Spin it! The 10 coolest record stores in London
Ped Millichamp has an insider’s guide to the top independent vinyl shops in the capital — and which LPs to buy in celebration of this Saturday’s Record Store Day
THEY say cocaine and sugar are the two most addictive substances on the planet. They clearly haven’t tried vinyl which, to many (including me), inspires an uncontrollable urge as your favourite artist releases a new album or rumours of a Record Store Day repress of a classic must-have LP filters through. Vinyl’s popularity is bigger than ever, whether you’re an ageing dad like me, vacuuming up those late Eighties-Nineties albums that soundtracked your youth, or a Gen Z’er like my son, who appreciates the tangibility and album artwork that is sorely missed since the digital music platforms arrived. Fuelled by re-releases, limited edition coloured records and the chase for rarer first-press albums, the vinyl market is at its strongest since the Eighties and with apps such as Discogs — an online marketplace similar to Ebay — enabling you to catalogue and value your “investment” in vinyl, collecting records has never been so much fun. Even more fun is sharing your finds with like-minded enthusiasts on Instagram (you’ll find me at @pedros1976). Physical vinyl stores are the heartland for collectors. Here are London’s best:
Banquet Records
Its shop is the music hub of Kingstonupon-Thames, where you’ll find a wide range from indie, rock and punk, to hip hop, electronica and funk, plus reissues and remastered versions of classics. Check out their “Banquet Exclusive” variants of albums too or “dinked” editions on their website (an independent record store collaboration to support local stores). If you’re lucky, you’ll nab a signed copy or even an album release show ticket to see your favourite artist perform (The Who, Noel Gallagher, Róisín Murphy and The Specials have all played recently) — an indication of their pulling power within the industry. RSD top pick: Shed Seven —
Changed Giver
• 52 Eden Street, Kingstonupon-Thames, KT1; banquetrecords.com
Phonica
Established in 2003 in the heart of Soho by a trio of music aficionados and part of The Vinyl Factory (an independent British company that collaborates with musicians and artists to create ultra-premium handmade limited editions with its own impressive pressing plant), Phonica is the number one destination for dance and electronic connoisseurs, though funk, soul, hip hop and reggae are also available. Check out the “Staff Charts” online for tips to broaden your horizons. They have a used records section online. RSD top pick: Global Communication — Maiden Voyage
• 51 Poland Street, Soho, W1F; phonicarecords.com
Rough Trade
The first Rough Trade shop was opened in west London in 1976 and soon launched its own record label, Rough Trade Records, becoming the home of bands such as The Smiths and The Libertines. Its reputation for post-punk grew and other stores followed in London, along with Nottingham, Bristol, New York, and most recently, Berlin and Liverpool. It has a well-curated collection of new releases and back catalogue. Check out their Rough Trade Essentials — a curation of iconic albums; and annual ‘Counter Culture’ compilations — the staff’s “mix tape” of the year’s best. RSD top pick: Paramore/David Byrne — Hard Times/Burning Down The
House 91 Brick Lane, E1; 130 Talbot Road, W11; 50-54 Beak Street, W1F; roughtrade.com
Sister Ray
Sister Ray has been selling music from its home in Soho for 30 years. Named after the Velvet Underground track, Sister Ray has survived the twists and turns of the music industry and consumer trends, limping through the years when the internet turned the world upside down. But through sheer determination and commitment to vinyl — and by becoming a major force
behind Record Store Day — Sister Ray has emerged as one of the UK’s foremost record shops. It is immortalised on the cover of (What’s The Story) Morning Glory by Oasis, and its online store holds a vast array of music.
RSD top pick: Gene Clark — No Other Sessions
• 75 Berwick Street, Soho W1F; sisterray.co.uk
Sounds of the Universe
Possibly the largest selection of reggae, dubstep, house, disco, funk, soul, Latin, African and world beats in the UK. The likes of Prince, Questlove and Gilles Peterson have all visited for a dig.
RSD top pick: Punk 45 — Kill The Hippies! Kill Yourself! compilation
• 7 Broadwick Street, London W1F; soundsoftheuniverse.com
Reckless Records
Reckless was founded in 1984 and remains the beating heart of Soho’s vinyl scene. It has built its reputation on stocking a strong eclectic mix of secondhand LPs, priced fairly and with a team of staff who live and breathe music.
RSD top pick: Motörhead — Remorse? No!
• 30 Berwick Street, London W1F; reckless.co.uk
Flashback Records
Flashback’s three stores across London sell a range of genres from rare gems to classic collectible must-haves.It’s also a great place to sell your old records (or other formats). What makes Flashback special, though, is its connection to the local music community and support for emerging artists. The shop hosts shows at The Old Blue Last, The George Tavern and Shacklewell Arms.
RSD top pick: Lost in Translation OST • 50 Essex Road, Islington N1; 131 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E2; 26 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane N8; flashback.co.uk
Peckham Soul
A relative newbie on the vinyl scene, Peckham Soul (est 2015) “aims to reflect the vibrant diversity of Peckham and south London”, according to founder and DJ Craig. You’ll find new and vintage titles spanning soul, funk, jazz, reggae, ska, EDM, hip hop, Latin, indie, punk and prog — many of which are collectable. The Peckham Soul logo which echoes the Northern Soul hands has quickly achieved iconic status. RSD top pick: The Family Tree — We Shall See Him as He is
• 133 Rye Lane, London SE15; peckhamsoul.co.uk
All Ages Records
Established in 2003 after the all-important stall in Camden Market, All Ages is now celebrating its 20th year as the specialist punk and hardcore record shop in London. It’s a real hub for the punk scene of Camden and wider. And if you want to top up your pin badge collection, then look no further.
• 27A Pratt Street, Camden Town, London NW1; allagesrecords.com
Honest Jon’s
Approaching its half-century and boasting Neneh Cherry and Damon Albarn as customers, Honest Jon’s is a small but perfectly formed shop in Ladbroke Grove. Shying away from the mainstream in favour of championing more underground acts, Honest Jon’s has had a massive influence on the music scene and prides itself on reissues of black British recordings, gospel and southern soul. RSD top pick: Steel Pulse — Handsworth Revolution
• 278 Portobello Road, W10; honestjons.com
Supertone Records
You won’t find a more community-orientated record shop embedded in the local fabric than Supertone Records. Owner Wally, a proud Jamaican, has been trading in the heart of Brixton for 40 years, serving up reggae, ska, roots, dancehall and dub music, making it the original vinyl dealer in Brixton. Check out the secondhand and collectors corner and bargain boxes for a good deal.
110 Acre Lane, Brixton, SW2, supertonerecords.co.uk
What makes Flashback special is its connection to the local music community and support for new artists