digging trip in New York & Montréal

First of all, I’m very pleased to see that New Yorkers and Montrealers are still buying vinyls. The small boutiques are resisting, for our greatest pleasure.
New York lost some of its beauty: the rhythm of the streets is a lot more silent, and the diggin’ a lot less productive. I have a clear preference for Montreal…
My favourite shop is by far “Aux 33 tours”. Only bad side : they mix up originals with reissues in the same crates. The others are really cool too. Sadly, despite “Paul’s boutique” fantastic storefront, the shop is well-stocked, but the discs are in poor condition and badly stored.

As for NY, my preference goes undoubtedly for “Academy records” (Brooklyn’s!). Well-stocked, nice prices, and several gems found there…
“Big City”, “Good Records” & “Tropicalia in Furs ” are far from being a disappointment.
“A-1 Records” isn’t any longer the fantastic store it used to be. “The Thing” is good for taking pictures and for the legend.
“Rainbow Music” is last on the list for vinyls, but fist for CDs and cassettes. A special mention to the owner, a very unlikely, endearing old man who never leaves you alone…

At a time when we all dig on the internet, buying vinyls in shops is almost a militant gesture of support to the small, independent distribution, and to the “physical music”. 

The big chains are giving it up, and they all tend to turn to online digital sales exclusively…

I’ll end with a very positive statement : vinyl sales doubled in 2011. It still has bright days ahead, and the digital dictatorship hasn’t won yet.

Liberty is having a choice ! 

Pura Vida to ya’ all !