Like all other dedicated record-buying clientèle from Ennis and further afield, I was devastated that Record Rack was closing its doors. Our Generation/Fear and Clothing is located on Lower Market Street above The Wine Buff. The manager, Criona Wickham, has a long history with arguably the most renowned record shop in Ennis ever, Record Rack. I was expecting to walk in to a shop full of CDs and records that time (and people) had long forgotten. However, the spirit of Record Rack is alive an well. Of course, it was a strategic business move; bringing two strong elements of R.R. under a new revamped store idea. Our Generation has a large open-plan space, making everything visible the second you make it up the stairs. New releases, back catalog, and specials on vinyl, CD and DVD are a specialty. Even though I presumed it would sell mostly rock and 'alternative' music, it actually houses an eclectic range of genres. It still caters for pop and rock music fans with chart-toppers and classic releases, while whetting the appetite of the most seasoned classical music buffs with an extensive Deutsche Grammaphon catalog. There is a pretty quirky selection of DVDs, from early screen comic legends, slasher horrors and chick-flicks, to poor old Arnold Schwarzennegger's 'Hercules in New York' (yes, it exists!). Select DVDs are only a fiver each or three for €10. In addition to all this, there is clothing from brands such as Hell Bunny and Darkside, accessories (badges, lighters, audio gear), posters, and, the weirdest gift-ideas I've ever seen: Celtic Toaster anyone? Giant calculator? Why not!
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| New 7" from C!ties/Deviant+ Naive Ted |
Our Generation hosts live performances from bands and DJs, ensuring throngs of eager listeners. It's a great thing to see this happening: in-store events in a place like Ennis is valuable because it brings music closer to the audience, and helps maintain and develop a fanbase (for the shop, and the band). Last Saturday townie-band C!ties performed a set, promoting their new single fresh of the presses with Deviant and Naive Ted on the B-side. I bought the 7" and had a little surge of joy: at last! A physical product, is way nicer than an 'invisible' mp3. What a boring format. Everyone should buy a record player. C!ties are tight performers, and always draw a crowd with their techno-tinged prog-rock. They kind of traverse many genres, and appeal to a wide audience.
Our Generation is a perfect example of a business that is a product of the recession (urgh! that word!), and I mean it in a good way: if things weren't so crap economically, it might never have happened. You can buy, swap, or get store credit for your old records/CDs/DVDs.
A taste of C!ties in Our Generation last Saturday (sorry about poor quality). Loads of pics below.
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| Seán Hurson&Ian Malone of C!ties |
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| Happy Customers!Cian McKeown, John Slattery and Eanna Talty @ Our Generation / C!ties In-store event. |
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| Hell Bunny rockabilly@Fear and Clothing |
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| Classics galore.... |
Like all other dedicated record-buying clientèle from Ennis and further afield, I was devastated that Record Rack was closing its doors. Our Generation/Fear and Clothing is located on Lower Market Street above The Wine Buff. The manager, Criona Wickham, has a long history with arguably the most renowned record shop in Ennis ever, Record Rack. I was expecting to walk in to a shop full of CDs and records that time (and people) had long forgotten. However, the spirit of Record Rack is alive an well. Of course, it was a strategic business move; bringing two strong elements of R.R. under a new revamped store idea. Our Generation has a large open-plan space, making everything visible the second you make it up the stairs. New releases, back catalog, and specials on vinyl, CD and DVD are a specialty. Even though I presumed it would sell mostly rock and 'alternative' music, it actually houses an eclectic range of genres. It still caters for pop and rock music fans with chart-toppers and classic releases, while whetting the appetite of the most seasoned classical music buffs with an extensive Deutsche Grammaphon catalog. There is a pretty quirky selection of DVDs, from early screen comic legends, slasher horrors and chick-flicks, to poor old Arnold Schwarzennegger's 'Hercules in New York' (yes, it exists!). Select DVDs are only a fiver each or three for €10. In addition to all this, there is clothing from brands such as Hell Bunny and Darkside, accessories (badges, lighters, audio gear), posters, and, the weirdest gift-ideas I've ever seen: Celtic Toaster anyone? Giant calculator? Why not! 
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Good to know whats happening up that stairs..Keep the blogs coming!
ReplyDeleteNice blog. I got a bit distracted mid way to check out Hercules in New York though.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5FpADrNcNI
:)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cathydesmond.blogspot.com excited to find this blog on Ennis features and I love the look of it. I too feel very sad at the way record shops have slipped quietly out of the scene . I look forward to reading more of your posts
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