www.scotcampus.com Music / Scotcampus 19
The
threat to
the local
Indie
Andrew Burns
With the friendliest staff in the city, a downstairs
full of rare vinyl, second-hand CDs and a
commitment to the local music scene, One Up
remains one of the countries most admirable
indies.
At the centre of all things musical in Dundee
is Groucho’s (132 Nethergate, Dundee), the
legendary record shop with a highly impressive
catalogue of music and film. Acting also as a
I get by because people make While Avalanche Records (63 Cockburn Street, hub for purchasing gig tickets in the city, this
a special effort to come and Edinburgh and 34 Dundas Street, Glasgow), the truly is the focal point of a burgeoning Dundee
“
shop here,” says John Cusack front-runner and arguably the most successful of music scene. Across the A9, Europa Music (10
in reference to the fictional the current Scottish independent music shops, Friars Street, Stirling) is synonymous with the
Championship Vinyl in Stephen located directly in the aforementioned respective music scene in Stirling following 27 years of
Frears adaptation of High Fidelity. In what is city centre; these are essential places to visit for successful trade. With a varied selection of music
little more than a dialogue of self-depreciation in any music fan. Since its inception, Avalanche has from almost every genre imaginable and music
relation to the lonesome Chicago male, Cusack become a legendary destination in the Scottish enthusiasts behind the counter waiting to offer
makes a significant point about the survival of music scene. you their advice, Europa is surely worth a trek.
the independent music store. The reduction in
the desire for CD and vinyl, digital downloads, Since 2002, Monorail Music (12 Kings Court, King If sporadically filed electronica at a price you
legal or not, and monopolist megastores have Street, Glasgow) has built up a reputation as one couldn’t beat with a stick is what you wish
Even for those
threatened many of Scotland’s independent of the country’s top record stores; while vinyl to indulge in, it is more than covered in both
music stores with potential closure. enthusiasts may be particularly pleased. Situated Glasgow and Edinburgh. 23rd Precinct (23 Bath
non-confessed
inside vegan café/bar Mono, Monorail Music Street, Glasgow) has become a cult habitat
audiophiles,
Even for those non-confessed audiophiles, the provides for the more obscure taste than its for dance music junkies in recent years, while
local record shops should be embraced as an Avalanche counterpart. Go in, grab a coffee and Rubadub Records (35 Howard Street, Glasgow)
the local
innovative and significant symbol of an area. listen to what is being played in-store – chances allows for some retail therapy sifting through
Music shops such as Avalanche, Groucho’s and are not many people have heard of it; chances much of shops eclectic range of CD and vinyl, record shops
Monorail, to name a few, are working harder than are you will love it. as well as other forms of DJ equipment and
ever in an attempt to bring customers through merchandise. The aptly-named Underground
should be
the doors. Many bands/artists have made efforts Mixed Up Records caters more for the vinyl Solu’shn (9 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh) provides
in recent years to support their respective local and seven-inch collectors, while also providing Edinburgh with its fix of electronica; with many of
embraced as
shops with special in-store live performances and an excellent choice of CDs, books and DVDs the city’s top DJs often spotted shopping here.
an innovative
signings. In 1999, according to the publication at bargain prices. Situated further towards the
Music Week, there were 1,064 independent West End than city centre (18 Otago Lane, In July 2007, the collapse of Fopp made 700
and significant
music shops operating in the UK; in 2008, there Glasgow), Mixed Up is accessed quite easily via people redundant and a unique and historical
were less than 300. Considering that this number Kelvinbridge underground. A must-visit for any music chain was brought to its knees in what
symbol of an
has undoubtedly fallen further in the last twelve dedicated music fanatic; there will be something has been a landmark example in the new age
months – and the fact that only a small fraction is that will make your day. Missing Records (247 that traditional music distribution has been
area.
based north of the border – the dire straits of the Argyle Street, Glasgow), for all its former- drawn into. HMV stepped in, rescuing six of 135
local music shop is evident for everybody to see. problems, sits in a comfortable location nearby stores throughout the UK, which, in hindsight,
the Arches, continuing to offer its reputable has proved to be a valuable piece of business
Listed ahead is a host of the few independent service of second-hand music and films of all for the entertainment giant. While it was difficult
shops left in Scotland where you can buy music varieties, even VHS. to describe Fopp as independent, it was the
of all persuasions, albeit with a greater support of biggest and, at one time, the most successful
the local scene than any megastore could wish Vinyl Villains (5 Elm Row, Edinburgh), albeit rather high street alternative. Local music shops are
to offer. With (whisper it) Christmas approaching chaotic and difficult to navigate at times, remains facing their most difficult period in their history,
at an incredible pace, why not travel further afield one of the Capitals top places for acquiring and this time there will be no benefactor should
than Glasgow and Edinburgh’s flagship shopping second-hand CDs, vinyl and cassette, and is a large majority collapse. The representation of
areas and you may, if you haven’t already, fall worth a visit for any collector. One Up Records a town or city, the support offered to local bands
in love with the unique feeling of finding an old (17 Belmont Street, Aberdeen) remains one of and the knowledge provided by a fellow music
Chemikal Underground compilation or a 1980s the granite city’s saviours in music shopping, aficionado behind the counter is under severe
Smiths vinyl (speaking from self-experience) for stocking everything from 1970s boogie woogie to threat; remember that the next time you want to
little more, and often less, than the price of a pint. The Killers’ latest B-side. buy a new piece of music.
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