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.

Discretely tucked away at the entrance of Camberwell New Road (Camberwell Green entrance), there…read morehides a little treat for record geeks. When you first see the faded blue and yellow sign that simply says "CDs", you could almost be forgiven for mistaking the second-hand record store Rat Records with the cheapo discount stores that stock multiple variations on 80's hits compilations, or "Songs That Your Nan Used To Sing"; but, as you will find out, one shouldn't be so dismissive. Having known Camberwell for quite sometime now, Rat Records has become a little perk every time I visit. Although the décor doesn't really dispel the myth of the faded sign, and perhaps you could say it is a little "cosy" at best; if you are willing to invest some time rummaging through the broad selection of honestly priced vinyls, you will soon find something that will turn these "quirks" into "nice little character traits". In true audiophile fashion, albums are neatly filed under handy sub-genre based headings, such as; "UK Psychedelia", "US Indie", "Hip-Hop", "Classic Rock", "Jazz", and so on. However, despite the sign's invitation, Rat Record's selection of CD albums is somewhat limited. I think it's also worth a mention that, if you're like me and like to "try before you buy", be sure to have £10 to pay the deposit to borrow the headphones. Barring these factors, Rat Records makes for an excellent little store; you may also want to try your luck selling them some of your own old records, as thet always seem interested to see what you've got.

Awesome place. I knew as soon as I walked in that this place rocked. You better love vinyl. Even if…read moreyou don't have a turntable though, there is a great selection of used CD's. My only gripe about Rat Records is the size. It could take up a shop at least twice the size. The guys behind the counter are super cool. The prices are great. I knew when I walked in and saw the B-52s, Michelle Shocked, The Who and The Jam straight away that this place was the real deal. I left my CD collection back in the States. I will re-build it with the help of Rat Records. You guys rock.

The Music & Video Exchange in Greenwich is another in the Exchange group based around London. I…read morefind that this one is not as bargainous as its cousins elsewhere but there are still some good finds to be had here. Cheap second hand and promotional albums are there for the taking if you fancy sifting through the racks. Most albums are individually priced and are all guaranteed to work. The shop is quite small and if someone is looking through the promo/collectables section you may find that you have to wait your turn which can be frustrating. Promo albums (the ones radio stations are given by record companies which come in plastic or cardboard sleeves) are normally around £2 and albums start from £4. The problem can also be the quality of stock. Sometimes the racks aren't as full as I have seen in other Exchange stores and are full of artists I've never heard of before which normally wouldn't be a problem but at £2 a go, buying an album blindly can feel like a waste of money if there are no tracks you like. DVDs and vinyl are also available at slashed prices. The main stock is upstairs with more downstairs if you have time on your hands. There it little organisation to the CDs downstairs it is pot luck with regards to what you come across. Looking around this shop can be a pleasurable way to kill an hour or so but compared to the other Music Exchanges, it lacks something which in my opinion is the quantity and quality of stock. Still worth checking out and going out of your way to visiting but if you only have time to visit one exchange, make it one of the others.

This small second-hand music shop in the Greenwich town centre looks like someone's car boot sale…read more Posters adorn the wall, CDs and DVDs are stacked in rows on counters and shelves, and there's barely enough room for more than five customers to browse at the same time (not to mention the guys who work there look like they're on a permanent tea break). However, what looks like disarray isn't really: stock is meticulously ordered depending on genre and price. The categories put any conventional music store to shame. Example: you don't just have "urban" music, you have "classic hip-hop", "UK and indie hip-hop", "mainstream label hip-hop", "hip-hop compilations", "soul", "nu-soul", "funk" and "r&b". Phew! You get the point. This shop is an excellent place to search for bargains - CDs regularly get priced down to £2, even £1. Brand new albums are sometimes available for a quid or two cheaper than their retail price. The DVDs are varied and affordable and there's also an LP section in the basement. If you want an even bigger selection, though, check out their Camden branch.

This record store was everything I hoped for it had a huge selection of everything a classic rock…read morefan could ever want. Service was great to they gave me exactly what I wanted really fast. And the value was about as good as any record store there all expensive but that's what you get for liking expensive hobbies. And the outside of the store even looks great would for sure recommend

My husband LOVES to go record shopping when we travel to other countries, and Sound of the Universe…read morewas on the top of his list of London record shops. It also has the advantage of being located down the street from two other record shops, so it's like a three-fer. Anyway, Sounds of the Universe is in the most picturesque lovely building standing tall on a corner with an understated yellow "Records" sign pointing people towards the door. They have a wide selection of records that are really nicely organized, and the shop is really bright and clean. My husband said they were very smart because they had the type of record collection that encourages people who are into one style of music to explore and find additional albums that are related within easy reach.

I loved getting to check out Rough Trade Records. As a vinyl junkie, it was like a music pilgrimage…read morefor me while I was in London. I wanted to check out the original location, though I read it was not in the original location/building any more and we were never quite close enough to it while on our trip to make it a convenient stop. So this one became the one for me given that I read it had the best overall selection in the city. Loved this place. Active, vibrant, folks everywhere checking out records. There's a coffee and bar up front so after shopping I sipped a pint and continued to listen to the great music they played throughout. Prices were fair, a lot of new sealed vinyl at "2 for 50 (pounds)" or even 13-20 pounds single. I loved the notes and "essentials" stickers pointing you to different music. I picked up several albums, focusing on ones I don't often (or ever) see on the rack in the states, a book, some rough trade branded merch. I love that they sell quality turntables and stereo gear, etc.--but sadly none of that would fit in my carry-on! The only thing that keeps this from being a "5 star" record shop for me is that if I lived here, it couldn't be my "go to" given that there are no used/trade-in options. I popped in one other Rough Trade location on our trip and guess that is standard, these are sealed/new record sellers only. But it's such a cool spot and I'm glad I went. Saved my Rough Trade cloth bag for display.

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!

The biggest electronic music section I've ever seen, and the gentleman was very nice!!read more

If you're a music lover or a DJ , then Phonica is for you. I can't recommend this place enough. The…read moreStaff is so attentive and will quickly look up what you need and if they have it will be set aside as you do more shopping. Their knowledge and ability to procure rare and new records is amazing. They recently had new pressings I did not know I needed! But a warning! You can spend 5 hours here and not even realize it! If you're coming from the states and need new records go on their website and pre shop ! You will not be disappointed.

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?

I stopped by here to search for some hard to find LPs. Been searching for a cheaper album by The…read moreSundays, but unfortunately couldn't find any. The staff was helpful, though, and suggested that I check out second-hand stores since the stuff I was looking for is already out of print! Selections here are still pretty good. I was able to find some rare records such as Joy Divison and New Order. Stuff you can't find in America. The record store sells mostly pricey brand new LPs, but CDs are still affordable.

I'm one of those people that loves the streaming aspect of digital media, but also miss perusing…read morestores like Tower Records for music, movies and books. When we stumbled into Fopp in Covent Garden, I was immediately in love. Not only did they have a ton of vinyl, band tees and movies on display, they had an impressive selection of really great books at super reasonable prices. I ended up picking up a copy of A Clockwork Orange and American Psycho on the cheap - something that I've been wanting, but now had no excuse. There are multiple floors to explore. Though it's on the smaller side, it still packs a punch!