Have a look at the picture above. Can you see the little poster on the bottom right corner? It’s of Steven Wilson’s 2016 release 4½. While I wouldn’t count it as one of his greatest works, the mere fact that poster is there is very important for me: Mr. Wilson is probably the first person that pops to mind when people ask me what kind of music I like or who my favourite musician is.

That said, few people who ask me recognise him, even though pretty much everyone who listens to Athens rock radio stations will instantly recognise Blackfield by Blackfield from the album Blackfield.

It was therefore an exciting surprise when I entered Record House, my neighbourhood music store, and saw that they were almost as unapologetically in love with the guy as I am, if not more (it was hard typing this out). Yes, I’m so obsessed, I didn’t even mention Nick Waterhouse, the artist on the album the lady’s holding in the picture (thanks Marilena).

Shops with used music are getting easier to find all around the world, but a place where you can catch up on new releases can be trickier. Record House has been around since 1971. That’s 45+ years of cassettes, vinyl, CDs, concerts DVDs, box-sets, last-minute gifts, collector’s items, “if I like XYZ what else will I like?” suggestions from the assistants, incredible atmosphere and a central location in the commercial centre of Nea Smyrni. Drop by if you’re in the area.