LondonShopping

Music shopping in London

  1. A

    Reckless Records

    New and second-hand records/CDs at these two great stores run the gamut from punk, soul, dance and independent to mainstream. One store specialises in rock, indie and rarities and the other majors in dance and soul, this place is a music buff's heaven. There are other smaller branches located all over London.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Rough Trade

    With its underground, alternative and vintage rarities, this home of the eponymous punk-music label remains a haven for vinyl junkies who get misty-eyed about the days before CDs (also on sale) and MP3 players. Check out the Covent Garden branch in Neal’s Yard.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Revival

    The old Reckless Records store was replaced by Revival, though the outfit hasn’t changed much. It’s still new and second-hand records/CDs, from punk, soul, dance and independent to mainstream.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Sterns Music

    A world-music oldie, Sterns has been around since the 1980s, lording it over London’s world-music scene. Excellent website where you can listen to albums in the shop’s charts.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Vintage & Rare Guitars

    Denmark St is lined with guitar shops, but hardcore axe-addicts make a beeline for this Aladdin’s cave of vintage Stratocasters, Les Pauls, Gretschs and Rickenbackers.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Sister Ray

    If you were a fan of the late, great John Peel on the BBC/BBC World Service, this specialist in innovative, experimental and indie music is just right for you.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Sounds of the Universe

    Outlet of Soul Jazz Records label (responsible for so many great soul, reggae, funk and dub albums), this place stocks CDs and vinyl plus some original 45s.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Phonica

    A cool and relaxed Poland St store that stocks a lot of house, electro and hip hop, but you can find just about anything from reggae to dub, jazz and rock.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Haggle Vinyl

    Vinyl records from as little as £2.50 for the stuff that has spilled over into the boxes on the floor. From 1950s crooners to early hip hop.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Music & Video Exchange

    Second-hand store par excellence. One of countless London branches of ‘Exchange’ shops. Get a leaflet and check them all out.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Ray’s Jazz Shop

    Quiet and serene with friendly and helpful staff, this is one of the best jazz shops in London, with a fab independent cafe in tow.

    reviewed

  13. L

    On the Beat

    Mostly ‘60s and ‘70s retro; helpful staff.

    reviewed