CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 5/13/21

Hi everyone,

One of my favorite hobbies as a kid was playing “musical family tree”. Most of us know how this goes, you would discover a band you absolutely love and then you would scour liner notes and any article or interview you could get your hands on to piece together: “Who were the band members? What other bands did they play in? Who were they friends with? Did they have bands that I would like as much as this one?”

Thanks to the internet this detective game has become much easier, but in my early days, this was how I (and so many of us) learned so much about music and discovered much of what would form my musical foundation.  Also- shout out to the Magic Platter listening stations where I spent hours of my youth in headphones digging through the used section and listening to stacks of albums week after week- that also helped.

Needless to say, I LOVE a good origin story and this week I have a really good one for you.

This RSD, Gruntruck’s Push (originally released in 1992), will be available for the first time domestically on vinyl. This release is one that hits close to the heart for our very own Matt Vaughan of Easy Street records, so this week I would like to share an article he wrote. This reads like a who’s who of the 90’s Seattle music scene and even gives a glimpse into the inceptions of Easy Street Records.

Here is a little excerpt on that:

“You might ask, how did a 19-year-old have the gumption to start a business, with rent, buying inventory, etc? I had worked at record stores through my teenage years. One was owned by a stepdad on the Eastside, the other by a guy on the Westside. Both owners had to get out at the same time, for different reasons. I’ll leave it at that. I took the lease, fixtures, and inventory of the West Seattle store and the remaining inventory and name of the Eastside store. I had to keep the name of one of the stores otherwise I was going to have to file a business license and all that. There was no time for delay. 

The Westside store I had worked at was called Penny Lane, a very unoriginal name for a record store. After a couple years, I moved it down the street (where it still stands today), created a logo, and hired a couple people. I guess I had a knack for running a record shop, knowing what records to buy, what labels to partner with, what bands to support. I assume that gave me some cred with some of the local bands and the overall scene, but what did I know about rock band management…”

Here is a link to the full article, definitely a fun one.

https://www.revolutioncomeandgone.com/articles/19/gruntruck-most-underrated-Seattle-grunge-band.php

Thanks for sharing this one Matt!

Here are the charts.
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 5/6/21

My two favorite parts of the music world are: 1) that you truly never know who you will cross paths with, and 2) that it is always really fun to be there at the beginning of something.

Back in my early days at CIMS, one of my close friends and (at the time) bandmate came home from tour with another band and told me that his new friend and fellow musician would be coming to town for a bit and he really wanted me to meet her… that “we would really get along”. She was working on her own songs and while they had breaks on tour, they were going to make a record.

During that period, we would all end up spending a good bit of time together sharing music (our own and others), and there were lots of really fun and really late nights in the studio recording and listening back to tracks. Over the course of that year, sometimes weeks, months, or just days at a time, I watched and listened as those songs that started as laptop demos came to life. I knew from the first time she hit spacebar to play me “a couple of things she had been working on” that she was going to make it and do cool things. I even remember when she decided what her songwriting moniker would be.

So… who was it and where is she now? I knew her as Annie, but most of you probably know her better as that chosen moniker, St. Vincent, and those songs became known to the rest of the world as her debut albumMarry Me.

If nothing else, it does feel good to be right. She certainly did make it and she has done some very cool things since. Tomorrow she is back with her new albumDaddy’s Home.

I got a chance to spend some time with the new album, and upon my first listen I got the feeling of waking up still hazy (certainly with a bit of a headache) from an Oz-like dream of New York. A very specific New York that I particularly love, with all of that ’70s perfectly imperfect grit and grain and definitely a sequin or two. When, if you had “the look”, you could make it past the ropes at 54, and the chances of hanging with Lou or Andy and the gang were high. David, Mick or Elton might even pop by when they were in town. You would get into some trouble, but it would be a lot of fun.

It has been a while since our paths have crossed, but I have to say, Congrats Annie. This is a really good one.

Here are the charts,
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

St. Vincent
Daddy's Home
(Loma Vista)

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 4/29/21

Hi Everyone,

I hope this chart finds you well. Speaking of, this week I wanted to call attention to an upcoming Music Biz event- “Mind Your Health”. This event will be a panel and keynote discussion about our industry’s approach to mental health and wellness. I think it is safe to say that this past year has been mentally and emotionally challenging for us all, so I want to commend Music Biz for putting together this event and calling attention to this ever-important topic.

