Divinyl Revolution
437 Broadway Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DiVinyl-Revolution/286382429534
(518) 466-4210
email: divinylrevolution@yahoo.com

Brittany Nasser worked for six years at Last Vestige Music Shop in Saratoga Springs, New York, when the main store in Albany decided to close its branch. Not one to give up easily, Nasser arranged a fund-raising concert to put together money to open her own store, Divinyl Revolution (as in rpms), which has occupied a spot on the town’s main drag the last two years. The store specializes in buying, selling and trading used and new vinyl, cds , dvds, kid robot toys, various collectables, skateboards and vintage clothing!

Divinyl Revolution occupies a prominent spot in downtown Saratoga Springs, NY (photo courtesy of Dan De Federicis at www.funsaratoga.com)

What was your first job?
Brittany Nasser: A dishwasher at a local diner when I was 13.

What was the first record you ever bought?
BN: The David Bowie album, Changes.

When did the idea of owning your own record store first occur to you?
BN: I’ve always wanted to own my own thrift store, but when the record store I was working at was closing, I thought to myself “why not?”

What is the history of the store?
BN: My location was previously the Last Vestige Music Shop. They also have another location in Albany on Quail Street. I had worked for them for a number of years.

What does your store specialize in?
BN: We try to specialize in new and used Rock, Punk, Indie and Metal & Jazz vinyl. But we do carry a little bit of everything.

Has the neighborhood where your store is located changed?
BN: Saratoga Springs is ever changing, but still retains that big city in a small town kind of charm.

How has the music retail market changed over the years?
BN: CD sales have dropped dramatically whereas vinyl sales just keep going up.

So have you noticed a resurgence in vinyl record sales?
BN: Definitely, I see a lot more people of a much wider age range coming in to find some special pieces.

What does your store offer that few, if any, others do?
BN: Well we dabble in all things rock from clothing to movies. But we also sell unique local artwork and special vinyl figures like Kidrobot dunny’s.

Kidrobot dunny’s?
BN: A kidrobot dunny is an artist based vinyl platform toy.
This link should give you a better idea as to what they are

http://www.kidrobot.com/Toys/MiniFigures/DunnyAztecaIISeries3Inch.html

What changes has the store gone through over the years?
BN: Too many to count! We are ever changing just like everything around us.

Who are some of your favorite customers from over the years and why?
BN: This question is way too hard. I have so many fantastic customers, but I definitely must say I have lots of love for all the locals that continue to support me in this endeavor. That being said (the late) Ronnie James Dio!

What was the biggest day the store ever had?
BN: Hmm I’d have to go back and take a look at the books for that one.

Ever had anybody famous come in & shop your store?
BN: There’s been a few. The aforementioned Ronnie James Dio, members of Rush, and countless members of bands that play at the Saratoga Performance Arts Center (SPAC) tend to stop in throughout the season.

Vinny Appice, Brittany Nasser & the late Ronnie James Dio

What is the future of record stores like yours?
BN: Hopefully, to live long and prosper!

What’s the best part about being the owner of a record store, and what’s the worst?
BN: All the amazing people with amazing experiences to share would be the best part (besides digging through all the awesome records). The worst is probably pretty obvious- paying the bills.

What is the rarest record you’ve ever had in your store?
BN: That’s another toughie! I’ve had so many weird rare albums pop through, I guess I’d have to go with the Beatles Yesterday and Today baby butcher cover album. One of my personal favorite semi-rare gems was a copy of Mr. Gasser and the Weirdos “Hot Rod Hootenanny.”

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever gotten from a customer?
BN: Answering this question could get me in some trouble. One of the sweeter requests I’ve had was a gentleman who had purchased a ring to propose to his girlfriend. He didn’t want her to see the jewelry bag so he had me hide the bag in between some records.

What advice would you have for people who want to own a record store?
BN: Expect anything that can happen to happen … because it will!

By Pat Prince

Backstage Auction’s “Summer Classic” auction, September 17-25, will be unique for a rock ‘n’ roll auction house that typically handles consignments from only those involved in the recording industry. The sole collection for the “Summer Classic” auction is that of a private collector.

“This is the first, and likely only, exception we are making to our standard model,” says Backstage Auctions owner Jacques Van Gool. “We pretty much knew where these items in this auction came from. This is a collection that came from a private collector who has been a buyer from Backstage Auctions, literally, from the very first auction. And he never skipped a beat — every single auction we put up, he bought. So the one thing that I did know is that a lot of the things still have the original certificate of authenticity. I know where they came from, so I’m very comfortable. And items that we found that didn’t come from us, we had the signatures verified by a third party to make sure the signatures are authentic.”

