The Record Shop
A Tribute to London's Legendary Record Shops
These legendary record shops have played a crucial role in shaping London's music scene, providing a haven for DJs, collectors, and music lovers. Their dedication to preserving and promoting dance, soul, jazz, funk, and reggae music has left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. Whats your favourite ?
Bluebird Records
Bluebird Records, located on Church Street in Paddington Green, was a cornerstone of London's dance and funk music scene in the 1980s. Affiliated with DMC London, Bluebird Records was renowned for its extensive collection of dance music, making it a go-to destination for DJs and music enthusiasts. The shop's influence extended beyond its physical location, as it also operated a record label that released some iconic dance tracks.
Soul Brother Records
Nestled in East Putney, Soul Brother Records has been a beacon for soul and jazz enthusiasts since its inception in 1991. With a stock of over 50,000 vinyl albums, the shop boasts an impressive collection of jazz, soul, funk, and rare groove records. Soul Brother Records is not just a store; it's a cultural hub that has nurtured the love for vinyl and jazz music for over three decades3.
Reckless Records
Located in the heart of Soho on Berwick Street, Reckless Records has been a historic and respected record store since 1984. The shop offers a fantastic collection of jazz, soul, hip-hop, rock, and pop records, including many hard-to-find and deleted records. Reckless Records is a treasure trove for vinyl collectors and music aficionados.
Honest Jon’s Records
Operating from Portobello Road and Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross, Honest Jon’s Records has been a staple of the vinyl record community in London since 1974. The store specializes in blues, folk, soul, world, and dance music, with an impressive jazz collection. Honest Jon’s has built a sterling reputation over four decades of buying and selling vinyl records.
Sounds of the Universe
Based in Soho, Sounds of the Universe is an independent record store affiliated with the Soul Jazz Records label. The shop claims to have the best collection of reggae, dubstep, house, disco, funk, soul, Brazilian, Latin, African, and world beats in the UK. Sounds of the Universe is a haven for vinyl enthusiasts and DJs looking for both new and old jazz albums.
Dub Vendor
Dub Vendor, located in Upper Tooting, is a specialist in reggae, roots, and dub records. The shop offers a wide range of reggae LPs, CDs, books, and merchandise. Dub Vendor has been a key player in the reggae music scene in London, providing a rich selection of reggae music for fans and DJs alike.
Since 1976 Dub Vendor Records has had a peerless reputation as the place for reggae fans to obtain their favourite sounds. John MacGillivray and Chris Lane established a stall in Clapham Junction market followed by a short lived shop in Peckham. A break in caused that shop to close and Chris left the business. The market stall continued and developed into a mail order department and two shops in Ladbroke Grove and Clapham Junction. Dub Vendor also began releasing reggae music initially on the Dub Vendor label and then back in tandem with Chris Lane releasing their own productions on the Fashion label, which quickly became one of the most successful UK based reggae labels.
Supertone Records & CDs
Situated on Acre Lane, Supertone Records & CDs is known for its large selection of reggae records, picture disks, and accessories. The shop has been a staple for reggae music lovers in London, offering a diverse range of reggae music and related merchandise.
Massive International
Located in Camden Lock Place, Massive International sells vinyl records, t-shirts, posters, reggae artifacts, cultural jewelry, and books. The shop is a cultural hub for reggae music and offers a unique selection of reggae-related items.
Rat Records
Based in Herne Hill, Rat Records is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as its extensive collection of vinyl records and CDs. The shop specializes in rare items, collectables, and private collections, making it a popular destination for vinyl enthusiasts.
Phonica Records
Phonica Records, located in the heart of Soho on Poland Street, has been a leading destination for dance music since 2003. Known for its extensive collection of house, techno, disco, and electronic music, Phonica has earned a reputation as a premier record store for DJs and electronic music enthusiasts.
Flashback Records
Flashback Records, with locations in Islington, Shoreditch, and Crouch End, has been a beloved record shop since 1997. It offers a wide range of new and used vinyl, CDs, and DVDs across various genres, including rock, soul, jazz, and electronic music.
Rough Trade East
Rough Trade East, located in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, is a flagship store of the Rough Trade chain. Established in 2007, it has become a cultural hub for music lovers, offering a diverse selection of vinyl records, CDs, books, and live performances. Rough Trade East covers various genres, including rock, indie, electronic, and more.
Sister Ray
Sister Ray, situated on Berwick Street in Soho, has been a staple of the London record shop scene since the mid-1980s. The store specializes in rock, indie, alternative, and electronic music, with a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, and memorabilia.
Alan's Records
Alan's Records, located in East Finchley, has been serving vinyl enthusiasts since 1978. The shop offers a vast selection of second-hand records across various genres, including jazz, funk, soul, rock, and classical music. Alan's Records is known for its friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.
These legendary record shops have played a crucial role in shaping London's music scene, providing a haven for DJs, collectors, and music lovers. Their dedication to preserving and promoting dance, soul, jazz, funk, and reggae music has left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. Whats your favourite
Vinyl Shopping: A Teenager's Paradise in the '80s
Growing up as a teenager in the '80s, the thrill of vinyl shopping was an experience like no other. Every weekend, I'd hop on my bike and pedal my way to the local record shop, a small, dimly-lit haven that smelled of aged vinyl and anticipation. The moment I stepped inside, I was transported to a world where time stood still and the only currency was music.
The shop's walls were adorned with vibrant album covers, each one a work of art that beckoned me to explore its sonic treasures. Rows upon rows of vinyl records stood like sentinels, their black grooves holding the promise of discovery. I would spend hours flipping through the stacks, my fingers brushing against the cool, glossy surfaces as I searched for hidden gems.
There was a camaraderie among the regulars who frequented the shop. We would exchange knowing glances and nods, silently acknowledging our shared passion for music. The shop owner, a genial fellow with an encyclopedic knowledge of every genre, was always ready to offer recommendations and stories about the latest releases or rare finds.
One of my fondest memories was the excitement of finding a coveted record. The moment I pulled it from the stack, my heart would race with anticipation. I'd rush to the listening booth, a tiny space with just enough room for a turntable and a pair of headphones. As the needle touched the vinyl, the crackle and pop of the record would give way to the music, and I'd be transported to another dimension.
The '80s were a time of musical exploration, and the record shop was my gateway to new worlds. I discovered the infectious grooves of funk, the soulful melodies of jazz, the hypnotic beats of dance music, and the raw energy of punk rock. Each record I bought was a ticket to a different universe, expanding my musical horizons and shaping my identity as a music lover.
Leaving the shop with a carefully chosen record tucked under my arm felt like a victory. The bike ride home was filled with anticipation, knowing that as soon as I got back, I'd be immersed in the music. I'd drop the needle on the record, close my eyes, and let the melodies wash over me, savoring every note.
Those vinyl shopping days in the '80s were more than just a pastime; they were formative experiences that instilled in me a lifelong love for music. The record shop was a place of discovery, community, and pure joy—a treasure trove of memories that I'll always cherish.
Neil Greaves
Recommended Reads
London’s Record Shops celebrates the greatest vendors of recorded music in the world's foremost record-shop-city. From Brixton dub shacks and Hackney vinyl boutiques to Camden’s rockabilly ravers and Soho's feted jazz and dance shops, through Rough Trade and Honest Jon's to Sound of the Universe – these brilliant (sometimes eccentric, always engaging) emporiums are documented with striking photographs and incisive interviews. Anyone who loves music and/or London will find this book engaging and informative.
