Liverpool music lovers, get ready for a nostalgia-filled ride through the golden era of record shops, the decline of physical music, and the unexpected vinyl revival. In the latest episode of Misadventures in Music, we sit down with Graham Jones, the man who has seen more record shops than anyone on the planet and has documented their rise, fall, and resurgence.
From Cheese & Onion to Chart-Hyping
Graham’s journey into the music industry is anything but conventional. Before selling records, he was manufacturing flavours for cheese and onion crisps, a job that left him permanently scented with the snack aisle. His escape route? A job at HMV Liverpool in the 1980s, a time when music fans would queue outside on Monday mornings for new releases, and chart hyping was a standard practice in the industry.
In the podcast, Graham recalls how sales reps would slip freebies to shop employees in exchange for “entering” sales into the chart system—though the more principled staff would just hit cancel. He shares hilarious tales of chart rigging, the importance of independent stores in shaping music culture, and how his accidental overuse of an ingredient led to the legendary “Jonesy’s Mix” in Worcester Sauce crisps.
The Rise and Fall of Record Shops
Having worked in the industry for more than 40 years, Graham witnessed firsthand the boom of independent record stores in the 80s, their near-extinction in the 2000s, and the unexpected comeback of vinyl. He explains how the combination of supermarkets undercutting record stores, the shift to digital downloads, and a bizarre tax loophole that benefited online retailers nearly wiped out physical music sales.
Yet, hope was never completely lost. Last Shop Standing, Graham’s 2009 book, highlighted the crisis and became a wake-up call for music lovers and shop owners alike. Then came Record Store Day—a game-changer that encouraged collectors to return to independent shops, reviving a lost culture of crate-digging and music discovery.
Liverpool’s Music Legacy and The Cherry Boys
Beyond his work as a music historian, Graham managed the Liverpool band The Cherry Boys, known for their cult classic Cardioma Cafe. He shares a bittersweet tale of how they nearly broke through but missed their moment due to sheer bad luck—Janice Long, their biggest champion, went on maternity leave the very week the single was released.
The episode is packed with legendary Liverpool music moments, from Graham unknowingly serving Elvis Costello at HMV to supporting local bands by sneaking their records into prime display spots.
Where We Are Now: Vinyl’s Revival and the Future of Music Shops
While the vinyl revival has brought optimism back to independent record shops, Graham warns that challenges remain. The high cost of vinyl production, Brexit-related delays, and an ever-changing digital landscape still pose threats. But as long as there are music fans who value tangible albums over disposable streams, the future of record shops isn’t just secure—it’s essential.
Listen Now
For an episode filled with laugh-out-loud industry tales, Liverpool music history, and a deep dive into the passion that fuels independent record stores, this one’s a must-listen.
