Remember when there used to be a record shop in every high street?
In the days before downloads and iPods, it took a real effort to get hold of music and, as a result, people cherished it.
Now the industry lies in tatters, with record shops closing by the day. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
I read a great book recently by Graham Jones, originally from Anfield, called Last Shop Standing (see http://www.lastshopstanding.co.uk).
He’s well qualified to write on the subject – after running his own music stall at Ellesmere Port market and selling vinyl fruit bowls made from Beatles LPs melted into shape under a grill, he worked at HMV Liverpool.
He then travelled the country selling records, tapes and CDs to independent record stores, collecting a wealth of entertaining stories.
It really got me thinking, does the way we buy music change the way we listen to it?
Jade x
Open09
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One Comment
I think its a terrible shame that music shops, particularly independents ones are on the decline. There are still a few such shops scattered about the region and I do buy from them even though I know I could get it cheaper online. I do also buy online, mainly for items not available in shops and to be honest because it is easier and cheaper – online you can also find albums you never knew existed !! I do have an IPod, but I also have CD players, a rack system (you still can’t beat them), a record deck (and over 500 LP’s and 200 singles), and a cassette player !! – guess how old I am. I have to say though, there was nothing like reading an album review in Sounds / NME or Kerrang, waiting eagerly for its release then charging down to the nearest record shop hoping they hadn’t sold out. It just doesn’t happen now. In some respects music has become too accessible and the some of the fun taken away. Bring back the concept album and the gatefold sleeve !!!!