ECL1P53 will be out on the shelves on the 23rd :)

[Don]

At wal-mart now...found Anderson employee....he's just handed it to me...Thanks Rip!

Woooooooo Hooooooooooooo!!!
This is why MR rocks!
Just don't rat out which Anderson employee gave it to you

[Rip Rokken]

Good luck. Clerk in the music dept. at my Wmart laid down the law and said "we never sell merchandise early." Fucking asshole. I thought about telling him that I personally know Rip Rokken, but decided to get in my car and leave.

Damn... believe it or not, that's not an endgame, but it depends on how far you want to push it.

Fail. They didnt have it in yet.

This happened a LOT when the Manila DVD was released, but I remember then that the third person I sent back to look for them at that last store I tried came back with the goods. I just wasn't going to leave without that disc, and I ended up scoring a few copies of SONIC BOOM a week before it was released, too. I guess it's possible that store may not have them in the back, but it's also highly likely the employees don't know where to look for them. There are TONS of loot back there, and these will be in the Anderson boxes. They may not even be placed in the same spot as the standard CDs.

Worst case, if you want to be sure, call Wal-Mart HQ: (479) 273-4000

Ask for Anderson, or the dept that handles music, DVDs, etc. You'll end up talking to Anderson, who can let you know if that store will be selling the disc, and even if they've received them. I never mentioned buying the disc early -- only interest in making sure it would be there by release day. They were very nice to talk to, and probably field several similar calls regularly.

[Don]

Good for you guys....Is Walmart going to promote this as we'd hoped and been led to believe? Does 17 copies sound like a big prominent display?

I didn't get the impression from talking to Anderson at HQ yesterday that there would be much in the way of promotional material (posters, displays, etc.). That could vary by store, and they may have video looping over the TVs like they've done in the past. No, 17 for a store this size didn't seem like much at all -- it's a brand new Super Wal-Mart, and is as big as they get.

I had heard the hope of a Kiosk from one of the band members. With this not being a multiple disc package like Revelation, maybe the higher ups decided to let all these high profile releases next week fend for themselves, promotion wise.

[Rip Rokken]

Just landed 10 more copies +1 for the co-worker. There was an Anderson employee at the store this time and he had the boxes on the floor with him. I just pulled one of my open copies from my pocket and showed him, and that was all it took.

[S2M]

Just landed 10 more copies +1 for the co-worker. There was an Anderson employee at the store this time and he had the boxes on the floor with him. I just pulled one of my open copies from my pocket and showed him, and that was all it took.

Did you get his fucking autograph, too?

[Behshad]

Just landed 10 more copies +1 for the co-worker. There was an Anderson employee at the store this time and he had the boxes on the floor with him. I just pulled one of my open copies from my pocket and showed him, and that was all it took.

Did you get his fucking autograph, too?

He probably did.


Why he needs 500 copies of it , is beyond me. If he "scores" at every walmart within 200 miles radius , Arnel will give him backstage access

[S2M]

Just landed 10 more copies +1 for the co-worker. There was an Anderson employee at the store this time and he had the boxes on the floor with him. I just pulled one of my open copies from my pocket and showed him, and that was all it took.

Did you get his fucking autograph, too?

He probably did.


Why he needs 500 copies of it , is beyond me. If he "scores" at every walmart within 200 miles radius , Arnel will give him backstage access

It's the only way this release is going aluminum....Rip pads the numbers by buying up every lot at surrounding WalMarts....lol

If you look closely, there is a direct correlation between Dokken, Kiss, and Journey release dates...and shipments of sharpies.

[Behshad]

Just landed 10 more copies +1 for the co-worker. There was an Anderson employee at the store this time and he had the boxes on the floor with him. I just pulled one of my open copies from my pocket and showed him, and that was all it took.

Did you get his fucking autograph, too?

He probably did.


