Guest Column: Digging Vinyl in Portland
I recently received a note from a reader who asked to write a short post, so here it is, from Stuart Levine.
I moved to Portland, Oregon a week ago and have spent every day but one (Record Store Day; I don’t like crowds) hitting the local record shops. The first one was Jackpot Records, where I had anything but good luck. You see, there was a pristine copy of “My Favorite Things,” but it was on hold for another customer. That led me up the street to Exiled Records and things began to improve. I found an original 1971 Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On.” That’s no easy feat, considering the fact that Rolling Stone had named it the top album of all time. Oh, and it’s VG (not a beater) and plays through.
Next was Music Millennium, which had just bought a small collection of Blue Notes from a private collector. There, I found a nice mono first pressing of Donald Byrd’s “Free Form.” It certainly didn’t come cheap but not outrageous either. That leads me to my last record store and the ultimate thrill ride.
In the very pleasing (antiques shops, cafes) and walkable neighborhood of Sellwood, I met Scott, who is an architect and owner of Dig Vinyl. While digging in his store, I came across a used copy of a George Wallington record. But of course, it wasn’t the one I really wanted and have never seen in the wild. That would be “The New York Scene.” Ok, I’ll cut to the chase.
Turns out, a fellow in Scott’s store has an original VG++. His name is Charlie, an eBay seller, who goes by the name of strictlyheadies. Take a look at Al’s posting of “Hot and Heavy” on April 18th. You’ll see “Overseas” sold at $2,666.89. That was Charlie’s sell. Well back to my obsession with “The New York Scene.” At a handsome price, Charlie agreed to sell me his copy the very next day. So, I met him again at Dig Vinyl, made the transaction and left the store with a most elusive grail. Now I just had to get the record home without getting it wet. This is no easy task when you’re traveling by bus on a rainy day in Portland. It did rain, but I managed to keep the record under my umbrella while walking, stood for cover at a bus stop and got home with a heavy hitter and newest acquisition to my vinyl collection.
So glad you got it home safely! Had I known you were taking the bud we probably would have given you a lift! That was a difficult one to sell, but I know it went to the right home. Thanks Stuart!
Congratulations , I really like that record. I still am very happy with my Esquire copy that I got on ebay a few years ago.
steppin’ in to an unknown record store is always nice, and finding and buying is part of the greater thrill,
and good to know for other readers where to find vinyl when in town.
I never buy on ebay, only in record stores. It’s self protective… on ebay you can buy anything, spend 20.000 a day… I don’t need everything and i don’t have the money. so i visit some stores, find something nice once a week or month.. love it.
whenever in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, i would say:
-concerto Records
-Recordpalace
-Recordfriend
-City Records
-Waxwell
-Flesch Records
What ever happened to the Dayton Record store hoard after they closed?
@maarten_kools: fully agree with what you write and thanks for that list, very useful – my Amsterdam route so far was a subset (concerto, waxwell, city records, record palace), will make sure to check out the others the next time I make it to Amsterdam…
There’s a big record show scheduled here in Portland, Oregon for Saturday, June 25th. They expect 30 dealers. Go to www. breathebuilding.com to book your admission. The rain I had mentioned in my initial post gives way to beautiful sunny days with lush green lawns, incredible trees and gorgeous flowers. Not to mention plenty of good restaurants.
Stuart: I’m very surprised you were able to get the “NY SCENE” the person who sold it to you is a seller,but he is also a very known collector as well, and owns some very nice records including the full Blue Note run, and that record is very difficult to find in nice condition, i assume you paid a pretty penny for it? as i know he does not sale records cheap, kudos to you
Thanks Mark. And yes indeed, it was a big chunk of change. You’re right, it’s so difficult to find and in this condition. I had the opportunity to look at it, touch it and have a listen. So I HAD to buy it.
Scott has always told me that I should give him a list of “holy grail” records I am looking for and his friend (I am assuming it is Charlie) would probably have it. I always go home with a hand full or records from Dig. Best store in town. I never have luck at Music Millenium, they almost always do NOT have any original jazz records, mostly re-issues. I have stopped going there because of that.
Yes, it was Scott’ s friend Charlie, who probably owns more grails than anyone here in Portland. And although Dig Vinyl Records is small, they’re the best store in town.