LA’s punk record shop a warehouse for recordings

LA’s punk record store, Headline Records, has classic punk, hardcore, garage, psychobilly and in between

A fan of the punk rock music scene would be hard-pressed to find a touring band that Jean Luc Gaudry hasn’t heard of. If that band has released a recording, chances are good that he’s heard of that and may have one in the store.

Someone new to the punk genre may be surprised by the variety in the shop at 7706 Melrose Ave. in LA. Owner Jean Luc Gaudry has had years to find and stock records from the sub genres.

“A lot of people come in after standard UK punk, the Sex Pistols, Adicts, Sham 69. They know about the US greats like the Dead Kennedys, the Cramps, Devo, Husker Du and Bad Religion. Then they start browsing through a section and find bands they mighty have heard mentioned by someone or some group they’ve never heard of,” Jean Luc Gaudry said. “It’s a bit amusing to when they walk up and ask me if anarcho punk bands like Mob, Zounds, Rudimentary Peni and the Subhumans are any good. it’s all good, it just depends on the sounds you’re after.”

Some fans are into the hardcore punk, launching their listening from Henry Rollins’ legendary Black Flag singer. Jean Luc Gaudry said they experience Bad Brains, Cro Mags, and Agnostic Front and realize there’s more than just Rollins.

“That’s one of the greatest thrills, introducing people to new bands. If they like goth sounds, Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, Alien Sex Fiend, then I like to point them to Black Metal as well like Bathory, Mayhen and Dark Throne,” he said. “Some like it, some don’t, but they have a new listening experience.”

Traditional punk like the UK’s Cock Sparrer, Vice Squad, Blitz and Toy Dolls remain big sellers at the small shop which also sells tickets to concerts.

“It’s about the music. It’s what I love. You come in and you’ll find me talking about The System, Sisters of Mercy, Napalm Death, Blitz, or Extreme Noise Terror. Either that, or I’m listening to the music. I really like introducing people to MC5 and the Devil Dogs. I wish people could have seen those shows with Jawbreaker and Didjits,” he said.

To get a history of punk rock and look behind the scenes through the eyes of the man who saw bands that broke up years ago, visit Headline Records on Melrose Avenue or at www.headlinerecords.com.

Contact data:
Jean Luc Gaudry
Headline Records
7706 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-655-2125
headlinerecords [ at ] yahoo.com
http://www.headlinerecords.com