This is the best record store in all of Austin. I know, “record store” is a dated term since popular music has been predominantly in CD format for over a decade. Doesn’t matter though because Waterloo Records is the place to go if you’re searching for the current Vines album (due out on 4/4/06), the latest remasters of the ZZ Top catalog (recent development) or some of the more unusual, rare releases from bands you won’t find at the big box stores (imports, deluxe versions or “obscure” bands).
Admittedly, a good chunk of what Waterloo Records does sell could be hunted down through Amazon.com who also acquired CDNow.com. But what you allegedly save on price is lost in shipping from my experience. Besides, music through them is just another “widget” to sell like it is with Wal-Mart or Target, they lack any real passion for the product. Now the location can be a nuisance (Sixth Street & Lamar) due to the ongoing construction while the big box stores are closer to my house and the average prices are not very competitive on the regular stock. I don’t care, these things don’t matter, this place has a dedicated, knowledgeable and, here’s the critical one, helpful staff. How helpful? Two quick examples from my shopping experiences:
1. One evening, I stumbled upon a Matthew Sweet album that was done only for Japan. Since there wasn’t any visible English describing the contents, I couldn’t tell if it was new material. I asked an employee about it. He broke it out of the shrinkwrap for me so I could read the booklet and then wanted to know if I’d like to listen to it first. Plus, if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t have to buy it! I was floored. Course I bought it being a Matthew Sweet fan and it did contain original songs he only did for the Japanese market. This employee took all the uncertainty out of my purchase. Big boxes? Usually a puzzled look is the answer.
2. When the Talking Heads boxed set appeared last Fall, I had checked out its price at the nearby (meaning closer) Best Buy and Borders. I even checked Amazon.com to get a ballpark there. Everywhere it ran about $150. If it was going to be that much, I calculated that I’ll spend as much with Waterloo Records instead, I would rather give them my money for such a big-ticket item. So before I drove down, I called. I asked if it was in stock, was put on hold and realized like a moron, I forgot to also request the price. The employee was way ahead of me. He came back, said there were plenty so when I got there after 6 PM, it wouldn’t be a problem and then promptly told me the price, $138! Again, points to the independents.
To be fair, I have had good experiences with the big box people too. However, if the band isn’t normally on the radio or a flavor-of-the-month, those employees are bewildered. The experiences with other record stores such as Atomic Records in Milwaukee or “no-one really misses them” Tower Records in Austin were rather mixed. The average person equates those experiences with a trip to the store in High Fidelity where you’ll get judged on your purchases. Waterloo Records is a delight, they like everything and you’ll hear it over the speakers.
As for the big boxes, those places do have their purpose yet diehard, serious, fanatical music buying with them often ends in disappointment. Waterloo’s selection is top notch. Here’s the other cool part; outside of soundtracks, Electronica, Classical and International genres, the inventory is shelved in alphabetical order so you don’t need to jump over to the Country section for Dwight Yoakam or Johnny Cash, just check Y or C respectively. Same applies for Jazz, Blues, Rap and Pop/Rock. With such a vast selection, you can count on Mark and me doing our best to hit Waterloo’s three 20% Off Sales (one in early April, one in the Fall and the other on the day after Thanksgiving).
Finally, I must close with the other reason why I must plug the store (and why it is a unique facet of Austin), my friend Chip. Chip is one of the import buyers for the store. We’ve been friends for over a decade, since his days at Technophilia (that’s another story). He is the go-to guy whenever I see imports in magazines I know I must have; the Adam Ant remasters, the new Simple Minds album and the last Del Amitri CD, all of which aren’t carried in the US for one reason or another. Best of all, if there’s anything involving Neil or Tim Finn, he notifies me and always makes sure I’m hooked up with a copy. Chip is a HUGE reason why my collection has some unusual things I love.
Amen to that!