In the Age of Music Streaming and Downloads, Why Are People Embracing the Cumbersome Vinyl?
A Shibuya bar owner’s viewpoint along with record shop recommendations
by Shinji Hayashi
Did you know that both the sales and production of vinyl records are increasing the world over today?
It’s been a while since streaming services and downloading digital files have become the dominant way people consume music. But many are still attracted to vinyl despite the fact that they are bulky and are less convenient.
I love used records because I think there’s something magical about them. Here’s an example.
In a record store in Shibuya, I pick up a bossa nova record pressed in Brazil in the 1960’s. On the cover there’s a writing that reads “Happy birthday Jorge! With love and many kisses, Maria”
Over fifty years have passed since Maria had given this record to Jorge. Assuming that they were about 20 years old at the time, the two are now over 70 years old.
When did Jorge part with this record?
It could be around 1965, five years after he broke up with Maria. After that, the record may have traveled around the world, sold in secondhand record shops in many different countries. I imagine it was played on turntables in many homes, setting the mood for lovers as they whispered affectionately to each other.
Or maybe, Jorge and Maria had married and lived a happy life together. After their passing, their children might have sold all their records, and the birthday gift eventually found its way to Japan, traveling halfway across the globe.
After the long journey, the record sits in a store in Shibuya where I come along and purchase it for 2,000 yen. I bring it home and place it on my turntable. When I put the needle on the record, the very same music that Jorge and Maria listened to 50 years ago fills my room.
Tangible objects have stories. I guess that’s why we keep visiting record stores.
HMV record shop Shibuya
The closing of the HMV store in Shibuya in 2010 saddened music fans in the area. But it made a comeback last summer, reopening as HMV record shop Shibuya.
The new store carries mostly used records and on its first day of business, more than 200 people lined up before the doors opened.
dessinee shop
In August 8, 2014, a record shop in Kobe called disque dessinee relocated to Shibuya and opened as dessinee shop.
Along with the shop, its owner Mr. Maruyama runs a record label called production dessinee that introduces fantastic music from around the globe. The label’s lineup of Korean indie groups is worth noting.
In addition to used records, you can also buy imported clothing selected by Mr. Maruyama. The store in Shibuya is a great place to visit.
There are lots of other nice record shops in Shibuya. Here are a few that I recommend.
Manual of Errors SONOTA
Sonota means “other, miscellaneous” in Japanese. As the name suggests, this store is full of records that don’t quite fit into specific genres. It’s fun to browse through all the items grouped by the store’s unique categorization system that goes music-wise and sleeve-wise. Categories include “Children,” ”Records for men (Erotica),” “Sound Effects,” and “Nekord (neko is cat in Japanese, hence, records with cat picture covers).”
Hi-Fi Record Store
Hi-Fi Record Store is a renowned and long-standing establishment. This store pretty much shaped the musical sensibility of Tokyo for decades. They helped disseminating trends like movie soundtracks, soft rock, bossa nova and AOR. All the people who work here are well known music critics and writers.
FACE Records
A hunting ground for aficionados. Professional DJ’s and hard-to-please collectors in search of rare jazz records are impressed by their collection. If you love music, you are bound to find something you want at FACE Records.
Editor’s note: FACE Records says it is now stocking up on more affordable items as the shop wishes to cater to the needs of customers who are new to collecting vinyl. The shop also carries a lot of hip hop, house and techno 12”s that are becoming scarce nowadays.
EL SUR RECORDS
EL SUR RECORDS specializes in world music. In addition to Latin and Brazilian, they have CDs of obscure African and Asian music that you’ve probably never heard of before. While in Shibuya, you can take a virtual tour around the globe by browsing through this shop.
RECOfan
There are all sorts of stuff at RECOfan, and lots and lots of them. If you comb through their vast stock with tenacity, you might come across a rare gem. Rumor has it that Haruki Murakami clad in jogging attire frequents the jazz section.
Disk Union
Disk Union is a used record chain in the Tokyo area that you can depend on. If I don’t go check their stock for a week, I get anxious that I might be missing out on something good up for a bargain. The floor staff is very knowledgeable in their respective genres.
Shinji Hayashi is the owner of bar bossa in Shibuya, Tokyo. He is also the author of the book “Why Barkeepers Wear Ties”.
(photo: Daisuke Hayata translation: Tomoyo Nozawa)
Originally published at ignition.co
