Why the flaccid economy is a good thing
When I was a wee tyke of six years, I went out on the porch to watch Jack, our lawn mower, do his work. Jack always wore the same thing - jean overalls with blue flannel underneath. I was already drenched from the heat by my salty secretions, but somehow Jack always worked outside in that flannel. I was drinking my cherry Kool-Aid on the porch, when he began to walk toward me. As he meandered up the stairs, he took a long, hard look into my cup. "Kool-Aid?" he asked. I muttered an inevitably inaudible 6-year-old response. He countered with the last thing I ever heard him say: "Good. It'll put some hair on your chest."
In a way, I kind of think the economy is like my humble glass of Kool-Aid. It was certainly sweet while it lasted. We just need to take this time to suck it up and put a little hair on our chests. We need to show 'em what we're made of, and I would say that I'm made up of about 60 percent music. In this case, I'm going to put my money where my ears are, and continue to support something I feel strongly about. I urge you to do the same.
Music will survive solely on the addicts. In a time when citizens are choosing between paying off a mortgage or a child's education, cuts are going to need to be made. Everyone is finally bunkering down and deciding what is important in their lives. For me, cutting out music is simply not an option. I checked in on Parasol Records with bated breath to see if they had been putting a little hair on their chests as well.
"When the economy tanked, our customers' discretionary income was the first thing to dry up," publicist Jim Kelly explains. "Sales took a long, slow dip and have maybe leveled off at a reasonable point for the time being."
Kelly shares the sentiment that the real music junkies will keep the place afloat. "We deal with a niche market of music fanatics who still like their music on an aluminum disc or vinyl platter, and dealing with fanatics has its upside," he said.
This isn't to say that I wake up every morning with a headache, ready to shoot up some tunes; but I believe true music addictions are certainly their own rare breed of mental illness. Collecting music is a tick, a passion that can't be snuffed by patches or mocha-flavored gum. That fervor can't be tamed, even with pennies in the pocket.
Parasol is hoping a new web site design and inventory system will make it easier for customers to get their hands on the goods. After the site redesign, they plan to expand their customer base by advertising and viral means. They can only continue to put out great albums and provide a space for record hunting with the support of the community.
Save your nickels and dimes for the things you truly love, support local business, and remember to drink your Kool-Aid.
2 comments
Well, I would call myself a fanatic, but I’ve been hit especially hard by the economy (which has made me an unemployed fanatic). I don’t have ANY spare money right now, so I’ve devised a strategy that is not helping out Parasol. My strategy: DON’T GO TO PARASOL. I can’t go in there without spending money, so I don’t go. (Sorry, Parasol.) Hopefully, that will change soon, cause I miss the place.
e. gillman
I feel ya, Doug. I might literally have to break open the piggy bank soon.
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Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
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What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
That article almost looks like something out of The Onion
Thanks! I’m looking forward to writing even more….
Yay! Love this! Welcome to the family!
that last photo’s a doozie, Chris. good work.
that city center house show was one of those life-affirming things.
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“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
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This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
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represent, Matt.