Proper record shops
Discussion
Discussion in the office today I thought worthy of an airing here: classic, proper record shops. What's left? What's gone? Happy memories...
For me, those fondest in my lexicon of musical discovery were Tucker Bros in Upminster (gone) and Downtown Records in Romford (also gone).
Also - Adrian's Records in Wickford (still there, just) and Lizard Records in Norwich (don't know if that's gone or not - great for picking up signed albums and singles back in the day).
There was also a heavy metal record store in Soho - in a a basement in little alley between Bewick Street and Wardour Street IIRC. Can't remember the name of it.
Any others out there worthy of mention?
For me, those fondest in my lexicon of musical discovery were Tucker Bros in Upminster (gone) and Downtown Records in Romford (also gone).
Also - Adrian's Records in Wickford (still there, just) and Lizard Records in Norwich (don't know if that's gone or not - great for picking up signed albums and singles back in the day).
There was also a heavy metal record store in Soho - in a a basement in little alley between Bewick Street and Wardour Street IIRC. Can't remember the name of it.
Any others out there worthy of mention?
Is Beano's in Croydon still going? It used to be brilliant, but then they almost closed down due to people not buying records. But the ensuing outcry persuaded them to keep going, albeit on just a single floor.
There's a small record shop in Reading, but it doesn't have much in there that anyone would want, as far as I can see.
There's a small record shop in Reading, but it doesn't have much in there that anyone would want, as far as I can see.
StevieBee said:
Discussion in the office today I thought worthy of an airing here: classic, proper record shops. What's left? What's gone? Happy memories...
For me, those fondest in my lexicon of musical discovery were Tucker Bros in Upminster (gone) and Downtown Records in Romford (also gone).
Also - Adrian's Records in Wickford (still there, just) and Lizard Records in Norwich (don't know if that's gone or not - great for picking up signed albums and singles back in the day).
There was also a heavy metal record store in Soho - in a a basement in little alley between Bewick Street and Wardour Street IIRC. Can't remember the name of it.
Any others out there worthy of mention?
My Office is on Wardour street and there are several record shops around thereFor me, those fondest in my lexicon of musical discovery were Tucker Bros in Upminster (gone) and Downtown Records in Romford (also gone).
Also - Adrian's Records in Wickford (still there, just) and Lizard Records in Norwich (don't know if that's gone or not - great for picking up signed albums and singles back in the day).
There was also a heavy metal record store in Soho - in a a basement in little alley between Bewick Street and Wardour Street IIRC. Can't remember the name of it.
Any others out there worthy of mention?
Borderline Records in Brighton (on Gardner Street) is one of my favourites - I always go in if I'm passing by as I'm pretty much guaranteed to find something of interest. Very focused on '60s and '70s recordings of all genres, which means lots of obscurities instead of the played-to-death usual suspects.
StevieBee said:
Just remembered the one I was thinking of; 'Shades'
I met Metallica (with Cliff) in Shades just before Donington in 85 and got a copy of Ride the Lightning signed by them all, still in the loft somewhere. Nice small proper record shop that you could wile away an hour looking at obscure stuff my part time job finances wouldn't allow me to buy.SGirl said:
Is Beano's in Croydon still going? It used to be brilliant, but then they almost closed down due to people not buying records. But the ensuing outcry persuaded them to keep going, albeit on just a single floor.
There's a small record shop in Reading, but it doesn't have much in there that anyone would want, as far as I can see.
From memory Beano's wasn't new music right? I picked up a few classic rap 12"s when I went there but nothing current. There's a small record shop in Reading, but it doesn't have much in there that anyone would want, as far as I can see.
There are/were two in the Harris Arcade in Reading. The one that looks like a bric a brac toy shop from the outside is the best IMO from a music and helpful point of view. The guy has some very jazz leanings and has always put me onto new (old artists) I've never heard of before.
metalsteve said:
The Rock Box in camberley is still going strong.
Another great shop. In the past I've also spent alot of money in the following
Dance 2 Records - Guildford
Ben's Collectors - Guildford
Dub Vendor - Clapham and Grove
Wyld Pitch - West End
Mr Bongos - West End
Deal Real - West End
Best record shop ever was Small Wonder in Walthamstow run by Peter Stennett, the Cockney Rejects, Angelic Upstarts, The Cure, Crass, & Bauhaus all had their first releases put out by Small Wonder.
