Author Archives: TVD HQ

TVD Radar: Billy Idol, Rebel Yell 40th anniversary expanded 2LP, 2CD in stores 4/26

VIA PRESS RELEASE | Rock legend Billy Idol is set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his landmark album Rebel Yell with a deluxe expanded edition due April 26 via Capitol/UMe.

Available for pre-order on Friday, March 8, the reissue includes a selection of previously unreleased songs and demos, the Poolside remix of Idol’s smash hit “Eyes Without A Face” and the never-before-heard Billy Idol/Steve Stevens original “Best Way Out of Here” from the original sessions. Idol’s never-before-released cover of the Rose Royce single “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” from the album’s original recording sessions will be available to download/stream on March 8 as well; pre-order the album and stream the new single on March 8 HERE.

Originally released in November 1983, Rebel Yell is the twice-platinum follow-up to Idol’s self-titled debut. The album features the iconic singles “Eyes Without a Face,” Flesh for Fantasy,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Catch My Fall.” The reissue is available in 2xLP, 2xCD, and digital formats.

Idol recently released the concert film Billy Idol: State Line, a Vertigo Live concert film documenting his April 2023 show at the famed Hoover Dam—the first-ever concert performed at the location—on DVD and Blu-ray following a successful limited theatrical run.

The film highlights the history and significance of Hoover Dam and includes performances from two unique sets of Billy Idol’s iconic hits: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon, and an acoustic duo set on the roof of the powerhouse at the foot of Hoover Dam straddling the Colorado River, directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line.

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In rotation: 3/8/24

Lubbock, TX | Celebrate Record Store Day 2024 at Lubbock’s only independent record store: Lubbock’s only independent record store has quite a history here in the 806. Ralph’s Records (3322 82nd St) has been Lubbock’s entertainment headquarters for over 40 years. And now it’s the only place in Lubbock where you can participate in Record Store Day, April 4th, 2024. Record Store Day was created “to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently-owned record stores in the US.” And it’s a fantastic opportunity to pick up Record Store Day only releases, which are very collectible, cool, and often appreciate in value significantly. There will be limited color vinyl records, picture discs, CDs, and even cassettes in a wide variety of genres. Record Store Day is a bit of a surprise and there is some element of luck involved with getting the titles you want most. Of the many RSD releases, many, but not all, will be at Ralph’s, and the quantity will be limited.

UK | Indie record shops boom in number—but supermarkets are deserting music: Data from Digital Entertainment and Retail Association finds there are now 122 more indie record shops compared with 2014. New data shows that the UK has dozens more record shops that it did 10 years ago, but the marketplace for physical music elsewhere is quickly collapsing. A study by the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) finds that there are now 461 indie record shops in the UK, 122 more than 2014. Purely in terms of store numbers, the sector has recovered strongly after a small dip during 2020 that is likely attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic. The much-heralded vinyl revival—and its controversial premium pricing—drove revenue for vinyl to more than £170m last year, the 16th straight year for growth in the format. Of that revenue £110m came from archive releases rather than new music. ERA chief executive Kim Bayley celebrated the shops’ success, saying: “…Indies have found their niche and they are here to stay.”

UK | How young women are fueling the vinyl revival: Experts reveal female Gen Z are driving record sales by buying new albums from modern artists including Taylor Swift—as number of indie stores hits 10-year high: Gen-Z women are helping to fuel the vinyl revival by buying new records from modern artists including Taylor Swift rather than old albums, store owners have revealed today. Some 6.5million LPs on vinyl were bought across the UK last year, making it the 16th year in a row to see growth—with stars Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar and Harry Styles credited for the boom. Experts in the industry now say that Gen Z-ers are behind the trend, whereas in the past it was more likely that middle-aged men and women would go shopping for vinyl from their younger years. It comes as an industry group today revealed that the number of independent record shops has hit a 10-year high, with 461 indie record shops across the country—122 more than a decade ago.

