09/04/2026
The other day I popped into Brian's Record Option to quickly drop off some “A Netherworld” vinyl before I play the new festival in town on September 12th called “RoadTrip”. My set at 1:45 p.m. on the Hub Stage (at Barrie St, just outside Phase 2) is just one block from Brian’s, so it felt like a sign that it was time to deliver some vinyl to one of the most iconic record shops in Kingston. The Megabus I had booked to Toronto was leaving in an hour, and I had just got off work, so I was in a bit of a rush to just “get it done” and drop them off. I was definitely missing the point.
When I walked in the door, a handful of people were browsing the aisles and buying records. I had to wait a bit, which allowed me time to think. The first thought was “you, my dear, did not plan well.” The thoughts that followed were memories. Memories of coming into Brian’s with my Dad as a kid. Memories of losing my Dad to the basement or behind stacks of records for hours. Memories of being fascinated by the store’s organization. Memories of listening to my Dad and Brian chat at the counter.
By the time Brian saw me and it was time to be helped, I had already started to change my expectations. When he started telling me stories, I realized I didn’t want to rush my time at Brian’s, because everything he said was refreshing, honest, and hilarious. Standing there, listening, talking, sharing…. I realized something... the point of Brian’s is to seek the truth, hear the truth, and take home the truth. Whether that be from Brian or his records.
I am happy to say I made the bus on time, but even happier to say that I took home some truths that afternoon.
The first truth:
Brian always holds a story, a comment or a hope for you.
And the second truth:
I was missing the point.
