RECORD STORE TALES #1228: XX

It was 20 years ago when I finally snapped.  Two decades since that fateful day when I finally reached the breaking point.  The day I ended the most toxic relationship I’d even been in.

December 19, 2005, I quit the Record Store.

The story has been told multiple times, but I have had two decades now to put it behind me.  Perspective changes.  If the “me” of today was quitting that store in 2005, I’d have been a bit more assertive about why I was quitting.  It is safe to say that I left that job for one reason and one reason only.  Even though you can’t change the past, it is sometimes interesting to reflect back in terms of personal growth.

What don’t kill ya, makes ya more strong, as James Hetfield once said.  I am a fucking lion.

There was a lot to love about working in a Record Store, especially the early days.

The most important and lasting impact of the Store is not any of the musical treasures I acquired.  Not my mint condition Shine On box set by Pink Floyd.  Nor the numerous Japanese imports, or the limited edition releases.  None of the things in my collection can compare to the relationships made that lasted the test of time.  I look at my Facebook friend list and count the names.  There is Jade, and Kyle, and Ian, and there is Trevor!  And the Sausagefesters:  Uncle Meat, Joe Big Nose, Tom, and Dr. Dave!  Two Matts, a Pat, an  Ashleigh and a Kate!  And Chris, who I trained and now works at the beloved Encore Records, still selling music to the masses.  Of these friends, I remain close to Uncle Meat.  We’ve had trials, tribulations, and tornadoes in our lives but here we stand.  This list just includes the ones I worked with, but I have friends that I met as customers, such as the infamous Aaron KMA.  Aaron and I will be celebrating our 30th Friendaversary in spring of 2026.

It was unfortunate that it ended the way it did, but I had to hit a moment of rock bottom before I would take the bold move of quitting my job of 12 years.  I’ve never been good at breakups.  Just ask any of my ex’s.   There were the five stages of grief after I left, mixed with a tremendous high of new experiences and new achievements.  The anger stage of grief took a while.  There was fallout, and that’s on me, but like I said…anger stage of grief.  Bridges had to be burned so that I was left with only the positive people from that period in my life.  Many supported me in my journey; some did not, and I’m left with the ones that did.  I am grateful to all of them.

Sometimes I think about what it would be like to still be there, an old dog slinging music from behind the counter.  Part time of course; not manager.  It would be hilarious because I’m not the same person anymore and I don’t take shit like I used to.  The Big Boss Man would have a harder time pushing me around.  I don’t think it would last long.

I still shop there, though the old locations from my day no longer exist.  The staff are mediocre.  I’m not saying that to be mean.  A lot of us were mediocre from day to day back then.  However, I always made sure every customer was at least said “Hello” to, and they don’t do that anymore.

20 years have come and gone in the blink of an eye.  How can I sum it up?  I came out of my cocoon.  “I am, I’m me.”  And I hope the next 20 years reveals just as much growth as the last 20.

Happy XX to me.