London, UK | Rock and God In This North London Musical Mecca: “God runs this shop,” Derek Burbidge declares. “I rent it from God.” In the mid-1950s, the likes of Elvis Presley and Little Richard wrestled with what they felt to be the tension between rock ‘n roll and religion. As a born-again Christian though, Burbidge fears no such contradiction. …Independent record shops are, improbably, multiplying in recession-hit Britain. A recent report found that there are now 461 in the UK—figures not seen since Derek started business in the 1990s. In order to survive, however, many have diversified: Bradford’s Record Café boasts a charcuterie counter, while The Record Deck snakes along the canal system, bringing the party wherever it pulls up. These are extremes, though most places will serve you a decent flat white as you dig the crates. Burbidge is aware of the trend, but it’s not for him. “I used to sell CDs,” he offers, and then frowns at the memory: “I got rid of CDs.”
Los Angeles, CA | LA’s oldest record store is also its lowest rated: The Record Collector, a longtime stalwart in Los Angeles, has an owner with a very particular approach and business model. On a recent balmy weekday afternoon, Sanders Chase, a professional violinist-turned-record store purveyor, sits behind a wooden desk and watches as several customers stride into his Los Angeles shop, the Record Collector. Their eyes trail heavenward, toward the labyrinthine stacks bursting with thousands of used classical and jazz records — 500,000 to be exact. “Hi folks,” Chase calls out to the group, adjusting his spectacles. “Need any assistance?” The newcomers smile shyly and keep walking around. He then turns to me. “See, this is my problem,” he mutters under his breath. “They’re curiosity seekers. Curiosity killed the cat.” Someone else strolls into the store. “Is there anything I can steer you to?” Chase asks him. The man says no; he’s just looking around. “Make a list and come back, because that’s basically how we do it,” Chase tells him.
Bridgetown, AU | Llama Lounge brings new sounds to Bridgetown: A new live music bar and record store has opened on the main street of Bridgetown. Karma Llama Records opened as a brick-and-mortar store in another location in Bridgetown in late 2022. After hosting a few in-store performances in the first six months, the team behind the venue felt opening a bigger store and incorporating a bar and stage was a natural progression. After 18 months of hard work and renovating an old building they purchased in Bridgetown, they are now celebrating the opening of a live music space and bar, The Llama Lounge, which is incorporated into the Karma Llama Records building at 106 Hampton St. “My wife Tania and myself are music lovers and record collectors,” said Karma Llama co-founder Scott Hyde. “Opening a store was a great way to connect with other collectors and musos and talk music every day.” …The new venue has already proved to be a hit with musicians.
Nashville, TN | Indie Record Store Profile: Grimey’s New & Preloved Music and Books in Nashville: As part of a series on independent record stores, Billboard looks at one of Music City’s enduring shops, while co-owner Doyle Davis discusses Grimey’s contributions to Nashville. Like a lot of independent record shops, Nashville-based Grimey’s New & Preloved Music and Books sometimes offers giveaways for customers, with prizes such as tickets to local shows and vinyl pressings. But given its location in the creative hub of East Nashville, Grimey’s co-owner Doyle Davis says those giveaways have led to some unusual moments. “We’ll take a picture of the winner and tag them on social media when they pick up their prize,” Davis tells Billboard. “One time, we posted a photo of a guy showing off his prize—and [rock icon and former Led Zeppelin lead singer] Robert Plant was walking up the aisle right behind him. When we posted that [photo], all the comments were like, ‘Robert Plant photo-bombed your guy.’”
Nashville, TN | Pop singer Remi Wolf celebrates album release in Nashville, performs at Grimey’s record store: Up-and-coming pop singer Remi Wolf brought some of her “Big Ideas”—and her even bigger voice—to Music City on Wednesday afternoon. The singer-songwriter (and past “American Idol” contestant) welcomed the release of her sophomore album “Big Ideas” at Grimey’s New and Preloved Music, a record store in East Nashville. Wolf, known for songs “Photo ID,” “Disco Man” and “Sexy Villain, released her recent album on July 12. “Big Ideas” is a 13-track collection of quirky pop songs that differ in style and feel, harnessing elements of funk, disco, indie-alt rock and even sprinkles of emo and dance club music. Fans poured into Grimey’s to spend an hour with Wolf, who performed five songs from her new album, sang one of her classics, and even answered audience questions.
Abergele, UK | Half Man Half Biscuit’s Nigel Blackwell visits Abergele record shop: A record shop in Abergele had a special visit from Nigel Blackwell, the singer of Wirral rock band Half Man Half Biscuit, earlier this week. Noise Annoys, based on Glanrafon, welcomed Blackwell to the shop on Monday (July 15). He was presented with a Noise Annoys t-shirt at the shop, which sells thousands of items including vinyl records, CDs and various music memorabilia. Shop owner Iwan said it was a “personal thrill” to have Blackwell at the shop, adding that he was a “truly lovely fella.” Iwan said: “He was a really nice, down to earth guy, and a funny guy, as you’d expect from his lyrics! “He has a keen interest in Welsh culture, and has learnt to speak Welsh, too.” Known for their satirical lyrics, Half Man Half Biscuit formed in the mid-1980s in Birkenhead, before re-forming in 1990. The band has gone on to release 15 studio albums, the latest of which, The Voltarol Years, came out in 2022.
Newark, NJ | Dorthaan Kirk on the Legacy of WBGO’s Record Fair: In this episode, we dive into the rich history of The Record Fair, a special concert series that began as a gathering for record collectors and evolved into a major event celebrating vinyl, jazz, and community. Discover how this fair became a pivotal performance incubator for rising artists, including the late Roy Hargrove. We also honor the contributions of Rita Keith, WBGO’s Membership Services Coordinator, and the late Bob Porter, who, along with Kirk, transformed the fair into a cornerstone of Newark Public Radio’s fundraising efforts. Tune in for an inspiring look at the people and passion behind this iconic event.
Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announce solo album reissues: In a momentous celebration for Rush aficionados worldwide, Anthem Records and Rhino Records are set to unveil the long-awaited reissues of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee’s seminal solo works. Lifeson’s groundbreaking 1996 debut, Victor, and Lee’s critically acclaimed My Favourite Headache from 2000 will hit shelves once more on Aug. 9, reintroducing these masterpieces in a variety of stunning vinyl formats. …Originally released on January 9, 1996, Victor serves as Lifeson’s bold foray into solo artistry, where he not only wielded his guitar prowess but also donned the hats of songwriter, producer, and mixer. For its vinyl revival, Lifeson has meticulously remixed the album, ensuring an enhanced auditory experience. Exclusive to this release are four instrumental tracks previously available only on Lifeson’s website, enriching the album’s sonic landscape.
