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?

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).

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

Pluses: Decent selection. Not particularly expensive. More or less organized (but could be better)…read more Ability to preview albums on a system. Points deducted for: broken headphones on preview system. Most importantly though, completely unreliable when it comes to whether or not the store is open. Showed up during posted opening hours and it was close. Tired of heading over there just to find it mysteriously closed when it should be open. It's happened several times to me. Worth visiting, but don't bother if you don't call in advance to confirm the store is open.

I come to Alan's for Jake. Jake is a Border Collie. He loves me. I love him. Jake is the shop dog…read moreand gorgeous. Alans has some cds. They are inexpensive at 5 pounds a pop. I found a copy of Beck's Midnight Vultures (I want to defy the logic of all sex laws..la la la ) and I have seen a Kate Bush single in here once. There are some vinyl titles on offer and a few jazz releases. This shop sells used records and cds. Stop in to browse and say hello to the sweet Jake!

This was pretty ok, check prices! Some you´ll find way cheaper 2nd hand in other stores or online…read more But, that said.. You can make some good bargains here, you just need to know your shit! Staff is not to helpful or attentive. (constantly on the phone, pretty loud so you could hear the whole conversation, which was pretty awkward!) We went here twice. Make sure to come on a Tuesday/Wednesday if you can, lots of the records will be half price, compared to the wknd!

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.

Small shop, but a large selection of most all genres. They have a good selection of memorabilia, as…read morewell. Friendly staff, too!

It's not the most remarkable-looking shop, but I've been into Sounds Original a couple of times and…read moreI've found a good range of vintage vinyls, from the 50s and 60s in particular, and the staff really have a good knowledge of their music. They also sell jukebox records and memorabilia, which is all reasonably priced. They also have a website and links on amazon and ebay, so if you want to see what's in store before you go, it's helpful in that respect. I have seen it shut once or twice, so you may want to check out opening times before you go, but it's a great little place for vintage music.

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!

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 know it is a thing here to have a photocopy of the album cover instead of the actual album out;…read morebut I don't like it. Other than that, this shop is average at best. Was underwhelmed by the selection and organization of the shop. Didn't really find anything unique or desirable. The prices also reflect the higher end of the market. There are better deals to be had elsewhere.

Stopped by here a few days ago. Deals seemed great so I picked up five records. I was in a rush so…read moreonly briefly checked discs, which were all in great condition. The woman in the store was very helpful, directed me to a cashpoint so that I could buy the vinyl, took out the discs so that I could check the condition despite my hands being full. When I arrived home I realised that 4 of the 5 records were bootlegs. I was definitely naïve believing that the records were real, but counterfeit records aren't something I've ever encountered before. If you want official pressings, avoid this place.

If you love Motown, Jimmy (need I say his last name? Ok... Jimi Hendricks, Bob Marley and classic…read moretimeless music, I implore you to pay a visit to Camden Lock Vinyl. Even if they don't stock what you are looking for they may be able to find it if you give them a week or so. It makes me happy to see people buying vinyl. It is a throwback to a time when DJ's seriously earned their keep. CDs are also on sale, but don't think HMV, as you won't find any P Diddy here. It is all about the classics. Even if you don't buy anything, it is worth passing through just to pick up on the vibes that are schmoozing through the stereo and have a little dance. Oh yeah, prices. They are good. For a 12in album on vinyl prices start at around £5.