Attic Lights reveals their first record as part of Record Store Day

IN THE 80s there were more than 2200 record shops in the UK, but by 2009 there were only 269 stores left.

INDEPENDENT record stores are making sure they stay well and firmly placed on the music map by celebrating their existence on Saturday.

In the 80s there were more than 2200 record shops in the UK, but by 2009 there were only 269 stores left.

Avalanche Records in Edinburgh is celebrating this weekend with in-store appearances by Glasvegas and Admiral Fallow, as well as giving fans the chance to buy exclusive records.

Owner Kevin Buckle said: “Record Store Day is not just about buying vinyl. We took part in the very first one in the UK six years ago after seeing it in the States.

“It’s now gained so much publicity that many artists release products on that day, but the point is to help record shops and let people realise we offer a very special service.”

The warm, welcoming crackle of vinyl is something no amount of mp3s, CDs or electronic recordings can beat. Here, some of Scotland’s top musicians talk about their first vinyl buys and the shops they love.

Visit www.recordstoreday.co.uk

Kev Sherry, Attic Lights: The Vaselines, A Complete History

Attic Lights frontman Kev Sherry said: “I started buying vinyl in later years – one of my prize finds being the complete recordings of The Vaselines on one vinyl. Belter.

“I’m a massive supporter of Record Store Day. It’s special as it is genuinely about keeping alive independent record stores who service real music fanatics.

“It’s great that vinyl is coming back. It’s almost became a symbol for real music buyers, separating the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. It’s an entire lifestyle, a thriving counter culture that isn’t served very well by mainstream shops and radio.”