He continues: “When you have an individual who has been so incredibly loyal to you, literally from the first day you been in business, you build a personal relationship with them— which is what we had. And he sadly passed away and his family did not know where to go. And we just felt — and it’s hard to put into exact words — but if he knows that we are taking care of this, then I would like to believe that that would make him happy.”

Uncle Ted's favorite Indian boots. Courtesy of Backstage Auctions

Also, this may be one of Backstage Auction’s most eclectic auctions yet. “The fact that he was so diverse and eclectic of a collector means that you’re probably going to find something from anyone who was somebody in rock ‘n’ roll. He wasn’t discriminating towards either a particular artist or a particular musical genre or a particular type of item — from ticket stubs to videos — everything you can think of. But he did have a couple favorites.”

One of those favorites is Ted Nugent. According to Van Gool, twenty-five percent of the entire collection is made up of Nugent-abilia. “There’s a tremendous amount of Ted Nugent stuff,” says Van Gool. “I mean, it’s impressive. The rarest vinyl you can think of. A CD collection that is just over-the-top. Then there’s also the personal stuff, like one of Ted’s most favorite outfits that actually used to hang in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is a pair of his Indian boots that he used to wear for years and years. There has to be over a thousand photos where you can find Ted wearing those particular boots. And there are Gold and Platinum record awards (RIAA) that were all issued to Ted Nugent. These were his personal record awards, including one issued to his mother.”

He goes on: “One of the things I thought was so cool is that we came across a 7” of Pandora & the Males’ “Kiddie A Go Go” from 1965. We had set it aside because no one here had recognized what it was. Finally, when we started doing research on it, we found that Kiddie A Go Go (aka, Mulqueens Kiddie A Go Go) was a pre-teen dance show from 1965, Chicago — which was basically a cross between American Bandstand and the Mouseketeers. They had some pretty interesting artists on the show, but they also had their own house band which was Pandora (Elaine Mulqueen) and a backup band, The Males. And the soundtrack for the

Ted Nugent's first recording: 7" of Pandora & The Males, "Kiddie A Go Go." Courtesy of Backstage Auctions

show was “Kiddie A Go Go.” Well, Ted Nugent was the guitar player of The Males. And this little 7” is the very first recording that includes Ted Nugent. To me, something like that, is super awesome. Yeah, it’s great to have a “Double Live Gonzo” signed album hanging on your wall, and, yeah, we have that, and it’s cool to have, but then you have something like Pandora & The Males 7” from 1965 … I get excited about that kind of stuff.”

For many, it may be hard to imagine the Motor City Madman, who is about as polarizing a personality as one can ever imagine, as the guitar player for a pre-teen dance show’s house band. Whether it has to do with his opinions or his politics, controversy attaches itself easily to Ted Nugent. But Van Gool makes it clear that it isn’t his job to be the judge of such issues. “As an auctioneer we have never looked at which artist we like for their life views or their political views because it is irrelevant. You only can look at what their contributions are to the history of music, and how relevant they are to collectors. Nugent, without question, is very relevant. But I think that, as opposed to a lot of artists, there’s no denying that the world of Nugent is a little more black and white. You either really really like him or you really really don’t.”

But, as stated above, you don’t have to be a Nugent fan to be attracted to this auction. There will be plenty of other artists — over 1000 auction lots to chose from and the foundation of it is probably the vinyl record collection. “I mean, we’re talking about thousands and thousands of records here,” says Van Gool. “But what makes this so interesting is that just about every vinyl lot will include some really unusual, special releases. We found a very solid number of import vinyl — British pressings, German pressings, Japanese pressings. Then we found a significant number of broadcast vinyl. Back in the ‘70s, companies like Westwood One would make these broadcast specials, print them on vinyl and distribute them to radio stations around the nation. Westwood One had their Superstar Concert Series and those were legitimate live recordings. Westwood One also had a DJ named Mary Turner and a series called Off The Record. Mostly interviews, there are also some studio sessions and live sessions.”

Also included in this record collection is much sought after bootleg vinyl. “Usually in vinyl collections you’ll come across these releases,” says Van Gool. “They’re mostly from the ‘70s. And back in those days they would press like a 1000 copies, and yeah, you know, the audio quality is probably not the greatest but 30-40 years later these albums have become real collectible. It’s almost more fun to complete a bootleg collection of your favorite artist.”

