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Bye bye Rhino
Join music fans from around the city in bidding a sad farewell to the Rhino Records Store in Westwood this weekend. After a couple of decades of selling records, then 8-tracks, cassettes and CDs, it will be shutting its doors; the very last parking lot sale is this Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. That's at 2028 Westwood Blvd, in the parking lot.
Everyone probably has their own favorite Rhino Records memory. They used to have lots of live performances, and the staff would, they say, do things like order a Japanese pressing of Can's Tago Mago for you.
But for us, it wasn't anything nearly as cool. Gripped by an inexplicable desire, one day we brought a used Carpenter's CD up to the counter: The Singles, 1969-1973. It's got "Superstar," "Top of the World" and, most importantly, "(They Long to Be) Close to You." The cashier gathered the rest of the staff around when they saw what we had. They all looked mournfully at the Carpenters CD. We thought they must be sorry to see such a great musical collection go; they were, they explained. "That's the one we use to clear the store when it's time to go home."
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Luckily for them, there were several Celine Dion selections for them to use next. What do you remember about Rhino?
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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