Digging in the crates

The seeds of inspiration for the Jolene online shop can be traced back to a sunny afternoon foraging at a clifftop Cornish car boot sale. There is a palpable sense of excitement when stepping into aisles of curated treasure, and I always keep an eager eye out for a box of random records.

Record collecting can be a serious business. There are aficionados and knowledgeable addicts of every conceivable genre. I never tire of marvelling at the speed and dexterity of a seasoned vinyl junkie flicking through boxes with laser focus.

The renaissance and warm embrace of all things analogue has intensified the pursuit of finding hidden, unblemished gems. Yet a more leisurely approach to digging through crates can be just as rewarding and often far more pleasurable. Taking a gamble based purely on sleeve artwork is a long shot, but for a few pounds it’s usually worth the punt.

New record stores selling a mix of second-hand and new vinyl are popping up in small towns once again. Record fairs are thriving, and charity shops and car boot sales remain fertile hunting grounds for unexpected finds.

We have a friend called Anthony who has a vast collection of vinyl. He sells records through his stores in the Midlands, at record fairs, and to us, allowing us to add an eclectic mix of recordings we love to the Jolene online store.

Our vinyl selections are all in good second-hand condition for their age, but we cherish the occasional pop and crackle of a well-loved record. Those imperfections may be the result of a jumping needle during a kitchen disco, a cat wandering across a turntable, or countless moments of everyday life etched into the grooves. Accidental post-production, perhaps, adding a little uniqueness to the soundtracks of our lives.

Happy hunting.

Jolene

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