London Record Stores

So I spent the last week in the wonderful city of London visiting a friend and spending loads of money (the place is ridiculously expensive). As a music lover and a fan of vinyl old and new, I headed out on a cross-city journey to hit up some of the town’s best and worst record stores. At some stops I wish I could have spent weeks, while other places well, they didn’t really exist. Here’s a few musical highlights of my trip. Oh and the picture to the left, I don't know the story behind that place. I looked in the window and there's just stacks and stacks of vinyl, but no one around. Go figure.


Intoxica Website
First Stop, Portabella Road. After you’re done checking out the market, look behind the old lady’s fruit stand and check out Intoxica. I did a piece on the 60’s British Mod Scene a few months back and it appeared that a stereotypical mod was in the store. Dressed in super suave, but somewhat dirty clothing, he was looking for something super specific in a box of 45’s. After realizing that most everything was out of my price range, I settled on an early My Bloody Valentine Ep. The place is small and has a somewhat Hawaiian theme to it. I say check this one out, just remember to bring enough money.


Rough Trade Website
Walk a little farther down and a make right on Talbot Road. Here is with out a doubt the most famous stop my trip. The shop has been there since 1976 and is home to the label that spawned from the place in 1978. Like most of shops, Rough Trade is pretty small; however the little bit they have on display is pretty much the best of the best. A nice selection of CD’s and a slightly larger selection of vinyl (it was really weird seeing a U.S. releases section, especially the stuff that came out months ago). The guy that helped me was extremely nice. There was also an American girl working too, but I didn’t really get her story.


Sounds of the Universe Website
This place is close to being tied with Rough Trade for my favorite stop on the trip. Specializing in Electronica, Hip Hop, House, and Drum and Bass, Sounds of the Universe has been around for nine years, and four years at their present location which is in the heart of Soho. The main floor is mostly new Electronica, Hip Hop, and House – both CD and vinyl – and the basement is filled with overflow items along with a surprisingly well fed jazz selection. I spent about a 45 minutes in here when I started to get weird looks. I was the only one in the store at the time, so they started to get suspicious – I think. So I quickly put back the 18 of the 20 albums I picked out and made my way down the street. Don't worry I paid first.


Ray’s Jazz Shop Website
So not to far from Sounds of the Universe is Ray’s Jazz Shop, well it used to be Ray’s Jazz Shop. I didn’t get the full story, but four years ago they used to be around the corner at street level, then Foyle’s this chain bookstore, similar to Borders, moved in. And ever since they’ve been in the second floor of Foyles. Even though the Ray’s employee that told me this practically had a tear coming down his face, I have to admit the present situation wasn’t that mundane. Ray’s actually shares the second floor with a really cool coffee shop and they call the whole place Ray’s Jazz and Café. Anyway the musical selection is quite good – most stuff is moderately priced. A lot of old UK Jazz releases – something of value in the states.

If you want any more info on these places and a bunch of others, just let me know. And just as a disclaimer, Radio K has no affiliation or connections to any of these places. Cheers!