Mark Thomas is the co-owner of Vinyl Countdown, the Independent Record Store in New Plymouth. They opened the doors late 2011, and have had tremendous support from the people of Taranaki, and from customers around New Zealand and the World. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter. Here are five albums he’s loving right now…

1 – Rammstein, Made In Germany:  For some reason I rediscovered Rammstein this year. I like the story of how these guys got the band together, and I admire them for keeping the same line up since the early 90s. They are now on my “must see them play live before I die” list. Favourite tracks: Links 2 3 4, Mutter, Mein Teil, Amerika, Du Hast and Sonne.

2 – Tom Petty, Wildflowers: Hadn’t heard this album in a little while, but started listening to it again after we decided to cover Cabin Down Below in our band. I love the production, especially the cracking drum sound. Cabin Down Below, Honey Bee and Only A Broken Heart are stand out tracks for me.

3 – King Cannons, The Brightest Light:  Although described as “horrible” by critics (well, at least one), I like this album, and I liked seeing the King Cannons on their tour with Shihad early this year. Tracks I really like: Call For Help, The Brightest Light.

4 – Soundgarden, King Animal: Enjoying this new album from Soundgarden – a real return to form 15 years on from the last studio album. Halfway There, Bones Of Birds and Eyelid’s Mouth are great songs.

5 – Rival State, Apollo Me: Their song Four Leaf Clover is one of the top songs of 2012 for me. This album was recorded, produced and mixed in New Plymouth, and to know how hard these guys worked to see the realisation of this album, and to see the response at their launch gig at The Mayfair, it was great to be part of the release here in their home town.