vinyl junkie Archives

April 12, 2026 Jason Shrum

Record Store Day is here again

“Independent record stores are so important because you get the chance to immerse and surround yourself. I love collecting vinyl because nothing is better than sitting on your couch putting on a record and just listening to music like that. Not just staring at your phone and downloading something or listening to something on your phone, but to actually see all of this beautiful art around you. It inspires me.” – Bruno Mars, Record Store Day 2026 Ambassador

ALBUM REVIEWS FEATURED MUSIC NEWS

June 25, 2025 Jason Shrum

Purple Rain by Prince Turns 41

On this day in 1984 Prince released his sixth studio album Purple Rain. It was the first to feature his band The Revolution, and the soundtrack to the film of the same name. The first two singles from the album, ‘When Doves Cry’ and ‘Let’s Go Crazy’, topped the US singles charts, and were hits around the world, while the title track went to No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

B Sides FEATURED

December 2, 2024 Jason Shrum

Vertical House Made Us Feel at Home

If you’re ever in the Huntsville area stop by Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment and help support all things local and if you are into vinyl you MUST stop by Vertical House Records. My experience was an impeccable five-star one and I highly recommend.

B Sides FEATURED MUSIC NEWS

November 25, 2024 Jason Shrum

The Thrill of the Pick!

Record Store Day was created with a nod to “Free Comic Book Day”. Its inspiration came from an independently owned record store ownership meeting in Baltimore. Founded officially by Michael Kurtz, Eric Leven, Amy Dorfman, Carrie Colliton, Brian Poehner, and Don Van Cleave, Record Store Day was established in 2007 in celebration of individual artists. Packed with performances, special appearances, and meet-and-greets, Record Store Day celebrated everything musical while upholding the individuality of each store.