Matador Records | Store of the Month

Brian Replies

How did you become the buyer?
One day I was walking down the street and stumbled upon this totally cool happening little record shop. I went in and said, "hey, can I be your buyer?", and the owner guy was like "yeah sure, why not, I could use a buyer". The moral being that you never know what opportunities await you; all you need to do is ask. (And have 10 years prior experience at another, competing independent record store.)

What was the stupidest attempt someone made to shoplift?
All attempts at shoplifting are stupid. Generally speaking however, most shoplifters stand out like sore thumbs the second they walk in to the store, and as a result, they never really get a chance to shoplift anyway.

How many employees are in bands?
Two. Unless you account for the other guys who wish they were in bands, in which case the answer would be six.

What item stayed around in the store the longest before it was finally stolen or sold?
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it may incriminate me.

Who was the worst band/artist that stayed at your house and why was it bad?
Having been around the block a few times, I know better than to ever, EVER let a band stay at my house.

If your store had a mascot what would it be?
Hercules, Newton, and Daedalius would pretty much cover it.

If Henry Rollins walked in to your store, what would you do?
Uhm.. ignore him and let him do his business. We get "famous" people coming in pretty often, and they get left alone. I mean, if you were "famous" and wanted to go record shopping, wouldn't you rather be left alone? Unless you're a wanker and only came in for an ego stroke, in which case you'd still be cock-blocked, cuz we'd still ignore you, except think that you were an asshole. Prince came in recently, and we made him listen to Dimmu Borgir.

Do you refuse sell records by any particular band/artist?
We are a Beatles-free zone.

If yes, why?
Ever gone to a Beatles collectibles and record show?

Who wrote “Hey Joe”?
Billy Roberts Jr. Thpppppppppt.

Which character from the film, ‘Empire Records’ do you most resemble and why?
Hahahahaha!! Grow up.

How much do you hate ‘Hi-Fidelity’?
Actually, we quite like it. I read the book about 20 years ago. When I saw the movie, you could tell who the other people in the audience who worked in record stores were, 'cuz out of a sold out theatre, two or three of us laughed hysterically at stuff no one else thought was funny. Once in a while kids in the store will be overheard to say "these guys think they're in High Fidelity". Sorry kids, we were like this way before that.