Apart from the vinyl, it doesn’t stop there. There are hundreds of signed items, over 300 concert t-shirts (mostly officially licensed), ticket stubs, backstage passes, guitar picks, drum sticks, photos, posters, promo items, reels, CDs, DVDs and videos, books and over 1000 magazines (first assorted by artist, then by genre and then by title). There is even an entire lot of Goldmine magazines.

It may all seem a bit overwhelming but one thing’s for sure, rock ‘n’ roll collectors, this is one auction not to miss.

Go to www.backstageauctions.com to find out more.

Discology is located at 11 N. Sierra St., No. 100, in Reno, Nev. Visit Discology on the web at www.discologyreno.com or www.discology.ecrater.com, or call the shop at 775-323-2121.

Discology  has been in business since 2006 and carries everything from rock ’n’ roll and classical music to movie and music memorabilia. The shop specializes in finding hard-to-find items. This includes new and used  CDs, LPs, DVDs and memorabilia. Shop services include transferring customers’ vinyl and cassettes to CDs. Staffers will even polish your collection for you. And, though Discology has a solid Web site and online store at www.discology.ecrater.com, its heart and soul is a brick and mortar store. Be sure to check out the shop in person.

Discology's David Calkins. The Reno, Nev., shop has been in business since 2006.

What was your first job?
I was a paper boy with my brother when I was a pre-teen. Generating my own “disposable” income was nice since I was always looking to finance the purchase of one prized collectible or another. That job taught me the equation between giving exceptional customer service and earning more income (tips in this case).

What was the first record you ever bought?
I believe it was a Police 7-inch/45: “Every Breath You Take” with “Murder by Numbers” on the B-side. From then on, I realized the value of non-album tracks and began collecting singles. I learned to prize the ones that had better B- than A-sides.

When did the idea of owning your own record store first occur to you?
It was back in the mid-’90s. And for that, I credit my best friend, Mike, who was from Seattle. He suggested the idea when we were working together at Tower Records here in Reno. Until then, it had never even occurred to me as a possibility. Music, back then, was still a hobby. I was primarily focused on finishing my degree in Anthropology and Art History.
What is the history of your store?

After many years of planning and saving, I finally opened in November 2006. It was just two days before Thanksgiving — about a month before the local Tower store would close.

What do you specialize in?
I actually carry a little bit of everything — from rock to classical to movie scores. I’ve always maintained that Discology is “everybody’s music store.” In the spirit of variety, I even recently took in an extensive consignment of highly collectible rock concert posters and postcards. (Think LSD and the infamously loud psychedelic ballrooms of San Francisco in the mid-’60s and early ’70s.) It’s a truly amazing collection with lots of rare and autographed pieces. I’ve even got a 1964 Beatles tour book in the collection. Most of it is on my online store: www.discology.ecrater.com. See “Ephemera.”

(Wonder what your records are worth? Find out now!)

How has the music retail market changed over the years?
As we all know, the majority of folks are now buying online for digital as well as physical formats. Consequently, it’s been an uphill battle with the unfortunate closures of thousands of stores. My biggest “epiphany” has been simple (but humbling): Being one of the two remaining music stores in town does not necessarily guarantee swift business.

Have you noticed resurgence in vinyl-record sales?
Definitely! At the risk of sounding “like a broken record,” let’s just say that selling new-release vinyl has been a saving grace. I opened believing I was going to be selling primarily CDs. But, I’ve since expanded that “model” to include “anything that’s flat and round.” That, of course, includes DVDs as well as LPs.

Discology's brick-and-mortar store is located at 11 N. Sierra St., No. 100, in Reno, Nev.

What does your store offer that few, if any, others do?
Besides offering a great psychedelic rock art collection, I also offer (at very reasonable rates) other unique services: Transferring LPs and cassettes to CD; in-house CD and DVD polishing, etc. My most significant personal offering is being able (and more than willing) to go (way) out of my way to find you that otherwise very “hard-to-find” special item. This is particularly true when a customer doesn’t have all the information about the release — often nothing more than just a bit of lyric. Therefore, the store is called Discology (as in “the study of discs”).

What changes has the store gone through over the years?
Among other things: locations. In October 2009, I relocated to the downtown (Riverwalk) area of Reno to more conveniently serve local music lovers. I’ve also refined the layout of the store through the years to showcase more vinyl.