I am also delighted to say that we will have some CIMS representation for this event, as our very own Paige Brodsky of Streetlight Records will be one of the contributing panelists. Paige, thank you for being a part of this discussion. It is definitely a conversation that we need to continue to have. I am including the details below, so I hope some of you can be a part of this event.

Take care of yourselves out there,
Andrea

Here are the charts.

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 4/22/21

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Mr. Ho, Mogwaa
"Bail-E"
(Klasse Wrecks)

Blake Wimberly - CIMS/ThinkIndie Pool Boy
Take a dip in this moody groove pool of Rio hip hop-meets-Miami bass via Hong Kong's Mr. Ho (co-head of the excellent Klasse Wrecks) and South Korea's Mogwaa.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: 4/15/21

Hi Everyone,

If things were “normal” we would be getting ready to celebrate Record Store Day this weekend, but hey, what is “normal” anymore anyway? Nothing is changing the fact that there is definitely the excitement and energy (nice way of saying stress) of Record Store Day in the air. We have a FANTASTIC list thanks to all of our participating labels, artists and distributors and there is a lot to be excited about. Now let’s all hope we can all get those records where they need to be in time to make the fans and our customers happy… no pressure.

In other news, Happy Earth Day! Lots of work to do, so let’s all do our part not just today but every day to make this ball a better place for Everyone.

I am kicking my day off with Another Green World (loudly) because it just seems appropriate. Plus, Eno just makes everything better.

Have a good one & be kind to one another. Here are the charts.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 4/8/21

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

The Fratellis
Half Drunk Under A Full Moon
(Cooking Vinyl)
Scott Register - ThinkIndie A&R
Need a record to give you the warm fuzzies? Might I suggest the jingly-jangly sounds of The Fratellis' latest offering? This album is right in my wheelhouse and I’ve had the best time listening to it and playing songs on the radio. If you need a musical pick me up, might I suggest gettingHalf Drunk Under A Full Moon?

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 4/1/21

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Clark
Playground In A Lake
(Deutsche Gramaphone)

Nick Campbell - ThinkIndie Warehouse Manager
I’ve been waiting quite a while for this album to drop, and it has not disappointed. The aesthetic of the album definitely leans more heavily towards classical than electronic, but it’s very much in line with both Clark’s early albums in the latter genre and leads naturally from his last few albums of film and television score work. The initial singles “Small” and “Lambent Rag” flit between the darker, melancholic tones and playful experimentation that I love about Clark and other artists working similar territory, so I’m very happy with how this album’s turned out.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 3/25/21

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Morgan Wade
Reckless
(Thirty Tigers/Ladylike Records)

Scott Register - ThinkIndie A&R
I put on Morgan Wade’s Reckless album and it ran me the fuck over. This album turned me inside out. Big things coming for this talented artist. Call this music what you want as long as you call it authentic and outstanding. Damn!

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 3/18/21

Today I wanted to put the spotlight on one of our stores celebrating a big moment this year.

Homer’s Music in Omaha, Nebraska joined our organization in 1995. They are one of our original CIMS members, and this year they are celebrating their 50th anniversary! This is a huge milestone for not only Homer’s but also for CIMS as well. So, this week I wanted to share a few words from Mike Fratt, General Manager, head buyer for Homer’s, and our CIMS board chair of many years:

Hey Everyone,

Homer’s would like to give everyone a GREAT BIG THANKS for all the support over the years as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary

Established in 1971, Homer’s was one of the founding tenants of Omaha's Old Market, a top tourist attraction comprised of century-old four and five-story brick warehouses renovated into shops, restaurants and bars.

The company grew over 4 decades expanding to almost a dozen locations in Nebraska and Iowa, also birthing a successful One-Stop Distributor, RTI.

