Cornwall, ON | “Bud, this one’s for you.” Sister’s first record at brother’s music store. The walls of Bud’s Records pulsed with music, memory, and meaning as Wet for Days, the all-girl Ottawa mom punk band, performed their first-ever Cornwall show and celebrated the release of their debut self-titled vinyl album. For frontwoman Sarah Gott, the night was deeply personal. “This is the first full-length record we’ve ever put out,” said Gott. “It’s been four or five years in the making, and we finally did it. Pressing to vinyl has always been a dream, before I die, I wanted to do this.” The all-ages show at Bud’s Records marked the first time a full band performed at the shop, which holds special significance. It was founded in 2019 by Sarah’s brother Bud, who passed away suddenly in 2020. His bandmate Jason Lavoie and Jason’s partner Emily have kept the store thriving since.
Guelph, ON | Let’s shop in Guelph for the holidays at Royal Cat Records: This little record shop really rocks. Whether you just got your first turntable or you are a seasoned collector, Royal Cat Records has something for your collection. Are you looking for the perfect gift this year for someone special? We want to help. The Guelph Mercury Tribune is featuring local businesses and what they have to offer, just in time for the holidays. Downtown Guelph’s favourite record store has a lot of choices for the folks on your list who love vinyl, or music-themed gifts. You can check out Royal Cat Records at 21 Macdonell St. and if you can’t get free two-hour street parking, it’s right around the corner from the Market Parkade.
Glenside, PA | Vinyl Chickie Selling Late Philly Radio Legend’s Christmas Music: The Glenside record store obtained CDs that were among the personal collection of legendary WMMR radio host Pierre Robert. The late Philadelphia radio legend Pierre Robert won’t be forgotten this holiday season. Vinyl Chickie has begun selling some of Robert’s Christmas music with permission from his estate. Vinyl Chickie—the record store ranked as the best one in the Philadelphia region by “Philadelphia Magazine”—acquired some Christmas CDs that belonged in Robert’s personal collection. Owner Lisa Schaffer has decided to sell the CDs at $10. each (cash only) with all proceeds going to @northeastcommunityfridge, which a good friend of hers operates. The CDs went on sale on Tuesday morning.
Dunfermline, UK | New record shop unveiled on Dunfermline’s East Port: In a sound addition to the city, a new record store has opened shop on East Port. Drawn to Dunfermline’s music scene, Spaniards, Antonio Figuerola and Nuria Torres unveiled ‘Veneno Music Store’ on Saturday, a nostalgic shop offering albums for all tastes. Situated between Timpson and Outback hairdressers, the shop feels like an early 00s music store, with rows of VHS tapes, a box TV showing old music videos and even a record-covered ceiling. Antonio said: “I grew up in a record shop because my father owned one in Spain, and I’ve been selling records online for many years. I thought, ‘Why don’t I open my own shop?’ “I found this place, and it was a good price, so I thought I’d just go for it.”
UK | Tributes to ‘phenomenon’ music promoter: A music promoter and record store owner has been remembered as a “phenomenon” following his death, and as a man who could get on as well with royalty as he would with Motörhead singer Lemmy. Mike Lloyd, 82, ran Music Mania in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, and died while travelling home from the United States. “Whatever music event you’ve been to, every show you’ve been to in the area, the chances are Mike Lloyd’s got his fingerprints on it,” said his friend, actor Tim Churchill. Joe Hearson from the City of Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Orchestra said: “Without him, there wouldn’t have been any classical music in Stoke.” He added: “Without him, audiences would have to have travelled to Manchester and Birmingham to see these world-class orchestras.
Nashville, TN | Critic’s Pick: Vinyl Bingo. Times are tough, and Vinyl Tap, Nashville’s beloved combination bar and record store, is hosting its third annual holiday-themed Vinyl Bingo to raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank to help get food on the tables of local Nashville folks in need. The night offers the chance for players to win bingo prizes from local retailers, record stores and labels, restaurants, bands and more. Bingo cards are only $5 each, and $20 for 5 cards. Last year, the event raised $4,000 for the food bank. With special guest DJs spinning holiday hits and burgers from Dreamburger food truck outside, what better way to spend a cold December evening?
Limerick, IE | Record Fair returns for winter edition: Munster’s largest Record, Cassette & CD Fair makes its winter return to Limerick Milk Market on Sunday December 14 from 10am. Music enthusiasts can browse thousands of classic and vintage LPs, singles, CDs and cassettes from traders across Ireland. Whether hunting for rare pressings, completing collections, or discovering new sounds, the fair offers something for every taste and budget. …Ample free parking is available nearby, with easy access for all visitors. On-site refreshments and snacks will be provided throughout the day. From vintage vinyl gems to hard-to-find CDs and retro cassettes, the fair has become a fixture in the local music calendar, attracting collectors and casual browsers.
Tracy, CA | Ice record melts as it plays to sound alarm on climate crisis: A record has been made of ice to highlight the melting of glaciers. The vinyl-like disc was recorded on the Mer de Glace in the French Alps and captures the real sounds of the glacier. Dubbed “The Voice of the Glaciers”, it was created by environmental collective 1% For The Planet to mark the UNESCO International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. …The project launches “1% for the Glaciers”, a €100,000 fundraising initiative uniting six NGOs protecting alpine ecosystems. To make the ice record, the team created a silicone mould from a real vinyl. …When placed on a turntable, the record plays normally—but as it spins, it melts, and the music fades away in real time.
Michael Jackson’s ‘Number Ones’ Arrives On Vinyl For The First Time: After more than twenty years, “Number Ones,” the definitive greatest hits collection first issued in 2003, is finally coming to vinyl for the first time. The album pulls together Michael’s most celebrated singles, beginning with 1979’s “Off The Wall” and running through 2001’s “Invincible”, offering a seamless journey across his most influential eras. It also features the then new track “One More Chance”, which became a top five hit in the UK. The vinyl release arrives at a moment of renewed excitement around Michael’s body of work. Archival restorations, milestone anniversaries, and momentum surrounding the upcoming biographical film “Michael” have all contributed to a growing appetite for high quality physical formats.
Follow The Vinyl District on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE, Threads HERE, Bluesky HERE, and X/Twitter HERE.
