Toronto, CA | Not just Adele: Surging vinyl sales amid supply squeeze derail some artists’ plans: Everybody seems to be blaming massive orders of Adele’s new album for a historic backlog at vinyl manufacturers, but Nashville singer Lindsay Ell says people should go easy on the pop superstar. Last year, as the Calgary-born country artist planned the release of her own album “Heart Theory,” she learned of supply chain delays that would make it impossible to premiere the vinyl version on the same day as digital platforms. “In the middle of COVID, a lot of the factories making vinyl weren’t even in full operation,” Ell said. But she didn’t want to leave fans who pre-ordered vinyl packages hanging, so she turned to modern technology for a lifeline. “What I had to do was throw in a digital copy and say, ”We’ll send your vinyl when it’s finished,’“ Ell said. By all accounts, the vinyl pressures have only intensified in 2021 – and there is little relief in sight.
Charlotte, NC | In a world of streaming music, Charlotte’s Lunchbox Records keeps on spinning: Just in time for holiday shopping and the Black Friday edition of Record Store Day, we venture to Lunchbox Records, one of the most recognizable record stores in the Charlotte area, not only because it’s aquamarine blue exterior, but also because of its impact in the music community. It’s known for hosting in-store performances for all ages, stocking records from local acts and receiving signed music memorabilia from Grammy-winning fans (hello, Taylor Swift!). In the age of music streaming, Lunchbox Records owner (and Late Bloomer vocalist) Scott Wishart shows that we’re actually in a record renaissance. “…One of the things that helped bring vinyl back to the spotlight was “Record Store Day.” People love to hate it, but they’ve done something that no one else was able to do: they turned around an industry. Lunchbox Records has done it every year they’ve had it.”
Southampton, UK | Vinilo in Southampton will stock Adele’s 30 album: It is one of the biggest albums in history – but also one of the most controversial. A whopping 500,000 copies of Adele’s 30 are being pressed during a ‘global vinyl shortage’, and dozens of shops are boycotting it. But Southampton’s biggest independent record store Vinilo will stock the product. The album has pushed back releases by other artists by months, which is the driving force behind the boycott. A spokesperson for Vinilo explained why it will sell 30 from November 19. “Adele’s album has a vast amount of pre orders for it and lots of interest for the limited clear vinyl,” they said. “We support new releases and new music every week, and Adele is looking like one of the key releases this year. Also let’s not forget this is her first album since Adele 25.
San Antonio, TX | Tejano institution Janie’s Record Shop unveils new renovations with Grammy-winning musicians: Janie’s Record Shop is hosting a “Grand Re-opening” party after months-long improvements to the shop and the passing of beloved founder, Janie Esparza. New renovations include an expanded inventory, new seating, and a coffee station. A small platform stage for in-house open mics and music community events will also make an official debut. From noon to 4p.m. on Saturday, November 20, the shop will host meet and greets with five-time Grammy winner “Little Joe” Hernandez and two-time Grammy winner “El Mero Gato Negro” Ruben Ramos. Throughout the day, DJ Chuco will be spinning all your favorite hits. Individually packaged snacks and refreshments will also available. “We’re looking forward to it, unfortunately our Mama wasn’t able to see it, but she had given us her blessing,” says Robert Esparza, Janie’s son and successor. “So we’re excited to do it.”
Tarrytown, NY | Unique shop opens in Tarrytown’s Music Hall; what they’re selling: The Tarrytown Music Hall has added a new shop where visitors can find vintage records and more. Marquee Records, a popup record shop located on the Music Hall’s second floor, offers records — including 45’s, 12-inch records, and 78’s — in a variety of genres such as rock, pop, show tunes and more. The shop also sells record players, tape players, CDs, posters of various bands and performers, music memorabilia, and more. Proceeds from sales at Marquee Records will go to the Tarrytown Music Hall, which is a nonprofit. The store, run completely by volunteers, will accept donations of records and CDs. It was the idea of life-long Tarrytown resident Greg Jacquin, a Hudson Valley singer and songwriter, who frequently volunteers at the theater as both an usher and performer. He even recorded a music video for his song “Highways and Hotels” on the venue’s stage.
Taylor Swift’s ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ Surpasses Half-Million Units In First Five Days In U.S.: Plus: Swift breaks her own record for the biggest sales week for a vinyl album in the modern era. Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) is red-hot. In its first five days of release, the album has already logged the second-largest week for any album in 2021 in the U.S., and the biggest sales week of the year for any album. Plus, she’s broken – yet again – the record for the largest sales week for a vinyl album in the modern era. According to initial reports to MRC Data through Nov. 16, the album, which was released on Nov. 12, has earned over 500,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., of which 325,000 are in album sales. And, of that sales figure, 105,000 are in vinyl LP sales – a new single-week record for a vinyl album since MRC Data began tracking in 1991.
Muppet Christmas Carol Gets Vinyl Release With Gorgeous Cover Art: Festival classic The Muppet Christmas Carol is receiving a new vinyl release, complete with stunning cover art and three gorgeous colored vinyl. The Muppet Christmas Carol is receiving a beautiful new vinyl release, just in time for Christmas. Perhaps the most famous retelling of the Charles Dickens novella, the festive classic stars film veteran Michael Caine as selfish protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, determined to change the miser’s ways. While packed to the rafters with the typical Muppets absurdist comedy that made Jim Henson’s puppets famous, the film’s soundtrack is perhaps the most celebrated aspect of the movie. …The vinyl, available in three different variations, including an iam8bit exclusive blue and a sumptuous red record, are all enclosed in a gorgeous illustrated jacket that’s positively dripping in Muppets magic, drawn by artist Kevin Wilson.
