Rough Trade js a super cool music store...though I'd argue it's a bookstore and cafe with a music…read morestore attached to it, lol. They have a major selection of everything, books, cds, and records. I perused the books as I'm not much of a hard copy music person and stumbled on a book about J Dilla, which I ended up buying. So, great visit!

You know that oft-quoted line from the movie High Fidelity that goes "I agreed that what really…read morematters is what you like, not what you are like... books, records, films -- these things matter"? The truth of this is up for debate, but are you someone whose eyes light up (and ears perk up) at the mention of The Smiths, Belle and Sebastian, Arcade Fire, and The Strokes (who were all signed to Rough Trade at one point or another), even though you're loath to admit that you read Pitchfork occasionally...? Go on. This is just the place for you. Make a pilgrimage to Rough Trade because we both know that you're the kind of person who'd wander around Brick Lane anyway. Rough Trade makes me feel like that this is probably what an everyday record store looked like back in the heyday of college radio back in the '80s and '90s. (Recent former college DJ here, confirming that absolutely no one listened to our station because we were online.) There's something for every music fan here, from indie to underground CDs and vinyl to hip music memorabilia such as posters and clothing. Browse to your heart's content and remember to stop by when there's a free gig going on. Soak up the cooler-than-you vibes that'll help boost your indie cred, fork out some money for the trendy black-and-white photo booth (you know you can't resist it), and brag to all of your friends back home that you discovered a cool new band here that they've probably never heard of before.

While in London earlier this month, I wanted to hit up some record stores; Flashback being towards…read morethe top of the list. This Flashback was cool, but not my favorite Flashback store. For my likes, I felt this store just didn't have what I was looking for. Another Flashback location hit it out of the park though, but this store still had some really cool gems! The service at this location was great though. The employees were nice and willing to answer questions, even though the place was busy. Everything was organized really well and it was easy to find the sections/artists that I was looking for. I would definitely come back here the next time I'm in London.

I'm over from America and stopped at this place, Sister Ray, and Reckless. This was the only shop…read moreworth stopping at honestly. Very kind and friendly staff and reasonable prices. Good music playing over the speakers too which is always nice.

The City Chorus (formely known as National Westminster Choir) began life in 1920 as a choir set up…read moreby staff of the then National Provincial Bank. Highlights of the choir's early years include its inaugural performance at Westminster Central Hall, Ralph Vaughan Williams conducting his own Fantasia on Christmas Carols, and one of the choir's concerts shown on television - a novelty at the time. In 1966 the choir appointed its first professional conductor, Ian Humphris, who led the choir for 40 years. NatWest Bank - now part of the Royal Bank of Scotland - has subsequently provided much-appreciated support throughout the years. Michael Downes conducted the choir from 2006 until his appointment as Director of Music at St Andrew's University, followed by Paul Ayres as musical director from 2008. City Chorus has performed in many beautiful churches in the City and West End, and at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the newly-renovated Cadogan Hall, Barbican Centre and Southwark Cathedral. The choir is delighted to be accompanied at rehearsals and concerts by Philip Shannon, staff pianist at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Recent performances have raised money for The Prince's Trust, the NSPCC and the Rainbow Trust. For more information or to join or to hire the choir, http://www.londoncitychorus.com or contact our Membership Secretary Rosie: membership@londoncitychorus.com . Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays, 6.15-8.15 pm at the NatWest building, 1 Princes Street, right next to Bank station (Exit 1).

Depending on what you want from this place, you could either rate it 5 stars or 0 stars (for my…read moreuses, definitely 5 stars). I can only comment on the rehearsal facilities as I've never used the full studio. Pro: Excellent central location. Very reasonable rates, especially for such a central location. By studio standards, they take care to keep the place clean and in working order. No extra hire charge for little things they have lying around to squeeze more money out of you like many other similar places (though have recently started charging for drumkit breakables). Most backline is included in the price. Good quality equipment, suitable for each room. Whenever there's an equipment failure, they turn it around quickly to get it repaired. Friendly (if slightly odd) staff who evidently care about the place. Good for getting cancellation slots, they verify each booking the day before to make available any last minute cancellations. Air con units in each room. Often can get a midweek booking 1-2 weeks in advance, not just some inpenetrable list that you can never get in on. Organised calendar booking system that means they've never lost a single booking of ours in the years we've been using them. Cons: Paper thin walls which make anything without a drumkit not worthwhile. Pointless trying to record something yourself in the room with so much background noise. Bad ventilation, so the rooms can get a bit smelly. Keyboard stands provided have seen better days.

Used this studio to jam in earlier this week - the equipment and acoustics were good and we could…read moreeach hear ourselves nice and clearly, but the staff weren't overly friendly and there is a four hour minimum hire time so it can add up to be a bit pricey if you just wanted a couple of hours! Great location. Did have to pay a bit extra for drum kit cymbals which is understandable but a bit annoying... Overall, quite happy!

plenty of decent live bands on here and the line up is always well picked. I'm not sure who looks…read moreafter band-booking here but they definitely deserve a pat on the back.

A nice little place to see live and unplugged and the place is often used for album launches and…read morethe like.

A definite must stop for the vinyl junkie when visiting London…read more Once upon a time record stores dotted the landscape on this side of the pond, but, as in the US, that is no longer the case. This store is a passion project and while physically it's not a huge location, browsing here you'll find loads of attractive vinyl, of both the 7" and 12" variety, all reasonably priced. You'll also find an owner (and I'm sure a staff, though I was fortunate enough on my visit to meet the owner Claudia) who is passionate about music and happy to chat with you about your favorite artists. She may even share some of hers as well. I have to say, she has great taste. Classic 60's soul (Al Green, Aretha, Motown and Stax), all are present here, as are so many other classic artists. The selection is primarily used, though there is plenty of new vinyl to be found, and while it skews on the Soul, R&B, and Reggae side, you will find Pop, Rock, as well as Dance and other genres represented. If you don't see what you're looking for, be sure to ask the staff. If it can be ordered, they'll be happy to do so. Brixton is lucky to have Pure Vinyl, and when I visit next I'd love to see more of this type of music outlet in London. Maybe even another location?