Smash Celebrates One Year in AM

Smash Records has proven that retail can survive in Adams Morgan. Only weeks after Miss Pixie's took up stakes and moved to newly retail-friendly 14th and U, Smash triumphantly celebrated its 1 year anniversary in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. The Washington landmark music store had previously been located in Georgetown.

They took the opportunity to celebrate on the most recent First Tuesday, an event held each month by AM businesses. Participating businesses offer discounts and deals, as Smash did on Tuesday. I got four CDs (yea, i still buy them... and you can't find these on itunes!) for about $20. These were hard to find; some obscure 90s bands from the Bay Area and a rare Bright Eyes release. There was even a birthday cake that said 'punk rock,' but obviously I got there a little late.

Smash is one of a handful of music stores on the 42 bus line. We are so lucky to have establishments like this! Support the locals, please! As you can see in the photos, Smash carries vintage clothing and local labels as well. Each of the two owners are truly experts in music and vintage wares. The selection for each is top notch. Actually, for all the dudes.... they have clothes for us too! Most of the time vintage places don't carry many clothes for men, but this place does. Shoes, indie-label tees, vintage button ups and jackets too. Smash is located at 2314 18th Street NW, upstairs. Open Daily

First Tuesdays in Adams Morgan: Smash! Records

Little Known Fact: Adams Morgan businesses offer discounts and sales every first Tuesday of each month. The Adams Morgan First Tuesdays is organized by the Mainstreet for the neighborhood. Business and civic leaders are in a constant battle to re-brand the 18th street strip as a lively 24 hour neighborhood that's not just good for late-night debauchery. There are a growing number of quality, independent shops on the strip, like Meeps, Hoopla, Pixies, Crooked Beat and Smash! Records which offer shopping during the daytime and nighttime hours. During the First Tuesdays event restaurants offer food and drink for two for $25 and participating retailers offer 10-30% off sales.

I visited Smash! Records on October's First Tuesday. Smash! was an M Street institution for years in Georgetown, before closing and being reincarnated within the last year at 2314 18th St (2nd floor). The record store mostly stocks new and used punk, indie, metal, and rock CDs and records. They also have a truly, truly under-rated selection of independent and local clothing labels, vintage clothing and shoes. True to the promotion, they were offering 15% off most every item in the store. I picked up a first pressing of a 1990s hardcore album, Side by Side's You're Only Young Once... and a t-shirt by an independent designer from Philadelphia. The owners had some snack foods for visitors and by the time I left quite a few people had stopped by and many had made purchases. A few photos for you are below. Next First Tuesday, I think I'll try one of Adams Morgan's great eateries... Can't wait!