These stores seem about equivalent to US big box places - there are many of them, and the tunes playing overhead are the dreck currently at the top of the pop charts. Plus tons of DVDs of films that were in theaters a month ago. But I give it a special mention for its classical and folk sections. We were very surprised to find that small production folk was available. As a gift to a friend, we went in search of Maz O'Connor's latest, figuring there was no chance, and what do you know but there is was. Also several by the Unthanks and Richard Thompson. Our native guide was a little stunned. So check it out, to get a listen to the local sounds. It's within the city walls, so very convenient on a walking day out in York. read more

A relatively small HMV serving the centre of York. Years ago when I was a student here, this store had a fairly diverse range of different specialist music, but now, like most of the other HMVs, sadly it only caters for pop and middle-of-the-road tastes or DVDs. If you're looking for anything that could even vaguely be described as 'specialist', don't bother trying here. HMV have an online store with free delivery, where the prices are the same or sometimes cheaper than in-store- so unless you need a particular item today, order it online and save yourself hassle (and get a free padded envelope). This is where people who don't know how to use the internet will go to buy their latest X Factor spin-off CD. It will be absolutely jam-packed in December full of Christmas shoppers. If neither of those two things apply to you, I wouldn't bother. read more