Record Store Day

Yesterday, a group of very small, independent record shops joined forces to organise something called Record Store Day. This was supported by many artists and musicians including Damon Albarn, Regina Spektor, Amanda Palmer and Paul McCartney to name but a few. In an age where there are big chains selling music for rip-off prices (HMV, Zavvi etc) and where you can also download tracks with the click of a button - legally AND illegally - these businesses are dying. It's quite a sad reality.

Record shops are good for two reasons. The first, and perhaps most important, is the stuff you can buy in them. Because these stores have such a mass array of random CDs and vinyls makes them look like even more a treasure trove. Last week whilst scouring Camden I stumbled across Swim by Feeder on vinyl. There's just nowhere else I would expect to find such a rarity. They also tend to price things a lot cheaper than big brands. I got Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd for £4 last year and a copy of a Nine Inch Nails CD single called Sin, released originally in 1990, for £5. Even eBay sellers don't sell these at such a generously low amount.

The second reason is the people who actually own them. It seems almost a cliche that these people are music nerds who do Top 5 lists similar to those in High Fidelity, but they are incredibly brainy and their knowledge is valuable. The person who owns Ben's, my local record shop in Guildford, called...erm, Ben, was the one who first pointed me in the direction of the epic pop of Scott Walker, through hearing something being played on the store PA (I had first heard of the tune through a Divine Comedy cover - it might have been Jackie).

So whatever your tastes, make a trip to your local record shop every now and again. They need your money to stay alive, and in return they will offer you some amazing musical treasures.

DIGG IT!