French Eshops Focus #1
After pitching successively a few words about record stores from Australia, shifting the spotlight to Brussels, and even delving into the global network of distributors working with Common Ground, I couldn’t wait to finally focus on my beloved France. Spoiler alert: grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence, and here’s the first insight on our national treasure, to be followed by a second part!
Handwerk
With cameos from Pac Man and Space Invaders on their homepage, and a nod to German pioneers Kraftwerk in the shop’s name, you might think Handwerk is a time machine back to the '80s. But don’t be fooled: it’s actually an amazing tour guide through the last three decades of Dance Music, thanks to a super catalog of news and second-hand releases, all connected by Handwerk’s distinctive selection. Minimal House, bouncy Electro, soulful grooves, hypnotic tech-house, transcendental atmospheres and '90s rave designs everywhere!
→ https://www.handwerk-sounds.com
Eponyme Vinyle
At home, decoration has never been so much about art, as the centerpiece dominating the living room is a wall of fame showcasing my favorite vinyls, CDs and cassettes. But maybe it would have been different if I lived in Bordeaux and were a frequent visitor of Eponyme Vinyle, a unique record shop that shares its name with the gallery it calls home. Originally established in 2005, the contemporary art space couldn’t hold it anymore and finally added the music string to its bow in 2021, with a colorful tapestry of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Disco, Pop, Rock, Electro and Hip-Hop records. And who knows? Maybe someday they’ll end up being the ones framing vinyls as part of an exhibition!
→ https://www.eponymevinyle.com
Physical Store: 3 rue Cornac 33000 Bordeaux-Chartrons
Jamwax
Think we only have cool record stores in stock? Think again! We also work with remarkable labels like the prolific Jamwax, and its seventy releases in the past eleven years (that’s quite a collection, right?). Focusing on reissues of (mostly) Jamaican Music, the French imprint strives for giving a second lease of life to rare recordings, and write with their owner the story behind. An impressive work of research, background documentation and conservation of Black Music: Reggae, Afro-Caribbean, Soul, Boogie, Jazz… Their catalog even ventures into cross-genre productions, thus highlighting the future sounds of yesterday's dreams. And for the white labels enthusiasts? Their test pressings are available online for you to grab!
Onigiri Records
There’s no harm in giving a leg up to a fellow local peer sometimes! Among the wide list of French shops, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to shine a light on Onigiri Records, which opened its doors in my Lyon hometown back in the summer of 2021. An unequivocal name as a love letter to Japanese Music and its fine obi-stips. From Electronic Music pioneers in the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Shigeo Sekito or Susumu Yokota, to Joe Hisaishi’s legendary OSTs, passing by more obscure avant-gardist bands, the shop features a pile of essential, priceless reissues. But also, non-Japanese music indeed, with a versatile selection of new and second hand Trance, House, Hip Hop, Disco, Pop Rock, and a section of local talents… to give a leg up to their local peers!
→ https://www.onigiri-records.com
Physical Store: 40 rue Chevreul 69007 Lyon
Reggae Music
Here’s a tricky riddle: what do you think Reggae Music is specialized in? Let's not prolong the suspense any longer - it’s all about the Jamaican music and its many offshoots. Dive into history from Ska and Rock Steady foundations to the latest digital Dub, by way of suave Lovers Rock, Dancehall riddims or spiritual Roots Reggae… Only news, at affordable prices: whether it’s fresh contemporary productions or timeless reissues, you’ll find everything reggae right here.
Words by Loïs Markarian — ©DR Common Ground / Hero: Eponyme Vinyl
lundi 11 novembre 2024