Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2009 > September > 10 > Entry
Guest Blogger: Phillip Bradshaw
Last year I spent a great deal of my Thursday nights at Polvo’s on South First Street for four reasons. 1. I enjoy socializing. 2. I enjoy margaritas. 3. I live down the street and don’t have to drive home. 4. End of an Ear record store is almost right across the street.
So last week, my friends and I re-established our Thursday night margarita ritual. And today, I reinstituted my End of an Ear day, night, and pretty much anytime I have half an hour to spare.
Walking into End of an Ear is a little nerve-racking the first time. You cannot see into the store. The door is old and wooden and probably doesn’t lock completely. And you really can’t hear anything going on in the inside. You must be curious and willing to find out exactly what is inside.
Most of the time you are not disappointed. End of an Ear does not boast the largest selection of records, or even the most up to date. However, if you are in the mood for browsing in an easy-going, no-pressure environment, End of an Ear is the place.
As you browse the columns, make sure to flip through the records one by one, even if you know what you are looking for. The tangible aspect of record shopping is one thing that really appeals to me. I flip through each row and enjoy the artwork on each vinyl cover, many I’ve never seen or heard of, but I enjoy nonetheless.
Another aspect that I enjoy is the space you are given by the employees. To me, browsing records is not really a social thing. I am in the store to find music for myself. And if I feel like an employee is waiting for me to ask them a question, I become preoccupied with that thought.
The selection does not take long to browse, so I appreciate that I can probably look at every section in the store in a reasonable amount of time.
I almost always leave with something, whether it is a new record I had been waiting for, or a record I simply don’t have. I might be the only one who is attracted to this sort of shopping environment, but End of an Ear has a loyal customer in me.
For more of Phillip Bradshaw’s entertainment journalism, visit “The View from Austin.”
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: Education, Music
Comments
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By mary_F
September 14, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
I used to be into record stores like this. However, I haven't heard of this place. I am sure the fact that I am not a native Austinite doesn't help. Thanks for this. It sounds like a great place to go for some jams.
By Ryan Lester
September 10, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this
I really like the environment of End of an Ear. It's got a nice quirky feeling to it. I occasionally go there to check out their used CD bin. I actually picked up the Coral's debut album for three dollars one day. I don't own a record player, so I more often go to Waterloo or Cheapo, but I really appreciate End of an Ear for what it is. You can never have too many quality independent record stores.
By Chris Saad
September 10, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
I bought "Water Babies" from Miles Davis at this shop. My all time favorite Vinyl...the warmth cannot be replaced by degraded digital music. Everyone should own a record player!