We discovered a groovy little record shop whilst meandering around looking for nothing. It was great because it sells primarily jazz, blues and rock – CDs as well as records – which are my favourite genres. I can’t comment on the record selection because I know absolutely nothing about vinyl, but it was just lovely to find a shop selling all of the artists I know and love so well, and at affordable prices (generally £5-6 per CD).
Most of the CDs were of the ‘Best Of…’ variety, which are great as an introduction to an artist you may not know much about, but ultimately are quite annoying as you often end up owning multiple copies of the same recording(s). In this case, it’s often easier to buy singles, or download songs as MP3s. They did have a few albums though, and I even found the complete recordings of Bessie Smith – over 8 CDs! Sadly this was definitely out of my price range…
It was lovely to find a place with a shelf featuring Louis Jordan, Elvis and Wanda Jackson so close by each other (see above). Unfortunately I did not take to the proprietor of the shop, whose manner I found condescending (amongst other things) and so will not be back. How I am treated in a shop really affects my experience of it, and my likelihood to purchase or return again. In this instance I walked straight out leaving the CDs I was about to buy behind.
So until I find another independent blues record shop with more welcoming and friendly staff, I will continue to listen to Bessie Smith and Etta James on Spotify!
-Anushka
