Today we passed on the news that Orpheus Records has officially closed for real. We just got off the phone with Owner Rick Carlisle. Apparently, Carlisle decided to close up shop on Saturday afternoon.

"I'm closed," Carlisle says. "Saturday was my last day. I didn't actually decide until two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday. I originally intended to close the previous Saturday....As the day progressed, it just felt right to do it. I alluded to it on the website and a fair number of people were able to read between the lines and were able to come in and wish me well. It just felt right to close."

Carlisle says he just had enough.

"The people that were coming in just I don't know," he says. "It was just a feeling. It felt like it should happen....There were so few people coming in anymore....I figured I've gotten rid of a lot of the inventory. I've said my goodbyes. My customers said their goodbyes...It didn't make any sense to keep waiting. I've been losing money for three months. I finally had to pull the plug."

Carlisle goes on to describe the last day of Orpheus. "The last day all the records were for a dollar," he says. "On Friday night, I spent several hours putting out new stuff just so it wouldn't be the same boring junk....Two guys did pretty well getting some good stuff. There was still pretty good stuff... I saw a few $30 records go out for a buck."

Carlisle did take a few things for himself. "The new releases and high end collectibles are leaving with me," he says. "I'm still getting the new stuff for my regulars. I have an order coming on Thursday–for my diehards. They'll come and pick up their Steve Earle record. I have someone coming in for the Felice Brothers."

I finally asked Carlisle what he was gonna do next. "I have no idea," he admits. "I decided months ago, I have no time to think about that.... For the first three to six months, I'm not going to do anything....I will be keeping the website up for informational purposes if nothing else for the....next 30 years..."

Owner Rick Carlisle had been a fixture among music lovers for three decades. His store was a boon to blues freaks, old-timey nerds, and general rock and jazz fans. If you really wanted that Dylan box set, he'd have it. If you wanted a new copy of the Beatles' Revolver (British edition), he'd have it. Carlisle's expertise and general mellowness will be missed. Not to mention his store's vinyl racks which covered everything from Monk and Ayler to Devo and Dischord.

Carlisle's voicemail pointed out that he is still in the store packing and that he's looking for someone to buy the rest of his inventory. He posted this message on his website:

"Oh!, by the way, did I mention...Saturday May 23 was our last day?...Oh No?.. I meant to...Anyway, we are now entertaining ALL wholesale offers...give a call or come by. Thank you to all those who came in Saturday to wish us well and those who bought more stuff. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you........!...Wholesale inquiries: 703-294-6774 ................Albums listed on this site are available for sale IN STORE ONLY. Most Bins & Fixtures are Sold, only a couple left, so, if you're interested..now's the time. Anybody need a hardly used cash register? We also have a receiver & speakers for sale.. FYI: While I appreciate the interest I am Unable to respond to email at this time. I will respond after we close, although I don't know how helpful that will be. Thank you......................."