HMV in trouble again.

[Marco]

In Helsinki for New Year, we visit Finland a couple of times a year, fantastic public transport system and cheap.

Wow - MAJOR respect... Hope you have a great time. What's it like there - the good bits and anything interesting you can tell me about the place?

I absolutely *adore* Finland, as does Del, and Helsinki is somewhere we both want to visit, in conjunction with a trip to Sweden, to see the Northern Lights and stay at the Ice Hotel: https://www.icehotel.com/hotel/

I'm saving up now for our 30th wedding anniversary!

Marco.

[Barry]

Hi Dave,



Your first point is good, and one I agree with, as that type of knowledge has indeed dwindled, probably for the reasons you state. However, at least up here, there are still quite a few independent record shops, primarily owned by music lovers, who are able to advise on such matters and who just love talking about music!

They also tend to have a small system set up in the shop, with a turntable, which they'll gladly use to play you records, prior to purchase, especially if like me you enjoy expanding your musical horizons and checking out new stuff that looks intriguing... It's not always just about buying what you know. One such shop near me, is Grey N Pink, in Chester: http://greynpinkrecords.com/

They've got a Rega P3, set up in a rather nice little system, and the guys are very knowledgeable and helpful, and coupled with the fact that the shop carries a huge and diverse range of music on CD and vinyl (new and 2nd hand), makes it a great place to go. Moonlight Records, in Wrexham, is another such place: https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en...oiowE3oECAYQBg

I could go on, lol... You'd imagine that there must be many places like that in London, if you know where to look!

Marco.

Most of the small record shops in Chelmsford were like that: staffed by knowledgable and enthusiastic music lovers. All of them had a means of playing records: one in particular (which tended to specialise in classical) had a system for use by the customer which consisted of a Thorens TT, Quad 33/303 and (I think ) some smallish B&W speakers. Dobells Jazz Record shop in Charing Cross Road was, not surprisingly, full of people who knew about jazz and blues, were helpful and played the records on a Goldring G99/SME combination, with Radford valve amplification and I think Tannoy speakers.

In those days you could go into a record shop and browse, and if you found something of interest have it played (or play it for yourself). There would always be someone there who could recommend other titles similar to the one you had selected, or just talk about music in general. As Marco has said, this made the whole record buying experience a pleasure. For years the only thing the staff in HMV knew was the price of the record, and that was because it was written on a sticker on the sleeve.

I should also mention that HMV had the most awkward and unhelpful attitude when it came to returning a record. They would insist on playing it on their old groove grinder player, which of course woukd not reveal the fault, state there was nothing wrong with the LP and would only replace it if you made enough fuss. Whereas the classical record shop mentioned above had a totaly different attitude: there was no quibbling at all, only an apology. In their words "the only way record companies will improve their quality control is if we keep returning records that are sub-standard".

It's a different world now, and whilst I feel sorry for the staff of HMV who will loose their jobs, it was, IMO, the coming of HMV to Chelmsford that forced all the small record shops out of business.

[willbewill]

Wow - MAJOR respect... I absolutely *adore* Finland, as does Del, and Helsinki is somewhere we both want to visit, in conjunction with a trip to Sweden, to see the Northern Lights and stay at the Ice Hotel: https://www.icehotel.com/hotel/

I'm saving up now for our 30th wedding anniversary!

Marco.

My wife if fanatical about a Finnish rock band, Von Hertzen Brothers, they're playing a concert to see the New Year in. We've made a lot of friends here through them, out to dinner first with some of them.

Give me a shout when you arrange a trip and we can give some pointers.

[Barry]

In Helsinki for New Year, we visit Finland a couple of times a year, fantastic public transport system and cheap.

Lovely country, beautiful forests, friendly and helpful people and great food and beer! Must go back there sometime.

[Marco]

My wife if fanatical about a Finnish rock band, Von Hertzen Brothers, they're playing a concert to see the New Year in. We've made a lot of friends here through them, out to dinner first with some of them.

Interesting... I'll check them out. So what's the food like there? Is it similar to what's found in Sweden?

I love how dark it gets during winter, even during the day, especially how the shops, bars and stuff are lit up in front of a snowy backdrop. It looks all cosy and romantic.

Marco.

[Barry]

Interesting... So what's the food like there? Is it similar to what's found in Sweden?

Marco.

Great for ungulates(?): raindeer, elk etc. They use a lot of berries in the sauces, and mostly root vegatables. In short - I loved it!

[Marco]

Most of the small record shops in Chelmsford were like that: staffed by knowledgable and enthusiastic music lovers. All of them had a means of playing records: one in particular (which tended to specialise in classical) had a system for use by the customer which consisted of a Thorens TT, Quad 33/303 and (I think ) some smallish B&W speakers. Dobells Jazz Record shop in Charing Cross Road was, not surprisingly, full of people who knew about jazz and blues, were helpful and played the records on a Goldring G99/SME combination, with Radford valve amplification and I think Tannoy speakers.

In those days you could go into a record shop and browse, and if you found something of interest have it played (or play it for yourself). There would always be someone there who could recommend other titles similar to the one you had selected, or just talk about music in general. As Marco has said, this made the whole record buying experience a pleasure. For years the only thing the staff in HMV knew was the price of the record, and that was because it was written on a sticker on the sleeve.

I should also mention that HMV had the most awkward and unhelpful attitude when it came to returning a record. They would insist on playing it on their old groove grinder player, which of course woukd not reveal the fault, state there was nothing wrong with the LP and would only replace it if you made enough fuss. Whereas the classical record shop mentioned above had a totaly different attitude: there was no quibbling at all, only an apology. In their words "the only way record companies will improve their quality control is if we keep returning records that are sub-standard".

It's a different world now, and whilst I feel sorry for the staff of HMV who will loose their jobs, it was, IMO, the coming of HMV to Chelmsford that forced all the small record shops out of business.

All interesting stuff, Barry, so thanks for sharing. I agree with your observations, save the bit in bold, and to which I'd add: "depending on where you live"

I can still do everything you've described, and receive that knowledgeable service, in any of the (many) independent record shops around here

Marco.

[Marco]

Great for ungulates(?): raindeer, elk etc. They use a lot of berries in the sauces, and mostly root vegatables. In short - I loved it!

Sounds very similar to Sweden then, and yes, right up my street! What's it like for veggies? I'm of course thinking of Del. Are the salads, and such like really nice, as they are in pretty much every country apart from the UK?

Marco.

[Barry]

Sounds very similar to Sweden then, and yes, right up my street! What's it like for veggies? I'm of course thinking of Del. Are the salads, and such like really nice, as they are in pretty much every country apart from the UK?

Marco.

I don't remember, as I don't think I eat any salad there (apart from some garnish on the side with a sandwich). Best ask Malcolm.

[willbewill]

Interesting... So what's the food like there? Is it similar to what's found in Sweden?

Marco.

Lol we're having Italian this evening, it's Gone seven here, food can be expensive and drinks are. But there are lots of more frugal offerings if you search, we have friend with a restaurant who does a great all you can eat lunchtime menu for 10.50 €.

Reindeer, cured meats, sausage and fish are staples, traveling around the country the local markets usually have great little cafes with local delicacies, a great option for a hearty breakfast.