Author Archives: TVD HQ

Lubbock, TX | Beloved Lubbock record store announces closing: Another Lubbock business is succumbing to the Hub City Closure Curse, leaving only one store of its kind left standing. Whether you’ve collected vinyl records since their heyday, or you are a part of the younger generations looking to revitalize a classic medium, having a go-to record store is a big deal for many collectors. These stores become a sort of family as you get to know the staff and other collectors during your long visits of scrolling through all the new stock. …Josey Books & Records, after 5 years in Lubbock, has officially announced that they will be closing their Hub City location. They will still be open for a couple of months and will feature liquidation sales starting at 30% off the entire store. These sales will continue to change over the next few weeks, giving bigger discounts as they get closer to closing.

Nashville, TN | Sean Brock opening vinyl-themed bar: Celebrity chef Sean Brock is opening a music-themed bar and lounge this fall at the Grand Hyatt that he says will celebrate “the pursuit of sonic excellence.” The Bar Continental will play music from a collection of more than 5,000 vinyl records, all on high-end, audiophile-approved equipment. Driving the news: The concept is inspired by Japanese “kissa” lounges, where guests listen to jazz records while sipping tea or cocktails. Why it matters: Brock frames Bar Continental as his answer to the music-forward honky tonks a few blocks from the Grand Hyatt. “Visiting Bar Continental is like attending a concert, you feel the music … similar to an experience on Lower Broadway,” Brock said in a statement. “We want to be the place you take your friends visiting from out of town, who may not want to deal with the crowds on lower Broadway.”

Bristol, UK | 18 great Bristol shops we loved and lost but still fondly remember: Many Bristolians will have fond memories of these much-missed stores: Bristol has always been a great city for shopping but our high streets have changed dramatically over the years and many much-loved shops have been lost forever. We asked Bristol World readers to tell us which stores they used to love visiting and still miss. They range from independent record shops and clothes stores to big-name department stores. Here are 18 of the most missed Bristol shops but we would like to hear from readers about any others, and if you have photos, we’d love to share them.

Atlantic Records Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Special Vinyl and Remix Campaigns: Atlantic chairman/CEO Craig Kallman oversaw the curation, which salutes artists ranging from Ray Charles to Lizzo. In September 1947, Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson founded Atlantic Records with a $10,000 loan from Ertegun’s dentist. In 1948, Atlantic began putting out its first releases. Seventy-five years later, Atlantic remains one of the most storied labels in American history as home through the decades to such artists as Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Stevie Nicks, Matchbox Twenty and Crosby, Stills & Nash; and, more recently, Twenty One Pilots, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Lizzo. This year, Atlantic is paying homage to its rich heritage with a multi-pronged, year-long campaign that celebrates some of its most iconic titles. Already started is the release of 90 classic titles, many on crystal clear, colored or recycled vinyl, curated by Atlantic Records chairman/CEO and noted audiophile Craig Kallman.

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Odessa, TX | Midland-Odessa bands rally for concert benefiting iconic record shop: For many musicians in Midland-Odessa, Endless Horizons Record Shop has been a refuge for all genres of music. That’s why many bands, like Roasted Crow, have rallied around the icon of nearly 50 years to hopefully keep it from closing. The Follow the Horizon benefit concert is set for Sept. 16 and will help fund the shop’s relocation. After last month’s relocation announcement, sales at the shop have slowed. Staff say they believe people think they’re already closed. They will move out of their flashy, mural-covered building Oct. 21. Though Roasted Crow formed about four years ago, the influence Endless Horizons has had on their music goes back nearly 20 years. Band Member Ivan Borrego says the shop is a hub for concert tickets and obscure music. A 20-year customer at the shop, he still listens to the Blind Melon CD he bought there as a kid.

