Next Saturday the 21st of April, 2018 marks the 10th annual celebration of Record Store Day. The UK has a proud tradition when it comes to the independent record store - with the first one reputed to have opened in Cardiff as far back as 1894, Spillers Records, which sells records to this day.
The music industry has been profoundly changed by multinationals, the internet and online streaming. Legal wars are constantly being waged over everything from royalties to streaming services to illegal downloads. In a time where we can listen to practically any track we like at the click of a button, it is amazing that independent record shops like Spillers are able to survive. Yet surviving they are, thriving in fact - with hundreds more being opened in the past five years. This is a testament to community, to people's passion for music's history and their commitment to preserving its tradition; records have become precious artifacts and store staff and customers are their archaeologists, their conservationists and curators.
Record Store Day is an annual celebration of this unique and global culture. It began as a gathering of owners and employees on the 19th of April, 2008 - inspired by the annual free comic book event. Since then the day has gained momentous traction, it is celebrated each year religiously by record store devotees on every continent except Antarctica. The celebrations can include anything from food and face painting to special vinyl and CD releases and meet-and-greets with artists. You'll find DJs spinning, and a generally festive, chilled out vibe. In 2009 Jesse "Boots Electric" of Eagles of Death Metal declared himself 'Record Store Day Ambassador', so committed was he to proclaiming the day's importance. Since then Ozzy Osbourne, Jack White, Dave Grohl, Iggy Pop and St. Vincent have all had the title (and the ceremonial sash) bestowed upon them as heroes of the cause. The day has been declared an official holiday in several cities throughout the United States, including New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
South London's doing its bit too - coming out in force to celebrate the independent music business. We've compiled a list below of the best-loved community music spots, and whether they're participating in Record Store Day.
Supertone Records
110 Acre Ln, Brixton, London SW2 5RA
Taking part in Record Store Day? No.
Great for: old school reggae.
Tome Records
96-108 Ormside Street, South Bermondsey SE15 1TF
Taking part in Record Store Day? Yes.
Great for: huge variety of genres including rare punk and hardcore; highly knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Music and Video Exchange
23 Greenwich Church St, London SE10 9BJ
Taking part in Record Store Day? No.
Great for: Their bargain basement for £1 album and 25p singles; techno and breakbeat.
Soul Proprietors
64 Elm Park, Brixton, London SW2 2UB
Taking part in Record Store Day? Yes.
Great for: Rare, undiscovered treasures; its friendly and passionate owner, Nick.
Records
70 Lee High Rd, Lewisham, London SE13 5PT
Taking part in Record Store Day? No.
Great for: Massive selection; huge variety and helpful owner.
Rye Wax
The CLF Art Cafe, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
Taking part in Record Store Day? No.
Great for: Respectable vinyl credentials; live music, DJs and label takeovers; bangin’ food and happy hour cocktails.
DnR Vinyl - Croydon
352 Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon CR0 7AF
Taking part in Record Store Day? No.
Great for: Specialises in UK garage classics, grime, dubstep and bassline.
LionVibes
Granville Arcade, Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8PS
Taking part in Record Store Day? Yes.
Great for: Brixton so, you guessed it, vintage and collectors’ reggae!
The Book and Record Bar
20 Norwood High St, West Norwood, London SE27 9NR
Taking part in Record Store Day? Yes.
Great for: Monthly club night; stick-it-on nights; huge depth of stock; beer.
Casbah Records
320-322 Creek Rd, London SE10 9SW
Taking part in Record Store Day? Yes.
Great for: Huge selection; retro vibe and enthusiastic staff.
Rat Records
348 Camberwell New Rd, Camberwell, London SE5 0RW
Taking part in Record Store Day? No.
Great for: Proper inner city vinyl exchange; excellent customer service; selling your old vinyls and CDs.
Container Records
49 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8PQ
Taking part in Record Store Day? Yes.
Great for: a more diverse selection than Brixton’s other stores; niche sounds.
Soul Brother
1 Keswick Rd, Putney SW15 2HL
Taking part in Record Store Day? Yes.
Great for: Jazz, funk and soul; rare vinyl; friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Rollin Records
6 Station Rd, West Wickham BR4 0PR
Taking part in Record Store Day? No.
Great for: Well priced; mostly second-hand vinyl in great condition, good selection and some rare and obscure pieces.