listen I like this one more and more and find it climbing up my ranking chart for Pearl Jam.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ltWvB2Aqnf32SbAI0fhvx8l5O87oruvS0

Category 7- Category 7:
John Bush (Amored Saint, ex Anthrax), Phil Demmel (Kerry King, ex Machine Head), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, ex Overkill), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob) and Jack Gibson (Exodus). On paper this band is killer and on their self titled debut they slay! I’ve always loved John Bush as a vocalist and to have such a lineup of great players writing some killer riffs and metal, this band has everything they need to rip it up!