Los Angeles, CA | ‘Flipside’ Review: Record Store Documentary Spins a Delightful Mass of Loose Ends and False Starts: Chris Wilcha’s film is a midlife meditation that keeps losing its train of thought, which is kind of perfect. If you go by the title, which comes from the name of a New Jersey record store, and you look at the main photo, which pictures the outside of that store, you might think that you know what the documentary “Flipside” is. But within the first 20 minutes of the film, which opened on Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival, you will have heard about an aging jazz photographer, the Columbia Record Club, “This American Life” and Judd Apatow’s “Funny People.” And you’ll know that this is not the movie you thought it would be. Instead, Chris Wilcha’s “Flipside” is a doc assembled out of loose ends and false starts, a jumble that can be maddening until suddenly it’s moving, thanks at least partly to David Bowie. It’s confounding and self-centered but damn it if it doesn’t work.

Wellington, UK | Spinning Around Records tunes in to Wellington music lovers: A new vinyl record shop has opened in the heart of Wellington which aims to hit all the right notes with indie music lovers. Spinning Around Records at 31,New Street gives customers in Wellington and beyond the opportunity to explore a wide range of music titles and buy vinyl records on their doorstep. As vinyl record sales continue to increase and are now often seen as a more popular option than CDs, this business promises to be a great addition to the high street. Owner Emma Perks has opened at the new base with support from a business start-up grant through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme. Spinning Around Records sells a range of new releases as well as second hand titles and add-ons and accessories such as vinyl sleeves and brushes. The shop also specialises in pop music which appeals to younger people in their teens and twenties.

Liverpool, UK | Couple achieve dream as new city centre music shop opens: Marc Walker and Jess Fairclough have collected vinyl records for years. A couple have achieved their dream of opening up a music store after years of collecting records. After being collectors for years, Marc Walker and Jess Fairclough always dreamed of opening a record store. They launched an online shop in January 2023, which quickly grew into pop-up markets and now have their first brick-and-mortar shop in Liverpool city centre. Dead Air Records is said to be a haven for vinyl collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering a carefully curated selection of new and second hand records across a variety of genres. The new record shop promises to be a hub for the local music scene, hosting live events and performances from up-and-coming artists. Dead Air Records also plans to collaborate with local artists and musicians, offering a platform for their work in-store and online.

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Rockford, IL | Toad Hall still spinning after 50 years: Fifty years is a long time for a small business to stick around. That’s why Toad Hall Books and Records is celebrating this weekend. The Rockford record shop will have a food truck and live music Saturday to mark the occasion. “Not a lot of businesses make it to 50 years,” owner Nick Naruz said. “To have a community that supports Toad Hall for 50 years is pretty special.” Naruz bought the store almost 20 years ago. He’s watched the resurgence of vinyl in recent years bring a new energy to the store. “The rebirth of vinyl, along with other physical media, DVDs, books, comics, people want the real thing,” Naruz said. “They want to touch it. They want to feel it. They want to collect it. The community, locally, that supports that, they just love the nostalgia. They like coming in and having fun.”

Fort Meyers, FL | Stellar Records opens in Fort Myers amid resurgence of vinyl records: An avid music lover since childhood, owner Liz Cochran fulfilled a dream she’s been chasing for years by opening Stellar Records in Fort Myers. “I wanted to be able to be in the community and help people heal through music and give them a place to gather,” Cochran said. “Music is something that brings everyone together.” The woman-owned and operated record shop at 4204 Cleveland Ave. had its grand opening last weekend, which showcased the record revival trend seen over the years. Last year, vinyl sales beat out CDs for the first time since 1987, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Considering the rise in technology since the origins of vinyl records, there was a time where vinyl was kept alive in niche spaces. …“My first customer on the grand opening was 16 years old,” Cochran said. “I’ve had people in here who left their independent living facility to come visit me. It’s literally across the board.”

