In 1974, Loco Record Shop had its biggest sales ever. On the first and 15th of each month, men would pile in from the naval bases to find relief from the chaos in the records from this small Charleston Heights shop. Today, the store, which moved to Rivers Ave in North Charleston, is preparing to shut its doors in two months.
The shop’s owner, Benny Godfrey, has seen his shop “through the goods and the bads, and the ups and the downs,” but after 40 years of making “a great living and many new friends,” Godfrey will be moving on. With the final closing expected in two months, a huge sale is being held on all vinyl, lighting, and stereo inventory. Don’t miss your last chance to go in and experience this Charleston music-scene staple one last time.
1974’s Top 20
In case you’re interested, here’s what the sailors may have been buying up back in 1974. No. 20 is particularly ironic in the wake of the unfortunate Loco news. Thanks to William Hamilton for the link.
1. Annie’s Song
John Denver
2. Rock Your Baby
George McCrae
3. Rock The Boat
The Hues Corporation
4. The Air That I Breathe
The Hollies
5. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Elton John
6. Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
Steely Dan
7. You Won’t See Me
Anne Murray
8. On And On
Gladys Knight & The Pips
9. Radar Love
Golden Earring
10. One Hell Of A Woman
Mac Davis
11. Sideshow
Blue Magic
12. Rock And Roll Heaven
The Righteous Brothers
13. Waterloo
Abba
14. Sundown
Gordon Lightfoot
15. Billy, Don’t Be A Hero
Bo Donaldson And The Heywoods
16. The Night Chicago Died
Paper Lace
17. Band On The Run
Paul McCartney & Wings
18. Takin’ Care Of Business
Bachman-Turner Overdrive
19. Finally Got Myself Together (I’m A Changed Man)
The Impressions
20. Good Things Don’t Last Forever Stay cool. Support City Paper. City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.
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