Wilton, UK | LSD Records, Wilton, to feature in upcoming comedy film: A Wilton record shop will be at the heart of an upcoming comedy film set in Wiltshire. LSD Records (or £.s.d. Records) in West Street, has been the main filming set for Sleeves, a story following two aging mods who get together and open a second-hand record shop. Sleeves is a “massive” opportunity for the shop and everyone else involved, said owner Adrian Martin, who hopes the film will grow from humble beginnings into a cult classic. Big names in the film industry have shown interest and Adrian said the scriptwriter is constantly making adjustments as Sleeves has blown up to “massive proportions.” The 58-year-old Wilton resident has been asking his friends to step in as extras in the pub scenes which have been filmed in the Winchester Gate and the Bear Inn. “It’s like a diary of people I grew up with. I have never been so excited in my life,” he said.

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TVD Radar: Craft Recordings announces latest installment in acclaimed Original Jazz Classics reissue series

VIA PRESS RELEASE | Craft Recordings announces the latest reissues in the Original Jazz Classics series: The Red Garland Trio’s Groovy, Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane’s Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane, The John Wright Trio’s South Side Soul, and The New Miles Davis Quintet’s Miles.

Available for pre-order today, these reissues, which roll out from April to July 2024, feature lacquers cut from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio (Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane and Groovy titles cut by Matthew Lutthans at Cohearent Audio), 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI and tip-on jackets, replicating the original artwork. All titles will also be released digitally in 192/24 HD audio.

Original Jazz Classics was created in 1982 (under Fantasy Records) and relaunched last year, with jazz fans and critics alike praising the series’ devotion to vividly preserving and restoring seminal jazz albums, paying mind to everything from cover art to liner notes to the audio recordings themselves.

Since its inception, the series has reissued 850+ hard-to-find jazz albums, among them acclaimed titles from Prestige, Galaxy, Milestone, Riverside, Debut, Contemporary, Jazzland, and Pablo. Craft Recordings will continue to grow its Original Jazz Classics series this year, with audiophile vinyl and digital reissues of even more out-of-print titles.

Speaking to the OJC reissue of Bill Evans’ Sunday at the Village Vanguard, PopMatters raved, “The bright, inventive performances are captured perfectly in these new vinyl releases, and listening to them is an exciting, riveting, and perhaps bittersweet experience, as they caught a unique, influential group of musicians at their peak,” and Clash declared the reissue to be “a must-have.”

On Mal Waldron’s Mal/2, Analog Planet notes that the pressing is “even better than those hard-to-find originals from the 1950s. . . . trust me, you’ll want this.” And for Bill Evans’ Waltz for Debby, Tracking Angle shared in a perfect score review, “The best-sounding of all the pressings . . . the whole line will be worth watching and buying quickly before they sell out,” while All About Jazz echoed, “Without hyperbole, it can be stated that this is the best sounding version yet of a beloved album.”

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TVD Radar: Rockpile, Seconds of Pleasure yellow vinyl reissue in stores 6/7

VIA PRESS RELEASE | Yep Roc Records announces the long overdue vinyl reissue of Rockpile’s Seconds of Pleasure pressed on yellow color vinyl, a first since its original 1980 release. Available June 7 and limited to 1,000 copies worldwide, the reissue was pressed at Citizen Vinyl’s state-of-the-art facilities in Asheville, NC, and the lacquer was cut by renowned mastering engineer Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. The album is now available for pre-order.

A short-lived yet highly influential quartet, composed of Dave Edmunds (vocals, guitar), Nick Lowe (vocals, bass guitar), Billy Bremner (vocals, guitar), and Terry Williams (drums), Rockpile played together throughout the 1970s, and the original 1980 release of Seconds of Pleasure was the only time the band was able to capture their magic on tape.

Recorded at Eden Studios Chiswick, UK, Seconds of Pleasure features classics like Lowe’s pop-perfect “When I Write the Book” and “Play That Fast Thing (One More Time)” and Rockpile’s only Billboard hit, “Teacher Teacher.” Over four decades since its release, Seconds of Pleasure remains a cult classic sought after by music collectors worldwide.

Meshing the sounds of pub rock, power pop, and rockabilly all through a new wave lens, Rockpile were renowned for their blistering live performances, which were brought to national attention on tours supporting Blondie, Bad Company, Van Morrison, and Elvis Costello.

