Category Archives: A morning mix of news for the vinyl inclined

Isle of Wight, UK | BBC Radio 6 Music hosts make special visit to Island record shop: BBC Radio 6 Music stars Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens made a special trip to a record store on the Isle of Wight. The music icons visited Newport-based Triple A Records before their live broadcast from Strings Bar and Venue. The pair engaged owners Andy Barding and Jonathan Bacon in a lively chat about the Isle of Wight music scene and the Wight Music Experience museum located on the shop’s first floor. A package for the show was recorded at the store. Triple A Records, which boasts a vast collection of records, CDs and cassettes, as well as an array of music memorabilia from the 1960s to the present day, regularly hosts live concerts. Steve and Huw’s broadcast was part of the celebration of Independent Venue Week.

Edmonds, WA | Rachel Gardner amplifies PNW artists through her Edmonds record shop Musicology: Through her Edmonds record store and music boutique Musicology, Rachel Gardner is finding new and inspiring ways to shine a light on PNW artists. Beyond selling their albums, Gardner supports local artists in many other ways, from educating venues about fair pay to hosting collaborative album release parties and packed open mic nights. She’s all about supporting the PNW music scene and bringing the community together. Gardner has lived in Edmonds for almost ten years. “I have special memories of going to shows at the Edmonds Center for the Arts before we decided to move to the area,” she reflects. …Since then, Gardner has grown to love Edmonds even more and how the community comes together “in music, arts, business, volunteerism, stewardship and more.”

Bangkok, TH | Browse vinyl and vintage tableware at Charoenkrung’s vintage art-craft market: Charoenkrung knows how to make old things feel alive. The market returns after last year’s warm reception, settling back into the neighbourhood with a confident, well-worn ease. The edit leans thoughtful rather than excessive: clothes with a past, jewellery that carries a little attitude, handmade bags, small artworks, home pieces, secondhand books, vintage tableware and vinyl that deserves another listen. Each item arrives with its own backstory, quietly competing for attention. This is less about bargain-hunting and more about connection.

Bangkok, TH | Super Cheap Vinyl Record Fair promises fantastic plastic: Bangkok’s vinyl community is set to come alive once again as the third edition of the Super Cheap Vinyl Record Fair returns to Bangkapi from Jan 30 to Feb 1, transforming the front of Tawanna Market into a bustling hub for music lovers. Held every three months next to The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi, the fair has quickly built a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting and approachable record events welcoming everyone from serious collectors to curious first-time diggers. Staying true to its name and its spirit, the Super Cheap Vinyl Record Fair brings together a carefully curated lineup of beloved independent music shops, all united by one simple idea—great records at genuinely affordable prices.

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UK | ‘Physical music is powerful and underleveraged. In 2026 it won’t be a sideshow—it’ll be a core strategic revenue and brand channel.’ Twenty One Pilots achieved something remarkable last year. Their album Breach (Fueled by Ramen/Atlantic) achieved over 200,000 total sales and equivalent streams in its first week – the highest debut for any rock band in six years, and the duo’s first US No.1 album in a decade. Even more striking: nearly 170,000 of those units came from pure album sales—physical product fans chose to purchase rather than stream. Thom Skarzynski, who worked closely with management on the campaign while at Atlantic Music Group, notes that it’s become common to see rock bands with massive touring power, selling hundreds of thousands of tickets, generating just 10,000 to 30,000 in streaming equivalent album sales during release week.

Glasgow, UK | 12 of the best record shops in Glasgow in 2026: These are the best record shops you need to visit in Glasgow. Glasgow is a city that takes its music seriously. Renowned for its rich musical heritage, it boasts a wide range of record shops to explore, no matter what genre you’re searching for. The city has produced some huge acts, including Simple Minds, Franz Ferdinand and Primal Scream, many of whom began their musical journeys browsing the racks of local record stores in their younger days. Although vinyl has enjoyed a well-documented comeback in recent years, the revival came too late for many much-loved shops. …If you’re seeking shelter from the rain or hunting for an album that’s long eluded you, here’s a list of 12 of the best record shops in Glasgow.

Chicago, IL | Beverly Phono Mart Struck By Car Overnight New Year’s Day: At around 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, the storefront of Beverly Phono Mart (1808 West 103rd Street), an independently-owned record shop in the Beverly neighborhood, was struck by a speeding vehicle, demolishing a large portion of the facade of the store. Despite the collision, although a significant portion of the store’s merchandise was damaged, the vast majority of it remained untouched. “Luckily, we only lost a few crates of records, which is, you know, a couple hundred records. Similarly, [we also lost] a couple hundred CDs, but the vast majority of our record inventory is still safe and in good shape,” Mallory McClaire, co-owner of Beverly Phono Mart, recounted.

Camarillo, CA | American Pie Record shop revives vinyl culture: Aisles of vinyls, CDs and the smell of cold brew throughout, American Pie Records and coffee house creates a welcoming experience, bringing people together through music, caffeine and baked goods. Located on Ventura Blvd. in Camarillo, it is a small but bright shop fostering both the opportunity for customers to get vinyls to add to their collection and a coffee to fuel their day. Adding to the bright environment of American Pie Records, Dustin Reese, also known as “The Record Guy,” enjoys being able to spread his love of music to other customers, encouraging them to find a passion in vinyl and continue coming back to American Pie Records. “I really love just talking about music with customers. Music that I love and they like. I love, also, recommending something I love, and they take it home and they like it too,” Reese said.

