SIM-only network Smarty Mobile is opening a pop-up store in London ahead of Record Store Day, and offering all visitors a free vinyl album.
The catch is you don’t know what you’ll get, as every platter comes in a sealed sleeve, to encourage music lovers to break listening habits and find new favourites
New research shows that restricted access to live music and record stores since the pandemic has meant the nation has fallen into a musical rut, listening to the same tracks over and over again.
The Smarty Disc-overy store, in partnership with Record Store Day (which takes place July 17), wants to ‘energise music lovers with new discoveries and serendipity.’ We’re told that amongst the shop’s collection will be rare, collectible albums, and special editions, so that should tempt collectors.
The store will also feature listening stations for customers to listen to the latest additions to their collections, while a DJ will take requests. We think it sounds like a lot of fun.
The catch is you don’t know what you’ll get, as every platter comes in a sealed sleeve…
Can you guess the mystery album?
New data released by UK record labels association, the BPI, details how music consumption has boomed during the COVID pandemic lockdowns of 2020, up by 8.2 per cent in 2020, with 155 million albums or their equivalent either streamed or purchased by fans, including 139 billion audio streams, 16 million CDs, nearly 5 million vinyl LPs, and over 150,000 cassettes.
Respondents to the BPI survey who listened to music were asked why it was so important to them during lockdown. As many as half said they listened to music to raise their spirits, with 42 per cent citing music’s ability to help them to relax or sleep. Four in 10 said music helped to alleviate boredom, while 27 per cent used it as an aid to boost concentration when working or studying.
The Smarty Disc-overy store pops up July 16, at 19 Air Street, London, W1B 5AG (nearest tube is Piccadilly Circus). The pop-up is free for all, every visitor will be gifted with a surprise vinyl.
Denon is setting the style for multiroom audio with its Dolby Atmos-ready second generation Home music system. Comprising the new Home 200, 400 and 600 speakers, the emphasis this time around is as much on convenience as it is on acoustic performance. Designed to disappear naturally into modern interiors while still making a visual statement,…
High-end headphone design rarely strays far from established norms, but Écoute Audio is taking a different route with its TH1. These £900 wireless headphones attempt something unusual: translating the architecture of classic audiophile Hi-Fi into a wearable form. At first glance, they look like a premium pair of over-ears. Look closer, and it becomes clear…
Brooklyn-based manufacturer Grado Labs has released a fourth addition to its acclaimed Signature headphone line. The Signature S550 arrives with an emphasis on musical warmth and long-session comfort, wrapped in distinctive Grado style. At the heart of the new Signature S550 is a 50mm dynamic driver, known internally as the S2. Rather than introducing an…
The Luxe Review 
SIM-only network Smarty Mobile is opening a pop-up store in London ahead of Record Store Day, and offering all visitors a free vinyl album.
The catch is you don’t know what you’ll get, as every platter comes in a sealed sleeve, to encourage music lovers to break listening habits and find new favourites
New research shows that restricted access to live music and record stores since the pandemic has meant the nation has fallen into a musical rut, listening to the same tracks over and over again.
The Smarty Disc-overy store, in partnership with Record Store Day (which takes place July 17), wants to ‘energise music lovers with new discoveries and serendipity.’ We’re told that amongst the shop’s collection will be rare, collectible albums, and special editions, so that should tempt collectors.
The store will also feature listening stations for customers to listen to the latest additions to their collections, while a DJ will take requests. We think it sounds like a lot of fun.
New data released by UK record labels association, the BPI, details how music consumption has boomed during the COVID pandemic lockdowns of 2020, up by 8.2 per cent in 2020, with 155 million albums or their equivalent either streamed or purchased by fans, including 139 billion audio streams, 16 million CDs, nearly 5 million vinyl LPs, and over 150,000 cassettes.
Respondents to the BPI survey who listened to music were asked why it was so important to them during lockdown. As many as half said they listened to music to raise their spirits, with 42 per cent citing music’s ability to help them to relax or sleep. Four in 10 said music helped to alleviate boredom, while 27 per cent used it as an aid to boost concentration when working or studying.
The Smarty Disc-overy store pops up July 16, at 19 Air Street, London, W1B 5AG (nearest tube is Piccadilly Circus). The pop-up is free for all, every visitor will be gifted with a surprise vinyl.
The Smarty Mobile network offers Low costs, straightforward plans, and flexible deals. Click here for its latest SIM-Only deals.
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Denon is setting the style for multiroom audio with its Dolby Atmos-ready second generation Home music system. Comprising the new Home 200, 400 and 600 speakers, the emphasis this time around is as much on convenience as it is on acoustic performance. Designed to disappear naturally into modern interiors while still making a visual statement,…
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High-end headphone design rarely strays far from established norms, but Écoute Audio is taking a different route with its TH1. These £900 wireless headphones attempt something unusual: translating the architecture of classic audiophile Hi-Fi into a wearable form. At first glance, they look like a premium pair of over-ears. Look closer, and it becomes clear…
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Brooklyn-based manufacturer Grado Labs has released a fourth addition to its acclaimed Signature headphone line. The Signature S550 arrives with an emphasis on musical warmth and long-session comfort, wrapped in distinctive Grado style. At the heart of the new Signature S550 is a 50mm dynamic driver, known internally as the S2. Rather than introducing an…
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