(As I mentioned earlier, I will attempt a series of posts about record stores in the Philadelphia area. First up, Spaceboy Music.)
Spaceboy had to regretfully move its shelves from its previous location at 409 South Street where it shared the renowned Zipperhead awning. The space, while bigger, distinctly lacks the previous store’s charm. The floors are now carpeted instead of wood, the walls are white instead of, well, not noticeable before. Also, and most importantly, the vinyl is in the same room as the CDs, unlike the other location which separated the vinyl from the used CDs from the new CDs. The new Spaceboy is at the corner of 7th and South, further away from the nexus of South Street – Jim’s Steaks.
Aside from all my nostalgia for the old location – ah, many a dollar spent there – the new spot still does have a wonderful selection of music. The newest and most popular records are still highly visible and right next to/behind the register. I love that they do this so you can look at what’s come out and easily find the new CDs that you came for. My only problem is that, usually, when you’re trying to read the records, the clerk is standing right there like a bonehead, staring uncomfortably at you while you glance from top to bottom. In my experience, eye contact with unsociable music dorks sucks. And, yes, nearly all music folk are reclusive, as the consumption of “high-art”/indie music is a singular and unsocial thing – I’ve never seen anyone signing along to an Acid Mothers Temple record.
Located around the walls of the store is the newest vinyl (and other CDs) that they’ve gotten in, which is usually some pretty great stuff. They always have a 6-7 new Soul Jazz records, typically compiling old soul, blues, funk, reggae and jazz music into beautiful packaging very well worth the sometimes ridiculous prices. Most of the names you see are a who’s who of record collector panty wetters – anyone from Sightings to Iggy Pop to My Bloody Valentine to Lightning Bolt. Lately, Spaceboy has featured an increased number of psychedelic and noise records, which, not coincidentally, fall in line with most of my recent record purchases and plays.
While new releases or new reissues are displayed on wall racks, most old records and back catalogues of artists are relegated to the racks bordering the store. CDs are listed alphabetically by rock (guitar-based or more standard instrumentation), hip-hop, electronic, and used. Vinyl is stuck on an island in the center of the store and is difficult and extremely exhausting to look at, categorized by used and new vinyl.
Record shopping is an exhausting affair and the way the records are set up at Spaceboy allows you to minimize your time spent in the store. Most people are looking for new stuff and therefore ask the clerk, who will snag it off the wall. For those of us looking to make an experience of it, it does take a while trying to find the right thing and vinyl is particularly bad, as bands with “M” names (and all letters) are all just thrown together -- there is no seperation for artist by name.
Lastly, the clerks at Spaceboy, although awkward and snobby, are very knowledgeable. Ask them about the Pissed Jeans record and they’ll probably know what it sounds like, giving you a few reference points (Black Flag, Scratch Acid, Flipper were what I got) and a “it’s good” or “cool”. If they don’t like the record, you risk being a tourist and they will absolutely try to make you feel that way. I personally have no time for this elitism, particularly when it is with strangers. Even moreso, you are a representative of your business, Spaceboy records – don’t scoff at me for liking a certain thing. Of course, this has never happened to me as my tastes are impeccable.
Overall, Spaceboy is a great store. You can find most anything here that you’d want to find, minus the super-obscure stuff which is either sold out or at Mondo Kim’s in NYC. I’d recommend this place to anyone for its convienence of location and selection, but just avoid the occasional jerk-off record store guy.
What I bought:
- Menomena: “Posh Isolation” b/w “Tung Track” (7”)
- The Psychic Paramount: S/T
- The Poster Children: No More Songs About Sleep and Fire
- Dungen: Ta Det Lungt
- The Secret Machines: The Road Leads Where It’s Led
- Gang Gang Dance: God’s Money
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