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Paris, FR | Record Store Day 2026: The day for independent record shops returns to Paris this Spring. Disquaire Day, or Record Store Day if you prefer, is set to make its comeback on Saturday, April 18, 2026. What’s in store for this new edition dedicated to independent record shops? Expect exclusive limited-edition vinyl releases from numerous independent stores, along with a series of special, ticketed musical events. Great news for vinyl collectors: the Disquaire Day, known as Record Store Day across the UK and North America, is making a comeback in Paris and Île-de-France—and it will be celebrated throughout the rest of France as well. Mark your calendars: the hunt for rare vinyl records is set for Saturday, April 18, 2026—you don’t want to miss it! Every spring, Disquaire Day is an opportunity to discover almost 200 previously unreleased, rare or collector’s items, sold exclusively at around 50 independent record stores in and around Paris.

New Haven, CT | “Freedom Songs” Creates A Sonic Roadmap For The Present: Music floated through the lower level of 1020 Chapel St, winding its way around low tables and handmade, wooden bins that housed sleeves and sleeves of vinyl. From a record player, a quartet of steady voices rose through the space, tired but clear. Oh Pritchett! Oh, Kelly! Oh Pritchett, open them cells, they called, unearthing a whole history in under a minute. Atop the collections, photographs of Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, Oscar Micheaux, W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, and Mary White-Ovington looked back. That sound came to the Chapel Street record store GRAILS last Monday, during the shop’s first ever “Freedom Songs,” a day-long listening session dedicated to the music of the Civil Rights movement. Designed to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the day invited people to explore social justice and Black revolution through songs, speeches, and poetry of freedom, bringing to the present an urgent and bright roadmap from the past.

UK | Is ‘No Parlez’ the most common charity shop record? During the height of the CD age in the 1990s and 2000s, with vinyl records seemingly doomed to become an obsolete musical medium, record collectors, DJs, and old souls of all sorts were able to enjoy a field day of great finds and even better deals while crate digging. In the years before eBay, in particular, assistants at charity shops weren’t going to waste their time researching the individual values of old records someone dropped off in a cardboard box with insufficient structural integrity. …Paul Young’s 1983 debut album No Parlez seems to be one of the records people most associate with this phenomenon. In its day, No Parlez topped the UK charts for five weeks and went on to sell over a million copies in the UK alone. Forty years later, sadly, 990,000 of those records are now in charity shops, as the nation collectively snapped out of its Paul Young hypnosis by the 1990s, leaving minimal interest even in nostalgic spins of this record.

Augusta, GA | Vinyl Record Fair goes on without a scratch: Despite the impending arrival of Winter Storm Fern and the dipping temperatures, a Jan. 24 event at the Westobou Gallery on 1129 Broad St. had record numbers. Strike that. Reverse it. But don’t scratch it. They had a number of records—vinyl ones, that is. The Westobou Gallery hosted the second annual Augusta Vinyl Record Fair which saw approximately 10 vendors, from stores to collectors, with hundreds of records from which to choose. Early bird arrivals didn’t mind paying a $10 entry fee from 10 a.m. to noon; 20 collectors came to visit the vendors, anxious to put some needles down on some new finds at the second annual event. Bethany Marshall, programs director at Westobou, said they were considering cancelling because of the impending icy weather and expected a low turnout, but there were more than 100 in attendance by the end of the day.

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Alexandria, VA | Alexandria record store closing after devastating flooding, seeking new location: Crooked Beat Records in Alexandria, Virginia, will only be open for a few more days in its current Del Ray location. Devastating flooding damaged the store’s building and hundreds of vinyl records, some of them extremely valuable. The store is reopening Thursday, Friday and Saturday, which will be its last day operating at its current location on Mt. Vernon Avenue. After that, the future of the store is uncertain. “We’ll keep people posted on where we find a new location,” owner Bill Daly said in a message to customers on Instagram. “We really love Del Ray. We want to stay in Del Ray. So, we’re going to keep looking and hope things will get back to normal soon.”

Hong Kong, CN | Vinyl record bar 8055 reopens to bring new beats Lan Kwai Fong’s nightlife scene: Listen, we love a good beat drop or screaming chart-toppers like any other nighttime reveller in the city, but in this era of EDM and throwback pop-heavy party scene, it would be nice to enjoy something authentic that sounds different for once. Well, it looks like we got our wish, because a vinyl record-based bar has just announced they’ll be opening in Lan Kwai Fong. The brainchild of longtime friends Brian and Ah Hei, the 8055 vinyl bar has had previous iterations based in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, which grew in popularity to welcome even local celebrities and creatives like Eason Chan and Tyson Yoshi as patrons. The pandemic saw the shuttering of the bar—but not for good.

Los Angeles, CA | VinylCon! returns to Los Angeles this spring: VinylCon! is set to return to Los Angeles this spring, bringing its growing vinyl-focused convention back for a two-day event at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles. The event will take place March 21-22, marking the second Los Angeles edition of the multi-city vinyl fair. The announcement follows VinylCon!’s debut Los Angeles outing last summer, which drew more than 2,500 attendees and featured over 80 record dealers from across the United States and abroad, including sellers from Japan and the Netherlands. Organizers said the first L.A. edition was one of the largest record fairs the city had seen in years, attracting collectors, DJs and music industry figures searching for rare pressings and sample material. Tickets are on sale now, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.

