Author Archives: TVD HQ

Kolkata, IN | Hindustan Record (Inreco) Leads the Way as the Best Destination for Buying Vinyl Records in India: In the age of digital music streaming, vinyl records have experienced a remarkable resurgence, capturing the hearts of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide. In recent years, vinyl records have made a glorious comeback in India, mirroring a global trend. Music enthusiasts in the country have rediscovered the joy of owning vinyl, appreciating the analog warmth and distinct sound quality that vinyl offers. This revival has not only reignited interest in classic vinyl but has also led to contemporary artists releasing their latest works on this cherished format. Hindustan Record, or Inreco, boasts a musical legacy dating back to 1933. For nearly nine decades, Inreco has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Indian music culture. Today, Inreco stands as the torchbearer of the vinyl revival in India, offering an extensive and diverse collection of vinyl records that caters to every musical taste.

Eau Claire, WI | Take a Wax at It: New Record Store Opens in Downtown Eau Claire: Abraxas Wax aims to be a spot for people to listen to new music and relax. Filled to the brim with vivid colors and funky patterns, Abraxas Wax is much more than the average vintage record store. Owner Seth Larson wants the space to be a unique hub for the community, somewhere people can not only jam out to new musical finds but also enjoy a cup of coffee and play a video game or two. The new store, which officially opened Sept. 30, is at 320 Graham Ave., Eau Claire. Folks can peruse the extent of Larson’s wide record collection – approximately 8,000 records! – and other so-called “vintage” forms of media such as cassettes, CDs, VHS tapes, and books. Larson has been collecting records since high school, gathering what he calls an “eclectic range” of music. He has often traveled across the Midwest to treasure hunt for records and build his impressive collection. Recently, Larson has been interested in finding music from various global genres.

Colorado Springs, CO | Independent Records closes after 45 years in Colorado Springs—though a rebirth might be possible: Independent Records, whose eclectic mix of music, videos, smoking accessories, gifts, clothing and posters made it a Colorado Springs favorite for generations of customers, closed its doors last week after 45 years — though a revival of the business remains possible. The retailer’s last day was Saturday, said Lewis Lambert, who, along with his brother, Orville, came to Colorado from California in 1978 and started Independent Records. The brothers had owned record stores in California and other states. Orville, who had taken over as sole owner of Independent Records the past few years, died Aug. 24 after a short illness, according to an obituary notice. He was 78. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd. in Colorado Springs. The closure of Independent Records, at 195 N. Academy Blvd., potentially marks the end of what had been one of the last remaining locally owned record stores in the Colorado Springs area.

Medford, MA | Light of Day Records shifts its stock to Deep Cuts in Medford: A new era is dawning for Light of Day Records. The record and accessory shop has moved its stock from Bone Up Brewing in Everett to the interior of Deep Cuts, a Medford music venue and sandwich shop that opened earlier this year. The store announced the news on social media yesterday (October 1), sharing that the staff was “psyched, amped and positively stoked” about their new home in Medford Square. According to the post, guests will be able to browse Light of Day Records’ selection of new and used vinyl during Deep Cuts’ dining and show hours. Exclusive records released via the shop’s eponymous label, such as titles from Boston artists Rah Zen and Field Day, will also be for sale. The announcement marks the second time the shop has relocated this year, following a shift from Monumental Market in Jamaica Plain to Bone Up Brewing in January.

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Record Store Day announces 2023 Black Friday releases: The annual record store event takes place November 24th. The List of Record Store Day (RSD) Black Friday 2023 exclusive releases has been unveiled. Limited edition releases will include selections from The Beach Boys, Jeff Beck, Dierks Bentley, Buckcherry, Kiss’ Eric Carr, Cypress Hill, The Doors, Dr. Dre, Grateful Dead, INXS, Jonas Brothers, Kix, Limp Bizkit, Post Malone, Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson, Prince, Skid Row, Lil Wayne, Rob Zombie and many others. These will be available on November 24th at participating indie music retailers. Capitol Records will celebrate The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album on green vinyl with an RSD First release limited to 7,000 copies. The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album was originally released in 1964 and features seven holiday classics and five original tracks, including the singles “Little Saint Nick” and “The Man With All The Toys.”

Portland, OR | Community rallies to clean up Portland’s beloved Mississippi Records music store after suspected arson: A group of community volunteers rallied to help Mississippi Records, an institution in Portland’s indie music scene, clean up on Saturday after the store’s owner says someone tried to burn down the store earlier this week. In a social media post, Mississippi Records co-founder Eric Isaacson, said no one was hurt when someone threw a Molotov cocktail into the business on North Albina Avenue. Isaacson said that a lot of records in the shop were damaged or covered in ash and chemical fire retardant, so he put out a plea for the community to come help clean up. Portlanders showed up to lend a hand. Throughout the morning, the shop had more than 100 people volunteer their time to clean up the mess. They had completed a bulk of the work by the early afternoon, and shoppers were back to digging through the racks.

