the
industry
Record Shops
Coventry had a number of thriving record shops throughout the 1950's-1970's, but many closed during the recession of the late 1970's-80's. There were a number of as yet unidentified record dealers who also had shops in Spon St, Allesley Old Rd., Foleshill Rd. and Gosford St., as well as a number of small electrical goods who also stocked records.
Fennells, 78 Lower Precinct / 270 Remembrance
Rd / Earlsdon St
One of the best stocked record shops in the city.
Closed by 1979
Jill Hansons, 8 Market Way
Hosted 'Jill's Jury' singles forum for Coventry Standard - also had a boutique at 9 Market Way
Closed c. 1981.
Paynes, Fairfax St.
Also sold musical instruments and sheet music
Closed c. 1982
Barrie Phelps, 38 Jordan Well
Barrie Phelps was musical director for Hotel Leofric 1960's.
Cranes, Far Gosford St / 90 Barkers Butts Lane.
Elliott
Electrics, 122 Albany Rd.
Patels, Stoney Stanton Rd.
Superb Reggae stockist.
Recording Studios
Panthos Studios, Balsall Common
Opened in January 1965 in special ceremony with Jimmy Hill.
Very popular studio for demo recordings, run by Graham West and Philip Stevens. Most Warwickshire bands recorded acetates and demos here.
There was talk of a Panthos label, but nothing seems to have come of this.
Midland Sound Recorders, Bishop Street / Balsall
Common
Opened by Barry Shires, originally in Bishop St, he later took over Panthos Studios, Meeting House Lane, Balsall Common.
Again this was a very popular studio for Warwickshire groups to record acetates and demos. They also had their own label (MSR), releasing custom albums by easy listening, jazz and folk groups, as well as scout and guide choirs.
Ran into the late 1970's.
Bird Sound Studios, Snitterfield
Although strictly outside the geographic region of this site, they advertised in Coventry magazines and a number of Coventry bands recorded there (including Peppermint Kreem) so they're included.
Became 8-track studio by 1974, run by Monty Bird.
Bob Young tells us: "On the
demise of ABC George I went into partnership with Monty Bird and we
formed "Tank Records" which ran until around 1977/8 when Monty
passed away."
articles
|
