The Flaming Lips: Embryonic
This is, of course, a blog about indie music.
Do I, therefore, also support indie music stores?
My simple answer is: sometimes. Independent stores--as opposed to the big box bastards that are taking over the world--all but deserve my business. Stores like Lakeshore Record Exchange even cater to my taste in tunes: alternative music.
I'm in the market for the new Flaming Lips album, Embryonic. I absolutely need the 2-CD-plus-DVD edition. I decided to shop around, price it out locally and at my favorite online store, Amazon. Amazon is terrific because its prices are low, and it offers free shipping on orders that cost $25 and up.
I called two local, Rochester-based indie shops: Lakeshore, and the legendary House of Guitars. Lakeshore has the new Lips for $24.99. The HoG beats Lakeshore, coming in at $21.98.
Amazon's price is a mere $19.99, and if I throw in something else, such as the stunning debut from Stardeath and White Dwarfs, The Birth, I nab free shipping.
The downside of Amazon is you don't get instant gratification. Free shipping take a week or so to get to my door. But the savings, in my opinion, are worth it.
I feel badly for failing to support the independent music shops, but in this economy, every penny counts. When my Embryonic set gets here, I'll let you know how it is!
Comments
I used to buy some vinyls back in my younger days and was DJing a bit. While buying online is convenient and can get you some discount, nothing beats the atmosphere and vinyl smell you get in a real shop... Plus, I loved the "hunting" part, flipping through thousands of records in oversized boxes.
I also happen to be a comic book reader, and while buying on-line is usually cheaper, you don't get some of teh advantages you may get when going to a real store... Like when the shop owner tells you: "Take it home and read it. If you like it you'll pay for it next time, if not just return it." I agree it must be only a small percentage of comic shop owners, but even if it's only a little tiny chance it still beats the 0% that it will ever happen when buying from Amazon.
To be fair, I have to admit I mostly buy them online as comics aren't really easy to find in my whereabouts ^^.
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