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 have brought some classic records from soul brother, where I could not find these anywhere else…read more They helped my record collection. Thanks

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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).

Untrustworthy, dishonest, rude, scam…read more A purchase was made on this website without my consent. I emailed them multiple times about it right away, as my bank alerted me of the fraudulent charge. They emailed me telling me they had already shipped the item, then within minutes they replied to my emails from the day prior pleading them to cancel the order. I agreed that if I received the item I would just return it for a refund. I had to reach out to the post office to intercept the package bc they sent it to someone else's address. Over a month later, and it's safe to say I'm never getting the record so I can return it.

Ordered a "signed with message" LP of Sophie Ellis-Bexter. What arrived was just a signature from…read moreher. On emailing them asking if there had been an issue, they did not apologise and never gave a reason for the lack of message I requested in the order email. Many friends had the same issue. Sophie EB's team responded saying Banquet never gave them any messages. Completely useless company who lured us with False Advertising.

Best record shop ever hands down. Best collection of new UK hardcore in the world for very good…read moreprices. I'd like to see a list of orders from this place because it must add up to thousands of dollars! lol Super cheap FedEX overnight shipping from the UK. Staff is super friendly. The only thing I would change about this shop is to have longer and better quality clips of their vinyl. I have been to the shop in the UK and it's kind of pointless because all the records are in the back now. They only sell CD's and Clothing in the store. When I asked them to listen to some records they pointed me towards a computer. I was disappointed because I came a long way to visit their shop. Regardless, none of the negatives deserve any stars removed. Hardbeatstore's collection does not compare to IMO. They sell vinyl, CDs and MP3's on their download site at very cheap prices. This is where I get all of my music. While they do specialize in UK Hardcore/Freeform they also sell "Bassline / Niche", Breaks, Drum n Bass, Dubstep, Funky House, Gabber, Garage, Hard Dance, Hardcore Breaks Nu Rave, Hardstyle, UK Hip Hop, House, Oldskool & Jungle, Scouse / Bouncy House, Techno / Schranz, Trance, Tickets to parties, Scratch Records, Books & Magazines, DJ equipment, Slipmats, etc. Check out their MP3 shop at http://www.imodownload.com.

Note: This review is based on Imo Records on-line store, www.imodownload.com…read more I have to write this review as I'm currently listening new UK hardcore releases, and to my surprise if I can start dumping things in my basket at a sizable amount that would definitely piss off my husband, that means I found some damn good hardcore, sorry baby! I like to rate new releases and new release availability of extremely underground artists as well as their past releases, I get this extreme release of oxytocin of excitement to spin this new bad ass music I've gotten a hold of, and that experience is nothing short of 5 stars. You buy vinyl, cds or mp3s of the hottest pressed electronica. My preference is UK Hardcore which is very hard to find, and if that hard to find preferable tracks, but imodownload is definitely able to assist me in my quests to be a very awesome hardcore DJ. My favorite muse at the moment is Lumin8's new release Pretty Eyes A.B. Mix, check it out at http://www.imodownload.com/genre/hardcore/new/ Enjoy the quest for great music....Let it be known that http://www.imodownload.com has it! Also one of my personal favorite record labels is so hard to find, www.imodownload.com has it. Australia With Force! Also another great newbie to check out is Michael Mansion's Heights Original Mix, it can be found on http://www.imodownload.com/genre/hardcore/new/

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

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.

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!

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.

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!