Are you sick of the shrill wail of S Club 7 assaulting your senses, as you step into the multi-national world of HMV? Tired of some monosyllabic kid who’d rather be anywhere but on this planet grunting at you in Virgin? Looking for something a little bit different? Quality music perhaps? Well, read on my friend.
Road Records is quite simply the greatest record shop on the banks of the Liffey. This independent Fade St store, which was opened in 1997, specialises in only the highest quality alternative, indie, experimental, ska, punk, post-punk, electronica, reggae and whatever else its owners (who have very discerning taste) decide to stack on their shelves. There is always a seriously impressive selection of stuff on both vinyl and CD for your enjoyment, as well as a selection of music mags, which includes quality alternative fanzines such as “Chinese Firedrill”.
Road Records are also involved in the Road Relish singles club, which is an organisation dedicated to releasing new music by Irish bands and artists of a generally superior quality. Every two months a split 7” single is released featuring two bands. Releases are strictly limited to a run of 500 copies, and are individually numbered and pressed on ultra heavy 70g vinyl. Showcase gigs are also staged featuring the two artists involved with the release, and trust me on this, these gigs almost always possess a truly magical quality.
Visiting Road Records is never less than immensely enjoyable. Run by the unfalteringly friendly duo of Dave and Julie, you are always guaranteed a big smile and a friendly hello. I’m not exaggerating here; they really are a lovely bunch. Last Christmas Eve, a friend of mine went to Road for some last minute pressies and was asked to join the staff for some wine and crackers. “A Christmas treat,” he was told by a beaming Julie. Now, when was the last time that happened to you at HMV?
Not only are you faced with a fantastic sel
ection of reasonably priced music, but you can also busy yourself checking out all the amazing photography that Dave has amassed at some fantastic gigs over the years. Hats off to the man, it’s like being at an exhibition dedicated to all the greatest bands in the world.
Handing your over money is always a pleasure (if that’s possible!). You hand your money to Dave or Julie, happy in the knowledge that it will be lining their pockets alone and not bulging the coffers of some faceless, corporate monster. Long may they prosper.

Road Records
16B Fade Street,
Dublin 2.

www.roadrecs.com