I am a collector. I love the hunt of finding that uber-rare import vinyl Darkthrone album. I like to physically hold a copy of my favorite albums; be it vinyl, cd, or cassette, and thumb through the booklet, oogle the artwork, and smell the spilt booze on the jacket (if it's used ).

But something increasingly disturbing has been happening in my hometown, all the DEVOTED record stores are closing. The internet is killing them. Between piracy and just being able to go directly to the distributor's to get your album fix, they are having a hard time keeping up. It's a total bummer.

I know that I could do the same, I could just go to Moribund or Razorback or wherever and get whatever album I really want with my Visa card....but that isn't what its about to me! I like the hunt, I like hitting 3-5 record stores a week to find those rare treasures. I guess I am just bummed that one of my fave hobbies is disappearing, and fast. Within the last year, no less than 15 independent record stores have closed here. One of them was a metal only shop that had some of the rarest and coolest albums I have ever seen (couldn't even find some of that shit on the internet).

Is the same thing happening in your home towns? Are independent record stores going the way of the DoDo where you are at too? It has been one of my dreams to open a record store/bar in my later years, but I think that by the time that comes around, collecting may be a thing of the past....At least people will always want booze and brews I guess

*Just a little extra background info, I have been collecting for about 8 years and I don't only collect metal albums. I am really into 60s era garage rock EP's and Singles. They have the best artwork IMO, plus I love the raw sound and the energy those guys had back then! I also love hard to find classic rock era albums.