Stereo Console Blog

Record Swap History

Record Swap History
Record Swap History

As a student in Champaign from 1988 to 1992, I can’t actually recall going to Record Swap since I was studying all the time (wink, wink). However, since I’ve been reintroduced to Champaign the last five years, I’ve visited the store almost every time that I’m in town. Record Swap has become a regular go to.

When I got back into vinyl, I did a lot of my base collection acquisition at Record Swap. I got to know the owner, Bob, a bit. I explored the spoken word collection, soundtracks and everything in between.

Therefore, it was with much sadness that I just found out that they are moving and at worst ditching the physical storefront. Quelle Dommage!!

Here’s an article explaining the details and some historical information about Record Swap in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2.

Anchorage Museum Vinyl Release

One of the more interesting vinyl releases in a long time is one from the last frontier: Alaska. The Anchorage Museum has compiled a collection of songs to connection the the circumpolar north. We wonder if the grizzlies approve.

Featured artists include Mari Boine (Norway), Cris Derksen (Canada), Olga Bell (Russia, US/Alaska), Foresteppe (Russia), múm (Iceland), Harm (US/Alaska), amiina (Iceland), Indian Agent (US/Alaska) and Tsembla (Finland).

Vinyl Shops in Köln

A colleague in Cologne, Germany, notified us of an article about the boom in the number of vinyl shops in Köln. We’ve visited a number of these and can say there are some great shops here catering to all different kinds of tastes.

However, our favorite is not in Cologne, but in… wait for it… Dusseldorf: Slowboy Records. Sorry Coellner!

And while we’re at it, we didn’t buy our Cologne stereo console at one of these shops, but there’s lots of second hand stuff available in Germany.