Queen rereleasing ‘Live Killers’ and ‘The Platinum Collection’ on vinyl: Queen is revisiting their 1979 album, Live Killers. The band is set to reissue the live album on two-LP black vinyl on Jan. 30, marking the first time it’s been available on vinyl in years. The double live album was originally released in June 1979 and featured songs recorded during the European leg of their Jazz Tour, which ran from January 1979 to March 1979. The album includes performances of “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “You’re My Best Friend.” Live Killers is available for preorder now. But Live Killers isn’t the only Queen album getting a vinyl rerelease. The band also recently announced they will be releasing their box set The Platinum Collection on black vinyl for the first time. The six-LP set features all three of the band’s Greatest Hits albums in one collection.

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US | Puscifer Announce ‘Normal Isn’t: Puscifer Live at the Pacific Stock Exchange’ Record Store Screenings. Puscifer will be screening their new live concert film ‘Normal Isn’t: Puscifer Live at the Pacific Stock Exchange‘ at select independent record stores from February 06th to 08th. Those screenings will coincide with the upcoming February 06th release date of the band’s fifth studio album, “Normal Isn’t“. Puscifer vocalist Maynard James Keenan, himself a record store owner, commented: “Brick and mortar vinyl shops are the lifeblood of independent bands. There is a symbiotic relationship that was almost obliterated by the age of digital downloads and streaming. Thankfully we survived by working together.”

Liverpool, UK | Legendary Liverpool record shop discovers links to Brian Epstein and ‘the secret Beatle.’ Legendary Liverpool record shop The Musical Box has discovered a connection to two pivotal figures in The Beatles career. The shop on West Derby Road already has confirmed history linking it to John Lennon and original drummer Pete Best who regularly went in there in the early 60s to look for new releases. Now, thanks to a customer, they’ve been able to add another two names to their famous customer list: manager Brian Epstein and Joe Flannery, who was the band’s booking manager in the early days. The Musical Box, which was recognised last year as the oldest independent record store in England, has been in the same family for four generations.

UK | Behind the Counter Returns to UK Record Shops for a Seventh Season 23 Jan 2026: Premiere of new 12-part video series celebrating the people behind the UK’s thriving vinyl culture. Behind the Counter returns for a seventh season with a brand-new 12-part video series, presented by Record Store Day and Classic Album Sundays in collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins, spotlighting inspirational independent record shops and the communities that sustain them across the UK. Following a previous season that reached over 5.6 million viewers, Behind the Counter enters its latest series as one of the largest-reaching and longest-running projects dedicated to UK record shop culture. Each episode offers an intimate look inside an independent store, exploring how shop owners, staff, and customers continue to shape local music scenes and keep physical formats thriving.

Adelaide, AU | Hi-fi record store, natural wine bar & specialty cafe, Jewels of Thought spins into Adelaide’s East End: A new kind of record store is preparing to open on Ebenezer Place, and it’s designed to be about far more than flipping through crates (although we love that too). Jewels of Thought Recordings is the latest venture from husband-and-wife team Anthony Wendt and Linh Tieu, bringing together high fidelity audio, pour over coffee and unique teas, natural wine, and Adelaide’s vibrant music scene. After all, Adelaide is Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music. Jewels of Thought Recordings is set to open its doors at 15 Ebenezer Place, likely in early February, just in time for Fringe. There’s another layer to this record store though, and depending on the time of day, you can expect an atmosphere as varied as the vinyl stocked inside.

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From vinyl to streaming: The music consumption trends for 2026. Think about how you listened to music ten years ago. Maybe you owned a CD collection, or perhaps you were already streaming on Spotify. Fast forward to today and the landscape is almost unrecognizable. We’re living through a moment where vinyl records sit alongside algorithmic playlists, where the tactile experience of dropping a needle competes with instant access to millions of songs at our fingertips. The way we consume music has always been evolving. From wax cylinders to cassettes, from radio waves to digital files. Yet the past few years have brought changes that feel particularly dramatic. ..Physical formats, once left for dead, are experiencing unexpected resurgences.

Boston, MA | Going analog: The sustaining support for physical music. Even with virtually every song ever released available to stream at the tap of a screen, many people still choose to drop their phones and instead drop needles to listen to their favorite albums. Whether it’s the tactility of playing a record, the ability to support their favorite artists directly or the nostalgia for a time they may or may not have lived through, physical media has created a tightly knit community of analog music fans. Lately, artists, store owners and a growing community of collectors have come together to share a common value: ownership.

Cardiff, UK | Welsh record shop which closed is to reopen—for one day only: The much-loved Welsh record shop which shut up shop last year—is to reopen for one day only. The store, D’Vinyl Records in Cardiff, a treasure trove for music lovers, had been a fixture in the Welsh capital for more than 30 years. But last year Steve Collins decided to shut up shop and retire after looking after the secondhand music store which sold records, CDs, DVDs and music memorabilia to a loyal customer base from its location in Mackintosh Place in the Roath area of the city. However, it appears he’s been very busy in his retirement—clearing out his garage and shed, where he has unearthed some buried treasures. “…Well believe it or not, while emptying my garage and shed I’ve found lots and lots of stuff I’ve forgotten about, all in great condition. So, drum roll, Saturday the 24th. January a “pop up shop” 9-30am—5-30 pm. Hope you can all make it.”

