VINYL ADDICT Goes on Target Run – #1
United States of Analog | July 5, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video documents the host Bob going on a “Target run” to buy vinyl records on July 4th when his preferred independent record stores are closed. The concept is that he must buy at least one record from Target’s vinyl selection, treating it as a last resort option for feeding his vinyl addiction when other stores aren’t available.
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:01:32] Always recommends shopping at local independent record stores first
- [00:03:15] Views Target as “a last resort to be sure” for buying vinyl
- [00:03:19] Believes Target’s vinyl game was stronger during the pandemic but has become “more pedestrian” as they expanded their selection
- [00:00:59] Dismisses Amazon because “there’s no sport in that” and no element of surprise
- [00:01:14] Says he doesn’t have energy for Walmart today
- [00:02:46] Uses buying vinyl as a personal reward system
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- [00:01:27] Strong recommendation: “Listen, now I always recommend that you shop at your local independent record store”
- [00:03:58] Warning to viewers: “By the way, it’s not fair to fast forward ahead and see what I get. We’re in this together”
Any interesting vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- [00:02:04] Mentions not wanting Taylor Swift’s “Midnight” variations
- [00:02:13] States he’s not into The Weeknd or Olivia Rodrigo
- [00:02:18] Expresses preference for Bruce Springsteen (“Boss”) and Tom Petty
- [00:03:35] References finding Adele records in Target’s discount bin for $5 that used to cost $40, suggesting they “pressed too many”
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:10] “Well, because I’m dressed like a three-year-old. That’s how you know that [it’s 4th of July]”
- [00:00:30] Shout out to “Piranha Records in Round Rock” with the joke “They don’t bite”
- [00:01:38] “Star Wars had the Kessel run. We’ve got the Target run”
- [00:01:48] To his son Dylan (the cameraman): “Dylan, I can’t pay you until Thursday. Maybe Friday”
- [00:04:01] Dramatically calls the Target run “the boldest endeavor in the history of mankind”
Summary
In this opening portion of the video, host Bob introduces viewers to his July 4th dilemma: he’s craving new vinyl but his preferred independent record stores are closed for the holiday. Speaking poolside while dressed patriotically, he explains his vinyl addiction and the need to “feed the beast” with something new for his turntable. He presents three options for vinyl acquisition on holidays – Amazon (too predictable), Walmart (too draining), and Target (his reluctant choice).
Bob establishes the video’s central challenge: he must purchase at least one record from Target, despite viewing it as a last resort compared to his beloved independent record stores. He notes that while Target’s vinyl selection was stronger during the pandemic, it has become more mainstream and “pedestrian” as they’ve expanded their inventory. His musical preferences lean toward classic rock artists like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty rather than contemporary pop acts like Taylor Swift or Olivia Rodrigo.
The setup creates an entertaining premise where Bob, accompanied by his son Dylan as cameraman, embarks on what he playfully calls “the Target run” – comparing it to Star Wars’ famous Kessel Run. He frames vinyl buying as a reward system, having earned a new record after spending hours doing yard work the previous day. The video promises to be an adventure in real-time vinyl hunting, with Bob warning viewers not to skip ahead and spoil the surprise of what he ultimately chooses to purchase.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Vinyl Records, Albums, or Music Discussed
- 07:04 – Adele records (previously found for $5 in discount section)
- 07:15 – John Legend (considering as “spouse pleaser” for wife)
- 07:24 – Foo Fighters (new release, dismisses as “not my bag”)
- 07:45 – Dave Matthews Band (emphatic “Absolutely not”)
- 07:50 – The Weeknd
- 07:51 – Eric Clapton
- 07:53 – Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift
- 08:04 – Prince (tempting but already owns “a bunch”)
- 08:14 – Green Day
- 08:20 – Erica Badu (calls it “a banger,” bought few weeks ago)
- 08:35 – Love’s “Forever Changes” 40th anniversary (already owns two copies)
- 04:35 – Liza Minnelli (at Barnes & Noble, been sitting unsold for 5 years)
- 05:00 – Josh Groban (at Barnes & Noble, questioning who buys it)
Host’s Key Findings, Verdicts, or Opinions
- 04:22 – Critical of Barnes & Noble’s vinyl buying decisions, tired of seeing same unsold records for years
- 04:50 – Suggests Barnes & Noble should put old inventory on discount
- 07:37 – Believes Dave Grohl and Metallica have “saved rock and roll”
- 08:22 – Surprised Target carries Erica Badu, considers it a good find for Target
- 07:09 – Notes he’s “not a music snob” while browsing
Price/Value Assessments
- 07:04 – Previously found $5 Adele records in Target’s discount section, indicating good value hunting
Memorable Quotes or Strong Takes
- 04:47 – “Put it on discount, Barnes and Noble. No one’s going to buy it.” (about Liza Minnelli record)
- 07:37 – “Dave Grohl is pretty much saved rock and roll as has Metallica”
- 07:48 – “Dave Matthews Band. Absolutely not.”
