Wax & Stamp

What's in the box: Each month brings two records, one LP and one EP or single, along with a letter about why they were chosen.

Wax & Stamp is a UK vinyl subscription that calls itself the longest running service of its kind in the country. Its issue numbers are now past 130, which suggests it has been going for many years. Each month subscribers get two records, one full album and one EP or single, picked by the company's selectors. The focus is on new or obscure music rather than familiar reissues, and the picks cover almost every genre. This is a discovery service, not a way to fill gaps in a collection of classics. Each shipment comes with a monthly letter explaining the choices, which helps when you are hearing an artist for the first time. Plans start from £30, and the site also offers gift subscriptions and a separate vinyl shop. Past selections are listed online, so you can judge the curators' taste before signing up. The main risk is the same as with any blind curation: you have no say over what arrives, and with such a wide genre spread some months will suit you better than others. The front page does not give shipping costs or delivery areas, so check the FAQ before you commit. For open-minded listeners who want a steady supply of unfamiliar music, it is a well established choice.