Overheard at the Record Store: Another day of life at a retail music store. My favorite part about working at a record store were the conversations with fellow employees about music. These could get heated and evolve into passionate arguments. Once we were trying to define punk rock. Travis, an Elvis Costello fanatic said, “Punkers can’t play instruments. Their songs only have two or three chords.” “Wrong,” Bad Luck Benjy said. Benjy was lead singer in a band called Tetraplegic. He considered himself an authority in all things punk. “Should I Stay or Should I Go has four chords. Don’t tell me the Clash aren’t punk.” “They’re not, they’re pop,” Travis shot back. “The Clash is punk as fuck,” Benjy said. Ricky, the angry Vietnam Vet, interjected. “The Clash are reggae posers. They stole from Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh.” “That proves they’re punk,” Benjy said. “Punkers steal.”

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Middletown, OH | ‘Just heartbroken’: Greater Cincinnati record shop catches fire. A record shop in Greater Cincinnati caught fire on Tuesday. It happened at Lester’s Rock N’ Roll shop on Central Avenue in Middletown. The business posted to Facebook Tuesday after the fire, writing, “just heartbroken.” The shop sells physical media, such as vinyl and cassettes, as well as vintage musical instruments.

US | The Rise, Fall, and Resilience of U.S. Record Shops: Once the beating heart of local music culture, American record shops have experienced a dramatic arc over the past seven decades-rising as essential community spaces, collapsing under digital disruption, and reemerging in a leaner but more intentional form. At their peak in the late 1970s and 1980s, the U.S. was home to an estimated 7,000-8,000 independent record stores, alongside powerful national chains. Vinyl LPs dominated music sales, and record shops served as discovery hubs where listeners encountered new artists, genres, and subcultures. …By 1999, the U.S. music industry reached its all-time revenue high, generating over $22 billion, largely driven by physical formats-first vinyl, then CDs. At the time, record stores were still central to how Americans accessed music.

Hyattsville, MD | Hyattsville’s New Record Shop Follows National Trend to Vinyl: A new record shop in Hyattsville is following a national trend toward vinyl. Located at 4344 Farragut St., just down the street from Vigilante Coffee, Fireplace Records specializes in vinyl from all kinds of genre, from rock, jazz and hip hop to gospel and reggae. The four owners previously sold vinyl at farmer’s markets and a periodic event for vinyl collectors in D.C. called the Crate Convention before joining forces to open the shop in November. The store’s owners have said it’s for everyone, whether they’re vinyl collectors, producers or “sample stalkers.” The store opened as vinyl is undergoing a renaissance, overtaking CDs to become the most popular physical music format, according to data from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Pensacola, FL | Easy Going Records on Palafox has rare, hard to find vinyl: There are rare and hard-to-find records at Easy Going Records & Hifi located in the Brent Lofts on Palafox, some costing hundreds of dollars. Then there’s the album by Houston rapper Viper that’s displayed on a display showcase behind the counter with a pretty hefty price tag—$10,000 for a copy of Viper’s 2013 release “Kill Urself My Man,” which isn’t even Viper’s biggest album. That would be 2008’s internet breakthrough “You Cowards Don’t Even Smoke Crack,” which the store does not have. That’s five zeroes—$10,000. Does Viper come mow your lawn too? “That’s what we’re asking for it,” Easy Going owner Will Bowers said with a smile, noting the album sells for about $300 online. “Yeah, make a serious offer. …But yeah, the price is a joke.”

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Nashville, TN | The Ernest Tubb Record Shop Has Closed Again, And One Nashville Musician Perfectly Summed Up Why: “…These are thoughts I’ve had since the beginning. Everyone saw the writing on the wall with that place from the first day, and I’d predicted we’d have our gig through the end of January anyway because they were making mistakes musicians have seen happen all too often on Broadway, so my prediction really only came true two weeks earlier than expected. …The owners and planners essentially half assed every decision made in the bar, and boots on the ground management was just trying to survive. It’s like the owners wanted the clout of “Saving Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop,” but didn’t properly invest in what it means to preserve that legacy.”

Brisbane, AU | Glitter Records Consigns 150 Vinyl Albums to The Institute of Modern Art: Glitter Records, a well‑known spot for vinyl culture in Brisbane, has consigned 150 records to the Institute of Modern Art in Fortitude Valley. This marks a new collaboration between the city’s independent music scene and one of its major contemporary art institutions. The Institute of Modern Art is based in the Judith Wright Arts Centre in Fortitude Valley. For more than forty years, it has presented exhibitions, public programs, and publishing projects. It supports experimental and critical artistic practice. The Institute of Modern Art Shop extends this work by offering artist‑made goods, books, and other cultural objects that sit alongside its exhibitions. Riley Fitzgerald, owner of Glitter Records, said the partnership began with a simple request from Shae Craze, Gallery Coordinator at the Institute of Modern Art. The collaboration creates a link between two creative communities.

