Chuck Teed serves up music from our own backyards

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Scenes from a record store

Backstreet Records didn't win the title of best record store in Canada, but don't tell that to anyone who attended its National Record Store Day Celebration April 19.

The independent music retailer -- who recently made the Top 5 in CBC's inaugural #1 Canadian Record Store Survey - threw the party to end all parties in front of its Germain St. location last Saturday afternoon, with free performances by Adam Mowery, Jason Ogden, Andy Stevens and Joel Plaskett. Those who came to celebrate were treated to one of the best sidewalk shindigs Saint John has ever witnessed.

The event started at 2:30 p.m., but people were milling about well beforehand, browsing the store racks and jostling for position on the increasingly crowded curbside. By the time local songwriter Adam Mowery strapped on his guitar acoustic guitar and greeted the gathering, there were over 75 bodies in front of the store.

"I don't know if you folks have noticed, but it's mighty hot outside," said Mowery to the enthusiastic all-ages crowd. With the first days of spring finally appearing -- the temperature peaked at 17 degrees -- Mowery worked up a healthy sweat, belting out a full set of originals while providing the occasional burst of comic relief.

"We're about to enter a territory called triple digits," Mowery quipped about his record sales. "I like to call it Saint John platinum." Backstreet owner Gordie Tufts added to those totals by offering gift certificates to anyone purchasing Mowery's latest EP The Three Sisters, leading to a quick sell-out after the set.

Tuft's love for local music was well reciprocated throughout the day, with each artist literally singing his praises.

Penny Blacks front man Jason Ogden gave pause during his solo set to show off his favourite Backstreet find, a free copy of the Tuff Darts "classic" self-titled album. Ogden said the album chased away more than a fair share of female acquaintances.

"If you're ever talking to any of my ex-girlfriends and they're talking smack about me, it wasn't me," he joked. "It was this album." The audience continued to grow in size and diversity throughout the afternoon. Some were drawn in out of sheer curiosity, while others came well-prepared with food and pillows. Young children snuggled with parents, eating rice cakes and sipping juice from plastic cups, forcing Born Under Satellites lead singer Andy Stevens (AKA White Rabbit) to tone down his song Someone Broke The Love Machine.

"I'll use the word fudge," he said about his lyrical edit. "Everyone likes fudge, don't they?" Headliner Joel Plaskett was greeted warmly by over 250 fans, who spilled into the street and stopped traffic for the duration of his appearance. A storefront sign was used as an impromptu blockade, and for half an hour the community took over Germain St., only parting briefly for a parked SUV.

"You guys are going to take back the streets," said Plaskett, humorously comparing the throng to the Guardian Angels. "You're going to be a good crew, going to protect this town real good." Plaskett played a short but memorable set, regaling his devotees with tales of Tone Loc and providing insight into his song writing process.

"I got this idea for this song from Warren G's Regulate," he said about his single Fashionable People before breaking into an impromptu gangsta rap verse.

"Sixteen in the clip, and one in the hole...Warren G and Nate Dogg had to regulate, you know?" Warren G and Nate Dogg were not needed at this party. The audience was gracious and well behaved, keeping the beat with hand claps and hanging on every note.

A store's worth is often reflected in the attitudes of its customers, and if Backstreet's sidewalk party is any indication, our province's best record store has the best music fans to boot.

"I'll end this little set with a line that you can all sing along to because you all live here," said Plaskett, and at the end of a wonderful Saturday afternoon, everyone sang along in agreement. "There's a reason why I love this town."