Come Here To Me!

Road Records closed today. About an hour ago, they tweeted this:

Last song of the night Teenage Fanclub “Everything Flows”, extremely loud. Doors are closing for the last. Goodbye everybody.

After 13 years, the shop had no doubt become a Dublin institution for those of us keen on indie music, the feel and sound of vinyl records and the whole culture that goes with that. A little out of my way, I’d venture in on occasion and then wander off through the arcade and home, normally with a new record. Or an old record, with a new home.

Above: Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy giving My Lovely Horse a go in Road Records, back in May.

While it looked like Road was safe having called off its last goodbye, it was obvious no benefit gig would save the place now. The owners described the situation on the site, noting:

This time, I am sad to say, there is no alternative for us, we have literally tried everything in our powers to keep this place operating and nothing has worked for us. It hasn’t been an easy decision to make, if anything its even more difficult than two years ago, we have had amazing support from people but nothing we do seems to work anymore.

Thinking back today on some of the great records I bought there, and a few instantly come to mind. I remember being very young on my first trip in, having just scored a vinyl player from the big Santa lad himself. I gave these two a play today. Sadly, I didn’t make it in as I’d planned.

Best of luck to the owners in life from here, and thanks for your contribution to Dublin life and youth culture. Keep it vinyl.