Milwaukee, WI | Step inside Milwaukee’s newest vinyl lounge and bar, The Deep Groove: Physical media is exploding in popularity, and there’s a new vinyl bar and lounge that has opened on Brady Street in Milwaukee. Step inside The Deep Groove. It feels like a jazz era cocktail space. There are vintage chairs, intricate tin ceiling work, and hundreds of records to play. Its soft opening was January 15. “I have been telling people we are upscale. We are not uptight,” Henry Dunsirn, the manager, said. That means no TouchTunes. Good music, quality cocktails, and light apps are the recipe. It’s definitely nice inside but still approachable. Customers can come in their best dress or a Packers jersey. That means no TouchTunes. Good music, quality cocktails, and light apps are the recipe. It’s definitely nice inside but still approachable. Customers can come in their best dress or a Packers jersey.

San Francisco, CA | Vinyl records are seen at Bay Area restaurants, but seldom heard: The “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” peeks out over the head of the host at a hip restaurant on the Embarcadero. An Amy Winehouse LP sits on the counter of a trendy spot in the Mission. The dining room of a slick wine bar displays a Stevie Wonder album like a prized possession. It’s tempting to see the visibility of records at restaurants as a sign of the resurgence of physical media. Vinyl sales have grown for 18 consecutive years; in 2024, the industry sold $1.4 billion worth of records. But over the last few years, I’ve noticed more and more records on display in Bay Area restaurants and coffee shops, yet few actually spinning them—it’s vinyl as decor, not music.

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Langley, BC | ‘Krazy’ amount of records auctioned off from iconic Langley store: Record collectors came to Langley for a chance to buy some of the approximately 300,000 records from the closed Krazy Bob’s Emporium record store. Bob consigned the stock from his Langley City store for sale with Able Auctions which held an auction at its Murrayville location on Tuesday, Jan. 13. “We had people that spent all day in here looking at all the records, because there were so many,” said Able manager Sam Garandza. The auction wasn’t for the sale of individual records, although people there for the viewing commented on the hidden gems in the many boxes. “We sold in group lots,” he explained. There were so many records that Able Auctions had to divide the stock for two auctions, but the date of the next one has not been finalized yet.

Nashville, TN | Ernest Tubb Record Shop Closes AGAIN Amid Management Change: The ongoing saga of the historic Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Lower Broadway in Nashville just hit another devastating snag. On Thursday afternoon (1-15), the musicians scheduled to perform on the Record Shop’s multiple stages in the coming days and weeks all received a text message. “Hi, this is the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. ETRS is undergoing a switch in management groups, and during this transition we will be closed effective today. We are sorry for the last minute notice. At this time [we] don’t have any further information. We appreciate your contributions to Tubb’s very much.” …Though there is no confirmation of what might be in store for the property next, or who the new management might be, the situation does not seem promising for keeping the original Ernest Tubb Record Shop concept going.

Alexandria, VA | Community Fundraises to Help Alexandria Record Shop Impacted by Flooding: Del Ray’s Crooked Beat Records has received nearly $18,000 in donations to help with recovery costs. usic lovers are coming together to support one of Northern Virginia’s vinyl shops. On Sunday, January 11, Del Ray’s Crooked Beat Records experienced significant flooding, which caused extensive damage to its storefront and inventory. Crooked Beat was forced to close through at least the end of January. But customers and vinyl lovers have banded together to help support the shop during its time of need. Shortly after the flood waters hit, the store opened a GoFundMe campaign and limited-time T-shirt fundraiser to help with costs. Since Tuesday, the vinyl store has received over $17,000 of its $20,000 donation goal on GoFundMe in addition to over $700 through the t-shirt sale. The money raised will help the store with operating expenses, wages, and immediate remediation and cleanup costs while the store is closed.

Asbury Park, NJ | Brookdale Alum’s creative path leads to boardwalk community hub: …“I was walking down the Asbury Park boardwalk last spring when I noticed a 700-square-foot shop for rent and immediately saw my future,” he said. “I’d always wanted to open a record and comic bookstore and had a huge collection of both things, but I never thought I could,” said Hochman, whose parents helped provide the encouragement he needed to make it happen. “My own collection of records and comics ended up filling the store and my goal was to sell my stuff and make enough money to buy it all back.” “I named the shop ‘Unwind Records and Comics’ to evoke a quiet and calm space where people can relax, unwind and talk to us about whatever they’re into; we’re a place of warmth and community,” Hochman said.

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US | Led by Taylor Swift, U.S. Vinyl Sales Rose for 19th Consecutive Year in 2025: Luminate Year-End Report. …The report is filled with notable information and statistics, but perhaps most striking are the vinyl sales—led by Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl”—which rose for the 19th consecutive year in 2025. Additional notes from the report in bullet points below. …U.S. vinyl sales increased for the 19th consecutive year, growing by +8.6% to 47.9 million units. Total U.S. Physical Album Sales increased by +6.5%. U.S. Digital Album Sales dropped by -15.9%.

US/UK | Rough Trade reveals 50th anniversary plans including subscription for vinyl exclusives: Rough Trade has revealed its 50th anniversary plans for 2026 with a year-long programme of releases and events. Founded in West London in 1976, Rough Trade is a globally recognised independent music brand and community space. The anniversary coincides with new figures on vinyl sales from ERA and the BPI showing continued growth for the format. Central to the 50th anniversary celebrations is a curated series of 50 essential albums spanning five decades, from 1976 to 2025, featuring era-defining albums by artists including Patti Smith, Aphex Twin, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, Björk, The xx, Rina Sawayama, Pulp and many more. The albums will be released as Rough Trade exclusive vinyl editions in five drops of 10 titles starting next month, each representing a decade.

