The “more expensive” $3 bins tend to be a little more curated, better conditions, titles that match the shop vibe. I also try to keep them somewhat organized so I can dig in there if a customer asks for Barbara Streisand or Percy Faith. They cover most genres and range in condition, although I make an extra effort to weed out anything cracked, warped, moldy, etc. Still one of my absolute favorites.ĭo you have a cheap bin and what do you typically find in there? It’s a record I would’ve paid a collector’s price for some day. Found it at a Salvation Army in Santa Cruz. Stanley Clarke, Spyro Gyra, Little Feat, Steely Dan – some of my favorite Lp scores from back then.Ī minty early mono pressing of “Black Saint & The Sinner Lady” by Charles Mingus. I’m sure there was some great collectible finds that I was very unaware of, but my joy came from digging through the bargain bins, walking out with a short stack, and keeping my spending still under 10 bucks. I remember it like a little shack, with a few low-ceiling rooms, and records in every nook. As a young teen, I would get myself out to Streetlight Records in San Jose – their first location I believe. My greatest record shopping experience ever would probably be one of my earliest. Other than your own store, what and where is the greatest record store shopping experience you ever had? To my amazement and delight, Mars looked like a cool record shop!Īs for new vs old, I’d say 95% of the Mars inventory is used records. I brought my records in on Thanksgiving night and was up and running on Black Friday. I had one buddy build the record bins and the stage. I got the keys that Fall, and with a little help from some friends, we cleaned up the space and painted it. I already knew the landlord somewhat, so we felt comfortable working out a “pandemic deal” that was good for both of us. With the idea brewing in my mind, I started researching logistics and locations, and found myself back in the same zone as that vintage shop, but just next door. I’d been helping out a vintage shop on Piedmont Ave with a little record section which unfortunately had to close doors in the Summer of 2020. The window of opportunity came a little early I guess! I always thought I might spend my later years/”retirement” running a record shop. I’ve worked part-time at lots of record shops throughout the years, and in 2018 I started selling at local swaps and such. Finding them, collecting them, studying them, listening to them of course. I’ve always loved records, everything about them. With music venues closed and gigs canceled due to the pandemic, I found myself brainstorming what else I could do to make it through the times. I’ve been a full-time musician since 2005 – gigging, touring, and recording. I opened Mars Records at the end of 2020. How did you go about opening Mars Records? Glide recently had the pleasure of speaking with Adams about opening Mars, some of his coolest vinyl finds, and just what makes Mars different than other shops. Adams has toured with Brett Dennen, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers and is a pillar of the Northern California music community where he can often be heard performing with members of The Mother Hips & more.Īdams can now add record store owner to his credits as he recently opened up the colorful new Mars Records in the Piedmont Section of Oakland. Steve Adams is that industrious artist who has been the longtime bass player in the California rock band ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) which is signed to Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records. It’s no surprise that full-time musicians are obsessive record collectors, but it might raise an eyebrow of interest when that notable musician opens his own record shop.
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