Vinyl Safari Part 2: I haven’t been to Denver in a long time. The logbook says five years but it feels like longer. Long before I started buying vinyl. So with a 24hr layover, I did a quick survey of the area and found a record store a mere 1.2 miles away.
Established in 1975, “Wax Trax has specialized in bringing the best in independent music to Colorado… eventually establishing one of the widest selections in the city and one of the centers of the local music scene.”
Say no more, get me an Uber. Hang on AMEX, it’s gonna be a long day. The mission is the same: Find titles I haven’t seen locally. Take a chance in something.
Waking through the front door Wax Trax has a distinct grassroots feeling. Band names hard written in black marker on white dividers, with notes underneath, fill the bins that fill the rooms. I spent a long time flipping through the stacks, reading names of bands I’ve never heard of. It felt organic. Screw the mall stores, this is the kind of shop I want spend my money.
As it turns out Wax Trax has two locations. New vinyl in the main store on the corner. and just down the street past a book shop I wish I had time to go into, is the shop with a wealth of used records. I suspect these will need a good cleaning. But from what I saw, the used stock was priced well.
So what’s in the bag:
All Them Witches – Live on the Internet: I love this band and the tracks I’ve heard from this set. It’s been on my list for a long time.
Green Day – Warning: This is probably my favorite Green Day record. I suspect it was out of print for some time because this is the first time I’ve seen it anywhere.
Miles Davis – Bags Groove: I was saying just the other day, I need to work on my Miles Davis collection. Bags Groove is another one that I had on CD, but the vinyl has been elusive or expensive. This was the first one I decided on today. It was a no brainer.
Tony Bennett – In Person: remember when I said I didn’t have any Tony Bennett in my collection. Check that box. I’ve never heard this one. I’m looking forward to getting into it.
Ron Carter – Anything Goes: Another unknown, but I love Ron Carters playing. The few records I have with him as band leader or featured in the band are fantastic. I don’t know anything about this one either. I can’t wait to hear it.
Solid afternoon in Denver. If you’re in the are go check out Wax Trax.
Vertical Separation 