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Can you guess what the name of Sean Smith's new punk record shop, Top 5 Records, refers to?
Take some time to think. And don't you John Cusack fans give it away yet.
In the meantime, Top 5 opened Aug. 5 at 1300 S Dale Mabry Highway, across from Publix. It's within one-third of a mile of two other independent record stores, the Music Spot at 1902 S Dale Mabry Highway and Vinyl Fever at 4110 Henderson Blvd.
Each has a formidable following. So why there?
Smith says the Spot and Vinyl "don't really cater to the more, like, punk rock underground scene.
"We have a niche. We all just like that kind of music, like independent punk rock."
Besides, he added, being so close to the other stores can be enticing to those with a broad appetite for eclectic music but little appetite for driving. Now they have an indie record store triangle of sorts in the heart of South Tampa.
But Top 5 is not just a place to get the latest Fall Out Boy's CD. It's also an occasional music venue and outlet for...