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It's Cheapo and it's popular
Uptown Saturday night, crowds are heavy, parking tight. And a microcosm of the scene can be found in an unlikely venue.
Randy and Matthew Miranda, Star Tribune
April 07, 2006 – 2:43 PM

Making the scene on a Saturday night in Uptown Minneapolis without dropping big bucks in a trendy restaurant, drinking in a stuffed-to-the-walls nightclub or taking in the latest art film can be a challenge.
But it can be done, with eclectic music, room to roam and good company to boot -- all at Cheapo Music.
For the uninitiated, Cheapo is a warehouse-sized haven of mostly used music and movies, the perfect alternative to a traditional, expensive night out. It's also a great place to soak up musical and social culture with your 16-year-old son -- even if you do come from somewhat different generational perspectives.
The customers
Matthew: You can meet all kinds here. But what makes Cheapo somewhat unique is customers can be as helpful as the staff. For instance, that twentysomething in a black hoodie and blue jeans, sporting a day's stubble. He was curious about the quality of the used CDs. I assured him that I have never had a problem. He took my advice and made the purchase. I win.
Randy: Hey, even with your punky little Mohawk, you're pretty approachable. For me, the 50 or so customers were either browsers or purchasers. Some were solo, very into the search, while others gravitated to various sections in pods, sharing a mutual interest and a night out. And the crowd never waned; it just kept changing over.
The music
M: I'm more the solo figure. Sometimes when I'm looking, I slap on headphones and listen to my own playlist. However, indie-rock band Pavement's "Slanted and Enchanted" was playing over the store's speakers, and the repetitive clicking of CD case against CD case added the perfect dissonance. Then there's always the listening stations. The guy in his early 30s, dreadlocks and goatee, dancing enthusiastically and clapping his hands, was really getting into what he was listening to.
R: He was definitely in his own little musical world. I'm into Pavement, but, as usual, I headed for the jazz/classical section. Surrounded by plexiglass, it was an aural oasis. And where else can you listen in on a couple having a spirited debate about the merits of jazz fusion? Oh, date night at Cheapo.
The fashions
M: And that's the great thing, you see a little of everything here. Couldn't help but notice the teenager, probably 17 or 18. He was decked out in the uniform of a suburban hipster -- skateboard name-brand clothes, Vans classics and shaggy hair that's cut to look roguish, but not dirty. He was wearing too much cologne, and obviously a novice at shopping here.
R: No doubt, people-watching can be almost as interesting as bopping to Coltrane at 10:30 on Saturday night. I got a kick out of the two young guys filling up those cute little baskets they have throughout the store. One was ready to go out, with his tailored shirt, baggy but refined pants and retro platform shoes. The other was into comfortable casual, in his wind pants and long, baggy sweatshirt. And he had some awesome 'rows. They were enjoying the shopping as well as each other. Obviously, both already considered themselves to be out on the town.
The basement:
M: I don't recall seeing those guys downstairs. I just love when that musty smell of old vinyl albums reaches my nose as I make my way down the stairs. It's the exclusive domain of audiophiles. Like the guy in his mid-20s, dressed in a fashion that screams club hopper. He was browsing through the electronica section. Probably a DJ.
R: I was a little surprised by how many people of different ages I saw in the basement. There was the woman looking for treasures in the racks of cassette tapes and the older guy looking for a Tommy Sands LP .
But my favorite was the gangly rocker asking the clerk "when did you get this," then exclaiming, "I have been looking for this for years." There was no doubt that the copy of "Twisted and Ancient" by the KLF had found a new home.
The search:
M: Yes, he definitely scored. Me, I'm one of those music snobs. I search incessantly through the racks for that one perfect purchase. However, each person has their own style: Some speed through rack after rack with reckless abandon. Some take their time, analyzing each CD. Some simply come in, locate the CD they want and buy it. For me, it's not so much about the destination, but about the journey.
R: Many people's approaches seemed guided by mood. I spent some time perusing the imaginatively labeled movie categories: Bikers; Good Cop, Bad Cop; Nukes; Pirates; Dragons; Underwater; Mad Scientists and listening in on a debate about Disney's seven-year reissue policy. You're right. It's not necessarily about the purchase, but enjoying the hunt.
Randy Miranda • 612-673-7432

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