Today only one location remains, the Old Market store. Recognized for years as Nebraska's best music retailer, Homer’s has been featured in numerous publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Billboard and numerous music and travel magazines. Homers joined the Coalition of Independent Music Stores twenty-five years ago and Homer’s General Manager, Mike Fratt, currently serves as the CIMS board chairman. Homer’s participation in CIMS is a contributing factor in Homer's success weathering so much change over fifty years. CIMS is a founding member of Record Store Day, the international annual celebration of indie record stores. Selection and service have been the cornerstones of Homer’s identity along with the iconic jingle.

Homer’s currently employs twelve staffers. The store is 3500 sq feet with wood floors and 16-ft ceilings. Marq Manner is Store Manager and Haley Clark is Assistant Manager. Mike Fratt is Head Buyer and General Manager. Tom and Sue Weidner are the owners since 1992.

I joined Homer’s in 1978, after some time at Musicland and Record Shop. During my almost 35 years here I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with some amazing people, meet very creative people, discover awesome music and share that with music lovers. Not only that, but CIMS has given us the opportunity to interact with other indie stores strengthening our efforts. It's been great and 2020 caused us to reflect on how much it means. All the more reason to celebrate.

Cheers,
Mike
http://homersmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HomersMusic
https://www.instagram.com/homersmusic/channel/

Homer’s will be doing special sales and promotions to celebrate this occasion all year. Since we are still in a time that makes celebrating these important moments properly a little more difficult, let’s be sure to show this fantastic store some extra love, and next time you find yourself in Omaha, be sure to go by and say hello!
 
Congrats to Tom, Sue, Mike and everyone at Homer’s for 50 years of music!
 
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Dan Sartain
Romance In Stereo

Andrea Paschal - CIMS/ThinkIndie Executive Director
This week has been such a heavy one for many with the loss of Dan Sartain. For the majority of my life, Dan and I have shared friends, bandmates, stages, laughs about pretty much nothing at all and lots of spaces at shows and record stores together. He was full of contrasts; there was definitely a dark side to him, but his goofy nature and excitement often reminded me of that of a little boy. He could be kind of a mess, yet from the time we were kids, he seemed fully formed. Those stark contradictions are what made him who he was. I remember always thinking Dan was a little like a reverse Marty McFly; not quite from the present, but also not quite from the past. So, today I am taking it back to the early days. I always loved this record. I honestly can’t believe these songs are 20 years old this year, and I can’t believe Dan is gone. Sending lots of love to his family and those closest to him feeling this the most.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 3/11/21

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 3/4/21

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Body-San
Midnight
(100% Silk)

Blake Wimberly - CIMS/ThinkIndie Spring Bringer
The breeziest of tracks from the silkiest of labels.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 2/25/21

Hi Everyone,

I was especially happy when I opened the charts this week to see Tipper- Broken Soul Jamboree, one of our very own ThinkIndie distributed titles, take the number one slot on the CIMS Debut chart this week. This is the first time this album from 2010 is available on 2LP vinyl and it hit the shelves last week, though I suspect not for long. We are thrilled to be working with Tipper and his team because he is an artist that truly embodies the independent spirit. Not only is there a true commitment to bringing special releases to the fans, but also to channeling those fans to indie record shops across the country…which makes me a fan. There will be more to come from Tipper and ThinkIndie this year and we are looking forward to it!

Here are the charts.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 2/18/21

Hello Everyone,

This week we are holding our annual CIMS Board Meetings. It is a very important week for our group because it is one where we take a hard look at our previous year and use those conversations to set goals and initiatives for the current one. This year our meetings are quite different. We are usually able to all descend on some city and spend the better part of the week together having those conversations in person. It is an invaluable time for our group, and I am certainly missing not being able to have that for this go around. Side note, if you find yourself in a city that is not your own (or even if it is) with any of that crew, you are sure to share good times and make wonderful memories! However, we are determined to make the most of our current circumstances. Thanks to all of our past experiences together, this year’s meeting is shaping up to be just as successful. I am grateful to our CIMS Board members for the extra time and energy they dedicate to our organization and the store perspective and guidance they bring to our discussions.

In other news, the award for best band breakup announcement hands down goes to Daft Punk. Definitely the toughest breakup moment I have been through in a while.

