Norwich, UK | Fine City Sounds Norwich record shop closure anniversary: This day marks the third anniversary of the closure of the Fine City Sounds, a beloved record store in Norwich, after 30 years in business. The shop, located on Pottergate, had been a haven for music lovers with its vast collection of vinyl and CDs spanning multiple genres. Owner Mark Long, who had run the store for 18 years after taking over from Paul Fisher, cited rising costs and ill health as the reasons for the closure. “It has been absolutely fantastic, and I’ve met some amazing people and made some amazing memories,” Mr Long said at the time. “It is really sad we are having to close, but it came to a point where there was no other choice.” Due to health issues, Mr Long had been unable to work in the shop for the previous two years, with business partner Andrew Watson taking over.
Chicago, IL | Evergreen Park couple opens a heartfelt record haven on 95th: Jeff and Jessika Law have been together for 27 years. Music has brought them together and is what has kept their marriage going strong. “Music is everything,” Jeff, of Evergreen Park, said. “It doesn’t judge you. It picks you up and it pushes you. It’s truly your best friend.” Jeff, 54, is a native of Evergreen Park, who attended Northwest, Central and Evergreen Park Community High School. During his teenage years, he could be found at Beverly Records, adding to his growing vinyl collection. At 21, he decided to open his own record shop in Joliet. After that shop closed, he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he again found his calling in music at a mom-and-pop record store. Little did he know this endeavor would lead him to meet his future wife.
Kochi, IN | This vinyl record place in Kochi is more about community building than business: JD’s Jukebox in Kochi’s Kaloor has thousands of long-playing vinyl records, collected from homes of people within the country and internationally. The idea is to bring people together. With only minutes left for closing time, Sujit Ponoth still entertains the last three people who rush in, drenched from the pouring rain, scrambling through the thousands of LP records (long playing vinyl records) he has placed on racks spread across the cosily set up space in the ground floor. This is home, he tells those who call it a store, for this collection of music is as personal as it can get for him. He does not even have a board hanging outside the house, located a few metres into the Ponoth Lane in Kochi’s Kaloor, for this is more a venture for community building than a business. He calls it JD’s Jukebox.
London, UK | The rise of listening bars in London: where to drink to the vinyl revival: Drinks expert Neil Ridley—also an audiophile and vinyl junkie—explores the growing trend for high-end listening bars in London and shares his favourite spots. As a life-long vinyl-lover, trapped in a world where the likes of Spotify and low attention-span streaming habits have transformed how we consume music forever, there’s no better moment for me than opening my record cabinet, taking out an album, carefully dusting it off and slowly placing it on my turntable. The anticipation as the arm moves into position followed by the gentle thud as the needle hits its groove has become a ritual for many a like-minded vinyl junkie: it’s an experience that requires patience and demands the listener to appreciate a body of work, rather than idly skipping through a few selected tracks, like an over-excited toddler.
Los Angeles, CA | Scott Dudelson Lost 8,000 Vinyl Records (and His Home) in the L.A. Wildfires. Here’s How He’s Rebuilding: The photographer and self-confessed vinyl junkie on starting over and why he loves L.A. more than ever. “Look!” Scott Dudelson exclaims as he points to John Coltrane, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Lou Reed vinyl albums displayed on the wall of the restaurant where we are having dinner. “If you have those, you’re pretty set,” he states definitively. Dudelson’s excitement is laced with more than a tinge of bittersweetness. He lost his collection of more than 8,000 records—which he built over 25 years—in the Palisades Fire, one of Los Angeles’ recent wildfires that burned almost 24,000 acres in that oceanside region. A self-confessed vinyl junkie, the affable Dudelsonn is generous in sharing his passion for music, particularly its representation on vinyl.
Mixx Analog 5: A stylish blend of vinyl warmth and modern convenience: The Analog 5 offers numerous connectivity options, ensuring vinyl playback remains the core focus. Vinyl records have made an enormous comeback, with music lovers rediscovering the warm, rich sound that digital formats often lack. There’s something special about the tactile experience of handling records, dropping the needle, and immersing yourself in an album from start to finish. But modern listeners also value convenience and flexibility, which is where hybrid turntables come in — offering the best of Analog and digital worlds. The Mixx Analog 5 is one such turntable. It promises high-quality vinyl playback, wireless connectivity, and versatile speaker options. With an Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge, Bluetooth streaming, and a pair of 50W wireless speakers, it’s designed for both vinyl enthusiasts and casual listeners.
Huntsville, AL | Huntsville Vinyl Record Trail: The Huntsville Vinyl Record Trail is a one-of-a-kind experience that unites Huntsville’s vibrant vinyl record community. This journey through the city’s most beloved record stores is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a celebration of music, community, and discovery. Each stop on the trail offers something unique, whether you’re a casual listener or a seasoned collector on the hunt for rare finds. Embark on the Huntsville Vinyl Record Trail by visiting each stop with a trail card to guide your journey. VRT Cards will be available at all trail stop locations by February 14th! Until then, be sure to keep your receipt from any trail stop visit—we’ll be happy to stamp your card on your next visit! Complete the trail by collecting a stamp from all trail stops, and you’ll earn a VRT record slip as a unique gift for your musical adventure!
Wicked Soundtrack Sets Exclusive Record Store Day Edition: The album will be available to purchase on April 12 (Record Store Day) from independent record stores nationwide. Another edition of the Wicked soundtrack has been added to the long list of exclusive and variant releases. For Record Store Day 2025, Universal will drop a new limited and numbered 2 LP set of the 2024 album, this time pressed on green glitter and pink glitter vinyl with a bonus track (“Ozdust Duet”) that was only previously released digitally. A special poster will also included. The album will be available to purchase on April 12 (Record Store Day) from independent record stores nationwide. The annual event celebrates the culture of vinyl records and offers a way to support small business owners and music sellers.
Oasis announce anthology album featuring 26 singles: The recently reunited rock legends have announced an upcoming limited release for Record Store Day in April. Oasis have announced an upcoming anthology album, Time Flies, for Record Store Day 2025, April 12. The album will be released as a box set of four vinyl records, collating every single released by the band between 1994 and 2009. Time Flies will start with their debut ‘Supersonic’, ending with their last single, ‘Falling Down.’ The anthology will be a limited release, featuring coloured records and remastered audio, distributed through Oasis’ UK and Ireland record label, Big Brother Recordings. Over their fifteen active years, Oasis produced seven albums—each hitting number one in the UK charts. On Irish charts, five of their seven albums hit number one, with Definitely Maybe debuting at number three, and their final album Dig Out Your Soul reaching number two.
Follow The Vinyl District on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE, Threads HERE, Bluesky HERE, and X/Twitter HERE.