Ottawa, CA | September Sounds: Bring your own vinyl night at Afterlight: After a successful summer pilot, one of Ottawa’s newer music venues Afterlight has decided to kick off Bring Your Own Vinyl Night on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to midnight for the rest of September. Save your money for the bar, because there’s no cover charge! We decided to check it out for ourselves. There’s nothing quite like soaking in the sweet sounds of vinyl spinning in this legendary basement venue with a seriously impressive sound system (if you’ve experienced an event at City at Night, you know what I mean). Some of us with record collections at home often find ourselves dusting off our stacks more often than actually listening to them, so it is an absolute treat to be able to bring our own records, hand them over to the DJ, sit back, relax, order a delicious drink (or three) and enjoy some of our treasured tracks through Afterlight’s sound system.

Westchester County, NY | Shop Music New and Old at These Westchester Record Stores: These Westchester County record stores carry a range of vinyl from recent pop releases to classic and vintage albums. Records have made a massive comeback in recent years. And whether you’re a collector of vintage records or simply enjoy the look of albums on your wall, records hold a timeless, widespread appeal. After all, there’s something special about placing your record on the turntable, carefully touching the needle to the vinyl, and listening to completion. Westchester has stores stocked with crates full of new and pre-loved vintage records of all genres and time periods.

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Galway, IE | How Vinyl Became the Gold Standard for Music Enthusiasts: In a digital age dominated by streaming services and MP3 files, the resurgence of vinyl records as the gold standard for music enthusiasts might seem surprising. However, the allure of vinyl goes beyond nostalgia; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of analog sound and the tangible connection between music and its listeners. Aesthetic Appeal: Vinyl records are more than just audio recordings – they are physical artifacts with intricate artwork, cover designs, and liner notes. Holding a vinyl record in your hands and admiring its artwork creates a multisensory experience that digital formats can’t replicate. Warmth and Depth of Sound: One of the main draws of vinyl is its analog sound. Vinyl records produce a warm, organic sound that many audiophiles find more immersive and authentic than the often compressed sound of digital formats. The analog process captures subtle nuances and imperfections, giving the music a depth that resonates with listeners.

Brooklyn, NY | Best of Brooklyn: Top 5 Record Stores. Find your groove in Brooklyn. Hey there, vinyl lovers! From hidden gems in cozy neighborhoods to iconic destinations for collectors, these five record stores stand out as the absolute best in the borough. Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl aficionado or just beginning your analog journey, this guide will take you through the must-visit record shops that define Brooklyn’s musical heartbeat. Check out Brooklyn’s top 5 record shops. 1. Symphony Music: Get ready to rock ‘n’ roll through aisles of vinyl paradise! This place is a music mecca where you’ll find everything from indie gems to classic hits. Bonus: They’ve got killer live shows, too. Located at 64 N 9th St. 2. Blue-Sun Record Store…

Chicago, IL | Billy Corgan’s Tea Shop Will Celebrate Halloween Early Dressing Up as Tower Records: The suburban tea house owned by Smashing Pumpkins and wrestling aficionado Billy Corgan and partner Chloe Mendel is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Pumpkins’ breakthrough album, Siamese Dream, this Halloween season. They’re transforming their Highland Park space into Tower Records, a tribute to the music chain that was the cool place to hang out in the ‘90s. The pop-up begins on Thursday, September 14, and concludes on Sunday, September 17. They’ll sell exclusive Tower Records merchandise and more. Fans of ‘90s nostalgia may remember the famous Tower Records’ “No music, no life” slogan was slapped on t-shirts, hoodies, and bumper stickers. Tower Records in Lincoln Park was also where the Pumpkins 30 years ago delivered an 8-song acoustic performance, playing mega hits from Siamese Dream. An adoring crowd of about 3,000 crammed into the second-level store at Belden and Clark to hear hits like Today, Cherub Rock, Rocket, and Disarm.