Beckley, WV | Laying down tracks “Uptown.” When Clint Blunt moved back to Beckley after living in South Carolina for 30 years, he wanted to do something different. Recognizing that the vibrant downtown of his childhood days had dramatically changed, he wanted to see fun places to go besides bars. It wasn’t until Cheap Thrills Records closed that he began to think about potentially filling that void. The Coal City native began looking at vinyl records after receiving a record player and Patsy Kline album for Christmas about three years ago. This started his infatuation with flipping record bins at stores dotted across the southern part of the state. But, if he was going to have a store, he would need more than a personal collection. “So, I went on the search to find a collection of records,” shares Blunt. “I thought that I was going to have to put it together, you know, one estate sale at a time.” As luck would have it, he found an entire collection for sale in Virginia.

Edinburgh, UK | Edinburgh record shop Umbrella Vinyl releases limited edition vinyl with proceeds helping refugees: Umbrella Vinyl in Tollcross launched their independent record label last year. Edinburgh record shop, Umbrella Vinyl, has partnered with music charity The Glasgow Barons to support refugees living in Scotland. The Tollcross shop, which opened in August this year, began life when founders Nick Langford and husband and wife duo, Josh and Laura Thompson, launched a record label in September last year, with their debut record being a rerecording by lesser known 1960s jazz group, Brotherhood of Breath. After producing their limited edition jazz record the Edinburgh business then decided to support the wider music community by donating ten per cent of proceeds of their record to charity. The Umbrella Vinyl team, who champion music from all over the world including jazz, blues, reggae and classical hope their new record will be the first of many on their new label.

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Baton Rouge, LA | The best stores in Baton Rouge to shop for vinyl records: Finding the best stores to shop for vinyl records can be difficult, especially if you’d rather shop in-store than surf on eBay. My personal favorite record store here in Baton Rouge is Capital City Records on Perkins Road. This store’s record collection ranges from the newest pop hits to bootleg and unreleased albums from iconic artists.From Mozambique to Baton Rouge: Prince Chone is keeping jazz alive in LouisianaThe records are organized based on genre and alphabetical order, with the more collectible vinyl hanging upon the walls. The best part of Capital City Records’ vinyl selection is the chance to find rarities, such as first pressings of classic rock vinyl. Another store, Pop Shop Records on Acadian Thruway, could be easily missed upon driving past the building. However, what looks to be a church-like building is actually a quaint record store.

Burbank, CA | Burbank Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the First Anniversary of Run Out Groove Records: On Friday, August 25, 2023, Magnolia Park in Burbank buzzed with energy and the aroma of diverse cuisines as the Burbank Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the first anniversary of Run Out Groove Records. Owned by the dynamic duo of Ellen Rehak and Jeff Ferguson, this boutique record store opened its doors to the music-loving community in June 2022. This joyous occasion was timed to coincide with the rejuvenated Magnolia Park Food Truck Fridays event, which is organized by the Magnolia Park Merchants Association. …Ferguson remarked, “We originally planned to use a food truck night as part of our grand opening last year, but sadly, the events were canceled before we had a chance, so we never got around to having a grand opening. Now that they’re back, we made sure our anniversary ribbon-cutting was part of the fun.”

Auckland, NZ | Legendary New Zealand music label riding the wave of vinyl revival: Legendary New Zealand music label Flying Nun is hoping to cash in on the success of the vinyl revival with the opening of their new Auckland store, 40 years after they first started distributing records by budding alternative musicians. Started in 1981, the name Flying Nun has become synonymous with the best of independent music in Aotearoa, with the label having produced music from the likes of The Clean, The Chills, Straightjacket Fits and Headless Chickens. Now though, through launching an Auckland-based record store on Karangahape Road, Flying Nun General Manager Ben Howe says they are hoping to take the label to a new generation of record-buying fans and in doing so support their fresh batch of artists who are producing music on the label. “…We set up a store in Wellington and that has gone really well, and we have a lot of people in Auckland that we know are fans of Flying Nun artists, so it felt right to have a store here.”

UK | Rough Trade Retail reports record revenue amid vinyl sales boom: Music Week has been reporting on the robust growth in vinyl sales in the last few years. So it’s perhaps no surprise that Rough Trade Retail UK has reported record revenue in its latest financial results, which have been filed at Companies House. For the year ending December 31, 2022, Rough Trade posted sales revenue of £14,348,884, an increase of 35.8% on its previous highest turnover result in 2021. Rough Trade Soho (pictured) launched in October 2022, joining the East and West stores in London as well as shops in Bristol and Nottingham. Live music and bars operate in three sites. Profit before tax was down 38.3% year-on-year to £528,330. Rough Trade’s cost of sales and administrative expenses both increased significantly during 2022. The retailer became a Real Living Wage employer at the start of the year – an effective 12% pay rise for sales assistants – and paid out a profit earning bonus across all staff for the first time.

