online beat
Shopping for music online — the perfect prospect for lazy bums on rainy days and infrequent proponents of getting music off the Internet legally.
TEXT YURI FOKIN feedback
I woke up on a bright Sunday morning with a craving for John Zorn, that saxophone maniac who scares children out of their socks. Luckily, I actually enjoy what he plays, and I don’t have kids. I was pretty sure I had a disc or two of Zorn. But wait, didn’t Jack borrow them last week? Ok, now, wait, don’t panic, this isn’t the end of the world. You managed to graduate high school, so you can handle this one too. Just put on your coat, you’ve got some shopping to do. Or, maybe, to hell with this Zorn guy? I mean, come on, it’s raining outside. I could try that online shop — now, what was it called? Vampire thing, oh yeah, Transylvania.ru. I remember picking up the 2H Company album from those guys a while ago. A St. Petersburg band, an indie release — whadda you know? They stock it. So they’re bound to have John Zorn, I mean, even their physical shop is the largest in town. And they deliver on the same day for only 125 rubles. So let’s see then, there’s over twenty albums of Zorn. I didn’t even know he had so many. Easy online registration, moving right along. Darn it, and of course they don’t deliver on Sundays. But I need John Zorn and I need him now. Onto the second best thing: Purpurniy Legion at plegion.ru. What a stupid name for a shop, but wow, they sell hi-end audio equipment, loads of concert DVDs, SACDs and enough jazz to last me a lifetime. But stay focused now — John Zorn, right? A nice assortment if I don’t say so! Ok, I’m ordering. Free delivery after 1,500 rubles, and even the Countdown system discount. And delivery time is…a week to three weeks?! My oh my, it looks like they carry only part of their selection and ship the rest from Europe or the US. Maybe it’s worth it, considering the selection range, but one to three weeks? Not this time around. On to online option number three: the Avant Music Shop at shop.avantmusic.ru, from the guys that promote indie concerts in Moscow. Well, the prices are lower than you’d expect, and they’ve got a lot of Russian artists that aren’t on any label, as well as Western musicians, of course. How would they pay rent if they only sold Russian artists? So they deliver for a hundred rubles, or I could just pick my order up at their office or at a concert they’re promoting. And they’re hosting one today — perfect! Maybe the rain will let up by then. Just one more thing to check: What do you mean you don’t have any John Zorn?! A fourth dark horse contender is the always-suprising ozon.ru. My boss Polina ordered a yoga DVD from them the other day and was pleasantly surprised by its speedy arrival. The delivery guy even carried change with him. But, as it turns out, their music selection is sorrowfully limited. Today is a day for Zorn not downward dog, so the tortured search continues. Ok, one more option: Raig. ru, another nice indie spot and wow, imported CDs are tons cheaper. Ok, John Zorn — yes, yes, yes! Now let’s see about delivery then, so keep your fingers crossed. Foiled, again: postal delivery only means my precious Zorn will be bopping around in the mail for weeks to come. Damn you, Internet. I’m going to go listen to one of my old Deep Purple albums. See you later, and happy online music shopping! |
