New York, NY | NYC’s only Italian record store closing after family feud follows matriarch’s death: ‘This is my identity.’ This is no amicable arrivederci. The city’s only Italian-language record store faced a changing neighborhood, streaming services and a pandemic—but it was the death of a matriarch and family feud that brought about the final curtain. SAS Italian Records in Bensonhurst will close after nearly 60 years in business once it sells off its inventory of Italian-language CDs and records, owner-operator Silvana Conte tearfully confirmed to The Post. “This is breaking my heart, I’m having a breakdown: this is my identity,” said Conte, whose parents opened the store in 1967 after emigrating from Ponza, Italy. “The store was everything to my family … [but] inheritances being what they are, it’s not up to me anymore.”
Dallas, TX | Vector Brewing honoring late Good Records owner with special pilsner: Vector Brewing recently released a special pilsner in honor of late Good Records co-owner Chris Penn. Penn, who was severely injured and paralyzed after a fall at Good Records in March, died from his injuries on April 23 after over a month in the hospital at the age of 54. The beloved East Dallas music figure’s injury and eventual death led to an outpouring of support from the community, with a GoFundMe page organized in benefit of his family raising over $200,000. When Vector Brewing owner Craig Bradley heard about Penn’s injury, he says the idea for a commemorative brew quickly followed. “We immediately knew,” Bradley said. “We were like ‘I want to do something to help him out, help out his family and help out his recovery and everything.’ And then, unfortunately, we heard the terrible news that he’d passed. So suddenly the beer became more in honor of him.”
Durham, NC | What’s Up With the Psychic Hotline Mailroom? A Durham record label keeps an open line with fans at its modest Holland Street pop-up—record store, retail shop, and collaborative creative nucleus, all in one. Psychic Hotline, the Durham-based record label founded by Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso with longtime manager Martin Anderson, has planted its flag in downtown Durham with a retail pop-up called Psychic Hotline Mailroom. The Mailroom, located at 316 Holland Street, sits at the end of the cobblestone alleyway next to the Durham Hotel. Psychic Hotline keeps an office on the second floor as the label headquarters, and an actual mailroom on the first floor for shipping out online orders. But since 2022, the label has periodically opened up a small room at the front of the building for in-person shopping—a way to connect with fans and showcase the label.
Englewood, CO | Highlands Ranch resident turns poster hustle into thriving record store in Englewood: In the heart of Englewood just off South Broadway, Sold Out Vinyl Records is buzzing with energy in its new location. Rows of neatly organized records, cassette tapes, CDs and vibrant poster racks fill the store—a place that feels both retro and fresh. For owner Joe Magoonaugh, what began as a side hustle selling posters online has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar record store. “We’re kind of a traditional or classic record store,” Magoonaugh said. “That’s basically what we are. When you walk in the doors, that’s the goal—like the old record stores you used to walk into with all the fun stuff. The posters, the CDs, cassette tapes, records and everything you need to play them.”
Manor Lords Fans Yearn for Vinyl Release of OST: Is it Time for a Soundtrack Spin? Manor Lords players are hoping for a sweet vinyl release of the game’s OST. Will it happen? Let’s find out! Manor Lords has carved a niche in the hearts of strategy and city-building enthusiasts since its early access launch. One of the aspects that players have come to appreciate is the game’s original soundtrack (OST), which helps to immerse them in the medieval world. In a recent post on a community forum, a player expressed a fervent hope that the developers would bless fans with a vinyl release of this OST. Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity, so this request resonates with many gamers who love both the medium and the music.
John Williams’ Revenge of the Sith score gets a re-release on lava-colored vinyl: Wherever Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the SithOpens in a new tab may ultimately fall on your Star Wars movie rankings, it’s undeniable that John Williams’ score for the film is superb. His track “Battle of the Heroes” is right up there with “Duel of the Fates” and “The Imperial March” when it comes to epic Star Wars themes. Now, Made by Mutant, Walt Disney Music, and Lucasfilm Ltd. are releasing a 20th Anniversary celebratory pressing of John William’s original score to Revenge of the Sith on vinyl. This limited edition release features original artwork by Matt Ferguson made for Revenge of Sith’s 20th anniversary re-release this year. It is pressed on limited 2x 140gm “lava color” vinyl and also available on 2x 140gm black vinyl. This soundtrack has long been out of print and is only being pressed on vinyl for the second time ever.
Bowling Green, KY | New Sonic Landscape exhibit at the Kentucky Museum: A new exhibit at the Kentucky Museum is tuning into the rich musical roots of south central Kentucky—and bringing long-overdue recognition to the people behind the sound. Led by Museum Director Brent Bjorkman, Sonic Landscape is set to open on September 6th, offering an immersive look at the region’s deep and diverse musical heritage. “Before social media, the record store was your connection point—where you found bands, bass players, community,” said Bjorkman. “We’re trying to tell the full story of that culture.” The exhibit aims to highlight local artists, bands, and venues that have shaped the area’s sound—many of whom haven’t received the spotlight they deserve.
Philadelphia, PA | Vinyl Heaven! South Street Vinyl Block Party! Outdoors on South St in Philadelphia, Sat August 2nd. The South Street Vinyl Block Party is an outdoor market of vinyl records and MORE! 50 tables LPs CDs. Plus crystals, vintage clothes, jewelry and more. Between 5th and 6th Streets! Attention Philly area vinyl fans! Come shop at over 50 tables of LPs, CDs OUTDOORS on South Street in Philly! Saturday August 2nd from 9 AM to 5 PM! Dealers from all over the area converge on South Street between 5th and 6th Streets (the street will be closed to cars!). We’ll also feature a variety of local vendors, including some South Street businesses too. Jewelry, t-shirts, knick-knacks, who knows what else. Meet new music friends, find that special LP you’ve been looking for. All types of music: punk, funk, country, classical, blues rock, hip hop and more. FREE ADMISSION! Great family fun! Meet you in the bargain bins!
New York, NY | Iconic NYC Punk Band Testors Release Archival Vinyl: A piece of NYC punk history resurfaces with Prime Primitive: 1976–1977, a new archival vinyl release featuring early studio recordings and ferocious live cuts from iconic punk band Testors. Presented by Green Noise Records, the collection also includes rare 1979 concert footage featuring candid moments with Johnny Thunders and Stiv Bators, capturing Testors’ raw energy during the height of the CBGB and Max’s Kansas City era of the New York underground. Founded in 1975 by NYC musician Sonny Vincent, Testors emerged in the backrooms and stages of Max’s Kansas City and CBGB—two venues of the East Village punk scene that gave rise to the Ramones, Richard Hell, the Heartbreakers, and Television. Testors remained committed to the raw intensity of rock’n’roll, earning a reputation for fiery performances and a defiant live presence.
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