Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Through the Looking Glass

Dear Reader,

If like me you grew up checking your closet each day for a door to Narnia and writing letters to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry admissions department, have I got a record store for you! Finding The Secret Book & Record Store in Dublin is a bit like getting to Diagon Alley - you have to be in the know to even notice it. The inconspicuous entrance is wedged between two storefronts (although it is often marked by an A-frame sidewalk sign), and one must pass through a long hallway filled with a veritable forest of flyers in order to get to this treasure trove of second-hand, off-beat material for listening, watching and reading pleasure. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable but they don't jump all over you, so you're free to spend an idle hour browsing their wares. From Reggae to Psychobilly, they're got you covered with small but well-chosen collections. I purchased the following CDs: an album of traditional Czech folk music for about 4 Euro (you can't beat that with a stick!), Arepa 3000 by Los Amigos Invisibles (No clue what it'll sound like but I couldn't turn it down because a) Arepas are tasty b) it was only 6 Euro and c) it is described on the cover as "A Venezuelan Journey Into Space"!), and Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychadelic Era. I also took a quick look at the books as I was headed out, and they get my stamp of approval as well.
And now, a classic.

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