Came through Val’s after a segueway into the Brown Elephant to find an unattended store. A voice called out from the back room, and soon appeared an older woman carrying a large plate of garlic bread. This must be Val. She was cordial and asked if I was looking for anything in particular. I never am, and this question always seems overwhelming to me – like I should have pinpointed my wants long before I left home. But the question was only asked with the best of intentions (it usually is).
I found a large jazz section that contained a number of attractive records. I was looking for a record to complete a trade with a colleague and held Return to Forever’s Greatest Hits in my hand – but replaced it in the bin when I looked at the atrocious track listing. How any songs from ‘Musicmagic’ can appear on a RTF ‘best of’ is beyond me. Who was the executive producer, Gayle Moran? This record serves as a poor introductory record to the non-fan, and a possibly even less listenable release to someone already acquainted with their music.
After picking up an late 50s Atlantic release from Herbie Mann, I came across this – which boasts appearances from Jobim and Mendes. I knew I’d be leaving with this record, and I did. I did come across another Joe Farrell release but the hometown boy’s albums usually do fetch a few bucks and this was no exception – too rich for my blood. (Ironically – or not – I see it available now for ~$2!)
All in all a solid record store with a neighborhood feel, you don’t get the idea that dorks looking for novelty records for their novelty collections shop here. Almost overlooked, great shop.
