For the past 30 years, JERRY BALDERSON has been “Rearranging Ears”!

Sound Effects Records has been a mainstay in Hackettstown since opening its doors in 1987, near Jack’s Barber Shop. In 30 years, there have been four locations, all within a three block radius. Jerry worked as a clerk at the original shop and always felt that the record store was quite “a cool place.” When the opportunity arose, he happily took ownership of Sound Effects Records.

Sound Effects Records is now located at 229 Main Street, Suite 2, in Hackettstown and Jerry can be found there Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., select Sundays 12 Noon to about 4, with additional hours Monday through Friday Noon to 6 p.m.

After buying and selling used LPs and CDs for 3 decades, Jerry knows his customers’ audio preferences. Those who visit Sound Effects Records may be seeking something specific, or simply browsing for something they didn’t even realize they wanted! The cozy space carries an eclectic mix of rock and roll from the 1960s and up, blues, classic soul, and reggae. On a recent Record Store Day, Tom Waits said of the small record shops, “…keep ‘em open, they’re the ears of the town.” Hear here!

Since 1974, Jerry has also volunteered as a radio host at multiple stations, giving him hands-on, ear-opening exposure to the indie music culture. Currently he hosts “The Paleface Parabola” on Homegrown Radio most Fridays from 7 p.m. to midnight on www.homegrownradionj.org. It’s also available via several options: Alexa, Bluetooth, and the free download Tune In radio app.Type in homegrownradionj!

He says the radio show allows him to “put an artistic vision out there – this is what I’m inspired to play this week” while hopefully inspiring others to stray from their comfort zone. Plenty of good music abounds and surrounds us, “You just have to scratch beneath the dirt to find it these days,” advises Jerry.

Jerry Balderson, a Hackettstown resident for 57 years, a music enthusiast and a self-proclaimed “indie music retail ringmaster,” is celebrating his birthday on January 1! A special toast to you, Mr. Balderson, as you embark on a brand new year of musical mixology.

When it comes to the people and happenings of Warren County, you can count on award winning photographer Cathy Miller to be there to record the moment.