Jukeboxes are one of the few forms of technology where I remain a staunch conservative – nothing ruins a good dive like those glowing neon digital jukeboxes with wireless access to an internet’s worth of MP3′s. A well-curated jukebox remains one of the clearest ways for a bar to define its character and self-select its patrons (and scare away everyone else).
So, hats off to Rock Bar, a fairly new addition to the city, for getting Aquarius Records to curate their jukebox. Aquarius is a music nerd’s dream record store, and their initial jukebox selection doesn’t disappoint, with plenty of local garage rock and a healthy serving of excellently-named, and for the most part excellent metal bands (electric wizard! nightsatan! christian mistress!).
The bar itself is also a welcome addition to the neighborhood, spacious, sparely-decorated, and suspiciously well-lit, with a classy, affordable cocktail menu to boot. Aquarius will be updating the jukebox every few weeks as well, so there’ll always be a good reason to go back.