Why he needs 500 copies of it , is beyond me. If he "scores" at every walmart within 200 miles radius , Arnel will give him backstage access

It's the only way this release is going aluminum....Rip pads the numbers by buying up every lot at surrounding WalMarts....lol

If you look closely, there is a direct correlation between Dokken, Kiss, and Journey release dates...and shipments of sharpies.

Don't forget Lady Gaga



Hey Ripster ,
It's not that big of a deal to score Journey CDs a week before release .... Let's see if you can choose your knowledge/charm and score ONE copy of Lady Gagas new one before street day

[koberry]

Am here in Cary, NC store now. Talking with a Walmart employee who said the Anderson guy was here yesterday and put everything out that was due. He agreed to take a stroll thru the back and check, but didn't seem optimistic... Stocking the music area seems to be a foreign concept. Sounds like Anderson people do it all for them?

[S2M]

I just got Black Country Communion 2....doesn't drop til June 21st.....for some reason that damn Eclipse was an anomaly. I could not find it ANYWHERE....

[S2M]

Am here in Cary, NC store now. Talking with a Walmart employee who said the Anderson guy was here yesterday and put everything out that was due. He agreed to take a stroll thru the back and check, but didn't seem optimistic... Stocking the music area seems to be a foreign concept. Sounds like Anderson people do it all for them?

You have to go early in the morning....Anderson is there in the wee hours. I can send you my 3DVD set describing exactly how to do it. I ask for 3 payments of $29.98...

The Rip Rokken's Guide to Bugging the Absolute Fuck Out of the WalMart Employees. And if you act now, I'll throw in a free pack of silver sharpies. Just pay seperate S&H....

[koberry]

Struck out at the new supercenter. Now at an older store down the street. The employees don't even know where the Anderson people keep their stuff... Guy's in the back looking...

[Rip Rokken]

Am here in Cary, NC store now. Talking with a Walmart employee who said the Anderson guy was here yesterday and put everything out that was due. He agreed to take a stroll thru the back and check, but didn't seem optimistic... Stocking the music area seems to be a foreign concept. Sounds like Anderson people do it all for them?

Yes, they are a 3rd party company contracted to handle (at least) new release CDs, DVDs, and books/magazines I believe. Very common that the Wal-Mart employee isn't familiar with the Anderson stock. Here is an example of what their boxes look like -- I took this when we were hunting for the Manila DVD:

[Rip Rokken]

Just landed 10 more copies +1 for the co-worker. There was an Anderson employee at the store this time and he had the boxes on the floor with him. I just pulled one of my open copies from my pocket and showed him, and that was all it took.

Did you get his fucking autograph, too?

No, but I did give a copy to a Journey fan standing behind me in line. I'd started to walk away without my bag and she made a joke that it was hers.

[Behshad]

Just landed 10 more copies +1 for the co-worker. There was an Anderson employee at the store this time and he had the boxes on the floor with him. I just pulled one of my open copies from my pocket and showed him, and that was all it took.

Did you get his fucking autograph, too?

No, but I did give a copy to a Journey fan standing behind me in line. I'd started to walk away without my bag and she made a joke that it was hers.

You started to walk away without your bag ?! in a hurry to get to the next walmart on your map ?!

[Rip Rokken]

Why he needs 500 copies of it , is beyond me. If he "scores" at every walmart within 200 miles radius , Arnel will give him backstage access

LOL... about 3/4 of them are leaving the U.S. by the weekend.

Don't forget Lady Gaga

Hey Ripster ,
It's not that big of a deal to score Journey CDs a week before release .... Let's see if you can choose your knowledge/charm and score ONE copy of Lady Gagas new one before street day

Hahahaha... Dude, that wouldn't even be a challenge. They were in the same open boxes the Anderson guy pulled these from. I could get them anytime. I think you are trying to trick me into wasting money on crap music! Sneaky!!!

