While I am a relative new comer when it comes to buying vinyl, my Buffalo store of choice has always been Spiral Scratch Records, located right off Elmwood Ave on 291 Bryant St. Being a convenient block away from two of my apartments over the last couple years, I have made frequent stops to catch one of their always fun basement shows (site of my first Space Wolves encounter), spent hours picking through their solid selection of both local and national records, and getting in line early to grab a super exclusive Record Store Day release.
The store also has the wonderful distinction of being the location of my very first vinyl buy (Sufjan Steven's Illinois) and of one of my most awkward moments in some time. Anyways, that little shop that could, which after being pretty much lost to a fire a few years back at it's original Delaware Ave location, is chugging along, and this afternoon, will be celebrating its music filled 5th anniversary beginning at noon. The day will include performances from the Fleshy Mounds, Like A Panther, The Afterbirth Tycoon, and others.
So before things get crazy tonight with nearly every Halloween party in the city going down, stop over for an afternoon of music and record buying, and while you are there, say hi to Dave and his crew. They are keeping a dying breed of shops alive (Buffalo itself barely has a half dozen still operating), and deserve a little dap for their efforts. Bring along some extra cash for some baked goods, and if you have some kitty litter lying around, feel free to donate as all proceeds will be going towards The West Side Pussy Cat Project. Helping cats and buying vinyl is a pretty solid day if you ask me.
