Retro Records

In the town of Bloomsburg, PA, a little record store by the name of Endless Records lies in the heart of the small community. Co-owners Nick McGaw and his wife Emily Weisgerber sit at the entrance while playing Zepedo. Across from them, a wall of buttons, push pins, and free used books line the cork board. Next to that, a wide variety of records from Marvin Gaye, Silk Sonic, Led Zeppelin, and Lianne La Havas wait patiently for customers to purchase them.

Inspired by the closing of the old record store Muggiez, Nick and Emily decided to open Endless Records in 2010. Since then, different music lovers would gather or order their very own vinyl. Sometimes customers would order or request an odd selection and combination from the record shop. One time a customer requested a rock and roll album plus a R&B album which surprised Emily.

“A customer asked for a Metallic and Lionel Richie album. This just showed the wide range of interest in music some people have” explained Emily. “Another customer requested a Morgan Wallen and Rockwell album. You know ‘I feel like someone’s watching me type…” she sang.

I shook my head and we both laughed. “I don’t think I ever heard of that song” I said.

She then continued her description of the variety of customers they would enter the shop. Children as young as 12 would discover their own variety of music and other children would accompany their music-loving parents and be introduced to a potential new passion. The only times they could not assist customers is when they ask for today’s music, specifically Hip-Hop.

“Because artists would use social media as one of the main avenues to get their music out there, it is unlikely that we carry their songs on vinyl" explained Nick. 

Because there is more revenue in streaming, young Hip-Hop artists would stream their music on social media and would not press it on vinyl. So, if a customer were to ask for it, they would not have.

"I have never played music on the machine thingy, what music would you recommend for someone looking to start" I inquired.

"Well, it all depends on the genre of music you listen to..." Emily answered, "For newcomers I would suggest playing James Brown or Patti LaBelle on the turntables" she amusingly said. "Records would sometimes come in the form of compilations. People can listen to different artists and discover new music that way. It's similar to a playlist."

"Wow! That's pretty cool" I exclaimed. "What era or decade would you say was the best time for music?"

"I would say that the 70s was the best time for vinyl music" Emily said.

"It's hard to argue with that answer. Most records were pressed in that era" Nick explained.

He then continued comparing different bands from the 70s and I kindly nodded as he went into detail about Bill Withers and Kurtis Mayfield. As he detailed each decade of music, even introducing Zepedo whose bass player is from Dinosaur Junior, I thought that I should invest into some vinyl records. He brought my attention back by mentioning Motown. Amazed by their intense knowledge of music, I thanked them for their time and perused the large collection or records they had in their shop.