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In rotation: 3/7/24

UK | Number of independent record shops in UK reaches 10-year high, despite overall decline in stores: Despite a decline in stores selling physical music to UK customers, independent music stores continue their growth. The number of independent record stores in the UK has reached a 10-year high, according to new research by ERA, the digital Entertainment and Retail Association. ERA’s research confirms that as of the end of 2023, there were a total of 461 independent record shops up and down the country, a 36% increase on 2013, where there were 339. Despite this rise, the number of stores selling physical music in the UK has hit an all-time low; in 2013 there were a total of 10,391 stores that sold music in the UK, but now there are just 2,486 – a decline of 76%. However, it’s not all bad news – ERA’s new research does prove that despite a shrinking of the physical music market, indie record shops have increased their share of the market; sales from independent record shops now account for 8% of all music sales in the UK. In 2013, indies represented just 3% of music outlets in the country, while in 2023 they represented nearly a quarter, with 23%.

Denville, NJ | The Sweet Vinyl Cafe is a Denville, New Jersey hidden gem: There are so many hidden spots in New Jersey that are just dying to be explored. I love finding out through the internet that there are a ton of quirky and unique cafes, restaurants, bars, and other places that are located not too far from me in my own state. There’s a cafe that’s located in Denville, New Jersey that mixes a few of my favorite things. I’ve seen a few different videos of this spot online and people are loving the comfy, artsy vibes that it gives off. The Sweet Vinyl Cafe is a cafe and record store all mixed into one, making it a wild hidden gem that I’m not sure enough people know about in our state. “Sweet Vinyl Cafe is Northern New Jersey’s first record store/dessert shop. Pursue the new and used vinyl, enjoy a locally made brownie or coffee, hear your favorite music, and discover new recordings and artists in a warm and welcoming community environment.”SweetVinyl.com Their website updates you on what vinyls are new in the store and you can enjoy browsing while you have your favorite coffee in hand.

Charleston, WV | Beloved record store closes after 52 years in business, sign designated historically significant: Record and gift shop, Budget Tapes & Records closed down operations on Sunday after over half a century serving the Charleston area. The Kanawha County business first opened its doors in the 1970s and has since been a go-to source for physical media and music merchandise throughout Southern West Virginia. Owners Dave and Priscilla Pope announced the news last week, noting that the last day of business would be Sunday, March 3, 2024, and citing retirement as the reason for the change, which took many patrons by surprise. “After 52 years, we’re retiring,” read a statement from the establishment. “THANK YOU to our customers for loving Budget all these years!” Along with its eye-catching merchandise, Budget Tapes & Records developed a reputation for its top-notch customer service and knowledgeable employees, one of which was longtime manager John Nelson, who has become something of a local icon over the years.

IE | Vinyl Variety: Elaine Mai Fires off Three of Her Favourite Irish Record Shops: With her latest offerings, it feels like Elaine Mai has hit on a special “moment” in her career. She recently released her new single “The Moment,” featuring singer-songwriter soft centre. Originally written as a lead vocal for a different project, Mai enlivened the track with her unique songwriting abilities. Mai is a queer artist, producer, and songwriter from Dublin who has been performing as a solo acoustic act since 2011. Back then, it was just her with a guitar and loop pedal. Now, she has evolved into a powerhouse electronic artist, which has helped her demonstrate her unique talents as a producer. Although she has been active as an artist and producer for over a decade, Mai didn’t release her debut album Home until the fall of 2021. It was well worth the wait, an arsenal of unique electronic tracks that was applauded as one of the year’s best electronic releases. …Joining us today for a new edition of Vinyl Variety is Elaine Mai herself to share with us a few of her favourite record shops.

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TVD Radar: Sunny Day Real Estate, Diary 2LP pearlescent vinyl reissue in stores 4/26

VIA PRESS RELEASE | Sunny Day Real Estate and Sub Pop are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the band’s landmark album Diary with a new pearlescent vinyl edition of the remastered double LP and its release coincides with the band’s 2024 US tour commemorating the anniversary of the album. This new version of Diary is now available to preorder from megamart.subpop.com, and select North American retailers while supplies last.