Who are some of your favorite customers from over the years, and why?
My favorite customers aren’t necessarily just the ones who patronize often. They also include those capable of having well-informed, lengthy and detailed discussions about music. I’ve always enjoyed having the ability to talk endlessly about music. I continue to learn more about obscure artists and sub-genres from my customers.

What was the biggest day the store ever had?
My very first day! It was, by far, the biggest to date. Record Store Day 2010 came close. It was especially memorable in that people came in specifically to buy LPs and not just to buy one of the limited-edition RSD releases.

Ever had anybody famous come in and shop at your store?
I recently had the guitarist and bass player from Amberlin in the store, and Rocky Votolato played in my store a few years ago.

What is the future of record stores like yours?
I truly believe that as long as people want a physical copy of a title, be it on record or CD, stores like Discology will be able to maintain their standing in their communities. It’s important for folks to have a place to go to, a place to browse and to buy, and, especially, a place where they can learn about music other than what they’re already listening to.

What’s the rarest record you’ve ever had in your store?
I recently sold a nice copy of The Yardbirds’ “Live Yardbirds” (featuring Jimmy Page). However, the most beautiful record would have been a toss-up between two recently out-of-print boxed sets: Sigur Ros’ “In a Frozen Sea” and Thrice’s “The Alchemy Index.”

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever gotten from a customer?
Are you a back doctor?

What advice would you have for people who want to own a record store?
Give your customers a choice. Give them the best customer service you can. There aren’t enough record stores these days. So, the more there are, the more choices customers will have. “Big box” stores should not rule the market. After all, who wants to be told “You should be able to order that online”. Statements like that definitely don’t keep jobs or music stores around.

By Chris M. Junior

Robert Croydon’s entry into the music collectibles industry occurred in the 1980s, when the then-teenager made a modest profit selling a 12-inch remix of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood song “Relax.”

A cash register The Who's Keith Moon had at his home is among the treasures featured at 991.com. Photo courtesy 991.com.

Ever since, Croydon has shown a propensity not to relax when it comes to buying and selling memorabilia. The same can be said of Julian Thomas, his childhood friend and longtime business partner. They spent several years working day jobs while also pouring time, effort and resources into building their memorabilia business, selling their items in various ways. Since 2007, their primary collectibles venture has been the Web site 991.com, which specializes in rare vinyl, posters and clothing, as well as items once owned by star musicians, such as a cash register that Who drummer Keith Moon had at his home.

Asked to explain the origin of the site’s name, Croydon begins by saying that 99 percent of any record collection is already complete. The remaining 1 percent, he adds, “is a pang for a new experience, one more step in a journey driven by music, and the gap hungering to be filled. So 99 is the collection, and 1 is the gap.”

(What’s your vinyl worth?)

While Croydon spends his workdays pretty much deskbound at the company’s U.K. headquarters, Thomas is on the move in search of quality product, specifically jazz vinyl collections. Thomas and the other full-time buyers at 991.com (some of whom are based in America, Japan and Mexico) travel around the world to major record shows to track down rarities and purchase entire collections.

In a typical week, Croydon says, 991.com will add around 3,000 new collectibles. New vinyl acquisitions, such as the 15,000 titles purchased from a single owner in early March, are researched, graded, described, pictured and priced before they are offered for sale.

“The Web site is entirely live,” Croydon explains, “so once we hit ‘save’ on our database, then that item is immediately available for purchase on 991.com.”

The site claims to have 500,000 mint-condition pieces. For a while, CDs were the biggest part of its business. But vinyl has been king lately, according to Croydon, who says vinyl sales increased by 15 percent between 2009 and 2010.

Rare vinyl also is featured at 991.com. Photo courtesy 991.com.

“With the advent of the MP3, people want the physical, tangible feel of a proper record again,” he says. “We offer fans the chance to set themselves and their record collection apart, bringing back the individuality and bragging rights that have been lost to people in the age of downloads. Our site is for people who appreciate the pleasure that comes with owning a unique physical object, as well as the convenience of a play list.”

When it comes to confirming the genuineness of such memorabilia as the Moon cash register, Croydon says his company uses its decades of experience and renowned resources, in addition to working closely with sellers, to determine authenticity.

“Pop memorabilia is a growing area for investors wishing to seek an alternative to traditional commodities, so authenticity is paramount to protect that investment,” he adds. “As a bonus, there’s also the regular dividend a collector will enjoy from simply owning cool pieces of pop culture. It’s not always about the money.”

Croydon says that 991.com is expanding into books and art, but the heart of the business will always be buying and selling music items. At the top of his want list are record collections containing such artists as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Queen, Madonna and U2.