The return of vinyl is very real - here is where you can pick up some classic albums or find new artists to put under the stylus.
Yam Records
Location: Holdrons Arcade, 135A Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST
Genres: Independent
Standing for 'You and Music', Yam Records brings local music in to their extensive collection. They specialise in second hand records and new releases from indie labels, as well as their own. Yam is considered more off-the-beaten-track but is well worth a visit to discover some hidden gems of tomorrow. Their passion for local music will make you look at the London music scene in a whole new way.
Flashback Records
Location: 50 Essex Road, Islington. 144 Crouch Hill, Crouch End. 131 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch.
Genre: Old classics
With three locations across London, Flashback is here to satisfy your longing for the old classics. While they do cater to new releases, Flashback will take you back to the beginnings of soul, hip-hop and more. A vast collection of second hand records will leave you browsing for hours.
Flashback pride themselves on customer service and loathe the thought of anyone having an intimidating run in with a 'surely cooler than you' member of staff. They have experience and knowledge that they are willing to share with anyone who happens to enquire.
Sister Ray
Location: 75 Berwick Street, Soho, W1F 8RP. 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Genres: Everything you wouldn't find elsewhere
Sister Ray totally encompass the phrase 'vinyl specialists' and they mean it. Offering a carefully curated selection of alternative vinyls and CDs (what are those?), this is the home of everything you wouldn't find in another record shop.
You won't be able to buy any of their impressive collection online meaning you'll be popping back all the time to have a snoop round.
Banquet Records
Location: 52 Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EE
Genres: Indie, Rock, Dance
Ok this is admittedly a bit out the way in Kingston, but we promise it's worth a visit. Banquet offer records from a variety of genres but have a top notch collection of alternative, indie and rock classics. Hosting acoustic sessions from some major up and coming artists, this is the place to discover something new. Their website will give you a taste of what's on offer, but we recommend heading down there to have the whole experience.
Phonica Records
Location: 51 Poland Street, Soho, London W1F 7LZ
Genres: Dance
Citing themselves as vinyl specialists, Phonica Records offer a wide selection of music but focus primarily on dance. They offer frequent live music in store from world renowned DJs with recent DJs including Louie Vega and Nightmares on Wax.
Phonica are at the heart of the club scene in London and offer everything from soul to house and techno on 7"s, 12"s or the occasional 10". A regular blog on their website also means that you can keep up to date with their favourite new releases.
Sounds of the Universe
Location: 7 Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 0DA
Genres: Soul, jazz, reggae
This Soho vinyl palace promises to bring 'cross-cultural vibrations' to the heart of London. They cite regular deliveries from all over the world at fundamental to their wide selection of music from every genre and culture. Whether you're after reggae, dubstep, house, disco, funk, Brazilian, Latin, African; take your pick.
Sounds of the Universe is connected to Soul Jazz records which means that the label's latest releases are always up for grabs. Or you can speak to the friendly staff who are on hand with recommendations.
Cosmos Records
Location: 324d Hackney Road, E2 7AX
Genres: Soul, jazz
Cosmos Records is vintage vinyl galore! They have a wide selection of LPs and 7" singles encompassing a variety of genres, but they claim they are for the soul-jazz minded. Their shop caters to casual or serious collectors, or anyone that just wants to have a browse and listen.
With a consistent collection of rare or increasingly difficult to find records, Cosmos will probably introduced you to something you didn't even know you wanted.
Eldica
Location: 8 Bradbury Street, Dalston, N16
Genres: Self-described 'black music'
Tucked away behind Dalston Junction, Eldica is slowly making waves in the vinyl community. It's become an underground destination for anyone wanting to explore self-described 'black music' and regularly attracts DJs and producers.
Eldica is still a relatively small shop but its packed to the rafters with new music to explore. This is what a real independent record store looks like.
Rough Trade East
Location: The Old Truman Brewer, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
Genres: Everything!
Rough Trade describe themselves as "independent purveyors of great music". They offer a wide variety of music, especially focusing on new releases. Their shelves are lined with top recommendations and the occasional sale makes for an exciting time delving through boxes of hidden gems. Rough Trade isn't particularly one for second hand vinyl so costs can mount up, but there are bargains to be had.
A stage at the back of the shop plays host to live music with the likes of The Orielles and Public Access TV billed to play soon.
Love Vinyl
Location: 5 Pearson Street, Haggerston, E2 8JD
Genres: House, techno, disco etc
Love Vinyl has been a welcomed addition to Haggerston Riviera since its opening. It's two counters offer a unique vinyl shopping experience, allowing you to search through the latest releases with an easy switch to vintage. The shop's owners have a background in DJing and club promotion, meaning they have expertise in all things house, techno and disco.
We've also heard that they throw a cracking Record Store Day party!
Words by Alex Goldsmith
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