News: Record Store Day announces annual poll to find the UK’s best indie stores

Voting opens in Rock and Alternative, Dance and Classical categories

21st February 2012: Record Store Day, the celebration of indie record stores set for April 21, has opened voting for its annual public poll to find the UK's best indie stores.

Voting this year will take place in three categories:

• Rock and alternative
• Dance
• Classical

Voting takes place at www.recordstoreday.co.uk and www.indierecordshop.org
Music fans will be encouraged to judge stores based on the criteria which historically typify the best indie stores - music knowledge, service and range as well as huge selection of random flyers, ability of staff to work on two hours sleep and openness to musicians hanging out endlessly without buying anything.

Last year's poll was based on location rather than genre and the winners were:
• Resident - Brighton
• Love Music - Glasgow
• Tangled Parrot - Carmarthen
• Head - Belfast

Kim Bayley, Director General of the Entertainment Retailers Association, which organises the poll said, "Despite the growth of download culture, the best indie stores have come into their own in recent years as the beating heart of the music industry. Our annual poll gives an opportunity to highlight the often unsung heroes of music - the independent stores who really champion new music."