With an unparalleled selection of vinyl and DJ toys, Seismic has grown to become one of the best…read morerecord shops in the whole country - even the Observer says so! Situated sneakily above Kong, a lovely fashion store in its own right, staff are always friendly and extremely knowledgeable. As it is mail order too there is an almost exhaustive selection of DnB, Breaks, House, Hip Hop etc vinyl with loads of rareties and white labels to discover! The shop itself is bright, comfortable and the perfect way to waste away an afternoon. Unmissable for DJ's

Fantastic selection of records, the owner is extremely friendly and helpful. If there is a record…read moreyou want that isn't in stock, he will order it in for you. Pricing is also very competitive.

In the age of digital music, internet shopping and supermarkets undercutting everybody there will…read morealways be a place for an independent record store where you can guarantee the staff know there stuff, can make recommendations, get you hard to find Record Store Day vinyl without the need to trek to Rough Trade in London. If you like your Punk, Metal, Emo, Screamo, Hardcore and any other sub-genre of this ilk you can think of then you need to visit this little store tucked away in the Oasis centre. Rich at Ignite has been a long time face on the music scene in Brum. He champions local bands and puts out his own releases through his own indie label Speedowax. As a long time customer from his days working at Tempest before embarking on his own little operation he can soon help you part with your money as he soon gets to know your musical tastes and he caters to his customers. Support your local independent sellers, and sometimes it may cost you a pound more but its a shiny, actual object you can touch and read the lyrics and see pretty artwork and have in your hands there and then, knowing its been stocked with love and attention just for you.

Dropping in to ignite is always a pleasure to have a catch up with Rich and check for any new…read morestock. Having been a regular for many years of both tempest and ignite dealing with Rich is always great, he learns your taste in music and the specific bands you like, from which he will always find a new recommendation for you, specialising in all forms of alternative music. Rich is always happy to try and order those rare to find, limited editions and imports you can't get on the high street. Anything he does have in stock he will happily play for you to get an idea if it's up your street! Vinyl is a speciality at ignite with promising stock for every record day as well, he even recently took part in the first tape day stocking a limited number of new and re-release tape albums and EPs. Rich also runs a local record label Speedowax with which he helps promote and sell new and upcoming talent! I would always recommend shopping here for music over highstreet stores (support your local businesses!) even though some purchases may cost an extra pound or two, you may find some real talent you would otherwise never be exposed to...

Rock A Boom is my favourite independent music shop in Leicester. It is located in ST. Martin's…read moresquare which is about 5 minutes away from Highcross shopping centre - Firebug bar and McDonalds are nearby. Rock A Boom is only a small shop and can't compete with HMV for sheer physical space. What it can offer though is very good value on cd's and a small selection of vinyl. They cater to alternative music fans, so you can find some right gems searching through the racks on everything from punk rock to drum 'n' bass. The reason I come back here is because the staff are incredibly friendly and chatty. I don't just come here to buy a record, I come here to have a natter. The attendant will often talk to me about what he's been listening to and recommend things to try. This is the sort of banter and experience you just can't get at bigger corporate record stores.

A Leicester institution, and rightly so. For those looking away from the mainstream for their…read moremusical thrills, this is the best little shop in the city, jam packed with musical obscurities and latest releases. The staff know their stuff, and you can get gig tickets for anything that's going on in Leicester, which is extremely handy. Prices were a little on the steep side before, but I have been informed that they're now extremely competitive. Plus, with certain albums, they occasionally give away free posters and stuff too. Lovely.

I do love vinyls and it`s a shame I never was able to bring any of mine to this country and because…read moreI grew up in a city, São Paulo, where in every corner was possible to find a nice vinyl shop, It is most like compulsory to stop by every time I see a nice record shop. Luckily, Birmingham has excellent ones and Custard factory just got a brand new one as well: Left for Dead. And my visit to the place couldn't be better. From having a nice chatting about the concept of the record shop to finding a truly wonderful book with Bob Dylan's painting for only 6 pounds, it is my kind of shop. It's very selective as well. You are going to find loads of independent music. From Metal to jazz and classic records. No mainstream stuff but a great source for those who like nice music. There is an impressive collection of vintage magazines other great book titles. Everything with a very personal touch. That's always good to find a shop where it's sold what the owner believe is a good product. What is also impressive is the price in this shop. really nice items for collectors, for really cheap prices. As an independent business placed in Digbeth, Left For Dead also supports the local music and events and in 2014, there are many more to come.

'Lovemore Music' in Brackley is the sister shop of 'Heritage Music', which is right next door and…read moresells musical instruments. Lovemore is the CDs recorded music outlet of the shop. A reletively new shop, it is a great addition to the Brackley high street. Situated in a lovely old converted chapel,it has a wide choice of recordings, mainly though for the classical market. I have used both shops many times with great success, the range of classical and jazz works is especcially fantastic. The owners, two big chaps from South Africa are always welcoming and helpful. Lovemore music I'm sure was creating after noticing there were actually no other record shops in Brackley. This is true, this makes lovemore music an essential visit. The only downside to the shop is the location, it is on the high street, however slightly tucked away, and behind most of the other high street stores, maybe difficult to find. Highly recommended though all the same.

The best place round here for musical instruments and sheet music. Super range of guitars, acoustic…read moreand electric, also keyboards, drums and amps. Loads of accessories and musical bits and bobs. The staff are always helpful. Go there!