Birmingham, UK | The 8 best record stores in Birmingham, according to Google reviews: Despite the advances in technology and the many ways to stream music in 2023, many music lovers still enjoy searching record stores to find classic vinyls. Many great record stores across the UK have closed down in the last decade, but there are still some brilliant ones out there to enjoy, especially in Birmingham. A number of shops also take part in Record Store Day every year – the day when over 260 independent record shops all across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture. This year’s event was held in April. So, If you are a fan of records, looking to get your hand on releases from major acts, we’ve decided to take a look at the city’s favourite record stores. Here are the 10 record stores rated in Birmingham, according to customers on Google reviews.
Overland Park, MO | Vinyl Renaissance & Audio in Overland Park to close at year’s end: Vinyl Renaissance & Audio, 9038 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, is set to close on New Year’s Eve of this year, after decades of presence across the metro serving as a hub for music lovers and the greater scene. Dan & Eva Phillips started selling records out of a Johnson County store in 2005, after several years of pedaling their wax online and out of their home. While they’ve bounced locations a few times, the Metcalf location has been their main home for the last few years, where there are currently more than 50k records and CDs available along with various music adjacent memorabilia. The closure comes as Dan Phillips, now approaching 72 years of age, is ready for his next adventure. Dan Phillips shared the following in a public Facebook post on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. ““When one hits their 70s, you’re constantly reminded of the old maxim to stop and smell the roses…”
Isle of Wight, UK | Wight Vinyl and AAA Records present 80 years of music: A new exhibition will bring together eighty years of Isle of Wight music for the very first time. The event, which opens next week, will feature vinyl by modern hitmakers such as Wet Leg and Coach Party as well as musicians from yesteryear like Level 42, The Bees, Craig Douglas and the Isle of Wight Cherokees. Three week exhibition: Dozens of rare records and related ephemera will be on show at Montage Place, Ryde, for three weeks from Monday, 20th November 2023—all with an Island connection. The earliest 78rpm records date back to the 1940s, while some exhibits are so new they are not due for release until the end of the year. The free display has been put together by Island record label Wight Vinyl, with support from Newport shop AAA Records.
Lincolnshire, UK | Now And Then: The Beatles’ final single pleases Lincolnshire record store owners: 53 years after The Long and Winding Road, The Beatles chapter of music history is now complete. More than 50 years after the world’s most popular band split, the closing sequence of The Beatles’ career has finally been rounded off with the group’s last single Now And Then achieving chart-topping status — and it has been a big hit in Lincolnshire’s record stores. The Beatles released a new single on November 2 called Now And Then, using modern technology and AI to mix together old recordings from the late members John Lennon and George Harrison, along with present-day mixes from the band’s two surviving members, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. The track consists of John Lennon vocals that sound very much like his solo outputs from the 1970s, but they have been intertwined with contributions from McCartney to create that classic Beatles buzz. Mixed in with George’s guitar chords and Ringo’s drum patterns and you have a blueprint Beatles ballad.
Newport, KY | There’s a little something for everyone at Newport’s Jet Age Records: As you approach the front of Jet Age Records on Monmouth Street in Newport, you’re met with music and an eye-catching, Pink Floyd-inspired storefront facade, which features a painted brick wall with the store’s name and various types of music equipment in the display window. As you head inside the shop’s red doors, you’ll find rows and rows of different music and memorabilia. The Northern Kentucky shop opened six years ago in the summer of 2017. The owners, who are also brothers, are all Newport residents. “I always liked the artwork from the Jet Age and the 50s,” said Kevin Schraer. Kevin, and brothers Tom and Mike, came up with the idea to open the shop because of a long-lasting love of record shops. “I’ve always liked record shops,” Mike said. “I’ve wanted to own one for a really long time, the time was right and the building came up, so it all just came together.”
Petaluma, CA | A music-lover’s ‘Paradise’ in downtown Petaluma: With brick-and-mortar record shops on the decline, Petaluma moves from one to two. “You start with ABBA here,” says David Lannon, pausing his tour in front of a rack filled with vinyl record albums, including several by the famous Swedish supergroup, “and you end up with ZZ Top over there.” He points to the next aisle over, where sure enough, the Texas rockers are right there on conspicuous display. “And that’s all your rock and pop. And that’s just the beginning.” Lannon elevates his voice slightly to be heard over that of Mick Jagger, singing his way through the Rolling Stone’s “Under My Thumb,” originally from the 1966 album “Aftermath,” currently playing at an exuberant volume over the store wide sound system at Petaluma’s new Paradise Found Records & Music. The downtown store opened its doors in September, and has already become a go-to location for collectors of vinyl and fans of music.
Madison, WI | Strictly Discs Celebrates its 35th Anniversary & First Ownership Transition: Founded in 1988, Strictly Discs has undergone its first ownership change as Ron and Angie Roloff have sold their business to Rick Stoner, who is stepping in as the new President and Owner. Ron and Angie maintain their day-to-day roles through 2023, as the longtime independent record store retains all staff, store operations, and the role of manager Evan Woodward. Rick Stoner steps into the business as full-time owner and operator after an 18 year marketing agency career. Come 2024, the Roloffs will maintain an advisory relationship with Strictly Discs and remain rooted in the Madison business community as they transition into retirement. “Angie and I are grateful to our staff and customers, who we’ve had the privilege to work with for 35 years,” said Ron Roloff, founder of Strictly Discs. …”It is important that the second-generation of ownership have the right mix of passion for music and business experience to continue its success. We believe Rick is a great fit and look forward to helping him succeed.”
London, UK | Phonica Records celebrates 20th anniversary with special compilation: To be out on December 1st, 2023. London-based Phonica Records is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special compilation titled ’20 Years Of Phonica’. The collection, set to be released on December 1st, 2023, will be available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats. To mark this milestone, Phonica Records has curated an exclusive compilation featuring 18 brand-new, previously unreleased tracks. The compilation showcases both established names and up-and-coming artists from various genres that Phonica is known for. Artists such as Daniel Avery, Nyra, and Paramida & E-Talking have contributed tracks that span a diverse range of styles, including techno, acid, and warehouse sounds. Founded in 2003 by Simon Rigg, Tom Relleen, and Heidi Van Den Amstel, Phonica Records aimed to create a welcoming space for dance and electronic music. Backed by The Vinyl Factory, the label gained recognition for championing new genres like electro-house, minimal, and micro-house.
Noise for Now’s New Abortion Access Benefit Album Will Feature Tegan & Sara, Sleater-Kinney, My Morning Jacket, and More: The 11-track vinyl comp will arrive on Record Store Day Black Friday. Noise for Now, which enables artists and entertainers to connect with and financially support grassroots organizations within the field of reproductive justice, has announced a new compilation. The exclusive vinyl-only release will drop on Record Store Day Black Friday (November 24), and will feature original demos, remixes, covers, and collaborations from Sleater-Kinney, Tegan & Sara, My Morning Jacket, Maya Hawke, Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell, Bully, Wet Leg, Fleet Foxes, and more. The LP will be available on clear vinyl with a “Liberate Abortion” print by Kim Gordon. “The choice to decide what happens to our bodies is under attack and access to crucial services are being decimated and criminalized,” shared Tegan & Sara in a press statement. “Reproductive justice and access to safe abortion is a human rights issue and we are proud to support the organizations and individuals fighting for fundamental services and care against all odds.”
