Liverpool, UK | We are so proud to run England’s oldest record store right here in Liverpool: An historic Liverpool record shop is set to be officially recognised as England’s oldest independent record store with the unveiling of a plaque this weekend. The Musical Box record shop in Tuebrook has a vast history spanning almost eight decades, selling records since 1947 and remaining within the same family and the same building ever since it opened. Jack Lewis started the business back in 1947. His sister, Dorothy Lewis, bought the shop in 1951, and it is now a fourth-generation family-run business. The store’s reputation extends far beyond the Liverpool City Region, thanks in part to its connections with The Beatles during their formative years. Music fans from across the globe regularly visit The Musical Box, drawn by its rich history and unique atmosphere.
Malvern, UK | Iconic Malvern record shop welcomes MP amid high street challenges: West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has offered her support to a small Malvern-based business which is helping to fuel the desire for vinyl records. Carnival Records, based of Church Street in Malvern, sells a wide range of new and old vinyl music recordings including original versions of Beatles albums. The MP dropped in to talk to owner Chris Heard about the challenges of running a small high street retail business. The shop was named one of the best record shops ‘in the world’ by a national newspaper. …Dame Harriett said: “Vinyl doesn’t feel like it went away and I’ve been in Chris’s shop a few times to pick up treasured items. “The shop has a great vibe and I know how popular it is amongst its dedicated band of supporters. It was helpful to talk to Chris about the challenges he has faced running a small retail business and his insights were really useful.”
Waco, TX | Spinning Change: A Hispanic-owned Waco record store gives back with every sale: Armando Cardoso uses his record store Vintage Mio as a unifier of cultures and people. A Waco small business is spinning more than vinyl; it’s spinning hope, giving and purpose into every sale. Armando Cardoso used to fight crime in spreadsheets, uncovering hidden money trails and targeting human traffickers, but today, he’s behind the counter of a Waco record shop, Vintage Mio, changing lives in a whole new way. “Transitioning into records is completely something different from what I’m used to, but somehow this is the hand that I was dealt,” Cardoso said. With a heart rooted in giving and a past shaped by personal loss and resilience, Cardoso set a bold goal: to raise $250,000 for nonprofits that support cancer research and survivors of domestic violence.
Gastonia, NC | What to know about Carolina Sound, a music and record expo happening in Gastonia: Carolina Sound, a music and record exposition happening in Gastonia, is exactly the kind of event local record store owner Jason Shaut would have wanted to attend when he was still just a collector. Before opening JGs Vinyl & More! In December, he was slowly building a record collection by attending events much like the one he and Sell Your Soul Records plan to host at the Gastonia Conference Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 27. However, he believes one key difference to set Carolina Sound apart from similar events—entertainment. At many record expos, Shaut said, “There is nothing to them but crates full of records.” So, at the first of more Carolina Sound events to come, Shaut is working with local businesses like The Rooster, Elena’s Argentinian Cafe, Cavendish Brewery and vendors to make the market more “entertaining,” he said.
Tallahassee, FL | Tallahassee’s Real Cool Time Records has opened a music venue: Tallahassee record store Real Cool Time Records has opened a new small live music venue right next to its current location on North Monroe Street. The record store has previously hosted impromptu performances in its back parking lot. Co-owner Matt Sampson said getting a permanent space for live music has always been part of the plan. “When we opened this place, we immediately thought, how could we do shows? How can we get live music? And we’ve, you know, it’s been a few years, but we finally have a devoted space for more,” he said. Sampson said the new space will be a vintage store when not used as a live music venue. He wants the space to feature musicians across genres. “Touring acts used to come, I guess, you know, pre covid kind of thing. So we’re trying to nurture that and revive that, and it is going to double as an event space and also a storefront.”
Los Angeles, CA | Spinning Sunset Vinyl Fair Returns to The Sunset Strip With Spooky Halloween Twist: It’s back by popular demand. Spinning Sunset vinyl and music fair will return to The Sunset Strip this fall with a spooky Halloween twist. The free event that drew nearly 4,000 attendees during its summer debut, is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Pink Dot parking lot at 8495 Sunset Boulevard. Attendees will enjoy more than 50 vinyl vendors, record shops, Sunset Strip business pop-ups, food and drinks, local retailers, live entertainment, and Halloween-themed activations. Organizers encourage RSVPs through Eventbrite, as space is limited. Guests who share their experience on Instagram will also be entered into a giveaway with prizes. Dubbed Spinning Sunset: Spooky Edition, the event pays tribute to the Strip’s storied rock ’n’ roll history while embracing the haunted spirit of Halloween.
Denver, CO | What To Expect At The Rocky Mountain Record Show In Denver: Despite the fact that the majority of music is currently consumed online, physical media has fortunately made a comeback and has continued to thrive in the form of one of the first to carry audio—vinyl records. Vinyl has become a valuable collector’s item in recent years, and in the near future, an event will be taking place in Colorado that vinyl collectors will not want to miss. The Rocky Mountain Record Show is set to take place in Colorado soon and will feature over 150,000 records for vinyl collectors to rifle through and purchase if desired. The event will see some of the top vinyl sellers in the entire nation come together for one weekend this fall. The Rocky Mountain Record Show will be held at the Denver Sports Castle, located at 1000 Broadway in the Mile High City, and will kick off on Saturday, October 4, 2025, and will wrap up on Sunday, October 5.
The Cars: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of 1984’s ‘Heartbeat City’ Out Oct. 31 with Rare Material: Originally released in 1984, Heartbeat City was The Cars‘ best-selling albums thanks to hit singles such as “You Might Think” and “Drive.” The band’s fifth studio album, it marked a big jump for the group on its path toward eventual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2018. On Oct. 31, Rhino Records will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Heartbeat City with a Deluxe Edition reissue packed with bonus and rare material. In addition to the remastered original album, the Deluxe Edition includes unreleased studio recordings, early mixes, and a full recording of a 1984 concert on the Heartbeat City tour. Heartbeat City (Deluxe Edition) highlights the album sessions with a demo for the Top 10 hit “Drive,” along with unreleased recordings of tracks like “Stranger Eyes” and “Jacki” (later renamed “Heartbeat City”).
Omnivore Recordings Releasing Nina Simone ‘A Single Woman: The Complete Elektra Recordings.’ Omnivore Recordings announces ‘A Single Woman: The Complete Elektra Recordings,’ the definitive version of Nina Simone’s final studio album. Omnivore Recordings has announced A Single Woman: The Complete Elektra Recordings, the definitive version of Nina Simone’s final studio album, out November 7th on CD and Double-LP. The release features eleven bonus tracks, four of which are previously unissued. Nina Simone burst into the world with 1959’s Little Girl Blue, and music would never be the same. For over five decades, Nina entertained, enthralled, and educated listeners across her extraordinary recording and performance career. After a triumphant concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1992, Nina was approached by Elektra A&R executive Michael Alago (whose previous work at the label included Tracy Chapman and Metallica). When asked if Nina was ready to record again, she replied, “Get me the money—then we can talk!”
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