How San Francisco’s famously obscure aQuarius Records is still thriving after 45 years
aQuarius Records (aQ) has been championing the fringes of music for 45 years now. They think. It could be 46, as the San Francisco record store has a murky sense of its own history – with no one working there having been around when the shop opened, which was either in 1969 or 1970. No matter which date is actually correct, aQ still holds the title as the oldest independent record store that sells indie music in the city, an accomplishment that rings all the more vital as these businesses continue to struggle as the local music landscape evolves. The [...]
Q&A: Aquarius Records’ Andee Connors on RSD, reunions, and reissues
Within the confines of Aquarius Records is a plethora of music both old and new; Strange and wonderful; Eclectic and disorienting. It’s nearly overwhelming when browsing. One of the few remaining haunts of the San Francisco that once existed, Aquarius Records is one of the oldest independent record stores in the city. Displayed prominently on the AQ website reads: The store that's old enough to think it's funny that we're selling lots of tapes again. This sense of humor and honesty is the kind of conversation that aQ co-owner Andee Connors lends himself constantly––a kind of brutal truthfulness sprinkled with jokes. Connors first [...]
Rock Bar's New Jukebox: A Q&A with Andee Connors of Aquarius Records on Filling The Juke
In case you needed another reason to head to Rock Bar, the Front Porch-run spot down in Bernal Heights, the good people at Aquarius Records have just given you a whole lot. The Mission record store has taken on the responsibility of stocking the Rock Bar jukebox, filling it with a collection that is hard not to envy. Considering Aquarius has long been a go-to for a fantastic, varied assortment of records, we're already making plans to head down for a cocktail and some fried chicken, quarters at the ready. We spoke to Andee Connors, co-owner of Aquarius, about the [...]
Tonight: free acoustic Nada Surf performance at Aquarius Records
In case you need another reason to head to Aquarius Records, Nada Surf will be performing a free live acoustic show at the store tonight at 6pm (before playing at The Fillmore later tonight). Nada Surf - "When I Was Young" Below, you can read Aquarius' glowing review of the band's latest album, The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy. We might as well just start out with the obvious. Pop record of the year. Hands down. We knew it would be. And yeah, even in January, it's pretty much already been decided. In fact the minute we found out there [...]
Monday, 10/25: Best Coast headlines Aquarius Records’ 40th birthday party
Congrats to Aquarius Records for forty years (!) of championing great music, making it SF's "oldest surviving independent record store." To celebrate, the store is holding a birthday party on Monday, October 25th at Cafe Du Nord (8pm, $10). Best Coast tops the celebration (a night before headlining at Great American), with support from The Mantles, Lumerians, Dzjenghis Khan, Date Palms and Pigs. Grab advance tickets at TicketWeb. Best Coast - "Boyfriend" The Mantles – "Lily Never Married" Lumerians - "Orgon Grinder"