Rewinding the Tape: Sam Goody Bids Its Last Goodbye

Sam Goody, one of the record store giants from the golden age of physical media, is set to finally shutter its last remaining brick-and-mortar stores.

In malls and shopping centers across North America, the chain became a staple of music, video, and entertainment retailers for much of the 20th century. As with many large physical media companies, its fortunes changed with the rise of the internet, digital downloads, and online shopping.

Located in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and Medford, Oregon, respectively, the chain's last two stores opened in 2022. Both are now expected to close early next year, according to reports.



Despite thinking there were no more Sam Goody's, this saddens me!  My Sam Goody stores disappeared a lonnnnnng time ago. Sam Goody was one of my favorite stores in the mall. One of my lasting memories from the nineties is overhearing two workers, perfectly dressed in flannel shirts with band tees underneath, say, "R.E.M. is one of those bands everybody likes," and the other replying, "Yeah, I don't know anyone who doesn't like R.E.M." I tend to agree with them. I wonder where they are now?

Gadzooks and Coach House Gifts were also favorites. Additionally, bookstores like Waldenbooks were nice. I would definitely visit that store again if I were in Ohio or Oregon right now. Another store I liked was Hastings. My family would always say, "Well, kiddos, we're going to Hastings!" or "We're going to the mall!" and we'd all hop in the van excitedly. My final stop was almost always Hastings if I ventured out to any other store. The candy shop was a must-visit for me, and I always tried to make time for Sam Goody.

I haven't been to the mall since before Covid. So much changed after that with social distancing, but I do go out more now. The truth is I haven't needed anything from the mall. Since the pandemic, I've been doing most of my shopping online, and go out for everything else, such as dining, entertainment, errands, and work-related tasks.

While I appreciate the convenience of online shopping, there are times when I prefer to physically visit a store and engage with products before purchasing. A click of a button simply cannot replicate the experience of touching, smelling, or trying on items. In an effort to bridge the gap between in-store and online shopping, some stores have implemented a "virtual shopping experience" where customers can connect their webcam to see how certain products would look on them, such as a new shade of lipstick or a pair of jeans. Others have taken it a step further with virtual shopping carts that allow you to navigate through virtual aisles and browse products. I even came across one with Christmas music playing in the background, adding a touch of holiday spirit to the digital world of shopping.

Instead of Sam Goody and Hastings, we now have stores like EntertainMART and the Movie Trading Company. I've visited the latter, and it reminds me a lot of Hastings in its offerings. Inside, there's a wide selection of DVDs, video games, music, and merchandise to browse through. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Fortunately, we still have something to anticipate. :)

More on the closure of these Sam Goody stores, please see below.

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-goody-stores-close-1235210208/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0zqfhR3j4TIvWpSaZIIM-Co7NjbcnwoplJCi5x9PTSZyst9p6KfdF7HW8_aem_83DVsqJtnNxhXNY-RV5VIg

Dick Van Dyke stars alongside Chris Martin in new Coldplay video ahead of his 99th birthday

Dick Van Dyke, 98, stars in Coldplay's video for "All My Love." This extended Director's Cut comes ahead of Van Dyke's 99th birthday, when Coldplay's video for "All My Love" will debut.

In the video, Van Dyke, best known for his roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, talks about love, family, and age at his Malibu home.

In June, Van Dyke became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever when he was awarded for his guest role on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. “I feel like a spy from nighttime television,” the actor said in his acceptance speech. “I’m the oldest nominee in history. I can’t believe it. I was playing old men all my life. If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!”

The band is set to perform at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, which will air live Thursday, December 12th, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. Coldplay is up for two awards: Top Duo/Group and Top Rock Touring Artist.

