Friend with LeBrain, Phil’s, Waterloo
RECORD STORE TALES Part 244: Diary of a Mad Record Store Man
I’d like to share with you a selection of entries, verbatim from my journal in 2005. Here’s a snapshot of Record Store Life, November 2005, one month before quitting the store.
Date: 2005/11/04 10:35
PLAYING IN CAR:
Fu Manchu – King Of The Road
I was just thinking today how much I hate bars. I haven’t been to a bar in a year. Last time I went, a bunch of jocks wanted to kick my ass because they thought I looked “gay”. (With my Motörhead shirt on?)
Also thinking about how rude some customers can be. Like it is MY fault that they have to pawn their shit to buy crack.
Date: 2005/11/04 11:59
Today has been very annoying thus far.
People are idiots sometimes, and people rarely seem to listen. And while I’m working away here among the idiots, the Hives are singing, “Walk Idiot Walk”. Very nice.
Oakville tomorrow…yeah…not hyped for that, either.
Date: 2005/11/15 07:29
I have 3 hours to clean my apartment before my parents arrive.
Date: 2005/11/22 19:51
What goes up must come down.
– I spilled candle wax all over my brand new rug (only 6 days old).
– The trunk of my car has a leak, water has ruined a few items inside.
– I have no money.
– I have a total of three days off in the entire month of December
Date: 2005/11/24 19:39
With this new beard, people have taken to calling me either “Ewen” or “Señor Speilbergo”. I’m fine with either name.
Date: 2005/11/25 11:05
Just because you are spending hundreds of dollars in my store does NOT make me your bitch.
Date: 2005/11/26 17:56
There’s this dude in my store that looks exactly like a short Sean Astin.
Except I’m not really sure, maybe Sean Astin is short anyways? I mean, he’s a hobbit, right?
mikeladano.com 
Nah, I’m definitely with the jocks on that one.
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Meanie :)
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We all go through times like that. Some idiot jocks think heavy metal is gay, I haven’t a clue where they got that one from.
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Maybe from the long hair? Pretty silly idea regardless. And I didn’t even have my long hair anymore.
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I think the truth here is that idiot jocks think that everything that isn’t more idiot jocks is gay. Meanwhile, they slap each other on the asses and spend way too long in the locker rooms…
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Good point, lmao
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You definitely can see from these entries, you were CAREENING to a change in life, Mike! Being a worker in a service-centered industry myself, I can empathize with some of your thoughts and feelings!
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Thanks man! Those diaries are very raw. There are still plenty unpublished to go. Hopefully we will get some amusement out of some of them!
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Oh man, everyone who has ever worked a service job is with you.
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…and The Hives soundtracking events occurring right smack in the middle of the 90s is perfect!
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Motorhead, I think Monstertrucks,not gay.
Barbra Streisand tee?
hmm.
Patty Duke’s son,Sean Astin?
Mklndo-Never seen The Hives.
KIck-ass fun!
Who was lead singer?
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The lead singer is a guy named Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist which I think is just a great name! Even better is the mustachioed bassist — Dr. Matt Destruction!
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The Hives are awesome. Wooo!
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They are! Gotta love their sound and image.
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Sorry for yet another Simpsons reference, but those less than enlightened guys at the bar sound like Jimbo Jones & co. (at 0:40): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdBOInL9ZKw
And that is a fine moustache on Matt Destruction, or Dr. Matt Destruction that is! The Hives have one on the 1001 list – I’ll try to bump it into the Movember rotation!
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Right on, good plan. Dr. Matt has one of the best staches currently out there!
I tried watching a recent Simpsons last night, and actually didn’t mind it. I haven’t watched in years!
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I’m in the same boat – I could probably quote most of the episodes up until Phil Hartman died in ’98, almost line for line. After then, there’s seasons I’ve probably only seen an episode or two but whenever I do end up watching, I still enjoy it.
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I was thinking today, remember when the show was so quotable, you could immediately drop a line into a conversation and people would know what you’re talking about?
Like if I said, “Ewww! I’ll have the crab juice” you would know immediate the episode and context!
It’s just not like that anymore. Not as timeless.
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haha – just referenced that exact line last week, poor Mountain Dew, brilliant!
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There ya go! See? It’s just not like that anymore!
I’ll be honest. I’ve jumped ship. I now watch American Dad weekly. I think Roger the Alien is the best cartoon character on TV right now.
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He’s a good choice – I quite enjoy the dad as well. When he’s at his best (and Family Guy can be hit and miss), Stewie of course remains a contender!
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I watched some recent Family Guy stuff, and it was alright. Stewie will always be a contender, and my favourite episode remains the Star Trek: TNG episode.
Michael Dorn: “I’ll have a McBLT.”
Stewie: “I already told you Michael! They don’t have those anymore!”
Michael Dorn: “I’m just saying, they still have the stuff to make it.”
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Man, 3 hours to clean before any Mom arrives is NEVER enough time.
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