Alexandria, VA | Flooded Del Ray record store raises over $5K in one day for recovery efforts: Over $5,000 has been fundraised for Crooked Beat Records less than a day after the flooded Del Ray business published fundraisers on social media to support its restoration. A GoFundMe and merchandise fundraiser have quickly garnered more than $5,300 for the vinyl shop, after a burst pipe incident flooded it with several inches of water over the weekend. As of yesterday (Tuesday), water had continued to enter the shop but crews were working to address damage, according to a Facebook video by owner Bill Daly. “About 30 minutes ago, the water started coming in again,” Daly said in the post, which published just before 2 p.m. “You can see the crew back here … they thought they fixed everything, but there’s more problems.”

Glasgow, UK | Huge queue formed outside Glasgow record shop for iconic Noughties band: Blue mania has returned to Glasgow in full force. Fans queued outside Assai Records on Wednesday, January 14, to meet one of the UK’s best-loved boybands, Blue, to mark the release of their latest album, Reflections. The group, comprised of Simon Webbe, Duncan James, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, spent the evening meeting fans, signing copies of the album and posing for photos inside the city-centre record store, drawing a crowd of long-time supporters. Blue rose to prominence in the early 2000s and became one of the UK’s most successful boybands, scoring a string of hit singles including All Rise, One Love and Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, a collaboration with Elton John that reached number one in 2002.

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Grand Junction, CO | Physical media sees resurgence on the Western Slope: Local media stores are witnessing renewed interest in physical formats as streaming and digital consumption continue to dominate entertainment. Matthew Cesario with Triple Play Records said he has seen a notable spike over the last year. “CD sales in general have grown. Also, cassette sales have grown. They’re making cassettes again, so you can get certain things on cassette,” Cesario said. While he reports an increase in CD and cassette sales, Vinyl still reigns supreme within the physical music realm. “Vinyl’s grown for a solid 10 years,” he said. “Vinyl used to be really hard to get. Certain records you couldn’t find. It’s the opposite now. You can get about anything on vinyl and it’s really hard to get CDs. They’re not making enough for the demand.”

Hyattsville, MD | A New Addition to Hyattsville Vinyl Culture: Fireplace Records. Hyattsville has a new spot for music lovers seeking community and tunes—Fireplace Records. Founded by four DJs and lifelong vinyl collectors, the new store, located at 4344 Farragut Street, opened in November 2025 and sells records and more. The owners say their shared passion for music transformed into a storefront where seasoned collectors and newcomers can explore a rich world of media. The owners—Anthony Mims, Black Wilson, DJ 2-Tone Jones and DJ Iran—old vinyl for more than 10 years at farmers markets, and since 2021 at the monthly Crate Convention in the District’s Anacostia Arts Center. Their combined expertise and love for vinyl led them to pool resources and open Fireplace Records. “…We just concerted our efforts together and got it done,” Wilson said.

Portland, ME | Vinyl, books, and VCRs: Mainers look to disconnect from modern tech: Local record and bookstore owners say more customers are turning to physical media to escape the digital “overload” they see on their screens every day. It’s a trend happening across the country—and it’s showing up in Maine too. Vinyl album sales in the U.S. rose for the 18th straight year in 2024, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. And it’s not just records. Several local stores say they’re seeing more people looking to disconnect from digital life by turning to older, more traditional formats—like books, DVDs, and even VCRs. At Electric Buddhas in Portland, store owner Mike Breton says the shift is clear. …Breton says many of his customers are looking for something they can hold—something real.

Boonton, NJ | “Welcome to Hidden Tracks Records.” Boonton, NJ’s Main Street has become a vibrant, revitalized historic downtown. Somewhere between the coffee houses, art studios and cozy cafes, you’ll find Hidden Tracks Records, a welcoming spot for music discovery and community. Owners Shane and Michele Murphy have been able to manifest their passion for music and create a place where the love of vinyl and live music converge. Once inside, you notice the care and well curated selection of new and used records. The atmosphere has a cafe-like charm with a front lounge area nestled by a full stage for live events. Most notably, Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) recently graced the stage. New Jersey Stage had an opportunity to catch up with Shane and hear more about Hidden Tracks Records and their expansion into a record label.

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Keynsham, UK | The vinyl curtain as Longwell Records quits Keynsham: Celebrated independent music store Longwell Records is leaving Keynsham. Having traded from Temple Street for almost 10 years, it has struggled financially in recent times and needs more customers to survive. Owner Iain Aitchison said the shop would be leaving Keynsham at the end of January and reopening in Clifton Arcade sometime in February. He described Keynsham as one of the best towns around, adding: “It’s heartbreaking but that’s the reality of a small business, especially a niche business like this.” Many customers have told Iain of their shock and sadness at the decision. One said on Facebook: “Wishing you all the very best in your new home but sad you’re going.” Another said: “Best of luck with the move and hope you have a brilliant final month in Keynsham.”