Here are the charts.
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Daft Punk
Discovery
(Parlophone/Virgin)

Andrea Paschal - CIMS/ThinkIndie Executive Director
In proper breakup fashion… time to break out our favorite tunes and remember all the good times we shared together. Discovery, you will always be my jam.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 2/11/21

Hi Everyone,
 
As I send out this note today, I am especially thinking of our CIMS members, Waterloo Records in Austin and Cactus Records in Houston, as well as all of their employees, families, and our other friends across the state. was quite disturbed hearing their accounts of the situation as well as seeing news footage of what the people of Texas are going through right now. It was especially devastating because it was just another hardship, on top of so many others, that could have and certainly should have been avoided. I hope that you will also keep our stores and the people of the great state of Texas in your thoughts as well. Below are some ways to show your support if you can during this especially hard time:

• The Salvation Army provides shelter, food, and other necessary items to those in need throughout Texas.

• The American Red Cross is supporting at least 35 warming centers with cots and blankets across the state.

• In Austin, the area Urban League has started the #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign to raise money for hotel rooms, food, water, clothing, and other basic needs of the housing insecure communities.

• Local small business Free Lunch is making deliveries of home-cooked meals, blankets, hand warmers, and hygiene kits to the Esperanza Community residents, a state-sanctioned shelter/campsite in the city.

• The Other Ones Foundation is also providing resiliency kits for residents of the campsite. The kits include basic needs for those experiencing homelessness.

• Dallas-area organizations Austin Street Center, OurCalling, The Stewpot, Union Gospel Mission, and Oak Lawn United Methodist Church are pooling funds to help pay for temporary shelter as well as Covid-19 rapid tests for those in need.

• Lucille's 1913 Community Kitchen is preparing and distributing meals in the Houston area.

• Caritas of Austin also helps those experiencing housing insecurity in the Austin area. You can support their work by making a monetary donation or ordering items from their Amazon wish list to be shipped directly to the center.

• Austin Pets Alive! is working to keep pets across Texas warm and safe during the freezing conditions. The group needs heating pads, Styrofoam coolers, dog beds, heat lamps, and monetary donations.

• Support your favorite Texan Record Store!

 
Here are the charts,
Andrea 

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Small Black
Cheap Dreams
(100% Electronica)

Russell Cothran - ThinkIndie Sales & Marketing
When I first heard the new single, I thought it was Ernest Greene AKA Washed Out. It made sense considering the band toured with Washed Out incessantly throughout the 10’s. If you like airy, dreamy pop, this record is for you.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 2/4/21

Hi everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Various Artists
Somewhere Between: Mutant Pop, Electronic Minimalism, Shadow Sounds and Adjacent Jams of Japan 1980-1988
(Light In The Attic)

Nick Campbell - ThinkIndie Warehouse Manager
I’ve been listening to this synthy little compilation a lot. The music therein isn’t new, but it’s pretty weird and cool.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 1/28/21

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday afternoon many of us gathered around the Zoom campfire for the first “Let’s Talk Physical” event. This was put together by Music Biz’s Physical Business Action Committee, a committee which I and several CIMS members also serve on. The goal was to bring together management, labels, distribution, retail, DSPs as well as other leaders in the music industry to share stories of how we have all worked together to overcome the challenges that 2020 brought with it. Last year certainly was a challenging one, but out of that came many creative initiatives, new business strategies, and believe it or not, success stories. For instance, the Indie sector saw sales growth last year (imagine if we had those supply chain issues rectified). Also, after its 15th consecutive year of growth, 2020 marked the best year for vinyl since the early ’90s. How about despite (or who knows, maybe because of) the pandemic, five of vinyl’s best-selling weeks occurred in 2020, and in case you were wondering, the compact disc is still alive and well. Here is the thing, streaming is great when you are on the go, or as a tool to discover new music and I use it as much as anyone. However, we all spent a lot of time at home last year (and still are) and we are missing the live experience of music, so many of us are listening to music differently and are craving a way to really connect with it, hence spending time on our collections. Also, there is a new wave of collectors who are learning to appreciate the value of owning their music and the ritual of listening to an album, and that is a good thing for all of us in the physical retail business. What became clear from the conversations we had yesterday, is that while it is definitely a business, for so many of us involved, it is truly a labor of love and I believe that is what makes it all work.

