The Massachusetts island called Martha's Vineyard, a tourist destination with a year-round population of only 18,000, is home to at least a hundred T-shirt shops, scores of seafood shacks (the calamari at Nancy's is amazing), dozens of ice-cream parlors, and three unpleasant cute-tiques called The Black Dog. Residents and vacationers alike are also served by an excellent store called Aboveground Records (8 Great Harbor Triangle, Edgartown, MA 02539). Having been on the Vineyard with my family for the past few days, working diligently on my tan and my badminton serve, I decided to take a break and go record shopping. Aboveground's considerable vinyl inventory, with used and new titles alike, is both varied and fairly priced, and I walked away with titles from Yehudi Menuhin, Ravi Shankar, June Christy, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and the inimitable Jimmy Smith. (They have an especially nice selection of original Blue Notes.) Noting that there is, indeed, such a thing as a record collection that's worth as much as a new car (I'm aiming for a Morgan Plus-4), I plan one more trip to Aboveground Records before we leave the island on Tuesday.
COMMENTS
Whenever I travel, whether it's for business or pleasure, I always research record stores prior to departure. I have found many great stores and records in my travels. There is nothing greather than the joy of an unexpected treasure at a store you've never been to.
That record shop sounds just like the experience I had, being on the island. My wife and I went on a whim when we were younger. Just a backpack each and jumped on the ferry. When we went to a bike rental place to rent a tandum. The owner asked us where we were staying. We looked at each other and responeded that we hadnt found a place yet. He kind of looked at us puzzled, being that it would be next to impossible to find lodging without a reservation. Without much thought, he asked us if we would like to stay at his home, his teenage son was gone for the week and he had a spare room. We said 'sure', the rate was $60/night. We only stayed one night, but it was very nice experience. Very 'laid back'.
You've revealed a stash of original Blue Notes? This poor man's store will soon be overrun with hagglers and bargain hunters, squabblers and nutty collectors. Thanks!
You've revealed a stash of original Blue Notes? This poor man's store will soon be overrun with hagglers and bargain hunters, squabblers and nutty collectors. Thanks!
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