Seattle Press on Line - Red Hot Music Shop

Well, let me tell you...

Red Hot Music Shop

By Unknown Writer #4

Feb 21, 2001 -- I am so lame that I only just got around to renting the movie High Fidelity, starring John Cusack. Is there a better portrayal of the record store biz? I laughed so hard that the cat jumped off my lap. When I realized that at one time or another I'd met each and every one of the characters in the movie, I was roaring. Some of those people work right here in Ballard.

Seems Ballard's always had a record store. Peaches held the spot in Ballard Square for years. Then there was that little radar blip when they turned into Beehive. When they disappeared, Backstage Music and Video took over the spot--and don't forget Dave Voorhees' Bop Street Records on 20th, home to each and every piece of forgotten and vintage vinyl from the last 50 years.

Payne's Picks:

Friday, February 23: Thomas "Big Hat" Fields & His Foot Stompin' Zydeco Band - Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. NW, (206) 789-3599.

Thursday, March 1: Mojo Big Band - The Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. NW, (206) 784-4880

Saturday, March 3: Clinton Fearon and The Boogie Brown Band -The Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. NW, (206) 784-4880

Every Tuesday: Annieville Blues - Bad Albert's Tap & Grill, 5100 Ballard Avenue NW, (206) 782-9623

Wednesdays: Greg Roberts Blues Jam - The Bit Tavern, 4818 17th Ave. (206) 782-1680

Call venues for times and prices.

Clubs: Please e-mail schedules to cpollyc@aol.com or fax to: (206) 324-5336.

So how does a new kid on the block make a hearty first impression? Red. Bright red. If the kid then adds a trio of artfully arranged fake palm trees, not a soul could dismiss his presence. That's exactly what the owners of Easy Street Records, Kim Harris and Alan Lawrence, did when they moved their long-successful Kirkland record store into the old Payless Shoe Source space on Market Street.

To Ballard from Kirkland, you ask? Yup. It seems they simply liked the neighborhood and decided it beat the East Side by leaps and bounds. Wander in. While still warmed by the heartthrob red, you'll also note that, yes, there is a plethora of music. Racks and racks of it. But in my first stroll through, I was confused. There were very few categories. Where was the country? Where was the folk? It took a few walks around to realize that everything (with the exception of jazz, blues, vocals, soundtracks and a few others), was categorized under Pop/Rock. Richard Thompson next to Talking Heads, Kris Kristofferson hugging Kiss, Queensryeche brushing elbows with Dolly Parton? It's an interesting concept--and on further thought, I like it. It's a nice touch. There are plenty of used CDs, too.

Harris and Lawrence have built a good-sized stage in the back where they'll hold in-store performances on a regular basis. Last Saturday's three-band Grand Opening was a rockin' event, a great way to say hello to the neighborhood. Since in-store shows are always free and informal, they're a fine way to get a taste of what a musician's about without having to commit to a whole show at a club or theater. And they're always "all ages," so you can bring the kids. So stop by, ask about the schedule and warm up with a gander at the hot red walls...

By the way: I ran into Max from the Sunset Tavern the other day. He was so jazzed about a show he's booked on March 1, I couldn't help but share his enthusiasm. The band is The Mojo Big Band, a group of semi-Gen-Xers who play such genuine big band swing a la Glenn Miller that you'll swear it's 1945. Seniors are warmly encouraged to attend. Showtime is 8 p.m.

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Sunita	Apr 02, 2003	Surrey	Shop