I heard about this book on the radio and was intrigued. Last Shop Standing is essentially a travel journal from a tour of record shops in the United Kingdom. Graham Jones, a music distributor, writes about the unique shops and why he thinks they'll be the "Last Shop Standing" in each of their communities. The book is funny, anecdotal and nostalgic.
While reading I found myself agree and disagreeing with Jones a lot. On one hand I find it extremely sad when independent record stores are forced to close due to the changes in the industry and the lack of support from the record companies. On the other hand I do embrace a few of the changes to the industry and will admit that I do download (iTunes, and well let's face it, some less legal sites). Though reading this book has made me want to flip through the racks again - like old times.
I'd say this is a must-read for any music lover - though his stories are all from the UK - the message is universally understood by music lovers: Record stores are worth saving.
P.S. I think if Van Morrison finds out about this book, he's gonna be pissed.
