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.
Sony has taken a design diversion with the latest update to its 1000X noise cancelling Bluetooth headphone series. The WH-1000XM5 cans feature a sleek new look with a stepless headband slider. Unlike their predecessors, there are no hinges and they’re not collapsible. The ear cushion shape is also slightly rounder, ostensibly to better block externalContinue Reading
Combining the tactile pleasure of records with the convenience of aptX HD Bluetooth streaming, the new Alva TT V2 turntable from Cambridge Audio aims to satisfy music fans of both persuasions. The record deck can be used in a traditional hi-fi setup, or part of a wirelessly streaming system, feeding Bluetooth headphones or speakers. QualityContinue Reading
Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist of Metallica, has released the first track from his upcoming debut solo EP, ‘High Plains Drifter’, music which he describes as taking an audio-cinematic approach. “They’re soundtracks to the movies in your mind.” The track opens the second side of Portals, the four-song EP out April 23, 2022 via Blackened RecordingsContinue Reading
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.
Sony upgrades design and noise cancelling for stylish WH-1000XM5 headphones
Sony has taken a design diversion with the latest update to its 1000X noise cancelling Bluetooth headphone series. The WH-1000XM5 cans feature a sleek new look with a stepless headband slider. Unlike their predecessors, there are no hinges and they’re not collapsible. The ear cushion shape is also slightly rounder, ostensibly to better block externalContinue Reading
Best of both worlds: premium Cambridge Audio Bluetooth turntable spins and streams
Combining the tactile pleasure of records with the convenience of aptX HD Bluetooth streaming, the new Alva TT V2 turntable from Cambridge Audio aims to satisfy music fans of both persuasions. The record deck can be used in a traditional hi-fi setup, or part of a wirelessly streaming system, feeding Bluetooth headphones or speakers. QualityContinue Reading
Metallica guitarist claims cinematic inspiration for High Plains Drifter solo release
Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist of Metallica, has released the first track from his upcoming debut solo EP, ‘High Plains Drifter’, music which he describes as taking an audio-cinematic approach. “They’re soundtracks to the movies in your mind.” The track opens the second side of Portals, the four-song EP out April 23, 2022 via Blackened RecordingsContinue Reading
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