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.

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.

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).

What a gem of a place, music that spans all good music tastes and huge amounts of rarities that…read moreisn't as expensive as the other local record shops. Mark is a legend and he is always fun to chat with about music and very helpful to get some recommendations. A part of my local community so go support! Its 10 meters off brick lane so really easy to find.

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.

Maybe if I had been Che Guevara, Karl Marx or Fidel Castro in a past life instead of a pretty,…read morepretty butterfly, I would have like this bookstore more than I did. You ask, "You were a pretty, pretty butterfly?" And, you ask: "Fidel Castro probably isn't dead, but you were him in a past life anyway?" To which I respond "Hot Jacket Potatoes!" Freedom press has the benefit of a great location. It's down some pedestrian alleyway which gives the store an air of the secret and unknown. "Oh la la," you think as you walk to it. Inside, however, was not my cup of perfect tea (although there were a few real cups sitting around the store. Also, my perfect cup of tea is a full bodied orange spice from Seattle Washington). There were different sections - history, science fiction, biographies, sociological stuff, etc. but all revolving around the theme of fancy dress parties - and by that I mean anarchy and revolution! This bookstore would be your reading list if you took a class named Social Uprising and Revolt 101 and beyond. I guess some of the books would be pretty interesting, but I'd have to read them to find out for sure. There's also a section with anarchist-like clothes (mostly t-shirts) with designs such as the Queen's head over the crossbones of a skull and crossbones. I thought that was pretty amusing. If you're feeling rebellious or if you like defying authority, you should probably check this place out. It's not for me, but it maybe for you because as we all know, I say tomato and you say tomato.

Well, this is the oldest anarchist publisher in the world. Britain's oldest anarchist book shop…read more What more can I say? I've only been once, last week, and I loved it. Amazing place. Maybe that's 'cause I'm politically interested. And it's true, they do stock mainly anarchist literature, but also a mean line in pamphlets, magazines, and general anarchist publications. It's really worth visiting, tucked innocently off Angel Alley (something of the Harry Potter, eh?) and up a flight of stairs which it appears hasn't been renovated since this place opened (all the better for it in my opinion), it's basically crammed full of really interesting books on politics and the ways of the world. In their magazine section, they had a title called Mao or Never, which claimed to be the only Maoist publication in Britain to boast a colour cover. That's a really fun joke if you're in these circles, thing was mocked up! The staff, too, are really nice. I had a request for a really obscure book, they looked, couldn't find it and were really apologetic. So, if you're passing the KFC on Whitechapel High Street, come in here for a browse. I bet there's at least one book which you'd like to take home.