Revisiting a Trip to the Princeton Record Exchange
What stuck, what faded, and the thrill of the hunt
Back in [Year of Original Trip], my son Nick and I made a trip to the Princeton Record Exchange.
Nick had a gift certificate from his brother Andrew and some birthday cash from us.
We both came home with a boatload of CDs.
As usual, my picks fell into three categories:
- Known and liked
- Heard the name, not the music
- Complete unknowns
Looking back now, years later, here’s what stuck with me and what didn’t.
🎵 Known and Liked (The Safe Bets)
- Mary Gauthier – Between Daylight and Dark
A great songwriter with a gift for capturing the Southern sense of place.
This one stuck—I still return to her songs, especially after rediscovering The Foundling. - Jeffrey Foucault – Ghost Repeater (2006)
Produced by Bo Ramsey, this album still hits.
The title track became a quiet favorite over time. - Grayson Capps – Wail & Ride
I loved his storytelling and post-Katrina New Orleans vibe.
“Can’t Find My Way” became one of the lasting tracks from this haul. - Milt Jackson – The Harem (1991)
At the time, I hadn’t spun it yet—but this lineup (Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Cedar Walton, Kenny Washington, Bob Cranshaw) is hard to beat.
It ended up sticking as a late-night jazz favorite. - Greg Trooper – Floating (2003)
Greg has always been a favorite.
I still smile thinking about “Muhammad Ali (The Meaning of Christmas)”—a track Steve Earle said he went home and learned after first hearing it.
🎧 Heard the Name, Not the Music
- Walter Parks – [Album Name, 2009]
At the time, I was curious. His tremolo guitar and swampy Americana sounded promising.
It didn’t become a rotation staple, but it was a pleasant surprise for a few months. - Nawang Khechog – Karuna (1995)
I bought this knowing her work with R. Carlos Nakai.
Produced by Kitaro, it turned into a perfect work‑day ambient listen, even if it never became a personal classic.
🔍 The Unknowns
This is where crate‑digging is pure adventure.
Some of those unknowns were one‑and‑done spins; others quietly became hidden gems.
Looking back, these are the albums that faded from memory versus the ones that still pop up in my rotation.
🎵 Reflection
Trips like this remind me that music collecting is part treasure hunt, part memory bank.
Some albums become lifelong companions.
Others were just passing acquaintances—but even those had their moment.
Years later, I can trace these CDs back to that day with Nick at PREX, which makes them all part of my musical journey.
🌱 Roots and Leaves in music – some songs take root, others drift away.
Explore More Music Memories →
💿 Next Crate Safari Awaits!
Exploring thrift stores, record exchanges, and dusty shelves has its rewards.
Some albums become instant favorites, others are happy surprises along the way.
Browse More Crate Safaris →
