London CD shops specializing in rare 1960s pop/rock?

April 2, 2006 12:40 AM

London CD shops specializing in rare 1960s pop/rock?

A collector of rare 1960s pop/rock on CD, I'm in London for the first time ever and am interested in any and all record stores that specialize (er, specialise!) in that genre of music. Example artists: Billy Nichols, The Millennium, Sagittarius, The Zombies.

posted by adrian_h to shopping (10 comments total)

It doesn't specialise in 1960s rock alone (it does all sorts), but Rough Trade has some of the artists you mention and is worth a visit anyway - a brilliant shop.
posted by greycap at 4:55 AM on April 2, 2006

Get a copy of Record Collector and check the ads. Terrapin Trucking in Crouch End might be worth a try (although it tends to me more psych I think), and some of the shops on Berwick Street are worth a punt too: Sister Ray, Reckless Records etc.

Having said that, is it even possible to specialise in 60s CDs? Surely they're all going to be reissues anyway, and hence commonly available anywhere large enough to have a big selection of music? Or do you mean that you are looking for stuff that had very limited CD represses, and is only available second hand? If the latter then I'm afraid that there aren't many places that really sell that type of thing these days through shops - all tends to be mail order.

If it's just the record shopping experience you're looking for, then yeah, try Berwick Street. A few good ones down there.
posted by bifter at 7:42 AM on April 2, 2006

bifter: I'm looking for stuff that's not usually found at the large chain stores (but my experience is solely with American chain stores, so maybe I'll give the big Virgin store here in London a shot).

Thanks for the tips on Rough Trade, Berwik Street and Terrapin Trucking! I'll check 'em out.
posted by adrian_h at 7:44 AM on April 2, 2006

Whoop, sorry for misspelling Berwick Street.
posted by adrian_h at 7:47 AM on April 2, 2006

It may be called Haggle Vinlyl, but I believe the Essex Road shops stocks CDs and has a sizable 60s collection. In fact, yeah, you can check out their 50s/60s pop/rock stock online.
posted by nthdegx at 8:50 AM on April 2, 2006

http://www.beanos.co.uk - not the cheapest but good stock
posted by Lanark at 12:28 PM on April 2, 2006

Minus Zero,2 Blenheim Crescent,London W11 1NN.Friday & Saturday 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.
posted by Dr.Pill at 5:28 PM on April 2, 2006

Rough Trade probably won't stock a large amount of the stuff you're after, but the staff would certainly be able to point you towards shops that do. I'd also recommed checking a listings magazine for record fairs that are on when you're visiting.

Totally and utterly off topic: one of the best places I've been for this kind of music, as well as the psyche and garage stuff, is Stockholm - there's two or three 60s specialist shops on St. Eriksgatan. Er, maybe you could get a cheap flight and spend a day of your hols there ;-)

Also, I share bifters puzzlement at the idea of collecting reissue CDs - seems akin to collecting photocopies of paintings.
posted by jack_mo at 8:39 AM on April 3, 2006

I second the Beano's recommendation - great shop, although a bit off the beaten track (unless you're flying to or from Gatwick).
posted by bifter at 7:42 AM on April 4, 2006

I'm back from London now but found some treasures in various record stores on Berwick Street. Thanks again for the recommendations.
posted by adrian_h at 8:53 AM on April 6, 2006