[Behshad]

Why he needs 500 copies of it , is beyond me. If he "scores" at every walmart within 200 miles radius , Arnel will give him backstage access

LOL... about 3/4 of them are leaving the U.S. by the weekend.

Don't forget Lady Gaga

Hey Ripster ,
It's not that big of a deal to score Journey CDs a week before release .... Let's see if you can choose your knowledge/charm and score ONE copy of Lady Gagas new one before street day

Hahahaha... Dude, that wouldn't even be a challenge. They were in the same open boxes the Anderson guy pulled these from. I could get them anytime. I think you are trying to trick me into wasting money on crap music! Sneaky!!!

I think after sharing a copy of your reciept , it doesn't take much to waste your money on crap music. Besides I can guarantee you , you wouldn't be able to get a single copy of Gagas album like you got Journey's

[Behshad]

Why he needs 500 copies of it , is beyond me. If he "scores" at every walmart within 200 miles radius , Arnel will give him backstage access

LOL... about 3/4 of them are leaving the U.S. by the weekend.

3/4 of the CDs or 3/4 of the band ?!

[koberry]

Doh! Struck out yet again. The Walmart employees have been nice enough, they just don't hear the clue phone on where the Anderson folks store their stuff. I'm imagining an enormous warehouse of stuff in the back and employees who are oblivious to where this stuff is.

[Don]

Why he needs 500 copies of it , is beyond me. If he "scores" at every walmart within 200 miles radius , Arnel will give him backstage access

LOL... about 3/4 of them are leaving the U.S. by the weekend.

Don't forget Lady Gaga

Hey Ripster ,
It's not that big of a deal to score Journey CDs a week before release .... Let's see if you can choose your knowledge/charm and score ONE copy of Lady Gagas new one before street day

Hahahaha... Dude, that wouldn't even be a challenge. They were in the same open boxes the Anderson guy pulled these from. I could get them anytime. I think you are trying to trick me into wasting money on crap music! Sneaky!!!

I think after sharing a copy of your reciept , it doesn't take much to waste your money on crap music. Besides I can guarantee you , you wouldn't be able to get a single copy of Gagas album like you got Journey's

Why am I seeing a photo of someone holding Born This Way with a receipt in our immediate future? And, no it won't be me.

[Rip Rokken]

You have to go early in the morning....Anderson is there in the wee hours.

Depends on the stock -- this guy was there about 3:30pm, with open stock out on the floor on a cart. He wouldn't have placed the ECL1P53 CDs out yet because the box was dated, but no reason for them to protest when they're right there in front of ya begging to be bought. And if you see the boxes with no rep around... I have no moral qualms at all sneaking CDs out of any visible and accessible box and buying them, no matter what the date is. Technique demonstrated below -- that's exactly how I landed these a week early:

The Rip Rokken's Guide to Bugging the Absolute Frak Out of the WalMart Employees. And if you act now, I'll throw in a free pack of silver sharpies. Just pay seperate S&H....

The book is a Wal-Mart Exclusive, but I'm afraid you'll have to go to Walgreens for the silver Sharpies!

[VirgilTheart]

^ LOL you guys are awesome. I doubt I'll be able to get it early. Unless the whole "May 23rd" date applies to ALL Wal-Mart's in the nation?

Either way, the anticipation is killing me here!

[Rip Rokken]

^ LOL you guys are awesome. I doubt I'll be able to get it early. Unless the whole "May 23rd" date applies to ALL Wal-Mart's in the nation?

Either way, the anticipation is killing me here!

It should apply, unless a store will not be carrying the disc. Good luck!

[DrFU]

The Rip Rokken's Guide to Bugging the Absolute Frak Out of the WalMart Employees. And if you act now, I'll throw in a free pack of silver sharpies. Just pay seperate S&H....

The book is a Wal-Mart Exclusive, but I'm afraid you'll have to go to Walgreens for the silver Sharpies!

Rip, your enthusiasm for life is a joy to behold.

