IS | New Figures Show Physical Formats Still Matter for Icelandic Music: Despite the dominance of streaming platforms, Icelandic music continues to perform significantly better in physical sales than in digital streaming, according to new figures from the Icelandic Record Producers Association. Domestic releases account for 20.5% of total music streaming revenue in Iceland, compared with 34.2% of vinyl and CD sales. The figures refer to music released by Icelandic record labels, meaning Icelandic artists signed to international labels are counted as foreign releases. “…We have incredibly strong and vibrant musicians,” he said, adding that many listeners still want music in a physical format. Vinyl and CDs help make releases more visible, he argued, whereas music can become “almost invisible” among the vast catalogues offered by streaming services.”
Birmingham, AL | Seasick Records ranked among “10 Best Record Stores in The South.” One of Birmingham’s favorite record stores just received a national shoutout from Southern Living. In a recent article highlighting ten of the best record stores in the South, the popular lifestyle magazine chose Birmingham’s own Seasick Records as Alabama’s sole representative on the list. When it comes to buying a vinyl record in 2026, buyers certainly have more choices than they did a few years ago. Thanks to the vinyl record resurgence, shoppers today can find new records at big box stores like Target and Walmart—but there’s something special about buying your favorite artist’s new album at a dedicated record store like Seasick Records.
New York, NY | The Upper West Side’s Newest Record Store Opens This Weekend: The spackling is done, the bins are built, and the vinyl is about to hit the floor on Amsterdam Avenue. Sweet Peanut Records, the independent shop first announced in May, is officially opening for business on Saturday, July 18, from noon to 8 p.m. at 463 Amsterdam Avenue, between West 82nd and 83rd streets. The space was most recently home to Modern Day Optx. The opening-day festivities will include raffles, music, and more, according to owner Hunter Brammer. “Come dig through the bins, try on some merch, or tell us about your favorite obscure band that’s missing from the shop,” Brammer said in a message to ILTUWS. The store will stock mostly vinyl alongside some CDs and cassettes, both new and used.
Bedford, UK | Music lovers ‘gutted’ as Bedford’s Slide Record Shop announces closure: The owners of an independent record shop in Bedford town centre have announced the business will soon close its doors for the last time. Slide Record Shop, located in The Arcade, has been a regular favourite for music and vinyl fans since opening in Bedford in 2017. The “much-loved” shop was known for more than just being ‘vital for vinyl’; the team regularly championed live music, partnering with musicians, music venues and other indie businesses to promote music of all genres. Past events included a record signing and meet-and-greet with Inspiral Carpets, as well as an album release show for Alfie Templeman.
Kingston, NY | Kingston mourns the loss of Ed Butler, record store owner, musician and facilitator of late-night jams: Ed Butler, a longtime fixture of Kingston’s music and arts scene, has died. His wife, Nancy Donskoj, announced his death on social media on July 12, 2026. Butler ran Wright Gallery Records on North Front Street in Kingston, remembered for its yellow “We Buy Records” sign which mirrored the “We Buy Guns” sign at neighboring Sam’s Swap Shop. …Beyond the shop, Butler was known as a musician who wrote and produced his own records and organized lively after-hours jam sessions that drew fellow players from around the region. Friends and collaborators recalled him as a regular presence in Kingston’s art and music scene during what many considered a golden era for the city’s creative community.
Bristol, VT | Off the Record Vinyl and Coffee Shop Coming to Bristol: Andy Wohl, who owns food biz Off the Hook at South Mountain Tavern, is opening a dual-purpose shop down the block using beans from Little Seed Coffee Roasters. For almost two years, Andy Wohl has served burgers and other pub classics with his food biz, Off the Hook, at Bristol’s South Mountain Tavern. In August, he’ll open a second business a few doors down. Off the Record will occupy the space at 25A Main Street, most recently home to Hermit Thrush Fiber. There, Wohl will sell vinyl and coffee drinks, using beans from Middlebury’s Little Seed Coffee Roasters. “It’s two of my passions that came together,” said Wohl, 32. “I’ve always enjoyed a slow morning: sunrise, cup of coffee, throwing on a record, just hanging out.”
A new fan campaign is calling for an analogue remaster of Led Zeppelin’s catalogue: A new online campaign hopes to persuade Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin’s record label Rhino to remaster Led Zeppelin’s catalogue, releasing the band’s material in a full AAA format—meaning an analogue remaster using the original master tapes, an analogue mix and analogue cutting. The campaign was started by Steve Westman, the host of the widely viewed The Audiophiles YouTube channel which has more than 45,000 subscribers. In a video posted on July 14, Westman called on Page and Rhino to release “a true AAA all analog Led Zeppelin reissue campaign.”
Bangkok, TH | Club Salva Record Bar: From the same crew behind Modern-Day Culture, Club Salva tucks a whole other world of after-dark wonder behind its red door. The concept draws on the surrealist paintings of Spanish master Salvador Dalí for a bold experience that never tips over the top. The night turns on three Vs: vinyl, vino and vinegar-ish. Expect crates of records spanning jazz, house and disco, poured alongside lovely wines or inventive cocktails built from fermented ingredients. Those vinegar-led drinks are the ones to chase, curious, tangy and unlike anything else in town. If you want a taste that genuinely surprises, this is your spot.
Journalist Mikal Gilmore’s massive record collection to be sold online: If you love to flip through vinyl LPs at the record store, mark your calendar—a large collection is about to become available to peruse and purchase. Online music marketplace and discography platform Discogs on Friday, July 17, will begin selling the massive personal music collection of acclaimed journalist and author Mikal Gilmore. Gilmore, who spent five decades writing for Rolling Stone, has amassed a collection of more than 30,000 items including many original and first pressings, along with “hundreds of promotional copies, advance releases, test pressings, press kits, and other pieces of music history,” according to a news release announcing the sale. The first 1,000 items go on sale July 17 on the Discogs website and mobile app at 3PM ET.
Denton, TX | Weekend calendar: Shop records, books and odd collectibles in Denton. We’re at the peak of summer here in Denton, so it’s a great week to go inside an air-conditioned building and do some shopping. If that’s what you’re looking for, Denton has a wide selection of different markets and conventions this weekend. Shop for records with KUZU-FM (92.9) at the Revolution Record Convention, books at the Texas Book Lovers Con or other oddities at Planet Den-10 at the Secret Garden. KUZU-FM (92.9) and Recycled Books & Records are hosting their fourth annual Revolution Record Convention this weekend at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center. The event will feature DJs, a panel discussion, several tables of record vendors and more. The event will be open at 10 a.m. for an “early bird hour” for a $10 entrance fee.
Tucson, AZ | Spinning Into Summer: La Rosa hosts vintage record fair. …The Southwest Record and Vintage Fair will take place on Sunday, July 19 from noon to 5 p.m. La Rosa is partnering with Tucson record store Desert Island Records to host the event. The event gathers various vendors selling music in multiple formats—vinyl records, 45 RPM singles, CDs and cassette tapes. Slutes said the companies will include local businesses such as Zia Records and Wooden Tooth Records, but there are also vendors from different parts of the state—such as Stinkweeds Record Store. …Local DJs will perform, the venue will stream the FIFA World Cup finals and Sisters restaurant and bar will be open next door as well. Admission is free and free parking will be available in La Rosa’s lots on a first-come, first-served basis.
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