The last of the independents

I love Tuesday’s when new releases from faves like Wilco, Levon Helm, Elvis Costello, and Steve Earle hit the shelves. But as one big box store’s music section drifts off into the sunset, I took a road trip in search of our area’s finest independent music retailers.

By: Jay Minkin
Date: 08/18/2009 I love Tuesday’s when new releases from faves like Wilco, Levon Helm, Elvis Costello, and Steve Earle hit the shelves. But as one big box store’s music section drifts off into the sunset, I took a road trip in search of our area’s finest independent music retailers.
 
With list in hand, I headed to Lakewood and My Mind’s Eye, at 13723 Madison Avenue.  The store is split into two halves, one for CDs and one for vinyl. The amount of new vinyl being released is mind-boggling.

What once was considered an antique, the LP is making a comeback with the audiophiles and new generation of music lovers. A higher quality and heavier record is being produced in limited quantities—sometimes including the CD or a download code for your iPod. 

I picked-up a copy of Fleet Foxes’s Sun Giant and headed around the corner to The Exchange, at 15100 Detroit Road. This store is far different from others in the new and used music chain as they offer new vinyl along with a wide variety of music. If what you’re looking for isn’t in stock, they can check the inventory of other Exchange stores. I found the new Madeleine Peyroux’s Bare Bones album and left a happy camper.

Those who have taken me up on the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern may have come across Music Saves, at 15801 Waterloo Road, on the east side off I-90. A smaller store that packs quality new music and vinyl, they carry releases by many of the national touring artists that frequent the stage down the street. If you find another copy of Jenni Muldaur’s Dearest Darlin’, you’ll enjoy it on the ride home. 

On a sad note, Time Traveler, at 2615 State Road, in Cuyahoga Falls, is liquidating much of their inventory. The area’s oldest and largest home of new, used, and import CDs—along with used vinyl—is offering great sales until they move into smaller quarters. When supporting local businesses, don’t forget about the last of the independents: there for your listening enjoyment.

Reach Jay at blues4bird@aol.com.

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