Originally formed in Seattle in 1992, Sunny Day Real Estate featured Nate Mendel (bass), William Goldsmith (drums), Dan Hoerner (guitar, vocals), and Jeremy Enigk (vocals, guitar). Diary, the band’s first full-length album, was released in 1994 on Sub Pop, going on to become the seventh-best-selling record in the label’s history, with more than 231,000 copies scanned in the US alone. Diary was recorded at Chicago’s Idful Studios with producer Brad Wood and released to critical acclaim.

Pitchfork, in its “50 Best Indie Rock Albums of Pacific Northwest,” said of Diary, “The title would later be ridiculed as a symbol of emo’s inward focus, but Sunny Day Real Estate’s Diary, their 1994 debut on Sub Pop, can be read in various ways: in the form of punk rock evolving away from its original designs into more dynamic and insecure space, or as a display of spiraling interplay between four talented musicians from Seattle.”

The Diary 30th Anniversary Tour begins Wednesday, March 13th in Lawrence, KS at Liberty Hall and currently ends with a two-night stand Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th in Los Angeles at The Belasco. For more information on tickets, head here.

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TVD Radar: Billy Childish, Great Loveday Wonder: The Collected Demo Recordings 2LP available now

VIA PRESS RELEASE | By special arrangement with Billy Childish and Rare Cool Stuff, Tompkins Square is delighted to present limited edition copies of Great Loveday Wonder: The Collected Demo Recordings.

Billy Childish has been recording and performing since the 1977 punk explosion, inspiring Kurt Cobain, Jack White, and scores of other musicians along the way. The Pop Rivets, Thee Milkshakes, Thee Headcoats, and The Buff Medways are just a few musical outfits Billy has been involved with. His day job is working as an internationally exhibited artist and poet. These demo recordings—originally conceived and executed in a scarce edition of 50 Lathe Cut LPs each during Billy’s recent “Career In A Year” campaign, immediately sold out.

And in the fine tradition of Billy’s releases, this run of 500 needed to be hand-stamped as well as hand-numbered in a limited edition. Billy has also gone far into the woodshed and agreed to reproduce a NEW limited edition of his treasured “MAN WITH GUITAR” woodcut. Also setting a new precedent! We love working with our musical heroes. Billy is one of them.

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In rotation: 3/6/24

Ellsworth, ME | New vinyl store honoring late collector’s passion: Denise Hilton’s brother Darren was passionate about two things: giving back and vinyl records. So when she found out that he regularly donated money to Saint Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis, she decided to continue his legacy; and used his love of music to pay it forward. “My vision was actually getting a price on the albums and selling them and donating it because I was going to donate it to a charity that I meant a lot to my brother. Matt [Manry] came to the house and made a decision immediately upon that meeting,” said Hilton. Manry, who owns Vinyl Vogue in Ellsworth, is a new record store where Manry himself decided to support the charity. …”When speaking to him and I realized what his vision was: to introduce people to albums, to introduce people to music they hadn’t learned. His enthusiasm for all things music was contagious,” said Hilton.

Worthing, UK | New Worthing record shop and café to host music events: A new record shop and café that opened only four months ago is planning to host music events. Spun, in Portland Road, Worthing, opened in November last year and has been “nicely welcomed” by the community. Owners Danny Giles, 54, from Goring, and Rob Watson, 52, from Worthing, have said that despite only being open a few months, they have big plans for the future, including hosting events. At the moment, the shop sells both new and preloved vinyl records, alongside sustainable clothing from Poetic Bisons and coffee from Roasted. The shop also sells some pastries from Real Patisserie. However, Danny and Rob have said that they are preparing for “phase two” of opening. Their aim is to host early evening social events including quizzes and live music. They also want to have “laid back” vinyl DJ socials and music-related talks. Rob said: “Our aim is to make Spun a meeting place for the music and planet-loving people of Worthing and the surrounding areas.

Charleston, WV | Kanawha City community gathers for Budget Records vigil: The community gathered Monday night for a vigil to honor the legacy of a business that has been a Kanawha City staple for more than 50 years. Budget Tapes & Records on MacCorkle Avenue in the Kanawha City area of Charleston announced last week it would be closing its doors for good as the owners retire. They said the pandemic didn’t help business matters and the two-year-long construction on MacCorkle Avenue has also taken a toll on business. The business, which billed itself as “West Virginia’s Hippest Record Store & Lifestyle Emporium,” closed Sunday after 52 years in business. This isn’t the first time this year a candlelight vigil has happened for a beloved business in the area. Just last week, a vigil was held for the old Hooters building just down the street from Budget Records.

