However, the iconic refrain rings true for this tiny record store in Bukit Mertajam as it continues to survive 46 years on.
“I opened this shop in 1975 and back then, people would walk in and immediately buy five albums off the shelves,” says Cheong Yew Wing, the owner of Siau Music Centre.
While Market Road bustles to the tune of beeping cars today, it used to be buzzing with music enthusiasts who crowded around Siau Music Centre, hoping to snag the hottest hits of the day.
“Instead of CDs, we sold cassettes and cartridges. Whenever disco music started playing, everyone would naturally dance to the music,” says Cheong, who recalls fun memories while explaining his business.
“The job was easier back then as I didn’t have much to prepare. I just had to put everything on display and it would be ready to sell.”
While 70s classics like ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Hotel California’ continue to echo throughout the store, Cheong fondly remembers the store’s heyday back when CDs and online streaming services didn’t exist.
He then whips out his store’s stamp which carries the words “Gila Music” carved onto it. He explains that in Chinese, ‘siau’ translates into crazy, a testament of how Siau Music Centre made patrons go ‘siau’ over music.
“When ‘Titanic’ first came out, I sold over 5,000 copies of Celine Dion’s album,” says Cheong who notes that all you needed was one killer song for customers to go crazy over an album.
“People didn’t say Celine Dion, instead they asked for the ‘Titanic’ song,” he laughs and adds that even the album cover featured the iconic shot of the lovers posing at the bow of the ship.
Cheong’s shop was so busy that he required 11 helpers at any one time as music lovers all across Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai and Padang Serai congregated there.
“Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ was another big seller and obviously when the movie ‘Saturday Night Fever’ came out, the Bee Gees became favourites too,” Cheong adds.
Siau Music Centre’s customers came from all sorts of backgrounds and everyone loved browsing through the shop’s impressive music collection as it had something for everyone.
From Malay classics and staple country music to hits from Loong Piau Piau and more recent tunes, Cheong has it all and continues to showcase these musical gems on his shelves.
“Between the 70s to 80s, Malaysian bands like Alleycats, Sweet September and Wings were really popular, but albums from Wings sold out in a flash,” he says.
However, while Siau Music Centre continues to belt out the classics and latest tunes for all to hear, Cheong’s store remains silent of people and customers.
Visited mainly by elder folks seeking karaoke CDs, Cheong’s record store is now more of a charming relic.
“People still come to buy CDs for their parents, as they’ll spot album covers that remind them of their parents and the music they grew up listening to as kids,” says Cheong, but adds that it is a rarity.
“It’s difficult to survive in this business now, but this is just my way of passing time,” says Cheong, who adds that even his son advised him to close shop after his sales deteriorated during the first MCO.
“If I retire now, there’s nothing to do at home, so I don’t mind keeping it open even if there’s no business. I still get to relax and listen to music while having friends over for some tea,” Cheong says with a smile.
If you ever drop by Siau Music Centre, it’s not just the good music that will keep you captivated. Cheong’s bubbly personality is equally warm.
In fact, he serves friends and customers alike with drinks such as Chinese tea, Milo, and soft drinks from his little beverage station.
However, if you’re craving something ice-cold, just head down the street to Cheong’s brothers’ drink stall that’s been serving thirst quenchers in Bukit Mertajam since 1967.
Their cooling sugar cane and chrysanthemum brew hit the spot on sweltering days and alongside Siau Music Centre, it’s another one of Bukit Mertajam’s timeless gems.
Siau Music Centre
70, Jalan Pasar
14000 Bukit Mertajam
Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 10.30am – 7pm (Daily)