In Hastings, Vinyl Never Went Out of Style

"For people like me, records have never gone out of style."

Hastings-on-Hudson resident Michael James is the owner of Clockwork Records, a month-old shop now open off Spring Street.

"We are a mom and pop, family-run music shop," he described. "We have everything from collectibles to common [records]."

Clockwork Records is selling a collection of "new and used vinyl," along with a smaller assortment of CDs.

James, a retired Yonkers police officer since 2007, noted, "I have been collecting music since I was a kid. I've been dealing for the past 25 years—mostly at trade shows and street fairs."

But now that his youngest of three—a Hastings High School student—is getting ready to get a driver's license, he wanted to make the transition from stay-at-home dad to business owner.

"I always wanted to just have my own location," he shared.

And it looks like he chose the perfect time to take the plunge.

Since records' initial popularity, cassette tapes, CDs and .mp3s have been introduced on the music scene; but James points to a June 9 New York Times article by Allan Kozinn titled "Weaned on CDs, They're Reaching for Vinyl."

Kozinn describes a "resurgence" in the record with younger generations.

And James' local response so far seems to support the theory.

The trend "does have a little bit to do with nostalgia," he said, but adds, "It's eclectic enough to have the appeal of the artistic side of the Rivertowns' residents."

So far, he's attracted collectors from all over the region, ranging from Bergen County to north of Poughkeepsie and on the Rockland County side of the Tappan Zee.

But his shop isn't just for hardcore vinyl fans willing to travel for a rare $1,000 "low release punk rock single from the 80s."

"High schoolers can buy $3 to $4 records," he noted, pointing out a bin near the entrance to the shop. "Billy Joel is popular."

James also started selling relatively compact record players for under $100 each to vinyl newbies.

"They are small, they are affordable," he said. "I’m getting really good feedback."

Clockwork has also been visited by more seasoned record collectors who have sold the shop their old rock, jazz and blues collections.

Coming up on the evening of Saturday, June 22, Clockwork will be hosting The Misfits, a punk band, for an in-store signing.

James said he plans to keep an ever-evolving stock and hold more signings in the future to keep things fresh.

But the best part of his gig so far?

"I have no competition," he said.

Clockwork Records (6 Spring St. Hastings; 478-0241) is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.