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.
The latest audiophile loudspeaker from high-end Japanese Hi-Fi manufacturer Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, looks every bit as good as it sounds. The model, TAD-CR1TX, sells for a reassuringly pricey $89,000 and is the stand-mounting sibling of the even more expensive TAD-R1TX floorstander. Part of TAD Labs Reference Series, it features high-end audio technology trickled downContinue Reading
Upgrade your portable music system for the Summer season with one of a trio of stylish new Bluetooth speakers from Sony. Ideal for patios, BBQs and beach parties, the models are available in a variety of on-trend colourways and are IP67 rated, making them splash and dust resistant. Expect big booming bass and wide soundContinue Reading
Austrian Hi-Fi specialist Pro-Ject Audio Systems has announced the Metallica Limited Edition turntable. Designed in partnership with the world-conquering heavy metal band, the deck combines an eye-catching design with audiophile construction. Handmade in Europe, the collector’s item features a suitably heavy MDF plinth with unique Metallica design, and mirror finished, metal top plate. A glassContinue 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.
Made in Japan: TAD Labs partners Tendo Mokko for $89,000 artisan audio loudspeaker
The latest audiophile loudspeaker from high-end Japanese Hi-Fi manufacturer Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, looks every bit as good as it sounds. The model, TAD-CR1TX, sells for a reassuringly pricey $89,000 and is the stand-mounting sibling of the even more expensive TAD-R1TX floorstander. Part of TAD Labs Reference Series, it features high-end audio technology trickled downContinue Reading
It’s my party: Sony lights up portable audio with three stylish new Bluetooth speakers
Upgrade your portable music system for the Summer season with one of a trio of stylish new Bluetooth speakers from Sony. Ideal for patios, BBQs and beach parties, the models are available in a variety of on-trend colourways and are IP67 rated, making them splash and dust resistant. Expect big booming bass and wide soundContinue Reading
Master of playback: Enter the Pro-Ject Limited Edition Metallica turntable
Austrian Hi-Fi specialist Pro-Ject Audio Systems has announced the Metallica Limited Edition turntable. Designed in partnership with the world-conquering heavy metal band, the deck combines an eye-catching design with audiophile construction. Handmade in Europe, the collector’s item features a suitably heavy MDF plinth with unique Metallica design, and mirror finished, metal top plate. A glassContinue Reading
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