Record Store Day is the annual event which celebrates the unique culture of independent record shops and the art of vinyl. The event shines a light on the hard-working music lovers behind the counter who play a key role in championing local music and talent.

We spoke to a few friends at record stores across the country, to find out some of their tips for the limited edition releases, available in stores on Saturday 17 July 2021. 

Lion Coffee + Records in London's Clapton

Lion Coffee + Records is the brainchild of husband and wife uber team Mairead and Chris Hayden, who met while Mairead (owner of indie labels Luv Luv Luv and Hate Hate Hate) was managing Florence + The Machine, and brought Chris on board as a drummer.

No strangers to rock n roll, hard work or success, Lion was their first foray into a new business strand together. They envisioned Lion not only as a place to hang out, drink the best coffee and browse vinyl, but to capture the very essence of musicianship by hosting intimate performances and bespoke launch events in keeping with the pairs life long love of music. The shop's relaxing vibe by day dials up at night, with themed cocktail nights and album launches.

On the day itself they'll have DJs in the afternoon, the bar is open and it's gonna be a real hang-out! And for future reference, they have live shows every week from the 21st of July onwards - sign up to the newsletter at www.lioncoffeerecords.com

Jim & Robbie of Lion Coffee + Records gave us some of their tips for this weekend's drop!

Millie - My Boy Lollipop 7"

Happy Mondays - Hallelujah - really cool darker mix by Ewan Pearson

Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy - Seth Troxler remix of a stone cold classic!

Squid - Near the Westway - pretty cool exclusive, recorded Live to Vinyl

https://lioncoffeerecords.com/ 

Wilderness Records is an independent record store and hang-out in the heart of South Manchester.They've got a curated selection of killer vinyl, whether you're just starting your record collection, or a discerning head. Find classic albums and hidden gems - everything from rock and jazz, soul and folk, to hip-hop and disco, funk and psych wonders from all corners of the globe, and the best of the local independent labels too. New releases, super comps, 2nd hand gems and 45s, and friendly, enthusiastic staff dying to talk your ear off about them.

Wilderness' Hannah sent through some of her recommendations for the day which are sounding sweet!

Poly Styrene - Translucence - As the former lead singer of punk act, X-Ray Spex, and member of the Hare Krishnas, Poly is one of the most iconic multi-talented musicians in the world and it's rare that you find her solo works on vinyl. This is her debut album and such a huge departure away from her past punk works. A dreamy jazz / pop hybrid.

Jerry Dammers - At The Home Organ: Demos 1980-82 - This features two original, unreleased recordings of Specials tracks (the A-side is mega hit: Ghost Town) when they were in the demo stages, composed and recorded by the band's songwriter and founder, Jerry Dammers. It's a chance to glimpse into the Specials' working practices and be a fly-on-the-wall.

On Saturday they'll be DJing at the store, serving drinks and generally providing great times! Open from 9am until 9pm.

https://www.wildernessrecords....

Le Freak Records, Dundee

Le Freak try not to take themselves too seriously and it shows through their bright inviting shop!

They stock all sorts but tend towards a dance-music focus, with an extensive amount of house, techno, acid, trance and disco twelve inches for your purchasing pleasure. They also aim to get the best new releases covering all genres in every week. 

In ordinary times Le Freak host in-store events every week and look forward to resuming as usual.

Brothers Jack and Tom, who co-own Le Freak, gave us their top tips.

Purple Disco Machine 'Soulmatic' - exclusive reissue of crossover dance superstars Purple Disco Machine - on gold vinyl!

The Flirtations 'Nothing but a Heartache'

Soul Jazz Presents Funk 70 - Seriously rare, killer and classic funk tunes brought together here in this unique one-off Record Store Day box-set edition. Our top track is The Winstons - Color Him Father.

https://www.lefreakrecords.co.uk/

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In amongst this year's releases, we've also spotted a familiar name! Chapterhouse's Rownderbowt was initially released on CD by their label, Dedicated, in 1996, after the band had split. Stephen tells us, 'I didn't hear about it til some guy at a pub in Camden mentioned it'. It consists largely of demos for a third album that never happened with the label pushing for an MTV-friendly hit, and the band hoping to go another direction. Ironically, the demos were immensely popular and Rownderbowt has been a collector's item ever since, with a copy recently hanging about online for a cool £125. It's reissued for the first time this week on 4xLP vinyl.

Chapterhouse 'Rownderbowt'