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Warwick, RI | Black Lodge Collectibles has lots for fans of comics, music, video games & more: On the outskirts of Pawtuxet Village, there’s a shop that’s a true outlier when it comes to collectibles, vintage objects and underground culture. When you walk in, you’ll see a vast array of records, comics, old school video games and one of a kind items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. It’s a place that’s truly unique and if you’re an enthusiast of anything pertaining to what I just mentioned, then you should most definitely stop by. It’s called Black Lodge Collectibles and it’s located on 1986 Broad Street in Cranston. The shop has been in business for a little over a month with co-owners Derek Wood, Josh Marsie and Ian Fitzpatrick got together to start it up on August 19. I recently had a talk with Wood and Marsie at Black Lodge Collectibles about what gave them the idea to start the establishment, how they’ve amassed their huge collection and what makes the place stand out from the competition.

Dungannon, IE | Unlocking vinyl treasure at Tyrone record fair: Vinyl lovers, young and old, are in for a musical treat as Stewart’s Music Shop in Dungannon, one of the oldest independent music stores in Ireland, opens its doors for its first record fair. Featuring thousands of titles from rare and vintage records to the latest releases on vinyl, the fair will bring together traders, collectors and music enthusiasts from across Ireland and further afield. Knowledgeable record dealers will be setting up stalls on Saturday October 7, bringing their diverse collections with them; everything from rock and pop, country and jazz to hidden gems from local artists. Owner Raymond Stewart is delighted by the current revival of vinyl and welcomes seasoned collectors and the next generation of vinyl lovers to the event. “When our shop opened in 1975, my brothers and I sold almost every person in this town their first single. In the years since, how and when people listen to their favorite artists has changed many times and we’ve loved being a part of the scene through it all.

San Antonio, TX | San Antonio singer-songwriter Jerry David DeCicca playing free album-release show: DeCicca’s latest album, New Shadows, guest appearances by Los Lobos guitarist David Hidalgo, rising indie-rock singer Rosali and Tortose guitarist Jeff Parker. Bulverde-based singer-songwriter Jerry David DeCicca will perform a release show at San Antonio’s Crazy Rhythms Records on Wednesday night for his latest album, New Shadows. The show is the kickoff for a multi-city “record store tour” that includes stops in Lockhart, Dallas, Austin and Houston. DeCicca has released music for more than 20 years under his own name and that of his previous group, the Black Swans. His carefully observed songs have earned praise from sources ranging from venerated music magazine The Fader to cult lo-fi singer-songwriter Bill Callahan. DeCicca’s New Shadows features synthesizers and drum machines in a deconstructed, experimental approach to Americana. He describes the release as “a literary-goth, avant-Americana meditation.”

Pet Shop Boys announce reissue of hard-to-find album ‘Relentless’ for 30th anniversary: The LP was previously released as three 12″ records and were limited to only 500 copies. Pet Shop Boys have announced a reissue of their hard-to-find LP ‘Relentless’ in honour of its 30th anniversary. The synth-pop duo – comprised of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe – released their fifth studio album ‘Very’ back in 1993. The record reached the Number One spot in the UK charts and includes the band’s singles ‘Can You Forgive Her?’ and ‘Go West’, which remain two of their most popular tracks. …‘Relentless’ was also released as a rare standalone vinyl that was limited to 500 copies. It featured six dance tracks spread across three 12″ records and became a highly sought-after Pet Shop Boys artefact. Speaking of the LP in a press release, the Pet Shop Boys said: “This album was an experiment for us 30 years ago with its six new extended dance tracks. We’re very proud of it and delighted it’s now getting the stand-alone release it deserves.”

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Mystic, CT | A CT record store is marking 40 years as a mecca for collectors with an anniversary party and special guests: The fact that Danny Curland has been buying, selling, listening to and talking about records for 40 years as the owner of Mystic Disc is a cause for celebration. Curland’s employees, customers and friends have planned an anniversary party on Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Mystic River Park near the store in downtown Mystic. Among the special guests at the Mystic Disc 40th Anniversary Gig are Baltimore-based musician Wall Matthews (who co-founded the store with Curland in 1983), the owners of other record shops (including Rich Martin of The Telegraph in New London and Mark Henderson of the Boston-based In Your Ear Records), musician/shop owner James Maple of Mystic’s Lamplighter Trading Post Company, New London journalists Stephen Chupaska and Steven Slosberg, the experimental folk group Xenos, DJ Brian Carter and others whom Curland has inspired or befriended over the years.

