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Somehow in 2020 I've still managed to visit a host of fantastic record shops. So as is now tradition, here's my top 10 record shops visited this year. Thank you to all the wonderful staff and owners who've made us welcome. I hope you fine folk get to visit some of them in 2021
1. Top of the pops is YugoVinyl in Belgrade. Hands down the friendliest shop in the world. You'll be fed & watered, have access to a huge sound system and of course an amazing selection of well priced records. Essential for Synthpop from behind the velvet curtain.
2. San Diego and the now relocated Rare Folk Arts records. The most eclectic stock I've ever seen on my travels and really good prices too. A real diggers paradise this.
3. Long Beach has loads of great stores and Bagatelle is proper old school diggers destination. Great prices in here and a lovely warm welcome.
4. February saw a full day in Bristol and discovered Collectors Cave. Kids buying records & auditioning jungle was like the 90's. Just brilliant & bargains to be had.
5. A brief lockdown break saw us head to Stockport and the amazing SK1. This is how you do a record shop. Friendly, organised, diverse stock, correctly priced & a cuppa.
6. Back to LA and it's high end collectibles galore at Rockaway. If you've deep pockets and want beautiful Beatles pressings or gold discs.... alongside more traditional records.
7. Long Beach triumphs again with Toxic Toast. Head here for an amazing selection of Japanese pressings. Fairly priced too and a super friendly owner.
8. The small Serbian city of Niš turned up The Vintage Shop. Incredibly well priced records by marquee artists pressed in the former Yugoslavia. Plus an array of local music. Amazing little shop.
9. Tewkesbury next and my single biggest Depeche haul in my life. And at cracking prices. Super friendly owner too.
10. Last but not least, Fingerprints Music in Long Beach. So. Much. Stock. The bargain boxes alone would need half a day. Just an incredible amount of new and used records.