Ames, IA | Vinyl Grind offers a local spot for music and coffee lovers: As an elementary student, Blake Delaney, owner and operator of Vinyl Grind, aspired to have his own record store. Decades later, he has made that dream a reality with a spin. Vinyl Grind, originally owned by Ben Hull, is a mix of a coffee shop, record store, concert venue and oasis for coffee and music lovers alike. The cafe is home to thousands of records, which Delaney sources from vendors across the country and are available for purchase by customers. Vinyl Grind also sells stereo systems and turntables, along with a diverse selection of beverages and baked goods. The coffee beans Delaney uses to make his signature espresso drinks are sourced from Broadway Roasting Company, which is Kansas City’s oldest roasting company. Delaney said Vinyl Grind is the only cafe in Ames that Broadway Roasting will sell to. …When selecting the records for the cafe, Delaney said he looks for a diverse collection of music that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.

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TVD Radar: Tinted Windows, Tinted Windows first vinyl pressing in stores 4/20

VIA PRESS RELEASE | “It’s all hook-riddled, fast, and ephemeral, and if you don’t love it, your tie’s too wide.”Entertainment Weekly

Tinted Windows, the supergroup featuring drummer Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick), lead vocalist Taylor Hanson (Hanson), guitarist James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), and the late great bassist Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne, Ivy), is releasing its self-titled album on vinyl for the first time ever. Originally out in 2009 on CD only, BMG is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its release with the exclusive edition of the album for Record Store Day, April 20, 2024.

This version of the album will be on half black/half red vinyl and will feature two rare tracks —”New Cassette,” which was previously only available on the deluxe CD, and “The Dirt,” which was only available on the Japanese CD.

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In rotation: 3/5/24

Wirral, UK | West Kirby vinyl shop to take part in first Record Store Day: Wirral’s newest vinyl shop is taking part in its first Record Store Day this year. Dig Vinyl based on Banks Road in West Kirby announced it would be participating in 2024’s Record Store Day on Saturday, April 20. Record Store Day, which began back in 2007, celebrates and promotes the distinctive culture of record shops with special vinyl releases made exclusively for the event and stocked only by participating retailers on the day. Over the years Record Store Day has evolved into a prominent music celebration globally, involving thousands of record shops from all over the world, including more than 260 in the UK. Dig Vinyl’s second permanent retail shop saw the Merseyside brand branch out over the water to the Wirral, joining the vibrant independent retail scene of West Kirby.

Frisco, CO | Come for a latte, stay for the music. A new record shop in Frisco makes its debut at a coffee shop. …Adrian and Lehman opened up the doors to High Rhodes Records on Dec. 20 in the space attached to Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters. Now, when you walk into Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters, you can wander into a revamped adjacent space where original artwork by Adrian lines the walls and boxes and shelves are full of records and instruments. You can find guitar straps, turntables and maybe even a customer playing a song requested by one of the owners on a mandolin. Lehman and Adrian want their spot to create an atmosphere where music is approachable. Adrian, a regular at record stores, said that he understands that the environment can be intimidating for newcomers. He said he wants to ensure that his record shop is an inviting place where people who maybe aren’t too familiar with music can feel comfortable browsing.

Red Wing, MN | This Red Wing Record Store Is A Fave Of Minnesota’s Vinyl Lovers! Nestled in the picturesque town of Red Wing, Vyntage Vinyl is more than just a music store; it’s a portal to the past, a place where music lovers can reconnect with the timeless magic of vinyl records. Since its grand opening in 2015, Vyntage Vinyl has become a beloved destination for those seeking the warmth and nostalgia that only vinyl can provide. As you step into the store, you’re greeted by the comforting scent of old records and the soft hum of music playing in the background. The shelves are lined with an impressive collection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes, spanning all genres and eras. From classic rock to jazz, country to pop, there’s something for everyone.

