Neil Young finds a bootleg LP, by the looks of it a Crosby Stills Nash and Young performance,
and much grumpiness ensues. But Neil isn't firebrand in your face annoyed he just pursues the store assistant with a resolute determination to have the offending bootlegs removed. The hapless assistant remains completely ignorant about his job in a stunningly thickheaded manner "I don't listen to music that's why I don't... (mumbling) know" as he then goes on to change the records he's playing in the shop. He also has absolutely know idea who it is that's actually upsetting his state of indifference to music, as do the rest of the customers who come and go throughout the 15 minutes that unfolds. One arrives to flog his cassettes (did anyone ever do that) while one other has seen the future and is attempting to get shot of his 8 Track tapes.
The whole sequence is a fascinating and rare look into a genuine 1971 record store on Melrose Avenue in LA. although not exactly an average record shop judging by the ennui that falls upon those that work there.
The music played in the background is first 'Green Eyed Lady' by Sugarloaf a hit in the States in 1970 and then tracks from The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour' US release LP, which is a little surprising given that was released some 3 or 4 years earlier, but then not anymore than could be expected from the ever switched off assistant.
In the present day Neil has similar feelings towards MP3's as he does to his 1971 self on bootlegs. That may be a little more tricky to resolve than it was in the shop.
So here is the Record Store and a world that has now almost completely disappeared.
Monday, 10 June 2013
neil young finds bootleg. 1971
