Welcome to the first of the newsletters from Grinning Soul Records; I am your host writer and co-owner of GSR, Gary Raymond (the other co-owner, Graham Taylor, is currently, as I write this, on a bus to Leeds - more of that later). All you need to know for now is that this newsletter is the best place to catch all the updates about what’s going on over at our place.
Of course, first thing to remember, is that at the moment the only thing going on over at our place is a load of mucky prep work as we get ready to open the shop in the coming weeks (date TBC).
But in the spirit of wanting to hit the ground running, here is a nice little introductory podcast, where me and Graham chat a bit about what we’d like our shop to do, and throw around a few ideas regarding the things that would make up the ideal shop for Graham (ambience, soundtrack, snacks etc).
This newsletter will, if we get it right, be full of chats and recommendations, reflections and the championing of new music and old music. It’s all about the music, and here we will be putting down the words to worship the stuff we love.
This is a place to remind you that you are now part of the Grinning Soul community, and whether you come into the shop every week, or can only make it every now and then (or if being in the shop means a flight, a train, a bus, a thumbing a ride, a walk, and then a hop, skip, and a jump every year or so — sometimes also known as “a pilgrimage”), then you can keep up-to-date with what’s going on.
So sign up if you haven’t already, subscribe to the podcast, and, once we’re open, come see us.
In the meantime, here’s a little picture of me and Graham back in the late 60s, when were roadies for the Silver Apples (can’t believe I still have that handbag!)
As a welcome gift, Graham wanted me to pass on this playlist he’s made, of his favourite song of each Bowie album, in order. A perfect way to start off the philanthropic attitudes integral to the GRINNING SOUL RECORDS substack.
And from me, a little nod to the general sunny disposition of record shop owners, with a live performance from one of my favourite artists, the great Freddie King.
Great track, that.
Don’t worry, as we go on the newsletter won’t quite be so self-indulgent. In the next one for instance, I’ll just mainly be talking about myself.
But for now, enjoy these gems, and spread the word about GRINNING SOUL RECORDS… coming soon to Monmouth town centre.
P.S. Graham is on the bus to Leeds because he is a rapper in the hip hop outfit Goldie Lookin’ Chain and they’ve just kicked off their 20th anniversary tour. To find out more about the tour, click here.
Thanks for reading, and hope to see you soon.
Gary
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