Wax Nostalgic: 7 Questions With David Day of Jive Time Records (Seattle)

We talk to the bawse of Rain City's go-to vinyl spot.

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Complex Original

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By Jaeki Cho (@JaekiCho)

Despite its drizzling weather, Seattle is, hands down, one of the hottest record spots in the country. Maybe the rain keeps everyone inside, or pounds of Northern Lights keep them high above cloud nine for that easy listening. Whatever the case, aside from coffee consumption, Microsoft, and Costco, the home of grunge rock should be acknowledged for its lively record scene. With that said, we sought after the city’s most modest—yet vibrant—record keepers: Jive Time Records.

We specifically use the word “vibrant” because during our short conversation with the owner David Day, we were repeatedly interrupted by customers, but more importantly, record sellers. Every other minute, it seemed, new piles of records were brought in, and greeted with a smile from the JTR staff. In other words, the shop boasts both (a) consistently updated product, and (b) friendly customer service. Day, who's worked in record stores throughout his life, started his business ten years ago. Since then, it's expanded into a destination for record lovers, who often praise the locale’s clean atmosphere, and gem-filled 99-cent bins. Unfortunately for Ke$ha fans, neither the main store, nor its Clearance Annex (located across the street) sell new Top 40 wax (do they even make that anymore?)—they only carry used records. Regardless, it boasts a great selection of rock, along with a solid collection of soul and R&B pressings. Thankfully the boss of Jive Time was able to spare some of his quality time to take our Wax Nostalgic 7 Question survey.

What's the first record you ever bought? What was the last?

David Day: Oh, boy. Uh, I think it was Led Zeppelin II. As far as the last record…Oh, God, I’m spacing now. It was Cold Waves & Minimal Electronics Volume 1 from Angular Recording Corporation. It’s a compilation of obscure ‘80s synth and electronic music.

What’s your favorite record of all time?

David Day: Oh, boy. Too many to choose, I can’t even narrow it down to the top 100. We’re discovering and devouring new titles everyday. But if I really had to pick I’d probably say Rolling Stones’ Some Girls.

What’s the most valuable/expensive record that you own?

David Day: Probably some old original label Blue Notes or something of that variety? There’s a lot of different stuff. Some obscure folk stuff. It’s too vast. [Laughs.]

If you didn’t own a record shop, what would you do?

David Day: Graphic design, which was my other profession. I don’t work as a graphic designer any longer, but I incorporate that skill in my current venture, and I’m sure that’s what makes it stand out.

Why should people buy records?

David Day: Well, of course, it’s the business we’re in. [Laughs.] I think it’s the most valid format. It sounds better, it looks better, and it’s not as disposable as others. We love CDs, we all listen to MP3s, but vinyl is definitely where it’s at for us.

Vinyl will never die because…

David Day: You just can’t kill it. We have a lot of regulars who come in, and they look for various stuff. A lot of people go through the new arrival bin, and people pass by that to go through the 99-cent bins. There are all kinds of people. Nowadays, there are a lot of younger people getting into it, and buying turntables. They are going for it big time so I don’t think there will ever be a lack of that.

Have you ever played a certain record and gotten laid?

David Day: [Laughs.] The Rolling Stones' Some Girls. And it worked.

Jive Time Records
3506 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle, WA
(206) 632-5483


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