We can say in full confidence that Bookmans has the coolest staff members around. How does one become as effortlessly hip as the average Bookmans employee? We couldn’t tell you. It comes naturally to them and they bring it to our stores. What we can do is give you a glimpse into the mind of one of our most super-fly staff members, Seth.

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Seth has worked for Bookmans for a little over 4 years, three in the music department. When Seth isn’t buying movies, music or instruments for Bookmans Grant or working hard in school, he enjoys riding his skateboard, being outdoors, coolin’ with his cats and listening to music.

For starters, how many records do you own?
I just got rid of a couple hundred. I’ve never really counted, but it’s probably around 1,000.

How do you keep track of so many records?
I have them organized by genre. Then within the genre, I keep them alphabetized.

Of all of those, which is your most prized record?
That’s hard for me to answer. I know it’s not ultra-collectible or anything, but I listen to The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers a lot. That’s one I could never get rid of.

Which genres do you listen to the most?
Most of my records are classic rock. I grew up on classic rock and it just never got old. But I also listen to a lot of jazz, post-punk and older country.

You’ve been handling records at Bookmans for a while. What’s the coolest stuff you’ve seen come in over the counter?
I’ve seen thousands and thousands of really cool records over the years, so it’s hard to name anything off the top of my head. Once we got The Velvet Underground and Nico — you know, with the banana on the cover. That was pretty awesome. We also got a deal that had a lot of original Nick Drake records. Public Image Ltd.’s Metal Box came in once, too. Those are just a few that stand out to me.

Do you have any go-to feel-good jams?
Anything by David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and any other British dudes from the ’70s. Old British dudes always know how to make me feel better.

Are there any bands you blast when you’re angry?
I’m kind of embarrassed to admit this, but Metallica always sounds excellent when I’m mad.

What is the first record you ever owned?
The first record I ever bought on my own was The Who’s Live at Leeds. I actually bought it at Bookmans Mesa when I was fifteen. The first record I ever had in my possession, though was Kiss’ Alive!, which my dad gave to me when I was really young.

In your opinion, why is vinyl superior to digital?
I still love CDs because of the portability, but now that MP3 exists, there’s not much left for CDs to offer. Aside from the sound of vinyl, I like the experience of it. When I was younger, I would go shopping for music with my family every week. I like to see and hold my purchase and discover new music through browsing. Music is an experience, and browsing is part of that.

Seth makes buying, selling and trading vinyl at Bookmans Grant easier. Plus, you know he will respect your collection. You can keep the music experience alive by browsing the vinyl selection at any of our Bookmans Entertainment Exchanges!