Here are the charts,
Andrea


Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 1/21/21

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts,
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Thad Cockrell
If In Case You Feel The Same
(ATO Records)

Scott Register - ThinkIndie A&R
jimmy fallon - @jimmyfallon
Jan 26
"A reminder to never give up on your dreams because some moron could walk into a hardware store, hear your song, and ask you to come on their show! (That’s me - I’m the moron). See @thadcockrell on @FallonTonight tonight!!"

You’ve probably seen the viral story about Thad Cockrellalready. If not, you haven’t been paying attention the last 3 days. Apparently, Jimmy Fallon heard Cockrell’s “Swingin’” in a hardware store, loved it, Shazammed it, and it became his personal COVID-19 anthem. Meanwhile, Cockrell’salbum had “flatlined” and he was considering a career change. Fast forward to this week, Cockrell was on The Tonight Show and The Today Show, his song is #1 on iTunes ahead of AJR, Morgan Wallen, The Weekend and Olivia Rodrigo, and Cockrell is high on life. All because an influential person loved a song and Shazammed it. That’s a superpower I would like to have. The ability to change the life of a hard-working, deserving artist who everyone calls friend and who has worked his entire life out of his love of his art. That’s the Midas touch I want. Jimmy Fallon, never take for granted what you have, and thanks for helping out my friend Thad. For what it’s worth, Thad played at my wedding with Courtney Jaye, John P Strohm, Maria Taylor and The Hurlers back in 2012. It’s no Tonight Show but hey…Check out videos and the story on Thad and Jimmy’s Twitter.
https://twitter.com/thadcockrell
https://twitter.com/jimmyfallon

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 1/14/21

Hi Everyone,

A lot has happened in the past two weeks. Yesterday marked the first day in a new chapter of American history. Just as the new year is a time where many people set their goals and make resolutions, the inauguration is a similarly symbolic event. It is a chance for our country to reset, redefine our goals as a nation, and we all can think about changes we need to make to be better. It is also a time for us to begin to heal. Even though yesterday’s event was much different, I couldn’t help but notice despite everything, what a large role music played. It made clear to me what I already knew- that music is such an important force in bringing people together, despite their differences -and that can be very healing.

Speaking of that, I know we all spend a lot of time on zoom meetings lately, but last week I along with quite a healthy group of stores around the country had the chance to sit down with Common and discuss his latest/upcoming release A Beautiful Revolution Part 1. He was very inspired over the past year of events and was able to craft a group of songs that very much speaks to that need for us to come together and heal. It was great to have an artist that so many of our stores have a connection to want to take the time to talk to the stores and really connect with them about his music and the process of making it. It was clear that he understands the importance of our stores and the sense of community they provide. It was also lovely to see his excitement about working with artists he respects so much. As such an accomplished artist himself, that is always refreshing to see. Thank you to Common, Concord, Loma Vista and everyone else that brought us all together for that. It was definitely a lot more fun than most of my Friday meetings.

One of my favorite takeaways from the conversation was the notion that “Revolution is love” a sentiment that was repeated a few times in our conversation, and that is so true. Spreading love instead of hate is not always the easy road… so it can actually be quite revolutionary. This was also echoed through Amanda Gorman’s poem yesterday:

”We must first put our differences aside
We lay down our arms
so we can reach out our arms
to one another”…

“When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid
The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it
If only we're brave enough to be it”

So let’s go do this.
Andrea

Here are the charts.

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 1/7/2021

Hey everyone,

Here are the charts,
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Various Artists
Scandinavian Swords II
(Northern Electronics)
Blake Wimberly - CIMS/ThinkIndie
I often fall back into this 2016 collection, from the excellent, Stockholm-based Northern Electronics label, featuring some of techno's more forward-thinking producers (Abdulla Rashim, Dorisburg, Neel, Varg to name a few). It's a hazy, sparse, sometimes brutal, often beautiful drift through nebulous, ambient atmospheres layered within brooding, minimal techno vessels. The post-dystopian clean-up crew is here -- bring out your dead!