Source: https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/coldplay-dick-van-dyke-all-my-love-music-video-69692/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0EV0lWbZniJCixdOe3AayjjqLInqJRvY2wQxtx7lVTUcepGPHHh_fKNyw_aem_ARgwWUap7Pff9xt2f1ejQw

I just love Dick Van Dyke's zest for life and how he refuses to let age hold him back. At nearly 100-years-old, he keeps moving forward, always giving his best. It's incredibly inspiring to see him continually creating, staying active, and embracing each day with enthusiasm. Whether he's dancing, singing, or spreading positivity, he shows us that joy and creativity are timeless.

What makes him even more remarkable is his willingness to share his wisdom and experiences with others. His openness about aging gracefully and staying connected to what brings him happiness serves as a lesson for all of us. Watching him reminds me that passion and purpose have no expiration date, and it’s never too late to keep doing what you love.

Sports Team: Indie-Alternative Rock’s Chaotic and Charismatic Gems

I recently stumbled upon an incredible band that somehow slipped under my radar until now. How have I missed them all this time? Ironically, I discovered them through some unfortunate news—a robbery in Vallejo, California, on the very first day of their U.S. tour. They lost their passports, stage equipment, and personal belongings—a tough break and an awful way to start a tour!

Their debut album, Deep Down Happy, was released on June 5, 2020. The lead single, "Here's The Thing," came out on February 17, 2020, and quickly became a standout track, full of biting wit and infectious energy. On March 28, 2022, the band announced their second album, Gulp!, alongside the lead single "R Entertainment." Gulp! was released on September 23, 2022. Both Deep Down Happy and Gulp! received glowing four-out-of-five-star reviews from NME.

Most recently, on July 18, 2024, the band announced their third album, Boys These Days, and dropped their first single from it, "I'm in Love (Subaru)." This release marked a triumphant return, as they headlined their first London show in two years at Omeara.

So, what makes up Sports Team? It's like if Inspiral Carpets, Art Brut, and Kaiser Chiefs had a love child-- Sports Team would be the result. Between the vocals, the punchy lyrics, and their sharp, sarcastic commentary on modern life, the band feels like a perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.

Listening to them is like being swept up in a chaotic, joyful whirlwind. Tracks like "Fishing" and "Here's the Thing" capture their knack for creating songs that stick in your head while simultaneously making you laugh or think. It's alternative, indie rock with a punch— loud, unapologetic, and ridiculously fun.

Some of my favorite Sports Team tunes: "Going Soft," "Here's the Thing," "Fishing," "Kutcher," "Stations of the Cross," "I'm in Love (Subaru)," "Dig," "The Drop," "Unstuck," "R Entertainment," "Kool Aid," "Getting Better," "Light Industry," "Condensation." ♪♫




Current tour dates:

07.Dec.2024 The Chapel -- San Francisco, CA
09.Dec.2024 Voodoo Room at the House of Blues -- San Diego, CA
11.Dec.2024 El Cid Los Angeles, CA
13.Dec.2024 Dante's Portland, CA
15.Dec.2024 ALT 101.5 presents “The ALT-imate Acoustic Christmas” -- Palm Springs, CA
11.Mar.2025 The National -- Richmond, VA
05.Jul.2025 Margate Summer Series, UK 2025 -- Margate, United Kingdom
16.Aug.2025 The Piece Hall -- Halifax, UJnited Kingdom

Catch them if you can!

Quincy Jones, Giant of American Music, Dies at 91

Quincy Jones, the multi-talented music titan who produced Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" album, wrote award-winning film and television scores, collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and hundreds of other recording artists, has died at 91.



What do you think of someone like this, whose career spanned over 70 years? Quincy Jones was a powerhouse of creativity, whose remarkable talent and relentless pursuit of excellence left an indelible mark on music and culture. His career was a symphony of groundbreaking achievements, blending jazz, soul, pop, and film scores into a tapestry that spoke to audiences around the world. Beyond his unmatched skill, he was a champion for diversity and innovation, bringing people together through music and pushing others to rise to their fullest potential. A true visionary, his influence radiated beyond notes and rhythms, shaping the very soul of modern music for over seven decades.

