I am lost within this half-world, it hardly seems to matter now (Genesis)

Wie geht's?

Bit disappointed that the Music Exchange second hand record shop has closed down in Hastings. I drove past it a few days ago and there is a huge 'For Lease' sign in the shop window.

It wasn't great by any stretch of the imagination - records were overpriced and not in great condition generally, the presentation of the bins was lousy and shambolic, the decor was grim, and the owner was slightly weird and obnoxious. 

But it was a record shop in Hastings - a last port of call if I was desperate for some specific record and I couldn't find it anywhere else. And believe me - it would have to be VERY desperate.

It was the sort of place you'd leave and feel the need to take a shower.

I heard today that the owner had retired and his stock bought by a guy who was intending to eventually open a shop in Waipukarau of all places - 15 minutes down the road.

So, as long as they get someone decent to look after the stock, and the shop is clean, maybe, just maybe, not all is lost. Might give Tony in Waipawa a shake up.

He's a lovely guy but there's no EFTPOS at Passisonate About Vinyl, he is also pricey, and his stock is all over the place - hard to find what you're looking for most of the time, and his opening hours are bizarre.

But he has records and it's fun to browse through his quirky shop.

My Top Five (second hand record shops near me):

1. Real Groovy Records (Auckland)
2. Vinyl Countdown (New Plymouth)
3. Tron Records (Hamilton)
4. Slow Boat Records (Wellington)
5. Electric City Music (Napier)/ Passionate About Vinyl (Waipawa)

Love and peace - Wozza