Glasgow, UK | Queue’s that? Hundreds of fans queue outside Glasgow record store for glimpse of star guest: Singer—who is a huge Swiftie—has millions of online followers. YouTube singing sensation Conan Gray was in town and held a signing session at the city’s Assai Records. The US crooner is promoting the release of his new album Found Heaven which comes out on April 5. Scores of fans lined the streets with some waiting over an hour to meet their hero. The 25-year-old musician is best known for his hit singles Heather and Maniac. Ahead of his visit Assai had written online: “We will have the one and only pop sensation Mr Conan Gray signing in-store THIS FRIDAY in-store, to celebrate the release of his upcoming album.” The Californian has become internationally renowned and surpassed over five million YouTube subscribers. In 2013, he created a YouTube channel where he uploaded vlogs and covers as a teenager from Georgetown, Texas. Conan was then signed by record label Republic—the same as Taylor Swift—four years later.

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TVD Radar: Bruce Springsteen, Best Of Bruce Springsteen 2LP
in stores 4/19

VIA PRESS RELEASE | Sony Music will celebrate the music of Bruce Springsteen next month with a collection of original songs spanning his storied 50-year recording career, from 1973’s Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ to 2020’s Letter To You.

Best Of Bruce Springsteen will be available on 19th April and will come in physical formats as an 18-track set across 2 LPs or 1 CD—and digitally as an expanded 31-song package. The collection will span early-career favourites like “Growin’ Up” and “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” staples of Springsteen’s live shows from “Dancing In The Dark” to “The Rising,” best-selling breakouts like “Born To Run” and “Hungry Heart,” as well as recent releases “Hello Sunshine” and “Letter To You.” Here, these career-spanning works appear together in one set for the first time. Best Of Bruce Springsteen arrives with an album cover shot by Eric Meola during the Born To Run sessions, as well as new liner notes by Erik Flannigan.

Best Of Bruce Springsteen captures a body of work that has earned Springsteen honours and accolades including 20 GRAMMY Awards, an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, a special Tony Award, the Presidential Medal Of Freedom, a Kennedy Centre Honour and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

It has also made Springsteen one of the world’s most in-demand artists—topping 140 million records sold across the globe, more than 70 million in the United States alone and becoming the first artist in history with a Top Five album in six consecutive decades. Springsteen is also one of only four artists to sell more than 20 million concert tickets since 1980—including the highest-grossing worldwide tours of 2012 and 2016.

Before the release of Best Of Bruce Springsteen, he’ll return to the road with The E Street Band later this month, beginning on 19th March in Phoenix, Arizona for a series of 51 shows across North America and Europe. Continuing their first run together since 2016-2017, Springsteen and The E Street Band’s recent tour stops have been hailed as “one of the greatest shows ever” by The Daily Telegraph and “the greatest show on earth” by Billboard. A full list of tour dates is here.

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In rotation: 3/4/24

Vancouver, BC | The Record Store: Vinyl Lovers Tell Us How to Survive a Fire: “Our aim is to carry left-field and largely non-mainstream music we feel deserves a larger audience,” says Jeff Knowlton, co-owner of Vancouver’s Dandelion Records. “We hear the word curation often, but in reality we’re just trying to get the best stuff out there in every genre and sell it as cheaply as we can without going under.” Staying afloat is the name of the game for Dandelion. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt to find the shop’s current location in Vancouver’s Chinatown district, but after stepping through the unmarked doors of a shopping mall at 288 East Georgia Street—past medical clinics, vintage clothing stores, and BBQ ducks—I’m greeted by crates filled with vinyl. The sad news of Damo Suzuki’s death that morning prompted Dandelion’s owners to put Can’s albums on the shelves behind the counter, right next to Soul Jazz’s Studio One reggae compilations and Canadian artists like Magneticring and Fortunato Durutti Marinetti. Needless to say, there’s plenty of music here that you won’t find anywhere else.

