So if I was all about records, this would be the spot for me. Blackbird was opened recently as a sort of natural extension of the Operation: Fandom store just next door. For them it was a no-brainer when the original Lucky Records was going out of business. Over there it's nerdy stuff and toys, here you can channel that Clockwork Orange vibe I suppose. The store sign has a cool retro feel to it. The window is filled with random cardboard cutouts and pillows. Maybe as they gain their footing there will be more rhyme and reason to the window display.
When I went inside, I immediately took notice of a few Walkman portable cassette players in a display case. Gave me kind of a smile and a moment to think "Wow, what a time to be alive!" I'm not that old and I did use one of those as a kid. They're not QUITE collector's items yet I don't think... That aside, there is also a blackboard just inside the door with release dates and albums listed. It includes artists both from the past and present. Wall to wall is lined with vinyl below eye-level and paintings and pictures at eye level. There are even 7 inch vinyls and a $1 bargain rack that you could peruse for hours. There's a sizeable shelf-load of CDs in the back, a cool leather sofa and branded memorabilia including mugs and shirts a-la-Blackbird.
There were at least five other people browsing the selection intently when I cruised through. It not really being my thing, I was in and out quickly. However, I can still highly recommend the place if you're looking for a record in town or just looking to burn some time in a place that fits your fancy. read more