Rolling Stones

A SAD TALE. Here is my very unpleasant story. I was once a devoted and loyal customer of Rolling Stones Records at Harlem and Irving. Every month or so I would go there with my CD list, or sometimes no list at all, just to check out what unexpected goodies I might stumble across. In this era of internet dependence and decreased reliance on brick-and-mortar operations, I put great stock on keeping such places as Rolling Stones alive. The young staff was always friendly, and on the rare occasion I had to return something or exchange something, it was always done so cheerfully.

Now for the unpleasant part. It was the 4th of July, and I decided to kick start my holiday by a visit to Rolling Stones before meeting up with friends. Unfortunately, half way there my motorcycle broke down. With much sweat and aggravation, I finally made it over. How happy I was to be amongst my Rolling Stones friends after what I'd been through. I was looking forward to forgetting my troubles for 30 minutes or so while I browsed amongst the books, CDs and DVDs. But before I dove in I naturally wanted to visit the restroom to wash the grime and sweat off my hands and face. Boy was I in for a rude awakening! "The restroom is off limits to customers. You can visit Jimmy John's across the street," l was told by the young lad behind the counter. "But I don't plan on spending money at Jimmy John's; I plan to spend money here." He refused to budge. When I asked to speak to the manager, he said, "He's busy. I can't bother him." I left with my tail between my legs, thorougly dejected and upset. But after thinking about it, I convinced myself that I had had the misfortune of encountering a stubborn employee. When I got home I wrote a letter to Rolling Stones telling them what had happened, fully expecteing to receive a reply. There was no response. I wrote again. Same thing. Now, please understand that I am no kid; at the time this happened I was in my late forties. I dress well, am soft spoken, and have money to spend. Apparently none of this means anything to Rolling Stones.

My last word is this (and I apologize for going on for so long): I do not frequent any business that cannot extend to me the common courtesy of letting me use their restroom facilities. This is the most basic of human kindnesses, and a measure of respect for we the customers. Apparently Rolling Stones does not feel the same. How sad for them. I never went back there again.…

Music junkies get what they need at this beloved local music store on the west side.. The Scene
Ozzy and Madonna watch over this small, flashy storefront with its appropriately psychedelic logo; after all, the store first opened in 1971. A giant RCA dog silently greets you as you enter this blast of music and color. CDs cover the ceiling and hundreds more dangle from it, casting rainbow reflections across wandering music junkies. Salespeople hover, assisting lost customers and probably preventing them from pocketing unprotected CDs.

The Goods
Know what you want? Find it alphabetically by genre: Rock takes up most of the space, but there's a decent selection of jazz, classical, country, reggae, blues, comedy, oldies, soundtracks and kid's music. You'll likely spot that import you're looking for too. If you're just browsing, spend some time at the listening stations, where about 60 CDs are out for sampling. New releases and super buys fill the back wall, with everything from Linkin Park to Creed to Celine Dion.…

changes. i remember going to rolling stones in the 80s wheni could buy a RECORD. they still have an excellent selection, but they do not carry all of the imports that are available. you have to ask if they can special order certain albums. as far as free stuff, if you're not into certain artists, you're not going to get much.…