Although I have lamented the death of the indie record store, my hope has been restored by my recent discovery of M-Theory Records right here in San Diego. The store is not nearly as big as, say, Amoeba Records in Hollywood, but still keeps a great selection of indie rock on hand. While I often dread encountering the stereotypical snobby indie record store clerk, the staff at M-Theory is friendly, without being overbearing; definitely, no sense of being judged when you bring your music to the counter. Support independent music!
* * * * *
We had to make a trip out to Los Angeles earlier this week to get some things ready for Christmas here at church, and I stopped by the aforementioned Amoeba. They also have a pretty nice staff; once, they gave my daughter a free Amoeba t-shirt. In fact, she recognized the store by said shirt during our recent visit. In their massive used section, I was able to find a copy of Dirty by Sonic Youth for less than five dollars. Makes flipping through their mountain of discs worthwhile!
* * * * *
To complete this independent music troika, check out my friend’s interview with Sufjan Stevens from a few years back — right before Sufjan became the international indie heartthrob composer that he is today (watch part six of “The BQE” below). Joshua’s writing is what inspired me, in part, to try it out on my own.
headsparks* 
Daaaang! We have GOT to hang out soon!
Jason — Definitely! Now I don’t have to be the creepy old guy who goes to see Gorilla Biscuits by himself. We can be creepy together :)
Ha! Yeah, I missed them when they came to town. Would’ve been cool to see them. Although, I’d almost prefer to see a Quicksand reunion. That was Schriefels at his best in my opinion.