Northampton, UK | Record Store Day returning to county stores in April: Record Store Day is on Saturday, April 20, and both Spun Out and Vinyl Underground are stocking official releases. Record Store Day returns in April, with limited edition releases again up for grabs at county shops. ​Spun Out in Gold Street Northampton and Vinyl Underground in Abington Street will both be stocking official releases. Collectors after specific records are being urged to get their requests in early so orders can be placed with distributors. Record Store Day is on Saturday, April 20, and is held annually to help champion independent record stores. The first official event took place in 2008 and this year, more than 270 stores will be stocking official releases which are not available to pre-order and sold on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Spun Out owner Chris Kent said: “We’re really looking forward to Record Store Day again and we’ve already had a lot of responses from people about what they want.”

Kanawha City, WV | Iconic West Virginia Record Store, Budget Records and Tapes, to Close After 52 Years in Business: Budget Records and Tapes, a record store in Kanawha City, West Virginia, is closing after 52 years in business. The store owners recently shared this news on social media, expressing both pride and sadness about their decision. The store’s last day of operation will be March 3. Since the closing news, lots of people have visited the store. Some are there to buy a final record, and others are looking for special merchandise. The owners didn’t expect such a great response from the community. For many years, Budget Records and Tapes had a loyal group of customers. One employee, who has worked there for 48 years, noticed lots of customers coming in after the store announced it was closing. The store was more than just a place to buy records. It was also a gathering spot for the community. One long-time customer talked about how he used to visit the store with his family. He said the record store was more than just a business. It was a key part of the community.

Nashville, TN | 4-Story Bar & Venue Coming to the Ernest Tubb Record Shop Location: The Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Lower Broadway in Nashville is a national landmark and was a living piece of country music history. In 2022 after being shuttered amid an ownership battle and uncertainty for the future of the business, a set of investors stepped up to buy the property and business. At the time, the hope was that the Ernest Tubb Record Shop would be saved. The building at 417 Broadway will be preserved indefinitely thanks to historic covenants protecting the structure itself. But both the current ownership group of the building, and the company the owners have partnered with to lease and manage the property, are not currently committing to saving the record shop business itself. Instead the current plan is to build a multi-level honky tonk bar and music venue at the property, with perhaps a tip of the hat to the location’s Ernest Tubb legacy. …However, paying tribute to the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, and re-opening the Ernest Tubb Record Shop are two separate things.

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TVD Radar: Loverboy, Live In ‘82 LP+DVD, CD+Blu-ray in stores 6/7

VIA PRESS RELEASE | The story of Loverboy is akin to a Hollywood movie. Overcoming rejection to eventually become one of Canada’s most successful rock bands of all time and selling millions of albums in the process, is a feel-good story for the ages.

On June 7th, 2024, one of their most incredible live performances will be released for the very first time, in high definition. Live In ‘82 has been lovingly restored by Paul Dean from his personal archive of 16mm film, the joyous energy of a band who helped define the golden era of ’80s music captured like lightning in a bottle. With their great music, colorful clothing, outrageous hairstyles (and headbands!), and terrific soundtracks for movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Top Gun, Loverboy has stood the test of time.

Live In ‘82 will become available on limited CD+Blu-ray, limited LP+DVD and digital streaming and download. Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of the first live track: ‘Turn Me Loose’ is available as digital single and live video.

For more than 40 years, Loverboy has been “Working For The Weekend” (and on the weekend), delighting audiences around the world since forming in 1979, when vocalist Mike Reno was introduced to guitar hot shot Paul Dean—both veterans of several bands on the Canadian scene—at Calgary’s Refinery Night Club. Along with Reno and Dean, Loverboy still includes original members Doug Johnson on keyboards and Matt Frenette on drums, with Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve replacing the late Scott Smith on bass.

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In rotation: 3/1/24

Oxford, OH | Black Plastic closes Oxford location, leaving collectors without a record store: Toward the end of the fall semester, record collectors were in for a shock when they made their way Uptown and discovered that Black Plastic, the record store in Oxford, had closed its doors. After opening in late 2022, the record store was only open for about a year before its closure. Black Plastic sold a variety of records, with new releases from artists like Taylor Swift to older, used vinyl. On top of selling records, the store also held an early listening party for Mitski’s album “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.” Emma Schaefer, a first-year speech pathology and audiology major, attended this listening party. “It was fun. They gave us posters and wristbands and stuff for her new album,” Schaefer said. “We went and they played the record over the whole store.” Despite having never purchased from Black Plastic directly, Schaefer has collected records since she was in eighth grade.

