Rasputin Music

Not too far from Amoeba Records was yet another record store...

that Bert and I were eager to show TC.

Featuring the namesake of the Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin, this store rivals that of Amoeba in size and scope.

This is the classic and haunting image of Rasputin  that I remember after learning about him in 7th grade Geography honors. Our teacher made the Russian Revolution come alive with stories about Rasputin's relationship with the Czar's family, his strange healing powers and most compellingly, his violent death. With a haunting stare and arm upraised, little did Rasputin know that a record store would be named for him and be in existence for the past 45 years.

Whenever we or our friends mention Rasputin, we always mimic this pose.

Hilarious, the ice cream sign below. Yes, there was really an ice cream stand right when you walk in.

Do this or else, haha!

Like Amoeba, it was visual overload. In the World Music section, I found an LP that I bought for $2.99. Because it was only the first day of our vacation, I was worried that storing the record in our car for the next nine days would warp it. I ended up having Thane hold on to it since he and his family were on their way down to San Diego so he could give it to my parents (which he did).

Haha, Rasputin in a Santa cap.

I believe that is the French language poster of Hammer Horror Film's, "The Mad Monk" starring the late and great Christopher Lee.

There was even more downstairs, but we didn't stay as long as we could have. We were tired and wanted to crash out soon.

Here is the record I bought, "Bayanihan Sings". Bayanihan is the National Dance Company of the Philippines, known for its graceful, elegants and theatrical style. This record was released in 1961 and features the dance company singing folk songs. It comes with a lyric sheet and an insert advertising other recordings featuring the Bayanihan Dance Company.




Here is a recent video of Rasputin Music:

Plus John Taylor and Roger Taylor from Duran Duran signing records on Records Store Day in 2011. I just fast forwarded to the end so I could see John Taylor up close. He was my favorite member of DD (the bassist). He still looks good!

Reviews:
yelp

Rasputin Music
2401 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 704-1146

www.rasputinmusic.com + fb page

Why read a boring encylopedia entry about Rasputin when you can learn the same information through this disco song, "Ra Ra Rasputin"?!

I liked that they threw in a reference to Alexei, Czar Nicholas' hemophiliac son (2:17 mark). His mother, the Czarina relied on Rasputin to "heal" him. She was also supposedly getting it on with Rasputin.

We'd visited three record stores in one day and although we didn't really "stock up" or buy a bunch of stuff there, it was more fun just taking in the sights and soaking up the history.

It was off to Thane's but first, a quick stop to get a few gifts for some friends over on Solano Ave before retiring for the day.