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Welcome to the June 2026 issue!
In our last issue I wrote an Opinion piece in defence of Record Store Day, which had previously come under fire from a few readers who took umbrage with the quality of merchandise on offer and felt that it had passed its sell-by date.

So, I’m delighted to report that this year’s RSD in the UK turned out to be the biggest and most successful ever held. With over 300 independent shops taking part, apparently sales were up 25 percent on 2025 and footfall into the stores appears to have been greater than ever, as have tie-ins with local pubs and coffee shops to create a social occasion.

What I’ve also noticed is that retailers of records who are a bit sniffy about RSD have taken to advertising and holding their own righteous “Non-RSD” events on the same day where they either discount their brand new, sealed stock or downprice their pre-loved vinyl to attract crate-diggers who aren’t necessarily interested in the 500 or so special limited-edition releases RSD had on offer.

As I said before, whatever one thinks of the actual goods, the drop is one heck of a happening event and, at a time when business is tough-going all over for so many, it’s heartening to be able to celebrate such a great success.

Enjoy the issue!