Graham Jones is to independent record shops what David Suzuki is to the ozone layer. His book “Last Shop Standing” looks at the decline of independent music retail, examining why there’s now a 7-11 where your local record shop used to be.

Jones has been involved in British music retail and distribution all his life. He’s passionate about his work and loves record shops and the people who run them, but his book is more than a misty-eyed remembrance of shops long closed. Jones’ examination of how factors like the rise of retail mega-brands, illegal downloading and the business practices of record labels themselves have all contributed to the gradual attrition of independent music retail is incisive and enlightening.

The book wastes no time in making its intentions clear – it opens with a roll call of the 500+ music shops that have closed across the UK over the last four years.  The grim realities are tempered with tales of how some smart operators have managed to stay afloat against the odds and Jones’ own recollections of record shops he’s had dealings with over the years. The latter will raise a smile from anyone who’s ever worked in one.

If you love record shops or are interested in the changing landscape of independent retail in general, read “Last Shop Standing”.

LSS is published by Proper Music Publishing Ltd; ISBN 0956121209. It’s the official book of World Record Store Day (April 17, 2010) and is available from your local (independent) record shop and good bookshops everywhere.