The week I started this site, my local independent record shop closed after rougly 30 years. It had been a while coming to be honest  - but it was still a sad day. I used to work hard as a kid and a teenager to earn money to buy records and tapes. Yes, I traded stuff with friends, but if we really liked something we would buy the original.

It's sad that now people think that they should get something for free just because they can. Some people say they are a fan of a band - but have never bought any of their releases.

Record companies and big chain stores have ripped us off for years but that doesn't mean we should now just take it 'cos we can.

If you don't pay the artist, the artist doesn't get paid. And there will be fewer great bands to care about.

So support your favourite bands and the record labels that deem them worth a risk. Buy the cd or download just like you might buy a concert ticket - you don't steal those do you?

These musicians give us so much more than all the other waste of spaces we have to pay for - so give them their money. And take a pride in paying for something worthwhile.

Also, support your local favourite record store.

They all have wages to pay, mortgages and rates to meet, families to support. Even HMV are closing stores now.

These independent stores often have stuff you can't get anywhere else and at a bargain price.

 - Here are a few of my favourite Record Shops:

Groucho's in Dundee - I love the "cheap" Cd section - I have picked up a few bargains from there! Lots of stock, mostly cds.

X Records in Bolton - HUGE shop, mostly 2nd hand, loads of rare & cheap CD singles, Tons of vinyl (but check the quality first!!) and rare old CD albums. And much of the catalogue can be broused online. But cheaper in store and ALWAYS offers on.

Steel Wheels in Newcastle - Another big shop with vinyl & CDs. Lots of new CDs too. Some good bargains.

Vinyl Exchange in Manchester - Vinyl downstairs can be a bit pricey. CDs get regularly reduced if they don't sell.

The Record Shop in Kings Lynn - Pretty much just Vinyl! All Mint/Ex condition. Not on line - you have to go in & browse.

Kaleidoscope in St Helens - Puts "new" stock out daily. Lots of great 12"s (Cheap section is brilliant for 80's stuff), and all vinyl in Excellent condition. 2nd hand Cds are priced very competitively.

Plus great cheap CD section too.

Europa Music in Stirling - A good selection of second hand CDs, but ask to look at the vinyl in the back room and you will be amazed!

Action Records in Preston - What a great collection of vinyl hidden under all the CD racking! Plus, what a fantastic collection of CDs - Really good cross section and specialist collection. Plus loads of 2nd hand bargains. Vinyl is all in excellent condition too.

Cob Records in Portmadog - a HUGE collection of 2nd hand CDs and tones of digipacks/ltd editions too.