Thursday, February 7, 2019

Frozen Outside But Feeling Warm on the Inside

If you have never heard of the "Seattle Freeze," that's the old axiom, put as kindly as I can, that it's difficult to make friends around here. Well, we are experiencing a more literal freeze these days. Falling temperatures and a rare blizzard has all but closed the Pacific Northwest the past few days. I didn't step foot in a record store in January. Is it any wonder the month sucked? Before the snow fell, I defeated the winter doldrums with a trip to Jigsaw Records in Seattle, and the photo above was the prompt to leave the warmth of home. That's two big boxes of used singles (mostly from the golden age of indie pop!) acquired by Chris and posted on the shop's Facebook page. I was the third customer to browse the bounty, and I came away with 11 records. Quality. The bounce is back in my step. Don't worry, Seattle indie-pop fans. I left plenty of good stuff. Word on the street is there will be a big box of LPs purchased from the same fella coming into Jigsaw any day now. Suddenly, February rules.

I picked up a couple of other records of the 12" variety too. See if you can spot any old favorites from my spree in the photo below. Here are a couple of hints. There are three Sarah singles in there, and at least two bands made my list of best new releases in 2018.


Yep, there are a couple from the Chesterf!elds in there. I already had the Cherry Red compilation and the "Completely & Utterly" and "Ask Johnny Dee" singles, but I can never pass up anything with the Subway logo on it.

"Sweet Revenge"

Next time we'll listen to a few exciting new indie-pop releases from right here in Seattle.

9 comments:

Rol said...

It's post like this which make me wish I was still a record collector, rather than just a music consumer. Sadly, finances and other commitments prevent such extravagances these days, but I can still enjoy the vicarious thrill when you share pictures like those above, Brian.

Rol said...

Oh, and I hope the weather warms up soon!

Alyson said...

That sounds like a pretty harsh bit of weather - Hope it improves soon.

A good haul for you there - I might be seeing things but wondered who the record on the right was by in the top pick. It does look awfully like an Alyson but I've probably got it totally wrong. (Not and indie expert at all as you know.)

Dirk said...

That's a 7" by Alpaca Sports, Alyson.

And this copy of 'Sounds Showcase' could well be mine, Brian! If memory serves correctly I once sold it to the States quite some time ago ...

I only wish we had records shop left here where I live. It's a real shame ...

Brian said...

No relief from the weather, Alyson. My street is a sheet of ice and snow and we may get eight more inches today. Incredible. That never happens in these parts. Are we really talkin' weather? I really am getting old. Thanks Rol and Dirk. It was a good haul at Jigsaw. I don't get days at the shop like that very often. Felt like a giddy school kid.

MisterPrime said...

I spy 'B is for Boyracer...!' Very nice, Brian...

Brian said...

Hi MisterPrime. A bevy of early Boyracer in those boxes. If I hadn't bought that reissue on Emotional Response last year and had a few more shekels in my pocket, I would have gone for the lot.

The Swede said...

Great haul Brian! Any word on the LPs from the same guy yet? Hope the weather has loosened its icy grip.

Brian said...

Nope, not yet, Swede. I'll be first in line when the stock shows up.