Amsterdam, DK | Amsterdam Vinyl Record Shops—A Definitive Crate Digger’s Trail: Outside of the UK, where are the best cities in Europe to go vinyl record hunting? Martin Gray takes time out to conduct a comprehensive store-by-store itinerary/tour of the plethora of record shops in his beloved city of Amsterdam, to reassert his belief that the cultural capital of the Netherlands is also an undisputed mecca for vinyl junkies. Mention Amsterdam to many and most people would think: sin city, hedonism central, weed capital of the world (sex and drugs and coffee shops, is that all your body needs?) and, of course, plenty of red lights. Oh, and conveniently overlook the fact that it has more museums per square mile than any other city in Europe, and when it comes to art and culture—both highbrow mainstream and underground grass roots—it leaves most cities more than twice its size in the shade.

Hitchin, UK | Meet the man behind Hitchin’s new record shop JP’s Records: A new record shop is coming to Hitchin, with the owner hoping to make it somewhere that people can “lose themselves in music.” JP’s Records is opening in the basement of Ronan’s Coffee at 50a Walsworth Road in February, with the Jack Perry, the man behind the business revealing more about his venture. “We will have a strong focus on rock, indie and pop, while still offering a broad mix of genres to encourage discovery,” he said. “The shop will stock a carefully curated selection of new and used vinyl, alongside vintage band T-shirts and other music-related bits. “It’s designed as a relaxed, welcoming space where people can spend time discovering new music, revisiting classics, finding that gem and chatting about music.

US | The best record stores thriving in major US cities: …Criminal Records (Atlanta, GA): Criminal Records in Atlanta is more than a record store; it’s a cultural staple. Known for its colorful decor and extensive vinyl collection, it attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers and comic enthusiasts. The store’s unique blend of music and pop culture creates an engaging atmosphere. Shoppers can browse through records, comics, and collectibles, enjoying the eclectic mix. The staff’s passion for music is evident, offering personalized recommendations for curious shoppers. Criminal Records is a beloved spot for those seeking a distinctive blend of music and culture in Atlanta.

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Alexandria, VA | Del Ray record store considers relocation after shutting down amid ‘catastrophic flooding.’ Following significant flooding after a water leak this past weekend, a vinyl record store in Del Ray has closed for the foreseeable future and is considering a move. Crooked Beat Records owner Bill Daly told ALXnow today (Monday) that a pipe on the roof of the building burst, flooding the basement record shop at 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue with several inches of water and ruining merchandise. “It hit a lot of our rare records,” Daly said. “There might be $25,000 to $30,000 worth of damage in here.” …Fixtures in the basement space are wood, and he is worried about mold setting in. “I’m kind of nervous about bringing in stock here, because nothing’s getting repaired and addressed. We want to stay in the neighborhood. We love this location, but we can’t get hit like this again.”

Hamilton, BM | The Music Box takes a bow after decades of service: Two sisters who spent their working lives at a Hamilton music store will close the iconic business by the end of the month. The Music Box announced it would shut its doors after about 70 years in business. Helena Escolastica, who ran the store for 13 years with her sister, Geneveve, said the closure had been a long time coming, with music streaming playing a role. She added: “I’ve had a lot of people come in here almost crying, saying that they grew up knowing this place. “So did I—I started here when I was 15 and I’m now 65. I’ve been here pretty much my entire life. “I’ve seen people who used to come here when they were children — now they’re married and they’ve had their own kids. “A lot of people have told us that we’re going to be missed.”

San Diego, CA | Folk Arts Rare Records brings Lou Curtiss’ music collection to the people: In the bustling Folk Arts Rare Records shop in City Heights, owner Brendan Boyle is flipping through a cardboard box of records. “There’s really important blues recordings … Tampa Red … Son House … early Portuguese string music,” Boyle rattled off. When asked if we could listen to “Portuguese String Music 1908-1931,” Boyle said he had never heard the record before—an experience he says never gets old. “Music’s a whole universe. It’s intimidating, but just let it intimidate you—and listen to it,” Boyle said. “It’s a collection of music from 1908 to 1931. Came out 1989. And I’m sure Lou knew the person at this record label.” At Folk Arts, it seems like everything leads back to its founder—the late folk music legend Lou Curtiss.

AU | Record Store Day Returns in 2026 as Vinyl Culture Continues Its Comeback: Record Store Day is officially spinning back around in 2026, once again shining a spotlight on Australia’s independent record stores and the communities that keep… Record Store Day is officially spinning back around in 2026, once again shining a spotlight on Australia’s independent record stores and the communities that keep physical music culture alive. Returning on Saturday, April 18th 2026, Record Store Day will champion the store owners and staff, artists, labels, and music lovers alike. Since its beginnings in 2008, it has grown into a global celebration of independent music retail. The day continues to support music communities, labels, emerging and established artists, while supporting our local indie record stores, highlighting their unique role as cultural hubs and community spaces.

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IE | Vinyl sales jump 20% in ‘exceptional year’ for Irish acts, music industry group says: Taylor Swift tops the charts as Irish Recorded Music Association says sales rose in all segments—streaming, CD, vinyl and music cassette. Vinyl record sales jumped 20 per cent last year with Irish acts featuring more strongly than the previous year, according to the Irish Recorded Music Association (Irma). Almost 480,000 physical records were sold in the State as the vinyl revival continues to be a significant feature of the music market. Taylor Swift’s latest album The Life of a Showgirl topped the charts for overall and vinyl album sales, repeating the table-topping success of her Tortured Poet’s Department release in 2024.

