It's no surprise that the CD stockpile is staggering. But there's also an impressive library of new and used DVDs featuring familiar and obscure titles alike; stack upon stack of twelve-inch singles assembled with DJs and dance mavens in mind; tons (literally) of collectible vinyl, much of it recently pried from owner Paul Epstein's own archives; lotsa bizarre curios, including Pee-wee Herman action figures that were officially withdrawn from the market over a decade ago; and an array of gold records, posters and other memorabilia that turns the joint into a de facto rock-and-roll museum.
As a result, today's Twist & Shout is among the truly great music shops in the nation -- and a credible argument can be made for ranking it atop this particular chart. Now the question is whether Denver consumers will keep it afloat for the long haul. As we all know, the digital revolution is killing mom-and-pop outlets and even major chains like Tower Records, which recently filed for bankruptcy. And while the photo here shows that there was quite a throng present when the doors opened on day one, the number of browsers circulating around 6 p.m., when yours truly visited, was relatively modest. The place was far from empty, but it wasn't as packed as it deserved to be under the circumstances despite the fact that free mimosas were offered to everyone of drinking age who dropped by.
Then again, if any record store can survive and prosper, it's this one. It'll make you wanna Shout. -- Michael Roberts
