a two-part question

2. I'd probably just ask "top five records". Quick & dirty way to get a sense of the person's taste. If they have an interesting list then they're probably significantly geeky to know helpful things like labels, release dates, etc. for a wide range of stuff.

What on earth would be so bizarre about just happening to know the first five albums of one of the most popular and best-selling groups in the history of recorded music?

And to answer the question.

1. Nope
2. Name the first five albums of one of the most popular and best-selling groups in the history of recorded music?

After this, the person in question will know whether they really want the job or not, and you, the employer, will know that they are capable of holding up to the strain (at least for a week at a time).

1. No, because it was before I was born and ! I really can't be bothered with much beyond 'best of' collections in such cases, the question is ridiculous unless the whole store is some kind of guitar & yelling festival for collector scum anyway.

By the way, I just checked, and I got the first five albums wrong. I also got the first five Beatles albums in the wrong order. Does that mean I should never be let behind the counter of a record store again?

2. I definitely wouldn't hinge it all on one question. We'd have ourselves a nice long chat.

2) I like this answer, although I'd say "artists" instead of "groups": Name the first five albums of one of the most popular and best-selling groups in the history of recorded music?

How did you do with the Chicago?

If i had a dime for every saturday morning i heard THAT one hanging out in the shop!!! Hah!!

I would have said no and then asked him to name the first 5 Elvis records!

I merely took issue with your statement that People obsessive enough to be able to regurgitate that type of information off the top of their heads are often not the type of people you want talking to customers, if you want to keep your customers. I'm 30 now, but I could have answered that question when I was 17. I just happened to grow up a Stones fan. All of us on here know reams of trivia. Surely there is some band you're a fan of whose discography you can recite?

1) The Rolling Stones are without question one of the most popular acts of the rock 'n' roll era. Their records, even their new ones, sell well, and the band still manages to pack arenas on every tour.

2) Even though their first albums produced several hits, many music fans consider the Rolling Stones' peak between '68-'72 -- thinking of records like December's Children as singles vehicles and little else. And people from my generation (born in the '70s) are more familiar with the '78-'84 model, since that's what we heard the most on the radio growing up. Kids today ("kids today!!!") have no idea, obviously -- they've got plenty of music from their own generation, thank you.

3) Would Avril Lavigne be able to name a Rolling Stones song? And if not -- would you still consider her for a record store job?

2: Quick, who did Mick Jones play for? (If they answer 'The Clash' I use my better judgement. If they answer 'Big Audio Dynamite' I hire them. If they answer 'Foreigner' NO NO NO GET OUT OF MY STORE.)

3: Sure -- "House of the Rising Sun"!

2) Fill in the blank - "Oh no! There goes Tokyo! Go go ________ !"

3) Duh - most record geeks are closet pedophiles anyway

1) What was the first widely successful hip-hop single?
2) What is the lead instrument in zydeco?
3) What country produces most rai music?

Now, that said, I'd actually be interested in knowing how many ILXers whose tastes I respect and trust would know the answer to that question without having to look it up. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about music and I don't particularly consider it a failing that I didn't know it without looking it up. I find it interesting for the very reasons you state: the Stones are one of the biggest and longest-lasting bands on the planet, as are the Beatles....so WHY DON'T I KNOW THIS? I find that curious.

Question I'd ask: Is Dylan a better singer or songwriter? There's no right answer as long as they can make a reasonable case.

2. Why is The Wit & Wisdom Of Ronald Reagan considered by many to be a waste of money?

3. What's Python Lee Jackson's real name?

(and the clincher)

4. What time is love?

Frank Kogan to thread!

The Music And Video Exchange in Notting Hill gives everyone who turns up a test and then gives the people who get a high enough score a trial day. But they are a chain.

Equivalent question in 1967: name Al Jolson's first five 78s.

I ended up helping to set the questions when they updated the Books and Comics one and it was really hard to do - we were trying to calibrate them so that we could get people who knew their stuff but weren't twats (and we spectacularly failed).

2. My questions would be:

a) Give me the tracklisting for "the Countinuing struggle of the Philistines Jr"
b) What's your favourite Poison song?
c) Name all the members of Steps.
d) What is punk?

2. I'd ask

What were the last 5 records you bought?

Why do you want to work here?

Why do you think you'd be good?

Other actual job questions probably far more useful.

ii. Starbucks is four doors down.

Before I got the test I was asked to name the members of The Byrds.

2. Scenario: A customer comes in looking for the Grateful Dead do you:
a). Suggest whatever it is you have in stock.
b). Suggest items of high regard, but of low availability.
c). Suggest offshoots like "Old & in the Way" or Hart's "Planet Drum"

But this might not get you the job.

Record shop supremo: "You what?"

Interviewee: "Oh sorry I thought you wanted me to name the five old bums in the Rolling Stones..."

Q: "Can you work a cash register, and do you know how to alphabetize?"

2. What was Sun Ra's real name?

i knew i recognised that posting style from somewhere!!

But... but... they already have names.

2. i really depends on the position. is it stocking/customer service? or is it buying? there's a lot of difference there.
m.

If I had to guess on this one, her first one would be just "Celine Dion", another would probably be named "Celine", and third would be "The Wonderful and Frightening World of Ms. Dion".

2. what would you compile a rough guide to & wht wd the tracklisting be?