A mapped guide to Philly’s 13 best record stores: Philadelphia record stores have a seemingly endless selection of physical music, from old school cassette tapes to classic vinyl records and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for an iconic album or you’re digging through the crates for a cult favorite, Philly has what you need…From mom-and-pop record shops to mega-stores, Philadelphia has a remarkable range of locations offering throwback staples to the most recent releases. There’s no reason for you to be bored with your music since fresh artists are a trip away.
Oxford’s End of All Music relocates records, revamps vinyl: It was the needle drop heard ‘round Lafayette County. When David Swider took to social media on Dec. 23 to announce that The End of All Music – Oxford’s premiere vinyl music shop – was moving, he knew something special was about to happen. However, announcing was the easy part. Making the move in less than four weeks was a bit harder, especially at the busiest shopping time of the year. But with a team of dedicated friends and family, a little ingenuity and some good tunes, Swider made it happen. The End of All Music now resides on Oxford’s historic Square’ a place it has always belonged.
The Future of Vinyl: After another year of all-time highs (as Nielsen reports sales up 9% in the US, and BPI posts a 26.8% increase in the UK) the vinyl format is stronger than the My Bloody Valentine Loveless-era. The format has become a cultural identifier — a badge of honor amongst the millennials, an “I told you so” moment for collectors, and a commercial star for specific rheumatoid arthritis medication. Some have predicted the vinyl bubble will burst. That said, turntable sales are on the rise and big-box shelf space is now devoted to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift wax. These indicators seem to tell a different story. To get a read on the situation from those in the know, we’ve asked industry experts, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world to chime in on the future of the vinyl format.
After the vinyl revolution comes the return of the record-playing jukebox: Vinyl sales are booming. At this point, it’s less of a revival and more of a full-on second coming of the long-playing record. While turntables are becoming common in homes once again, the classic vinyl jukebox is also on the comeback trail. NPR reports business is booming for one of the only full-time vinyl jukebox repairmen in the United States. Perry Rosen from New York travels the US doing up old machines from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s…Rosen says his clients include older generations looking to revisit the tunes of their youth, while younger people are also stocking the jukeboxes with their own collections.
Hallmark Introduces First-Ever Vinyl Record Greeting Cards This Valentine’s Day Featuring Legendary Atlantic Records Artists: As vinyl records see an unprecedented resurgence, Hallmark is releasing the first-ever Vinyl Record Cards this Valentine’s Day. The collection will include three cards with exclusive 7-inch vinyl records featuring songs from legendary Atlantic Records artists Bruno Mars, Aretha Franklin and INXS…“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hallmark on the launch of such an innovative product,” said Mark Pinkus, President of Rhino Entertainment, who oversees the Atlantic Records catalog. “With the renewed popularity of vinyl, especially among younger generations, we see this as an amazing opportunity to showcase classic songs, along with current hits, to the card buying public.”
Robert Sutcliffe: Why Sainsbury’s inspired me to get back in the vinyl groove 25 years on: Years ago I got a shock when my mother told me she had accidentally thrown away my entire collection of Rolling Stones LPs lovingly amassed over many years and stored in her loft. Thankfully she had made a mistake and thrown away something altogether different and they lived to moulder up there unmolested for another day. Occasionally I would read articles about vinyl’s revival and I would sometimes visit Vinyl Tap in John William Street and Skipton’s Sound Bar where one could soak up the vibe and enjoy a jar of real ale or two in the process. But I guess what finally pushed me into getting back into the vinyl groove was shopping at Sainsbury’s in Aspley.
