How can some one self-titled as the Cranky dubmaster be so positive as to be shouting Happy Thanksgiving Everyone in times like these? It’s true; the world is a mess with violence in the Middle East, atrocities in Rwanda and The Congo area. Economic devastation is rampant and possibly getting worse. As well so many people we know seemed to have suffered losses this past year. I guess the answer is that I’m just a “the glass is half full” kinda guy. I have a warm house to go home to. I have my health (if I don’t over do the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie this weekend). I still got some family here.

Our little dog seems to like me ok. And yes I count the blessing of music, close friends and customers. Horizon this time of year celebrates its birthday and so this will be our 34th holiday season since the young and rather confused dubmaster opened up Horizon Records in 1975. Everything has changed and nothing has changed in so many ways. Most importantly we are still here when customers and kids of customers and gulp third generation customers stop in to say hello and wander amongst the stuff we are still collecting and setting out as The Horizon selection. They paw through the bargains or I sell them the new David Byrne/Brian Eno CD or a horrible guilty pleasure holiday classic or how about that brand new instant Horizon favorite Badd Santa The Stones Throw Funk and Hip-Hop Holiday jam just out. We’ll be playing all our favorite tunes in store, CD and turntable working overtime blasting the sounds. Yes we have gift cards and No they never expire.

Most importantly I will encourage any and all who approach the counter to consider throwing any change or folding money into our Operation Santa jar or bring a donation for the Operation Santa Box. I love to sell a stack of CDs or records any time but the best days are those when I feel I may have helped some one in the store or through an outreach effort. So this year we will have several charity opportunities set out near the counter and we’ll place info on our website so that our good fortune of having a music store is put to real use by connecting people we serve with people who are in real need. Each night through Christmas Eve just before we close I ’m going to add to that donation jar by simple ring out of a small percentage from our daily dollars.

As for the music, we are here to dish it out. We got plenty. new Coldplay, new live Mudcrutch (including the 18 minute version of Crystal Rain), Black Diamond Heavies CD and LPs (in case you flubbed up and missed their show here last week), New Kanye West, new CD and LP from The Supersuckers (coming to The Handlebar Dec 10th), tons of used LPs are groovy and ready to take home massive amounts of pre-loved CDs, and recent goodness like Fleet Foxes, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ryan Adams, JJ Grey & Mofro, The Waybacks, Jackson Browne, Q-Tip, we are still playing and selling the amazing CD/LP compilation:Carolina Funk, Blues stuff everywhere, classical, my favorite — The Iguanas, used books, whatever, we have it you might need it, and we are here.

Come say bye to Matt, he’s blasting off December 6th to outer orbit Pennsylvania from whence he came to continue and finish his doctorate work in 21 first century playwright, and say hello to Lauren Trapp just in from deep vinyl land and waiting your visit to discuss the real meaning of 60’s garage rock, The Waybacks in-store and why 45’s are so addictive. Me, I’ll be the one playing that John Mayall LP right after the Elvin Bishop CD ends.

Peace,
Gene

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today by David Byrne / Brian Eno