I bet you are fast becoming a legend at Wal Mart water coolers.....

[Rip Rokken]

The Rip Rokken's Guide to Bugging the Absolute Frak Out of the WalMart Employees. And if you act now, I'll throw in a free pack of silver sharpies. Just pay seperate S&H....

The book is a Wal-Mart Exclusive, but I'm afraid you'll have to go to Walgreens for the silver Sharpies!

Rip, your enthusiasm for life is a joy to behold.

I bet you are fast becoming a legend at Wal Mart water coolers.....

You and CrzDeb have to come to Pittsburgh.

[AJ]

Well I whiffed at our local Super Wal Mart! Lady kept spewing about "against the law" blah blah blah "would get in BIG trouble" blah blah blah. I even showed her the picture of Rip's receipt on my phone...still no luck. I will try the smaller regular Wal Mart store tomorrow. With the part of town it's in, I'm hoping that the employees there won't give a crap about breaking the law as I'm sure it's a normal way of life!!

[Rip Rokken]

Well I whiffed at our local Super Wal Mart! Lady kept spewing about "against the law" blah blah blah "would get in BIG trouble" blah blah blah. I even showed her the picture of Rip's receipt on my phone...still no luck. I will try the smaller regular Wal Mart store tomorrow. With the part of town it's in, I'm hoping that the employees there won't give a crap about breaking the law as I'm sure it's a normal way of life!!

AJ, scope out the right employee. When I went today, my co-worker and I agreed that we were only had time to give it one shot, and the first batch of crew we spotted didn't inspire confidence. Either they wouldn't put the effort into searching, or wouldn't make a call to sell them without consulting a manager. As soon we saw an Anderson guy walk past, we knew we were in luck, and it was mega-simple. The guy actually had his cart out with all his boxes open, and didn't ask any questions at all... He did get a chuckle when I asked for 11.

[VirgilTheart]

Listening to the album now myself, and I gotta say I'm loving what I'm hearing.

In fact, I'm going to have to say this will probably end up being my personal favorite Journey album, though that isn't to say it's better than the classic Escape, Frontiers or Infinity albums. I said something similar previously that I listened to Revelation the most out of my albums because that was the line-up I connect the band with. Since it's the same line-up, and I can definitely say it's a vastly superior album to Revelation, me thinks this will be in my CD player for most of the summer.

That said, while I'm not entirely sure She's A Mystery is the best overall song on the album (though it's certainly a highlight), it definitely bears the single best -moment- on the album; right around 5:00 where the song turns heavy and Arnel starts shrieking those last few lines as he trades off with Neal, who responds with some killer solos. That last "SHE'S A MYSTERY!!!!!" is particularly notable IMO.

[AJ]

[quote="Rip Rokken"][quote="AJ"]Well I whiffed at our local Super Wal Mart! Lady kept spewing about "against the law" blah blah blah "would get in BIG trouble" blah blah blah. I even showed her the picture of Rip's receipt on my phone...still no luck. I will try the smaller regular Wal Mart store tomorrow. With the part of town it's in, I'm hoping that the employees there won't give a crap about breaking the law as I'm sure it's a normal way of life!![/quote]

AJ, scope out the right employee. When I went today, my co-worker and I agreed that we were only had time to give it one shot, and the first batch of crew we spotted didn't inspire confidence. Either they wouldn't put the effort into searching, or wouldn't make a call to sell them without consulting a manager. As soon we saw an Anderson guy walk past, we knew we were in luck, and it was mega-simple. The guy actually had his cart out with all his boxes open, and didn't ask any questions at all... He did get a chuckle when I asked for 11. [/quote]

Thanks for tips Rip!! I will be on the prowl again tomorrow!

[Rip Rokken]

Thanks for tips Rip!! I will be on the prowl again tomorrow!

Don't take 'no' for an answer. Especially if they are of the fairer sex... remember that when they say 'no', they really... umm... oh, never mind.