Birmingham New Street to host National Album Day exhibition
The second National Album Day is returning next month to celebrate Britain's love of records with a display at Birmingham's New Street Station to mark the occasion.
The exclusive album artwork exhibition ‘Sounds of...’ will be displayed at New Street, as well as Glasgow Central Station, Manchester Piccadilly and London Bridge on a tour of the nation in conjunction with Network Rail.
Diverse album lists curated by NAD artist champions Lewis Capaldi, Elbow, Mahalia and Mark Ronson along with local music critics, independent record stores showcase the best-selling albums of the Millennium from each part of the UK.
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The public exhibition will stop at New Street from September 30 before heading back to London on October 9 ahead of the 2019 National Album Day on October 12.
Leicester-born Mahalia has been chosen as the Midlands' musical champion, and her list of six albums that have inspired her will be displayed alongside choices from Lyle Bignon, music journalist and Birmingham Music Coalition founder, and Bromsgrove Street-based record store The Diskery.
The Official Charts Company have also compiled the six best-selling albums of the millennium in each area.
The ‘Sounds of…’ exhibition will reflect all 24 album choices from these combined lists relevant to each area to present a cross-cultural view of the musical landscape, both past and present.
Mahlia's six selected records that have inspired her are: Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019); Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago (2007); Corinne Bailey Rae – Corinne Bailey Rae (2006); Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998); Elli Ingram – Love You Really (2017); and Amy Winehouse – Frank (2003).
The Official Charts Company have revealed that the best-selling records from this millennium that are included are: Robbie Williams – Swing When You’re Winning (2001); James Morrison – Undiscovered (2006); Ellie Goulding – Halcyon (2012); The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come For Free (2004); Kasabian – Kasabian (2004); and Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg (2012).
Lyle Bignon has picked: UB40 – Signing Off (1980); The Specials – The Specials (1979); Nick Drake – Five Leaves Left (1969); Dexy’s Midnight Runners – Searching For The Young Soul Rebels (1980); Laura Mvula – Sing To The Moon (2013); and Juice Aleem – Jerusalaam Come (2009).
And The Diskery have chosen: Electric Light Orchestra – Out of the Blue (1977); Duran Duran – Duran Duran (1981); The Streets – Original Pirate Material (2002); Steel Pulse – Handsworth Revolution (1978); Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath (1970); and Joan Armatrading – Joan Armatrading (1976) to go on display at New Street.
Following a successful inaugural year, NAD is returning for its second annual edition organised jointly by record labels body the BPI and ERA (Entertainment Retailers Association), representing the nation’s music retailers and digital/streaming platforms, and with the active participation of AIM (Association of Independent Music).
