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.

Excellent record shop that has been the backbone of the Garage, Grime, Funky House and House…read moreunderground scene for years. Small but compact, the staff comprise of DJ's and producers so are very knowledgeable and helpful. Downstairs is larger with a comprehensive selection of Urban sounds, plus merchandise, DVD's, mixtapes etc. Although increased rent and lowering demand has pushed up prices, its worth going if you consider yourself a 'head'... and to support the vinyl cause!

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.

DO NOT PRE ORDER FROM ROUGH TRADE IF YOU WANT RELEASE DAY STUFF…read more Pre ordered the Springsteen Nebraska 82 set as I wanted to get it the day it came out. It didn't arrive, it's now days later and I've had no news about when I'll get it either. I've tried contacting them via customer service messaging and emails and have been ignored. According to the Shop app, my package is still 'being prepared' which means absolutely nothing

I first learned about the iconic Rough Trade record store through my love for The Smiths, and I…read morecouldn't resist the magnetic pull of this indie vinyl haven. My friend Robert and I had to visit it while on a long layover in London. Despite its dilapidated state and small size, Rough Trade's undeniable charm was evident in every corner. It's a treasure trove for indie and obscure music! However, I must admit that the physical state of the store left me longing for more. It's not as impressive as the one in New York! We didn't buy anything though, we've never heard of some of the bands that were on display. lol

Visiting from out of town, the set up to this place is unique, only cds on the floor and all the…read morevinyl is behind the counter. I also walked in a minute from closing time at 6pm, and thought I might buy a shirt, but was rudely told that they were closed. Will spend my money elsewhere like Reckless Records who are open until 7pm. Cheers!

Sister Ray is a super cool record store (and conveniently down the street from a few other great…read morerecord stores). My vinyl crazed husband spent some good time in here. So first, this is a two-story store with vinyl downstairs and CDs upstairs. The downstairs is IMPRESSIVELY organized, which just tickled my fancy because I love it when things are organized. All of the sleeves are empty - the records are kept behind the counter downstairs. And even when you walk up with a stack of records, the organization is so good that they can easily locate all of the albums you wish you wish to purchase in a flash. The staff was great and friendly and they really knew their music too. The young man helping us had a deep discussion with my husband about some artists I don't know. It was a really good stop. And bonus points for the cool vintage cassettes painted on the stairwell.

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!

Haven't thought of this place in years but it just popped in my mind so wanted to leave a review…read more Spent a week in London in 2010 and felt I needed to seek out something punk while I was there. Left my group that I was with and took off to the other side of the city and found this place. It was perfect. Spent a bunch of time talking to the staff and some other patrons about punk in the US and the UK and got some great local recommendations from them (though wish someone had recommended Frank Turner to me then - I was practically on his doorstep and now I love him lol). Would love to come back and explore again.

Someone just told me about All Ages so this was the first time I've visited on my many trips to…read moreLondon. So glad I know about it, perfect place for those who like punk, hardcore and garage. The fact that you can see a Snazzy Boys poster in the photo says it all for me. Found a nice sale bin of 7"s that were buy 2 get 1 free, can't beat that. A good stop after you hit the market (or before).

Excellent shop, great range of records - and they really live up to their name…read more I visited their shop and like I kid in a candy store ended up buying a large number of records. including 3 and 4 of the collection. "London Is The Place For me. In the chaos of me chucking records from the racks at them they accidently pout the discs for parts 1 and 2 in the covers. When I rang to ask if they could sell me the discs for 3 & 4 in the sleave for 1 & 2, they refused, but just said: " No we will post the correct disks and sleave to make upo the set free of charge. Fantastic place.

If you didn't know, Jon is Honest. He's jsut this little shack in Notting Hill filled to brim with…read morerare music. Mostly Reggae and old skool R n'B, they also hold a collection of local artist nestled in amongst the vinyl and CDs. I was taken here once by a boy, this boy was in a band and it was an oh so cool day out. We mooched around the market and stumbled upon this gem. We even found his records on the shelves, but apparently it's uncool to point that out. In an area that is overwhelmed with the wealthy and tourists this is a hidden gem that shows you what Notting Hill was like before the movie, before Hugh Grant and his stupid hair cut ruined it all. Serious music lovers, don't expect racks and racks for fabulous music. It's a small selection of perfectly picked records that are icon and important and need to be heard. Die hard music fans only.