Why you will not find it at Rasputin Records (grrr...)

When I went into Rasputin, the buyer told me of their heinous policy: they only buy new CDs from distributors. They would only pay me .50 for the CDs, and they do not do consignment.

Now, what bothers me is not that the Slam CD cannot be carried there (after all, it is carried happily by Amoeba only a block away), but that this policy cuts out any hopes of independent artists and labels (without major distribution, all of whom will take a large cut if they will distribute it at all) being found at this store.

This is coupled with the fact that Rasputin never supports local musicians and artists either. Try asking them for money for a local event- not gonna happen!

So this policy is to streamline their systems and boost up their profits. They are making money off the community, but not putting any back.As an organizer of local art and performance events, I have a problem with that.

I support Amoeba and hope you will too. They have free in-store concerts, give money to support local festivals and events, and happily pay cash (not consignment!) for independent releases! Wahoo Amoeba!

All the other stores listed on the Whole Enchilada site are also independents worthy of your support and patronage. The Best of the Berkeley Slam, bEASTfest 2001 (and all other Whole Enchilada releases) are found at independent book and record stores only. Each release will list where you can get it as they come out. Thanks for reading my rant! --dani