RSD Black Friday 2025 Titles Announced: 2025 has been a great year for record stores, and we’re going out with a bang, celebrating with over 170 RSD Black Friday releases from many of their favorite artists. Find record stores, and more about all the titles on the RSD Black Friday list of special releases coming to stores starting November 28 at recordstoreday.com.
The ultimate ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ shopping guide for Taylor Swift fans: Orange you glad TS12 is almost here? …Speaking of vinyl: The life of a physical media collector is not a frugal or stressless one. Swift has released 23 different hard copies of TLOAS so far, including eight vinyl variants, 14 CDs (counting box sets and signed copies), and one cassette tape. Many were available in limited quantities and sold out quickly. At the time of writing, the primary Portofino Orange Glitter vinyl, a CD/poster bundle, a CD box set with a crewneck sweatshirt, and the cassette tape were still up for preorder through Swift’s official online store. The orange vinyl and CD/poster bundle are also available through Amazon and Target at slight markups. Target is carrying a couple of exclusive versions of TLOAS, including three CD/poster bundles with alternate covers and a “The Crowd is Your King” edition vinyl variant pressed in Summertime Spritz Pink Shimmer.
Liverpool, UK | Lost family-run Liverpool shop former customers still remember: It welcomed a number of famous faces in the 1960s and 70s. A lost family-run store is still remembered by former customers in the city over 40 years on from its closure. Now in their fourth generation, many will know The Musical Box on West Derby Road in Tuebrook, which dates back to 1947. The Liverpool institution first sold toys and LPs to customers before becoming a much-loved record shop and was originally owned by Diane Cain’s uncle Jack Lewis. …But generations of customers will also remember the days when the family had another record shop, also called The Musical Box, elsewhere in the city. First opening in 1960, the second Musical Box was on Prescot Road, Old Swan, and in its time, it didn’t only welcome customers from the area and beyond—but a host of famous faces.
Wolverhampton, UK | Wolverhampton record shop teams up with city centre café to create multi-purpose community hub that will also host art exhibitions and music events: A popular record shop in Wolverhampton has relocated and joined forces with a coffee shop to create a new hub of entertainment in the city centre. Stay Loose Records had originally found a home on Farmers Fold in the Mander Centre after opening in 2018, but was forced to close after five and a half years due to rising costs and the knock-on impact of the roadworks on Victoria Street, Wolverhampton. However, during regular visits to a coffee shop just a few doors down from his former store, owner Ian Davies came up with a plan to revitalise his beloved record store business alongside two new ventures. “I was going in regularly to meet a friend for a coffee,” Ian began. “We got talking to the owner and initially we were going to ask about putting an art and music event on, just as a one off. “That didn’t come off but we kept going…”
Long Island, NY | Mariah Carey returns to Long Island for meet-and-greet while promoting new album: Long Island native Mariah Carey returned home for a fan meet-and-greet promoting her new album “Here For It All.” Mariah Carey was here for it all. The long line wrapping the building, the hundreds of albums she autographed, the emotional fans she encountered. The legendary singer returned to her hometown of Long Island on Tuesday to promote her new album “Here For It All” at Looney Tunes Record Store in West Babylon. “Back in Long Island for the lambs!!!” Carey wrote on X, referring to the affectionate term she uses for her fanbase. The meet-and-greet event with the six-time Grammy recipient, one of the top-selling recording artists of all time, was announced Monday afternoon and sold out just hours later. “I’ve been trying to get Mariah Carey in the store for, believe it or not, about 25 years,” said Karl Groeger, owner of Looney Tunes Record Store.
New York, NY | The Molotovs smash it in NYC with live performances at record stores: London natives The Molotovs have completed their first U.S. tour, closing it out with a support slot for Iggy Pop in Washington, DC on Monday, September 29th. The band, which is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Mathew Cartlidge and bassist/vocalist Issey Cartlidge with drummer Noah Riley, performed four of the tour’s shows in New York City. On Wednesday, September 24th, they did a gig doubleheader, with a 6 p.m. set and signing session at Rough Trade Below in midtown Manhattan and an 11 p.m. set at Silver Lining Lounge in Lower Manhattan. On Saturday, September 27th, they performed as part of a multi-artist lineup at the CBGB Festival at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn. And the following day, they did a 2 p.m. set that was followed by a signing session at Vinyl + Thread in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn. I attended two shows, at Rough Trade Below and Vinyl + Thread.
Northampton, MA | Vintage & Vinyl returns on Saturday: On Saturday Oct. 4, Downtown Market Vintage & Vinyl is back for its second annual fair at 33Hawley, The Northampton Center for the Arts building in downtown. The event will feature two rooms with thousands of records and tons of vintage deals for sale from local and regional dealers, plus a variety of live vinyl DJs spinning throughout the day. Early admission is $5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and includes a raffle ticket for a drawing at 1:30 p.m. Prizes include gift certificates to local record stores & vintage shops, concert tickets and more. Admission is free from 1 to 4 p.m. Free parking is available in the 33Hawley Lot. Vendors include Spin That! Records, Studebaker Hawk, Dr. Vinyl, Sunday Vintage, Hellmouth Used Goods, Tidy Cat Vinyl, Gee’s Records, Tag Snapper Vintage, Sleepy Jean Records, Flower Sounds and many more.
Wrexham, UK | Record Fair set for weekend return to Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham: A popular record fair is set to make a return to Wrexham this weekend. The Tŷ Pawb Record Fair is making its comeback this Saturday (October 4), having proved popular over the last few years. As always, the free event—taking place between 10am and 4pm—will feature a number of stalls made up of some of the UK’s top record dealers. Thirty stalls will be on offer, showcasing vinyl records from all eras and genres, providing something for everyone. It’s a great chance for collectors to add some great additions to their list. A spokesperson for Tŷ Pawb said: “One of the most popular regular events on the Tŷ Pawb calendar, the long running Record Fair will feature a treasure trove of records from over 30 stalls consisting of the UK’s top record dealers selling vinyl of all eras and genres… And don’t forget to check out Tŷ Pawb’s very own record store—ReVibed Records, right next to the North Arcade entrance!”
Chattanooga, TN | Yellow Racket Records’ Vinyl & Vintage Market with Live Music and More at The Choo Choo: Yellow Racket Records is excited to announce the debut of “RACKET ON THE RAILS”, a vibrant new event celebrating vinyl records, vintage goods, and local culture, set to take place at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo this Saturday, October 4th. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., music lovers, vintage enthusiasts, and families are invited to explore dozens of vendors offering an eclectic mix of vinyl records, vintage clothing, handmade crafts, art, and more. Ben VanderHart of Yellow Racket Records joined Gino D today to tell us all about it… This FREE, all-ages event promises a lively atmosphere with LIVE DJs spinning records throughout the day, while the charming establishments on the Choo Choo campus will serve up food, coffee, cocktails, and refreshments to keep visitors energized.
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