Kismet Creative Center

Camper Van Beethoven either sounds like no one else, or they have so many influences they're impossible to pin down—ska, punk, folk, world music...it's all in there somehow.

Telephone Free Landslide Victory found me at the impressionable age of 13, thanks to my mom's boyfriend at the time, and it left a mark that's lasted a lifetime. I had a dubbed cassette that I played so often it was practically worn out.

If you're looking for an album that refuses to fit neatly into any one genre, yet still connects on a gut level, this is one to hear.

Includes the classics "Take the Skinheads Bowling" and "Where the Hell Is Bill."

Now playing—and available at Kismet.

Had a great day at Kismet today. Huge thanks to Mike and Tom, who told me they'd stop by the shop on the 11th and actually followed through on that promise.

We spent an hour or so talking music over a few beers.  They left with a nice stack of records between them, and I walked away with something I needed just as much: some genuinely positive feedback.

Days like this are a good reminder of why I opened Kismet in the first place. Thanks, guys. It meant a lot.

Going in a different direction today.

Tapping into Sun Ra's Somewhere Over the Rainbow—three LPs of live jazz chaos that threads through cosmic improvisation, flashes of swing and jazz standards--a rare document of late-70s era Arkestra recordings that's a cut above the rest. It's challenging, exhilarating, and endlessly rewarding if you're willing to let go of expectations.

Sometimes the best records don't ask you to understand them. They just ask you to listen.

Yesterday turned into one of those unexpected wins.

One of my best customers stopped by by appointment and walked away with a stack of new arrivals. He even filled up his loyalty card and cashed in the $20 discount. Not bad for a day the shop wasn't even open.

I also got a call from someone in Ohio who was hoping to stop by on the Fourth. I told him I'd be happy to meet him, but he insisted I enjoy the holiday instead. He said he might swing through today.

Outside, the speaker is blasting New Romantics. Inside, it's Lovesliescrushing's Bloweyelashwish. Two completely different worlds somehow existing at the same time.

There's still trash scattered up and down the street, but at least the holiday chaos has mostly passed.

Today's the 5th—your last chance to stop by before we're back on Thursday.

Find us inside The Wink Incubator Space, all the way at the back.

New arrivals have dropped!

Yesterday, I had to cut out for a lawn emergency. I dont like to take anytime off from the shop if I dont have to--even holidays.  Weekends are my happy time--Kismet my happy place.

That said--we're closed on the fourth.  It took a lot of hemming and hawing and a little bit of outside influence before I came to that decision.

Before i closed, yesterday, i did have a customer drop in to purchase a J Ann C Trio album.  She'd peeped it the week before.  She brought her loyalty card with her which is always a good sign. Thursday sales are rare.  It was a great way to start the month.

Bottom line,  if you wanna check out our new arrivals or there was something you peeped you wanna pull the trigger on, today and Sunday are the days to do it.

Find us inside The Wink Incubator Space, all the way at the back.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!