The votes are in, the poll has closed and IndieRecordShop.Org, the lobbying organisation devoted to highlighting the contribution of independent stores to music, today announces the names of Britain’s best indie record stores, as voted for by the public:

· England’s choice is Resident, based in Brighton’s vibrant North Laine area;

· The best Scottish indie is named as LOVEmusic in Dundas Street, Glasgow;

· Carmarthen’s Tangled Parrot took the crown as Best Welsh Indie;

· Head, based in Belfast’s Victoria Square Shopping Centre, is Northern Ireland’s choice.
All four stores are participating in this year’s Record Store Day, due to take place on April 16.

The results are based on more than 4,000 votes logged in a public poll on indierecordshop.org, a lobbying and online resource backed by the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), designed to highlight the contribution of indies to the UK music scene.

Kim Bayley, Director General of ERA said, “Our four winners show the diversity and dynamism which are still the hallmark of the UK’s independent record stores and which will be on full display on Record Store Day on Saturday 16 April 2011.”
A full list of Record Store Day releases and activities is available from www.recordstoreday.co.uk.

LOVEmusic, Glasgow:
The rebranded and face-lifted LOVEmusic – previously known as Avalanche Glasgow has remained true to its formula of offering new and pre-owned records and music DVDs. New items arrive six days a week, and the store hosts in-store performances by local and touring acts. Next in the diary is a performance by Dundee’sThe View – who have recorded this year’s Record Store Day anthem, ‘I Need That Record’ – on April 7. Love Music is run by Sandy McLean who has over 30 years of experience in the UK music business , and has worked for Rough Trade, Fopp, Virgin, Fast Product, Avalanche and Bruce’s Records in Edinburgh.
Sandy McLean said, “I’m honoured that we’ve been chosen as Scotland’s best independent record shop. There’s been a lot of hard work put into winning this award; we’ve had to evolve with the changing marketplace. As our traditional student custom dropped off our demographic has gotten older and more discerning; we’ve had to run faster just to stand still. Glasgow is such a music loving city ; there’s a real passion for music here, and we’re proud to be a part of it. Thanks to everyone who voted for us.”