He is impressively chronicled in all of the articles I've read today; stories about his life and how he met people in the music and film industries are also told. Please check out the links below.

Sources: https://apnews.com/article/quincy-jones-dead-a9e31c7e39c448d8971519f47a22dd21?fbclid=IwY2xjawGWCxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVB6OGMoRWMDwQT0t2czkeulEXOnE85NHCGOo2MX6j97ZPtZaKr9cyDb4A_aem_-f_ts_AFfL-mLqcjsfqXwg

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-11-04/quincy-jones-dead

The Cure Play Marathon 31-Song Record Release Show Celebrating Songs of a Lost World

In celebration of the release of Songs of a Lost World, The Cure played a three-hour record release show at London's Troxy that was streamed live online. The show is available to watch below in full.

The evening began with a full performance of Songs of a Lost World, the band's first album in 16 years. The band continued with classic hits and fan favorites, including "Plainsong," "Pictures of You," "Lovesong," "Fascination Street," "Just Like Heaven," and "Disintegration."

A surprise five-song mini-set from Seventeen Seconds was played next in celebration of the album's 45th anniversary, followed by an encore featuring “Lullaby,” “Friday I'm in Love,” and “Boys Don't Cry.”

The Cure's record release show at London’s Troxy:



Source: https://consequence.net/2024/11/the-cure-songs-of-a-lost-world-troxy-youtube-stream/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGTv-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfDgOXiuq3RXsSe1ps9JiSRhgriZuXUZuEkG8pWedwe8x17Red--LxRXjQ_aem_jIzD3fUVfRvo-uBP07EKsQ

Ghostbusters and other films live in concert

I didn't discover this until last year, but I find it very cool! Ghostbusters Live features a live performance of the movie's score and theme song along with a screening of the 1980s classic film Ghostbusters. Orchestras such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra perform the concert. There are a number of venues worldwide where Ghostbusters Live is performed, including the Kennedy Center and the Royal Albert Hall.



"Ghostbusters Theme" performed by The San Francisco Symphony:



"Ghostbusters Theme" performed by WDR Funkhaus Orchestra:



Wow, this is awesome! I never knew WDR broadcasting had their own orchestra, but I love this performance. The conductor and his orchestra are clearly enjoying themselves. It's nice to see them all smiling through it. A must-see event for me!

Orchestra performance of Harold Faltermeyer's "Axel F" theme for Beverly Hills Cop:



There are quite a few films being done like this. If one can hear the orchestra of their favorite movie at these events, it can be especially enjoyable.

The Lion King performed by The Józef Marcin Żebrowski Music School in Częstochowa, Poland:



This one is neat!  The Lion King was huge in the 90s.  The soundtrack was just wonderful.  It's nice to hear those songs played by an orchestra.  "I Just Cant Wait to Be King," "Hakuna Matata," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" were among my favorites performed.  I remember those days dearly. The 90s were a time of vibrant pop culture, with animated classics, iconic music, and a sense of excitement about the future. Everything felt fresh and new, from movies and TV shows to video games and fashion. It was a time of innocence, but also of innovation, where we connected through shared experiences like The Lion King.

The same can be said about the 80s, or any decade we lived through. Each era brings its own unforgettable moments, cultural milestones, and personal memories that shape who we are. Whether it's the music, the fashion, or the events of the time, there's always something special to look back on with fondness, a reminder of the way we experienced life at that moment.

I Googled "Ghostbusters live tour dates" and pulled up these dates:

November 1, 2024 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall
November 2, 2024 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall



If you arrive early, you can meet the Atlanta Ghostbusters! Featuring movie-inspired gear, uniforms, and vehicles from the hit Ghostbusters media franchise, this costume and prop group loves to showcase their collection. On October 26th, another show will be held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. These Ghostbusters events seem to be scattered. It just takes a little searching to find them.🎃👻

Where to buy tickets: https://www.aso.org/events/detail/ghostbusters-live-in-concert