Norman, OK | Guestroom Records celebrates 20 years of business, good music: Independent record store Guestroom Records celebrated 20 years of business in September, bringing the Norman music community together. Justin Sowers and Travis Searle started selling records door to door and at garage sales in 2002. After the pair’s success, the first Guestroom Records store was opened in Norman the following year. Guestroom sells a wide range of genres, curated based on customers’ interests. The store has a large selection of classic rock and indie alternative albums. Featured artists include Radiohead, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. Guestroom sells new and used records, and there is a section for CDs and cassettes. Visitors can also sell their own records to the store or search through its online inventory. When Guestroom first opened, most of the inventory consisted of CDs. Now, due to their increased popularity, the store primarily sells records.

Brighton, UK | Top music awards go to Bjork, Wet Leg and…a Brighton record shop: Resident recognised for supporting independent artists: One name stood out for Brighton music fans at the Association of Independent Music (AIM) Awards 2023 – Resident record shop, in Kensington Gardens. The independent music shop joined a roster of winners that included Bjork, Wet Leg and Raye. The shop won the Independent Champions Award—a category that rewards those helping to support independent musicians. The Icelandic singer Bjork, 57, who performed at Coachella Festival in California this year in a set that included hundreds of drones, attended to collect the publicly voted award for best live performer. Raye, 25, who released her debut studio album My 21st Century Blues earlier in the year, took home best independent track with American rapper and singer 070 Shake. Their single Escapism was among the year’s chart-toppers.

Shanghai, CN | AMIRI Unveils Limited-Time Vinyl Space Station in Shanghai Flagship Store: In an exciting collaboration between fashion and music, AMIRI has unveiled a limited-time vinyl space station outside its flagship store in Shanghai. The design elements are inspired by AMIRI’s 2023 autumn and winter show, with a fresh mint green and transparent glass exterior facade. The standout feature is a giant black sheet with the MA Logo printed in the middle, giving the impression of a vinyl record being slowly pulled out of its cover. Inside the space station, AMIRI showcases its latest 2023 autumn and winter items. The brand has also created a vinyl interactive area where customers can purchase and make exclusive records with their own signatures. To celebrate the launch event, there will be a DJ playing vinyl records, creating a sophisticated recording studio atmosphere. The combination of fashion and music in this urban oasis provides a unique and relaxing experience for visitors.

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Glasgow, UK | Glasgow’s best vintage stores for retro clothes and vinyl: If you’re looking to shop second-hand and want to snag yourself some retro items, then Glasgow is the place to be. Like most cities, Glasgow is experiencing a boom in all things vintage with people of all ages seeking out ‘blast from the past’ clothing and even vinyl records. Whether you are looking for a pair of bellbottom jeans from the 1970s or want to channel your inner-1990s, we have you covered.

Miami, FL | Miami’s Lucky Records Shows Passion For All Things Hip-Hop, Funk, Soul & Reggae: Miami is known for its warm weather and colorful culture. A city drenched with the rich history of so many people from different walks of life calling it home, Finding a hub for a city with such a dense art scene is always exciting. Welcome Lucky Records, one of Miami’s most dedicated record shops. With a constantly rotating selection, the small shop has slowly become a museum for the rich history of music from Miami along with a passionate focus on all things hip-hop, funk, soul, and reggae. Along with a plethora of bins filled with genre-spanning selections, Lucky Records stands out as a testament to the diversity of Miami and the beauty that can be made when different cultures clash in harmony.

Poughkeepsie, NY | Poughkeepsie, NY record store finally participating in the Taylor Swift craze: Shake off the old version! Taylor Swift’s album 1989 (Taylor’s Version) re-release is about to hit shelves in October. Fans have been going nuts since 1989 (Taylor’s Version) was announced back in August, rushing to Taylor Swift’s website to pre-order every and all editions of 1989 she’s releasing. That might seem like a silly statement, but Swift has released 8 limited edition versions of her album 1989. Now, 42 days after the original announcement, a local Hudson Valley record story is able to get in on the Swiftie fun. With that being said, local independent record store Darkside Records in Poughkeepsie, NY has finally been given the ‘OK’ to participate in the sale of Taylor Swift 1989 (Taylor’s Version) On Instagram, they wrote: “F-I-N-A-L-L-Y! Taylor’s version of 1989 will be released on 10/27, exactly 9 years to the day since the original was released. We’ll have it on Crystal Skies Blue vinyl, CD, and cassette…”

Wokingham, UK | Uncertain future for town centre shop: Mystery surrounds the future of another independent retailed in Wokingham town centre, Beyond the Download, a retailer of vinyl records and associated music memorabilia in Rose Street, appears to have ceased trading. The business began in 2012 as an online retailer. It operated from Holme Grange Craft Village before moving to the town centre location in 2019. The business also assisted with stage and sound facilities for events in the nearby Peach Place. Wokingham Today has approached the business for comment.

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