- 08:22 – “This is a banger, by the way” (referring to Erica Badu album)
Summary
In this portion of the video, the host begins by expressing frustration with Barnes & Noble’s vinyl buying strategy, specifically criticizing how records like Liza Minnelli and Josh Groban have sat unsold for years without being discounted. He acknowledges he’s not the target demographic for such artists but questions the business logic of keeping dead inventory at full price for so long.
The host then arrives at Target and begins his vinyl hunting expedition, starting with the discount end-aisle section where he previously scored $5 Adele records. He picks up a John Legend album as a potential “spouse pleaser” for his wife before moving to the new releases section. Here he encounters various artists including Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews Band (which he emphatically rejects), The Weeknd, Eric Clapton, and others.
As he digs through the bins, the host reveals his musical preferences and opinions, praising Dave Grohl and Metallica as saviors of rock and roll, while dismissing Dave Matthews Band entirely. He shows particular enthusiasm for an Erica Badu album he’d purchased previously, calling it “a banger” and expressing surprise that Target even carries such music. The segment ends with him discovering a Love album he already owns multiple copies of, highlighting the challenge of finding something new when you’re already a serious collector.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- [00:08:51] Abbey Road (Beatles record) – host mentions having multiple copies but only this reissue on CD
- [00:09:24] Pearl Jam records
- [00:10:14] Kendrick Lamar record – $50 Translucent Silver version
- [00:10:17] John Legend record – $11 2LP Translucent Tan Target exclusive
- [00:10:27] Air fryer (Target brand, mentioned in checkout conversation)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:11:45-00:12:18] The host found something but acknowledges it wasn’t what he had his heart set on. He describes John Legend as “a quite capable performer” and “a great artist” but admits he wouldn’t normally buy or even stream his music. However, he believes “the quality will be there” since it’s a Target exclusive for only $11.
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
- [00:12:14-00:12:17] Skip on the Kendrick Lamar: “I just couldn’t do $50 on the Kendrick. So it’s a no-go for me”
- [00:09:04] Mixed feelings on Beatles: “I feel like that’s a cop out buying a Beatles record”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[00:10:57] The host asks about Target’s return policy for clearance items, suggesting viewers should verify return policies before purchasing discounted vinyl.
How did the video wrap up?
[00:12:22-00:12:46] The host concludes this was “Target run number one” for July 4th and hints at potential future episodes, mentioning possibly doing “Walmart run number one” later. He thanks viewers for watching to the end and gives standard YouTube engagement reminders (like, subscribe, notification bell) before signing off with the channel tagline “The United States of Analog.”
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[00:09:40-00:09:42] “I’m sorry, Target. I love you. You got me wondering why you’re in the vinyl game.”
[00:09:53] “This is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host struggles to find appealing vinyl at Target, expressing disappointment with the selection while browsing through Beatles, Pearl Jam, and other records. He’s torn between wanting to make a purchase and not finding anything that truly excites him, ultimately commenting that Target’s vinyl game leaves him wondering about their commitment to the format.
At checkout, the host settles on a John Legend 2LP Target exclusive for $11, passing on a $50 Kendrick Lamar album he couldn’t justify purchasing. He also buys an air fryer, asking the cashier about return policies and jokingly requesting a protection plan for the record. Despite getting a good deal, he admits this wasn’t what he originally wanted.
The video wraps up with the host’s mixed feelings about his purchase – acknowledging John Legend’s talent while admitting he wouldn’t normally listen to this artist. He emphasizes that the low price and Target exclusive status made it worthwhile, hints at future similar videos including a potential Walmart run, and closes with standard YouTube engagement requests and the channel’s signature sign-off.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
