Turn it up!

My brother recently told me a hilarious story about being in the Brattleboro, VT location of Turn it Up! Two teenagers came in and were totally baffled by the experience of being inside of an actual music store. Trying to locate a John Mayer CD, they kept looking under "J" and were shocked to learn that the correct way to alphabetize an artist is by last name and not the way iTunes does it (by first name).

What really gets me is their total transparency about their music choices. When I was a teenager in the 90's, I can't imagine being so open about my interest in such a popular and main stream artist in a boutique record store. It was hard to buy your guilty pleasures back then. Oh how times have changed!

As far as I'm concerned, there are few things more invigorating than discussing and discovering music with passionate music lovers. My weekly high school routine included a trip to the nearest Tower Records, where I'd listen to dozens of artists using highly unsanitary headphones and walk out with something that I'd basically physically dissect when I got home. From album cover, to the liner, to the music, it was a healing ritual. I miss that girl immensely and am thankful to live near a store that keeps that experience alive. 

In early 2018, after over 20 years as the the store for music, Turn it up! closed their doors (their other locations in Brattleboro and North Hampton remain). I feel honored that they took the time to put together a Keene inspired playlist for my readers. It's a mix of country, darkness, actual instruments, long hair, and classics. It's perfect for Keene. 

1. Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak
2. Screamin' Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You
3. The Smiths - Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
4. Slayer - Raining Blood
5. Bob Dylan - Girl From the North Country (ft. Johnny Cash Nashville Skyline version)
6. Black Sabbath - Sweet Leaf
7. Black Flag - Six Pack
8. Grateful Dead - Dire Wolf
9. Husked Du - 8 Miles High
10. Neil Young - The Needle and the Damage Done