Original release date: September 1970 (Cotillion Records)
Th-th-thanks
I never raised my hand in class because, in public, I stutter when I try to talk. Answering a simple three digit math problem would turn into a recitation of a phone number. “Sev-sev-seven, seven, four, fo-fo-seven, fo-forty, eight.” Privately I have a good sense of humor about it. I just don’t want to talk in public. Someday I’ll get over it. But today it’s embarrassing.
When I’d go into the record store, though, it was different. Especially if Hank was working. Henry, that’s what his nametag said, would talk about and know everything about every album or every band. Hendrix originally wanted Stephen Still to be the bass player for The Experience. Bob Dylan’s real name was Robert Allen Zimmerman. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band took over 700 hours in the studio to record, while Kurt Cobain’s vocals on In Utero were recorded in 6 hours. I’d go in there to talk to him even when I knew I didn’t want to but anything.
That’s where I spent most of the summer. I was at the record store. I figured out Hank’s hours and showed up only during those times. I remember the first time I bought from his recommendation. It seems like it was just yesterday. Well, it was really at the end of last school year.
“This one’s great. ‘Sweet Jane,’ ‘Rock & Roll,’ and ‘Head Held High.’ But my favorite is ‘Cool It Down.’” The he quoted a price and I paid him. “Don't be a stranger.”
“Oak-oh-oh-oak, okay. Th-th-thanks.”
