Popular Isle of Wight record shop under new ownership

Rob Messer has moved from Essex to the Isle of Wight to take on Hip City Island Records, formerly known as Groovy Records, on Cross Street, Shanklin.

The 55-year-old has been collecting and selling records for years, and already had thousands of his own to add to the shop collection.

On Good Friday (March 29), Rob is running an official launch at the shop, from 4pm.

Rob Messer at Hip City Island Records, Shanklin. (Image: County Press)

He said Easter being all about resurrection, made it seem like the perfect time to resurrect Shanklin’s record shop.

Rob said: “It’s been here for 25 years, and used to be run by the late John Munroe.

“I used to come here from the mainland, and the records were literally piled to the ceiling – you had to walk sideways through it, like a crab.

Hip City Island Records, Shanklin. (Image: County Press)

“So, I emptied it all out, redone the ceilings, plastered the walls, and put shelving up; gave it a more open plan feel.

“I’ve been going through it all, sorting out the better stuff, mixing in my own stuff, and pricing it all up.”

The shop is open from 11am to 5pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Hip City Island Records, Shanklin. (Image: County Press)

“I moved to the Island about a year and a half ago,” said Rob.

“It’s a lovely place to be, I love it.

“I used to run record fairs in Essex, and I did lots of online trading.

“I’ve bought and sold records for 25 years, and it just seemed like a good time to take on a little shop and settle down on the Island.

“I’ve met a lot of people here who are really into music.

“My personal taste is soul, northern soul, Motown, but I’m into loads of different genres, so we’re going to have a little DJ session on Friday.

Hip City Island Records, Shanklin. (Image: County Press)

“Anyone can pop along. If you’re into music, come down and check us out.

“There must be around 10,000 records in here, and I’ve probably got another 10,000 in my own collection, and another 10,000 in storage as well."

What record would you recommend? Which one lives long in the memory?

“One of my favourite albums of all time, which I think is absolutely amazing, is Gil Scott-Heron’s Pieces of a Man.  

“He’s the kind of godfather of rap, I guess. It’s a really, really good record.

“If you want a more modern recommendation, Jalen Ngonda’s new album is really good.

“He’s a bit like Marvin Gaye; he’s got a lovely voice.

“I’m an old mod, so I grew up with The Jam, Madness, then I got into northern soul, ska and reggae, but I listen to so much stuff now.

“The first record I ever bought was My Girl, by Madness, when I was about 12 years’ old.

“I heard it on Noel Edmonds' Swap Shop and went and got it.

“Then mum bought me the Madness album for Christmas, and I never looked back."