Spent a lot of my youth in there and heard about Ian Curtis' death there.
Edited by vixen1700 on Tuesday 11th December 10:14
LISTEN records on Renfield Street in Glasgow.
I remember going in and buying Rush's 'Farewell To Kings' at the age of 12 and the guy behind the counter asking me ''are you READY for this wee man?''
Was I ever!...the beginning of a long love-affair with that Band and the impetus behind learning guitar and drums. Both of which have given me so much pleasure in Life.
They also had a downstairs area where you could buy music related badges/patches/belt-buckles etc.
Was a brilliant shop.
I remember going in and buying Rush's 'Farewell To Kings' at the age of 12 and the guy behind the counter asking me ''are you READY for this wee man?''
Was I ever!...the beginning of a long love-affair with that Band and the impetus behind learning guitar and drums. Both of which have given me so much pleasure in Life.
They also had a downstairs area where you could buy music related badges/patches/belt-buckles etc.
Was a brilliant shop.
Miguel Alvarez said:
From memory Beano's wasn't new music right? I picked up a few classic rap 12"s when I went there but nothing current.
Yep, that's right. They were excellent for rare collectibles, but they had a decent stock of more run-of-the-mill stuff as well. Miguel Alvarez said:
There are/were two in the Harris Arcade in Reading. The one that looks like a bric a brac toy shop from the outside is the best IMO from a music and helpful point of view. The guy has some very jazz leanings and has always put me onto new (old artists) I've never heard of before.
There still are. The toy shop one is pretty good, very limited on stock due to lack of floor space though. He stocks all kinds of old toys and books as well, and is linked to the military memorabilia shop next door, which is a cool place! The other one sells only records, but it's mostly old second-hand stock and not particularly interesting unless old chart music is your thing. Does anyone know if Hag's in Lampeter is still going? It was last time I was there, but that was a few years ago now. Hag Harris and his shop were legendary.
SGirl said:
There still are. The toy shop one is pretty good, very limited on stock due to lack of floor space though. He stocks all kinds of old toys and books as well, and is linked to the military memorabilia shop next door, which is a cool place! The other one sells only records, but it's mostly old second-hand stock and not particularly interesting unless old chart music is your thing.
I know what you mean about the other one. Plus The main guy was the stereo typical record shop owner who I always got the impression I was bothering him asking him to listen to something. That and everything was "good" or "I've got a collector coming in later to buy the lot". I tend to only go in there these days if I'm after a readily available record and they're close. The toy shop one is pretty good, very limited on stock due to lack of floor space though. He stocks all kinds of old toys and books as well, and is linked to the military memorabilia shop next door, which is a cool place! The other one sells only records, but it's mostly old second-hand stock and not particularly interesting unless old chart music is your thing. The toy shop guy on the other hand would say looking at what you've bought in the past you'll probably hate that record which is refreshing from a sales man.
Actually I just remembered the Oxfam music store just on the way from Jackson's Corner to the Casino is very good and the young guy in there is very knowledgable and helpful.
SGirl said:
There still are. The toy shop one is pretty good, very limited on stock due to lack of floor space though. He stocks all kinds of old toys and books as well, and is linked to the military memorabilia shop next door, which is a cool place! The other one sells only records, but it's mostly old second-hand stock and not particularly interesting unless old chart music is your thing.
Does anyone know if Hag's in Lampeter is still going? It was last time I was there, but that was a few years ago now. Hag Harris and his shop were legendary.
Last time I went there Hag's seemed to be leaning more towards videos & DVDs. This was several years ago. I don't know if it's still open but I know that Hag is or at least was a local councillor. The toy shop one is pretty good, very limited on stock due to lack of floor space though. He stocks all kinds of old toys and books as well, and is linked to the military memorabilia shop next door, which is a cool place! The other one sells only records, but it's mostly old second-hand stock and not particularly interesting unless old chart music is your thing. Does anyone know if Hag's in Lampeter is still going? It was last time I was there, but that was a few years ago now. Hag Harris and his shop were legendary.
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