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 12/31/20 + STAFF PICKS

Hello Everyone,

Happy new year to you all… I think? As happy as we all are to have 2020 on the books, we know that things were not set “to normal” at the stroke of midnight and if anything, they somehow managed to get weirder. I guess if we have all learned anything it is to expect the unexpected. Today feels quite heavy so I don’t have a lot to say and it feels a little clueless to talk about music or the music industry the day after such a monumental event. I am very saddened when I think about the division of our country right now. However, I remain hopeful that as we move into this new year, we can find ways to work together to heal those wounds and bring the people of our country together. I am grateful to the officials that did the right thing and worked to preserve and uphold our system of democracy last night. This really isn’t about what side you’re on. Thankfully in this country, we have the right to express our own views and opinions, but the goal is to do that with kindness and respect. We still have to work together to find a way to hopefully leave this place in a better place than we found it.

Here is to us finding our way in 2021.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

ANDREA PASCHAL
CIMS/THINKINDIE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Andrea’s Celebrated Records of 2020”
(in no particular order and one for each month of this crazy-ass year)

1. JARV IS- BEYOND THE PALE (Rough Trade)
2. THE AVALANCHES- WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU(Modular/Interscope)
3. HAIM- WOMEN IN MUSIC PART III (Columbia)
4. YELLE- L’ERE DU VERSEAU (Recreation Center)
5. ARCA- KiCk I (XL Recordings)
6. WASHED OUT- PURPLE NOON (Sub Pop) *I also REALLY appreciated that Sade Cover of "Cherish the Day"… great job Ernest!
7. NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS- IDIOT PRAYER (NICK CAVE ALONE LIVE AT ALEXANDRA PALACE (AWAL)
8. CARIBOU- SUDDENLY (Merge)
9. PROTOMARTYR- ULTIMATE SUCCESS TODAY(Domino)
10. DISCLOSURE- ENERGY (Island)
11. THUNDERCAT- IT IS WHAT IT IS (Brainfeeder)
12. SEBASTIAN TELLIER- DOMESTICATED/SIMPLE MIND (Record Makers)

LIZ BOGER
CIMS SALES & MARKETING

In no particular order :)

Haim/ Women in Music Pt. III
Strokes/ The New Abnormal
Sylvan Esso/ Free Love
Waxahatchee/ Saint Cloud
Glass Animals/ Dreamland
Beabadoobee/ Fake it Flowers
Wray / Stream of Youth/ Blank World
Washed Out/ Purple Noon
Finneas/ Blood Harmony
Purity Ring/ WOMB

PS - On a personal note, our family moved to FL this year...we needed more sunshine in our lives and some saltwater therapy. It’s been a tough year - hope everyone is holding up out there. I miss seeing you guys! If you need my new personal mailing address let me know! Hope everyone can find some joy in this holiday season ❤️

BLAKE WIMBERLY
CIMS/THINKINDIE DO/KNOW-IT-ALL

lp
John Carroll Kirby- My Garden (Stones Throw)
Andras- Joyful (Beats In Space)
Matt Karmil- STS371 (Smalltown Supersound)
Paradise Cinema- Paradise Cinema (Gondwana Records)
Chip Wickham- Blue To Red (Lovemonk)
Turn On The Sunlight- Warm Waves (diskunion)

ep
Roman Flügel- Garden Party (Running Back)
Anunaku/DJ Plead- 032 (AD 93)
Ami Dang- Meditations Mixtape Vol. 1 (Leaving Records)
Donato Dozzy- The Tao (Samurai Music)

track
Pauline Anna Strom (R.I.P.)- "Marking time" (RVNG Intl)
Jay Daniel- "Muse" (Watusi High)
Sharif Laffrey- "Sounds To Come" (Special Forces)
Arkajo/Dorisburg- "Void Pyramid - A" (Arkajo)
Schwefelgelb- "Das Bild Das Wiederkehrt" (Cititrax)
nthng- "Wave Return" (Lobster Theremin)
Third Wife- "Easy" (Concrete Lab)
Fort Romeau- "Neuromance" (Permanent Vacation)
Ryan Elliot- "Headspace" (Faith Beat)
Special Request- "Family Doggo" (R&S)
WhoMadeWho/Adana Twins- "Immersion" (Kompakt)
David Jackson- "Broken Heart" (Frank Music)
Jayda G- "Both of Us" (Ninja Tune)
Kareem Ali- "Galactic Expressway" (890243 Records)
Todd Osborn- "Friendly" (Running Back)
Matthew Halsall- "Joyful Spirits of the Universe" (Gondwana Records)

