Where’s All the Music Hiding in the Capital Region?

You hear a song on the radio and it's a few years old, but you can't get enough. I mean, it is technically new, new to you! So, you head out into the Capital Region to go and purchase the cd only to come up empty handed. I know what you're thinking, "Marissa, this is why iTunes exists. Perhaps you're correct. I know plenty of people that only download their music these days. But, I also know plenty of people that love the hard copy, too.

There is something about going to the store and buying a cd and opening it up for the first time. Taking out the album booklet and flipping through the lyrics. Seeing who played what on each song or who wrote what track, maybe even who guest starred as backing vocals that you wouldn't have recognized right away. It doesn't even need to be brand spankin' new, but new to you. I love picking up used cds randomly for a buck, or finding old cassette tapes at the Salvation Army. But, truth of the matter is any form of music is getting harder and harder to come by in stores.

I remember going to pick up Bruno Mars first album. I headed into Target where I thought it would be on the end rack, right there for me to grab, he did have the number one song in the country at the time. I couldn't find it. I asked an employee who looked at me like I had three heads. Testing, testing...is this thing on?

I have friends that live in Nashville, which is basically the music capital of the world so of course you'll find a lot of music everywhere. But, really it is EVERYWHERE. So, it got me thinking, there HAS to be some places locally that specialize in cds, cassettes, vinyl, even 8-tracks. Sure enough, I found 'em!

If you're like me and like to have the real thing and not just some mp3 you paid more than you should've for, check out this list!

Last Vestige - Albany & Troy (www.lastvestige.com)

Blue Note Records - 156 Central Avenue, Albany

River Street Beat Shop - 197 River Street, Troy

The Re-Collector - 167 1/2 Jay Street, Schenectady

Replay - Clifton Park Center Mall by the food court