San Fernando, CA | The Midnight Hour is Much More Than a Record Store: Despite its popularity, this year will be its last in the City of San Fernando. On a crisp December evening, like moths to a flame, punks, goths and “outcasts” of all ages float toward the glowing sign of The Midnight Hour Records in the City of San Fernando. Located on the corner of San Fernando Road and Maclay Avenue, the shop is one of the only places open at night on the mall, well after the quinceñera and bridal shops close their doors for the day. It makes its presence known in the “quaint” valley town, lining its windows with Pride, Transgender, Palestine, United Farmworkers and anti-ICE flags—a bold statement of “you are welcome here” to all those who may feel like outsiders. Owner Sergio Amalfitano abides by an ethos of “community over commodities,” which has made the shop a cultural hub for the Northeast Valley and a destination for Angelenos at large.

Loudonville, OH | Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records opens new Loudonville location: May the merch be with you at the new Operation Fandom and Black Bird Records opening in Loudonville. Owner Josh Lehman had plans to expand his brand since earlier this year, looking at Mount Vernon and Bellville. But as fate would have it, a downtown Loudonville building, located at 149 West Main St., seemed to be the perfect fit. …Lehman landed on Loudonville because it was the right place at the right time for the right price; although the original plan was to open the new store in 2026. …The store will feature three sections: collectibles and fandom items in the front, records in the back and, by spring, the back room will become the newly established Blackbird Books, Curiosities and Apothecary.

Doral, FL | New Record Store Opens in Doral With Diverse Vinyl Selection: Crazy Vinyl Record offers new and used vinyl with a focus on soul, funk, jazz, Latin, and more. High-Fidelity lovers in the west side of town now have a new local haven to fulfill their sonic fantasies. After years of pop-ups, crate-digging events, and online sales, Crazy Vinyl Record has opened its first brick-and-mortar location, and it’s planted its flag in Doral. Founded by Marcos Mirabal, Crazy Vinyl Record joins the ranks of Miami vinyl staples like Sweat Records, Technique Records, and Lucky Records. But rather than setting up in the usual neighborhoods, Crazy Vinyl is carving out new ground in a less-traveled part of town. The store marks a new chapter for a business that grew organically out of Miami’s vinyl-loving community. “Music is a fascinating journey. We don’t separate records by genre here—it’s very normal to love Michael Jackson, Metallica, and Miles Davis at the same time, and all of that lives under the letter ‘M’,” Mirabal tells New Times, laughing.

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Patchogue, NY | Record Cafe brings vinyl, guitars and speciality coffee to Patchogue: Patchogue has a new hangout for music lovers—and caffeine seekers. Record Cafe quietly opened this fall, offering a mix of specialty coffee, vinyl records and guitars under one roof. The storefront sits just behind Main Street along Terry Street and is designed as a community space for collectors and creatives. Inside, there are roughly 2,000 vinyl records for sale, plus used and new guitars to buy, browse or trade. Music spins throughout the day as customers sip espresso and flip through crates. The concept comes from owner Yofry Perez-Drebing, who moved to Long Island several years ago after running businesses in South America. “I have [vinyl from] a lot bands in different countries,” said Perez-Drebing.

Cardiff, UK | The unlikely love story that ended with a couple owning a Welsh record store: In the summer of 2025 two of Cardiff’s long-standing music shops faced closure after their owners chose to retire after decades. While D’Vinyl in Mackintosh Place closed its doors after 30 year The Record Shop, also in Roath in nearby Inverness Place, was bought by a new owner. Canadian-born Jason Garrow’s life led him to Cardiff where he took over the record store after meeting and falling in love with a Welsh woman. The 51-year-old met his now-wife, Jayne, 50 while they were both attending a festival in Las Vegas in 2014. …Jason said he has had a “warm welcome” since opening with the shop often busy with customers. …As well as looking through the thousands of vintage records you can also meet the couple’s 14-year-old dog Bella who often sleeps on the counter.

Nashville, TN | The Groove record shop in final days at East Nashville location, plans 2026 move: December 31 marks the final day for The Groove record store at its familiar Calvin Ave. location in East Nashville. The owners are now working out details on the store’s next location and plan to announce where they’ll move in 2026. While this isn’t a goodbye to a Nashville business, many are reflecting on the memories made on Calvin Ave. The Groove is a record store that leans into the unique. A wall displayed a poster of the 1987 film The Monster Squad while a Kylie Minogue album played in the room. “Oh, they got Charlie Brown!” said one customer, pointing to a soundtrack for It’s The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown. “…I know I may sound kind of dramatic, but I think this may be my favorite record shop in the world,” a customer smiled.

Somerville, MA | With Gen Z Using Vinyl As Décor, Somerville Record Shop Owner Weighs In: According to a survey by Vinyl Alliance, 37% of Gen Z vinyl buyers are using their records as a form of home decor. Wayne Rogers, owner of Stereo Jacks in Somerville, is skeptical that they’re not getting play-time. “I would put more stock in if I knew people who did that or knew customers who did that,” Rogers said. “I don’t know anyone who does that.” Other local record store owners told WBZ NewsRadio that they had, in-fact, seen younger customers use records just as decoration, but that in large part, the vinyl was also being played. Rogers said young people’s desire for vinyl has always been there, but that music companies have begun to put out physical records of modern artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, and Gen-Z is buying those up.

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