And one little toot from my own horn...
WRAY- Stream of Youth/Blank World (Earth Libraries)

toot :)

SCOTT REGISTER
THINKINDIE A&R

Here are SOME, and I repeat, SOME of my favorites of 2020. There are a bunch of others but these are a Baker’s Dozen of SOME of my favorites from this crazy ass year.

1. Kathleen Edwards- Total Freedom - Dualtone Records
2. Sturgill Simpson- Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1: The Butcher Shop Sessions & Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions - High Top Mountain/Thirty Tigers (Yeah, I combined the two separate releases into one…SO?)
3. Whitney Rose- We Still Go To Rodeos - McG Recordings
4. Matt Berninger- Serpentine Prison - Concord
5. Lianne La Havas- Lianne La Havas - Warner/Nonesuch
6. My Morning Jacket- The Waterfall II - ATO Records
7. Laura Marling- Song For Our Daughter - Chrysalis Records
8. Paris Jackson- Wilted - Republic Records
9. Nada Surf- Never Not Together - Barsuk Records
10. HAIM- Women In Music Pt. III - Polydor Records
11. Logan Ledger- Logan Ledger - Electromagnetic Records/Rounder Records
12. Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud - Merge Records
13. Steve Earle- Ghosts Of West Virginia - New West Records

Two songs I wish had received more attention. “Make It Through” by Chris Trapper and “Rona Pollona” by Ghost of Vroom. These two tracks capture the year 2020 better than any others I have heard. Hope you’ll take the time to give them a listen and that they help you process life these days.

RUSSELL COTHRAN
THINKINDIE SALES & MARKETING

I think it is safe to say that 2020 has been one of the roughest years on record for any of us, emotionally. Instead of my usual Top 20 from 2020, here are 20 Records/Tracks that have helped get me through this year. Happy Holidays & may the power of music continue to bring us all a little closer in 2021!

Afghan Whigs- Black Love & Gentlemen
Jellyfish- Bellybutton
Brian Eno- Ambient 1 Music For Airports
John Coltrane- Blue Train
Talk Talk- The Spirit Of Eden
Prefab Sprout- Steve McQueen
Vince Guaraldi Trio- A Charlie Brown Christmas
U2- The Unforgettable Fire
Atlas Sound (featuring Laetitia Sadler)- “Quick Canal”
Steely Dan- Gold
Tame Impala- Lonerism
Best Coast- “California Nights”
Tangerine Dream- OST Thief
The Cult- Love
Thom Yorke- The Eraser
David Bowie- “Heroes” (Live Aid Performance)
Rhythm Method- Pacquet De Cinq
Bjork- Volta
Sigur Ros- Agaetis Byrjun

NICK CAMPBELL
THINKINDIE WAREHOUSE MANAGER

Top 10 Albums (in no order)

Protomartyr- Ultimate Success Today
Choir Boy- Gathering Swans
Moaning- Uneasy Laughter
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever- Sideways to New Italy
Nation of Language- Introduction, Presence
Hum- Inlet
Bambara- Stray
Wray- Stream of Youth / Blank World
Holy Wave- Interloper
En Attendant Ana- Juillet

Honorable Mentions

Mourn- Self Worth
Caribou- Suddenly
Metz- Atlas Vending

ASHLEY VASKE
CIMS/THINKINDIE ACCOUNTING

My selection of 2020 albums in no special order:

Poliça- When We Stay Alive
Haim- Women in Music Pt. III
Rhye- Home EP
Joe Wong- Nite Creatures
Tame Impala- Slow Rush
Yelle- L’Ère du Verseau
Mourn- Self Worth
Run the Jewels- RTJ4
Khruangbin- Mordechai
Fiona Apple- Fetch the Bolt Cutters