[microsound] london record stores

[Andrew Shires <andrews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Darren & Vicky writes:
> london record stores include:

> smallfish, old st:
> stocks mostly minimal electronic music. friendly staff.

Also a lot of IDM stuff, post-rock and some dance.  Reasonable prices.
Agreed on the staff.  


> rough trade, neals yard, covent garden:
> stocks large selection of 'independent' music. friendly staff.

Notoriously difficult to find (once you find Neal's Yard, you have to
be aware that the shop is in the basement of Slam City Skates) and the
most expensive of the three, probably because of its very central
location.  


> these, brook drive, elephant & castle: experimental
> music. unfriendly staff.

I've found the staff friendly and very helpful.  Cheapest in London
(in the country, probably) for MEGO and similar material (most
full-price CDs UKP 10 to 11 pounds).  They are the main distributors
in the country for a lot of this stuff.  I'd suggest visiting These
before anywhere else, as while it's off the beaten track, it is likely
to be cheaper than anywhere else.

Like Rough Trade, it's difficult to find.  I'd suggest taking a map if
you go here, as it's near a very complicated system of pedestrian
subways which can be difficult to negotiate even when you know where
you're trying to end up.  Brook Drive is a residential street.  

The shop is _completely_ anonymous, except for some red diagonally
crossed bars across the windows and a small label saying "These" next
to the doorbell.  

I've tried several times to cover all three of these shops in an
afternoon, and it's hard work because of their geographical
separation.  Be warned that you will need plenty of time.  However,
they are all essential stops for the microsound shopper in London.





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