Beyond Pop: Buy local — especially your comics and records: For stores selling what I believe are two of our country’s greatest inventions, patrons shopping locally is extremely important. Often taken for granted, record albums and comic books have helped shape our history both culturally and socially, and the shop owners who help keep these gems alive depend on local foot traffic…Columbia Records’ 1948 introduction of the first long-playing record album gave the average consumer access to a wider variety of music. The lightweight vinyl record made it less expensive to produce recordings and therefore required less capital to produce. This opened the door for unknown and edgier musicians to make records and reach listeners, ultimately helping break down barriers to popularize jazz and rock ’n’ roll.
Yangon hits its groove with vinyl record store: Once the standard of audio listening technology, record players have come back into style around the world in the past few years, riding a wave of yuppies and hipsters who dig the “retro” sound of vinyl. From Tokyo to London, artists continue to release their albums on vinyl despite the digital convenience of streaming services and iPhones. Thanks to 56-year-old U Win Myint Oo’s newly opened Queen record store, Yangon audiophiles can now enjoy the craze they’ve been missing out on. Located at the corner of Bo Soon Pat Road and Bogyoke Aung San Road, the small store-front popped up two months ago.
Rock Candy Records to Release Archive Music From Sammy Hagar, Nymphs, Salty Dog and Tyketto: As modern artists reap the rewards (or lack thereof) of streaming, veteran artists are still finding old and new fans in the release of older catalog titles and archive music. In the land of rock, that’s hard rock, heavy rock, classic rock or, call it what you will rock, no label has won more acclaim and earned respect than Rock Candy Records. Owned and founded by former music journalist and A&R man Derek Oliver, Rock Candy has focused on breathing life into records that deserve a place in the pantheon of rock history. Operating out of London, England for the last eight years, the label specializes in revisiting some of the most important and significant records from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
Mondo release Gremlins soundtrack with water and light-sensitive record sleeve: Defying conventional wisdom, to really get the most of Mondo’s forthcoming reissue of the Gremlins soundtrack, you’re doing to have to expose it to light…. and water…Designed by Phantom City Creative, the 2xLP release is housed in a ultraviolet-sensitive gatefold jacket that reveals hidden messages when exposed to daylight, while the inner sleeves are water-sensitive, revealing additional artwork when rubbed with a damp cloth. Depending on the time of day, the cute and evil Gizmo’s on your sleeve will be accompanied by furry friends or allies.