New Orleans, LA | ‘Let’s Talk’ with DJ Soul Sister: crate-digging, not taking requests, why vinyl rules: The WWOZ “Soul Power” show host presents her 17th annual birthday jam at Tipitina’s on Sept. 16. For more than 25 years, DJ Soul Sister has hosted the Saturday night “Soul Power” show on community radio station WWOZ 90.7 FM, spinning rare groove funk, R&B, soul and disco culled from her vast collection of vinyl records. As a performing deejay, she has shared stages with many of her musical heroes and presided over countless late-night dance parties at venues around town. Her 17th annual birthday jam at Tipitina’s on Sept. 16 includes a performance by Washington, D.C., go-go music legends E.U. featuring Sugar Bear. The following interview, edited for clarity and length, is excerpted from this week’s episode of “Let’s Talk with Keith Spera” on WLAE-TV. “…You know what? I am not a vinyl snob. I love vinyl, I collect it. It’s almost like a sickness. I can’t stop buying it. Where will it go? Do I have more room in my house for it? I don’t know—I’ll figure it out once it gets there.”

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Caversham, UK | Pop Classics launches brick-and-mortar store in Caversham’s Church Street: A new record store is set to open in Caversham on Thursday, September 7, as an online music merchant is set to launch its first bricks-and-mortar branch. Vinyl vendor and merchant of musical memorabilia Pop Classics has announced that it is set to open in Church Street, Caversham. A post to social media in May said: “After 20 years of selling vinyl records and pop memorabilia online, we have decided it is time to take the plunge.” Now the store is set to open its doors to customers, including a launch day offer for its first batch of eager customers. Pop Classics has been based in Reading during its two decades of collection and selling of records, trading online. …“We had an international clientele prior to Brexit and many international problems since; afterward it shrunk to a much more domestic market. “So while we’re still doing our online sales, it seemed crazy to sell to so many people in Reading and not have a point of sale locally.”

Portland, OR | Portland’s Coolest New Record Shop Is Also a Cultural Hub: Beacon Sound, Musique Plastique, Super Electric, Lost Avenue, et al—the signage is going to be intense. Andrew Neerman had just moved his Beacon Sound record store and label HQ from one space to another when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and significantly complicated running a retail operation. Almost immediately, Neerman shuttered the shop, even before the state of Oregon mandated the closure of many retail businesses. When he talks about it now, it’s clear that, while the timing may not have been ideal, the whole situation came as something of a relief. “I was burning out on retail already, and I was actually planning on selling the retail portion of Beacon Sound… and moving toward being a community space and show space,” Neerman said. “Luckily, I had not. So I just shut down and went full label.”

Ithaca, NY | Angry Mom Records: A Decade of Musical Diversity, Affordable Vinyl In Ithaca: Since its opening in 2009, Angry Mom Records has remained a sanctuary for Ithaca’s music enthusiasts, offering a wide range of alternative music and budget-friendly albums. Originally located in the basement of Autumn Leaves Used Books, the store moved to the upper floor of the bookstore in December 2022 for additional space. The record shop prides itself on its diverse offerings, including rock, punk, indie, soul, R&B, country, international, reggae, psychedelic, folk, electronic, metal and oddities. According to George Johann, the owner of Angry Mom Records, their inventory extends beyond the boundaries of alternative music. “We sell everything. I grew up as a punk rock kid in the 80s. That’s my first love. Then record collecting sent [me] down all sorts of crazy paths [such as] psychedelic music, old soul, R&B, reggae, jazz,” Johann said.

Washington, DC | DC record shop embraces old-school sound of vinyl: In an era dominated by digital streaming and instant gratification, running a vinyl record shop presents distinct rewards and challenges. For Charvis Campbell, who owns HR Records in D.C., it is all about passion. “In a lot of ways, for us, this is about us celebrating music and celebrating what we love,” Campbell said. HR Records (which stands for Home Rule Records) is on Kennedy Street in Northwest. Campbell has been at that location for about five years now. “There have been some collectors who have appreciated the sound of the vinyl and the experience that vinyl has,” Campbell said. “We have some loyal customers who I feel like come in almost every day, and that’s a wonderful thing.” …“I joke with people and say that you’re never going to get fat playing records,” said Campbell. “You have to get off your butt to flip the record eventually, especially if you’re trying to drop it and find a particular song.”

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