Reykjavik, IS | Iceland’s 12 Tónar Named One of World’s Top 10 Record Stores: Music journalist Marcus Barnes has named the Reykjavík institution 12 Tónar among the ten best record stores on the planet. As the author of the newly published “Around the World in 80 Record Stores,” Barnes can safely be considered something of an authority on the topic. 12 Tónar opened its doors two decades ago and has long since cemented itself as an Icelandic cultural institution. Much more than a record store, they also run a record label of the same name, which has over 100 releases under its belt from some of the most notable artists in Iceland. In addition, their cosy store on Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavík has played venue to a number of concerts throughout the years, and the place has become known as an unofficial community centre for the Icelandic music scene.
Halifax, NS | Iconic record store hails town centre’s resurgence: One of Halifax’s longest-serving independent retailers has admitted he was initially sceptical of major investment projects he now believes has rescued the town’s fortunes. Revo Records owner Nick Simonet said that multi-million pound injections into projects such as the £19 million Piece Hall renovation have made all the difference to small businesses like his. The iconic vinyl record and entertainment store, based in the Westgate Arcade which itself undertook a stunning £2 million redevelopment in 2007, is celebrating its 31st year. It’s a stretch of time in which Nick has seen the good, the bad and the ugly of retail in Calderdale. “There’s been ups and downs,” he said, “but what we’ve seen over the last few years is a huge resurgence in the town. The footfall has improved massively and there’s a buzz about the place again.
Plainfield, IN | Multimillion-dollar plan would revitalize downtown Plainfield: This Hendricks County town is working to revitalize its downtown area and is starting with a project on the eastern portion. A new complex will spread about 2-1/2 blocks from U.S. 40 and Avon Avenue to East Street. Town leaders hope it will serve as a catapult to revitalize the downtown area. Business owners are hoping the same. At Rock Bottom Treasures in downtown Plainfield, what keeps business spinning is its unique collection of vinyl records. “They like, of course, the music. That’s the big thing. I also specialize a little bit in video games, retro toys and clothes,” said Rock Bottom Treasures owner Scott Burress. But, because business is business regardless of what you do, there are some challenges. “You need to sell quite a few records to break even and try to realize a profit,” Burress said.
Indianapolis, IN | Best of Indy 2018—Shops + Services: Irvington Vinyl & Books. Like so many others, we took it hard when news broke earlier this year that two favorite local shops were closing: Irvington Vinyl and Bookmamas. Our sadness was, thankfully, short-lived. Lucky for us, and everyone else, both shops now continue under the ownership of Elysia Lucinda Smith. After only three months at the helm, Smith has managed to keep what’s best about both previous stores and add her own spin on things—primarily, adding a hefty dose of programming that involves the neighborhood and creating a space where her neighbors feel welcome to buy, browse, or simply “be.” “People can only use the tools they have access to; and I want to help make those tools available,” says Smith about the shops plentiful in-store resources and programming.
Swindon, UK | XTC albums re-release on vinyl as sell-out show comes to Swindon Arts Centre: XTC fans will be able to see two original band members play this weekend just days after three of the band’s albums have been reissued on vinyl today. Founding members of the Swindon band Colin Moulding and Terry Chambers will play a four-night marathon of sold-out shows at the Swindon Arts Centre over the weekend. And by chance the show coincides with the re-release of three of the band’s albums on vinyl, Apple Venus Volume, Wasp Star, and Skylarking. Red House Records, based in the family-run Holmes Music, on Farringdon Road, will have copies of the newly-made vinyl in store from today. Paul Holmes from Holmes Music told the Adver: “It’s the musical equivalent of an astronomical happening which occurs only once in a lifetime.
