IE | Industry Review: The Business of Vinyl. Vinyl is back, and it’s not just down to some passing trend or nostalgia. Across Ireland, record players are being dusted off, and a whole new generation is discovering the magic of the album. Emmet Oliver is joined by Chris Keena from Anthem Vinyl, Ireland’s only record pressing plant; Ray O’Brien, owner of Music Zone in Togher, Cork; and Enda Gogarty from Spindizzy Records in Dublin to talk about the vinyl revival, what’s behind it, and why it’s here to stay.
Chicago, IL | Local Couple spins success at Beverly Phono Mart: Beverly Phono Mart, known affectionately as BPM, has quickly become one of Beverly and Morgan Park’s favorite creative hangouts. The name itself nods to its rhythm, doubling as a wink to “beats per minute,” the universal pulse of music. Husband and wife Mallory McClaire and Chantala Kommanivahn, both proud Beverly residents, officially opened Beverly Phono Mart in August 2021. The idea came during the pandemic, when the couple often drove to record stores in other towns, only to find many closed. That experience sparked an idea to open their own shop, knowing there had to be other local music lovers doing the same thing. For Chantala, opening a business in Beverly was about more than vinyl. A firm believer in supporting the community you live in, he saw the neighborhood’s walkability and small-town feel as the perfect fit.
Nashville, TN | Ernest Tubb Record Shop returns to Lower Broadway: Music is the heart of Nashville, and few places embody that legacy quite like the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. After closing its doors in 2022, the legendary store has officially reopened on Lower Broadway, restoring a beloved piece of Music City history. First opened in 1951 by Grand Ole Opry star Ernest Tubb, the record shop became a cornerstone for country music fans and artists alike. It was home to the Midnite Jamboree, which featured some of the genre’s greatest legends — from Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams to Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. Now under new management, including Tubb’s grandson, Dale Tubb, and the Tusk Brothers, the store’s revival celebrates both heritage and future.
Roseburg, OR | Give Me a Kissa: A record store and sake bar, inspired by Japan. “Ride this train to Roseburg, Oregon,” says Johnny Cash in his gravelly intro to “Lumberjack,” the third track of his 1960 concept album, Ride This Train. Over the blare of a rail whistle, Cash continues: “Now there’s a town for you—and you talk about rough.” Rough this southern Oregon town still can be, and unashamedly redneck with flotillas of pick-up trucks routinely lifted high enough for drivers to slam dunk a basketball merely by reaching out the window. Gun sellers outnumber bookstores at least 10 to 1 (and that’s a used bookstore). So imagine my surprise finding a sake and record bar. Japanese rice wine and new vinyl albums here? Yes! Long and slim, lined with framed music photography and album racks jam-packed with collectors’ wet dreams, Reverie Record Shop is a corridor drawing the wanderer away from SE Jackson St.
Kettering, UK | New high street home for Kettering vinyl shop as Buster’s Records opens for new and pre-loved albums: A Kettering vinyl shop has moved into the heart of the town’s pedestrianised shopping area to expand its business. Buster’s Records had been based in The Yards for two years, but due to a boom in sales owner Phil Griffin has now moved premises to Lower Street. For the 51-year-old music lover, it marks a new era that has seen his venture blossom from one record collection at his mum’s house via a market stall and single unit to the new retail space with wall-to-wall stock. It was returning to Kettering after a 20-year career as a restaurant manager in and around London that saw his interest in records rekindled—reconnecting with his collection of house music. He said: “I came back to Kettering and had a box of records from my DJ days. Then I bought another collection. I met my girlfriend Leanne and she helped me get a market stall.
Enniskillen, IE | Michael spins the hits as Fallguy Records hit the right note: It’s not often that your line of work has you discovering yodelling music but that’s just a routine work day for Fallguy Records shop owner, Michael Fallis. The 42-year-od former Balcas machine operator made the plunge two years ago to quit his job and pursue his hobby as a business. At weekends, Michael would set up a stall at the Enniskillen Market where he’d sell vinyl records. Having made the big leap into acquiring a shop at the Buttermarket, Michael’s passion is now his living and one with some unusual benefits. He laughed: “I listen to all sorts of stuff that people would laugh at me for listening to. I recently discovered this guy called, he was a German yodeler. It’s incredible stuff and I can’t get enough of it. “But part of my job is listening to all the vinyl records that come in to make sure they’re in good condition. “There is a massive amount of work that goes into this.”
Kildare, IE | Classy and possibly even jazzy: Vinyl record fair to take place near Kildare border. There is no charge for entry. You never know just what you might find! A free vinyl record fair will take place take near the Kildare-Dublin border next weekend. ‘The Lucan Record Fair’ is being organised by Irish Record Fairs and will take place inside Lucan Shopping Centre. According to the organisers: “We cover all genres, from dance to jazz and indie to metal, trad, rock and everything in between.” This event will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025. It will begin at 12.45pm and conclude at 4.30pm.
A Decade of Dio: 1983-1993. Dio’s First Six Studio Albums Reissued on 6LP Splatter Vinyl Box Set. Ronnie James Dio’s sinister howl and wicked songcraft bewitched hard rock fans in the Seventies and Eighties during his memorable stints with Elf, Rainbow, and Black Sabbath. In 1983, the singer formed his own band, launching a successful solo career that culminated in 10 studio albums and sales of more than 10 million records worldwide. Rhino follows Dio through the band’s early years with A DECADE OF DIO: 1983-1993, a boxed set that brings together the group’s first six studio albums, with 2016 remastered audio. It includes: Holy Diver (1983), The Last In Line (1984), Sacred Heart (1985), Dream Evil (1987), Lock Up The Wolves (1990), and Strange Highways (1993). …The set includes artwork by Marc Sasso, who was responsible for many of the band’s iconic covers. The 6LP set is limited to 3,000 units, while the bonus 7-inch is limited to 1,000 copies
Beware bootleg vinyl from China and Russia: Vinyl hasn’t been this hot in, what 40 years? And with so many people purchasing their music this way, dark elements have re-emerged. The Recording Industry Association of America warns of bootleg records coming out of China and Russia. The organization has made a request to the Office of the US Trade Representative to take a look at what’s happening in those countries. The biggest issue seems to be bogus “greatest hits” records which may have appeared on CD in the past but never on vinyl. Unauthorized box sets are also becoming more common. And what’s wild is that the quality of these fakes are often very good. In fact, unless you know what you’re looking for, you might not be able to spot a fake. Sellers are using third-party sellers like eBay and vinyl sites, especially a site called Vinted. But to be fair, the bootlegs are so good, the sites probably have no clue about what’s real and what’s fake.
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