Last Vestige- Saratoga
It's a more-hit-than-miss kind of beat-up musical boutique thing that makes Last Vestige in Saratoga an essential weekly stop. Every trip is different because most of the stock is a rotating bundle of used media. So while you might not find the season three DVD of Weeds this week, there's a likely chance you'll stumble on a coveted Black Flag album or even a Tommy James and The Shondells cassette.
Still, in the age of Amazon, why bother with a vintage record shop?
Keep iTunes close to heart (or in your bookmarks) for need-it-this-minute singles. But for a proper browsing and cop-a-media-feel experience, stop in to talk to actual people. Hey, peer-to-peer won't keep your boom box and 45s alive, but Last Vestige just might.
This is where you go browse until your eyes blur over. A massive collection of vinyl, bundles of CDs, cassettes, VHS, DVDs, and great suggestions make it what it is. Not until you get over the shock of these rare finds do you realize there's a back room full of vintage clothing. Apparently it's donated sporadically by a mysterious woman called Roxanne. Yeah.
The crew that runs the joint will discuss whatever questions, craves, or rants you have (even if they don't concern music) and if you're in there to sell for some cash or credit they'll likely scrutinize the hell out of your collection. But they've got a reputation to uphold, and a stock to keep the eyes interested in, so you never know what they will or won't buy. If you're looking for even more great finds, they've got a shop on Quail Street in Albany too.
Vibe: This is definitely a no-pressure-to-buy haunt that's less "we're here to make money" and all "we're here because we want to be". The guys at the counter were all about friendly conversation and answered every question I could think of. Scrubs was playing on the TV when I walked in and I found a CD of a band I met last year, that opened for one of my favorite shows ever.
Price Point: Cheap! They'll run your credit card but you won't really need it unless you're there to stock up.
Score! Find: Either the leopard print car coat for $65 or the Miles Davis record.
Find It
Last Vestige
437 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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Comments
Pssst....The mysterious Roxanne is Roxanne Storms who previously ran Albany's now-defunct vintage shop, Special FX.
... said jess on Jun 24, 2008 at 4:51 PM | link
Special FX? Why would a shop with such an illin' name go bye-bye?
... said heathah on Jun 24, 2008 at 10:53 PM | link
I think she just didn't want to deal with the trials of retail anymore. I scored a bunch of great stuff at her closing sale a couple of years ago.
... said jess on Jun 25, 2008 at 9:41 AM | link
I love Last Vestige, at least the one in Saratoga. We need more record stores in Albany.
... said Bjorn Buggershiv on Jun 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM | link
If this blog is called All Over ALBANY, why didn't you mention the Last Vestige on Quail Street right IN Albany. Geesh. What are we...chopped liver here. True, Albany isn't as fancy shmancy as Saratoga. And the only horses I've ever seen here are the one belonging to the cops when there's a protest at the state Capitol. But gosh darnit, Albany has its charms!
Miffed in Albany
... said Miffed in Albany on Jun 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM | link
Psst... I think this is the line you were looking for Miffed: "If you're looking for even more great finds, they've got a shop on Quail Street in Albany too." It's at the end of the 5th paragraph.
... said Greg on Jun 25, 2008 at 1:10 PM | link