Much-loved Harrogate indie record shop's big role in Britain's great vinyl revival
A Harrogate independent record shop whose reputation is so high that a punk legend popped in is playing its role in the country’s vinyl revival.
As the UK embraces the return of 7inch singles and 12inch albums – sales rose by 11.7% to 5.9 million units last year – Evil Eye Vinyl is keeping the flag flying with its diversity of stock and commitment to high quality.
After sharing a space with Space Vintage retro shop for years on The Ginnel in Harrogate, Evil Eye Vinyl successfully moved to larger premises in the beautiful Westminster Arcade.
Although more than four-fifths of recorded music is now consumed via streaming, vinyl has made a huge comeback, not only for nostalgia reasons but among young music fans, as have cassette tapes.
Evil Eye Vinyl specialises in both.
Known for its owners’ friendly nature and facial hair, the store's reputation for quality second hand vinyl has spread far beyond Harrogate.
Touring bands occasionally make a detour on the road from venues to come to Harrogate to check out the latest arrivals at Evil Eye Vinyl.
Which is how legendary 1970s punk band UK Subs and its front man Charlie Harper made a visit one memorable day in 2018.
Supporters of what remain of Harrogate’s live music scene and live music in general, Evil Eye Vinyl is also a regular presence at Harrogate Record Fair at Wesley Centre.
The independent shop may embrace punk and metal in a big way but it offers a very wide variety of music genres, usually in mint condition, from jazz to prog.
Located at Unit 8, upstairs in Westminster Arcade near 65 Degrees Asian food cafe, a recent post on its Facebook page gives a flavour of its inclusive approach: “Lots of new stuff in this week including a really nice condition 80s collection.
"Blondie, Bananarama, The Bangles, Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, Prefab Sprout, Strawberry Switchblade and loads more...”
The BPI, the trade body for the UK music industry, has said independent record stores have helped the vinyl revival – and Evil Eye Vinyl has contributed more than most.