Kanawha, WV | Kanawha County record store to close after more than 50 years of business: A longtime Kanawha County record store is closing after 52 years. For more than half a century, Budget Records and Tapes operated at it’s Kanawha City location. They announced in a social media post Tuesday night that their days are numbered. “I feel great that I’ve have such wonderful business all these years, but I feel sad that we’re closing down,” said Priscilla Pope, co-owner of Budget. The store’s last day is Sunday, March 3. Ever since the announcement, hundreds of people have flooded in to grab one more vinyl or maybe a piece of merchandise. Pope said folks were ready to shop on Wednesday even before doors opened. “They were outside waiting on us when we opened at 10,” she said. A few hundred people made their way to the store Wednesday. Pope expects more larger crowds leading up to their last day.

Waco, TX | A record achievement: Vintage Mío serves nonprofits through vinyl music sales: Four years ago, Armando Cardoso began selling records online as a side gig after inheriting a large collection from his aunt. Now, he runs Vintage Mío at 108 S Sixth St., uniting people through a shared love of music while giving back to those in need. Cardoso said he knew very little about records when he first started the venture. “I knew what a record was; I just didn’t understand things like how Elvis sounded on a 78 RPM,” Cardoso said. …About two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic, Cardoso decided to leave his job of 12 years to focus on health concerns. As the impact of the pandemic began to unfold across the globe, Cardoso said he saw the great need of nonprofits in his area of Oregon. Wanting to find a way to start a business while giving back to those in need, the idea for Vintage Mío — mío meaning “mine” in Spanish — was born.

Sandy, OR | A Record Shop in Sandy connects people to music, each other: When Scott “Minty” Minton rented the storefront at 39090-B Pioneer Blvd., in Sandy, he did so with the plan of using it as an office where he would operate his design business. Over time, his vision for the space shifted and now it’s been opened up to the community as A Record Shop. A Record Shop offers exactly what the name implies: a curated selection of vinyl records, as well as CDS, cassette tapes and VHS tapes. But also a place for people to connect around music and commonalities. Minton has already hosted a few live band performances in the shop; think NPR’s tiny desk concerts but in a record shop in Sandy. “I didn’t start the shop to be a community space,” Minton explained, adding that he feels like he’s really just the catalyst, the connector, for the people who come in. “I talk to everybody who comes in. It’s definitely become something much greater than I expected it to be.”

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TVD Radar: David J, Tracks From the Attic box set in stores 5/3

VIA PRESS RELEASE | Independent Project Records and David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) announced today the release of the triple album Tracks From the Attic on digital, CD, colored vinyl LP, and Super Deluxe Box Set Art Edition formats on May 3. 

Hand-picked by David himself, the three-LP Tracks From the Attic was originally part of Record Store Day’s RSD Black Friday 2023 and features solo demos recorded on audio-cassette between 1984 and 2004. With Tracks From the Attic, the Bauhaus and Love and Rockets co-founder invites listeners on a most fascinating journey. We’re looking through boxes of tapes, getting reacquainted with an artist we’ve known for a long time—yet, the intimate songs he recorded in solitude over three decades reveal new sides to him.

Even while busy with his two legendary groups, David J was bursting with songs; this is a thrilling selection of recordings he made sometimes on the road and mostly at home, with only the help of his Muse, a recorder and a lit candle. The fact that most of these tunes did not end up becoming beloved classics (something that, once you hit play, your ears will hardly come to terms with) is but a sign of David J’s ever prolific creative state. Tracks From the Attic offers a unique experience that gives equal importance to the aural, the visual and the tactile.

The Super Deluxe Box Set Art Edition of 70 copies is numbered, autographed, and extremely limited, comes in translucent natural vinyl and features a new color scheme cover, plus a limited edition David J artwork. What makes each of the Super Deluxe Art Box Set Edition so unique is the inclusion of actual cassettes from David’s personal home archive, the very ones that were used to compile this career-spanning archival release. This version of Tracks From the Attic is only available from the IPR store. More details here.

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