(November 13, 2020) For music lovers who grew up in the 70s and 80s, Tower Records was a mecca. A place with truly knowledgeable workers and a selection of music that was to die for. Unfortunately, the music stopped for Tower Records fourteen years ago, as the iconic chain filed for bankruptcy. And for may folks, so did a part of their youth.
Now comes the good news that Tower Records is returning. Nope, it won't be a chain of physical stores (the original Tower has a single physical store in Japan). Instead it is back solely as an online store, selling vinyl, CDs, cassettes and, of course, music merchandise. It's a well designed site that includes loads of music as well as the iconic Tower logo on lots of stuff.
(November 13, 2020) For music lovers who grew up in the 70s and 80s, Tower Records was a mecca. A place with truly knowledgeable workers and a selection of music that was to die for. Unfortunately, the music stopped for Tower Records fourteen years ago, as the iconic chain filed for bankruptcy. And for may folks, so did a part of their youth.
Now comes the good news that Tower Records is returning. Nope, it won't be a chain of physical stores (the original Tower has a single physical store in Japan). Instead it is back solely as an online store, selling vinyl, CDs, cassettes and, of course, music merchandise. It's a well designed site that includes loads of music as well as the iconic Tower logo on lots of stuff.
There is something special now about new music Fridays, Spotify's Release Radar, and connecting directly with your favorite artist via social media. But there is also joy in the nostalgia of thinking about music chains like Tower, Sam Goody, Musicland and, here in Detroit, the great Harmony House; arriving on Tuesdays to see the new releases and talking with a person behind the counter who was even more passionate about music than you were.
I hope that the new Tower Records makes it, and in more than just a nostalgic way. We'll be watching and cheering for the new team.
By Chris Rizik