RECORD SHOP CITY

Category: Shops

X-Records

A bit futher afield, but well worth a visit is X-Records of Bolton, Lancashire. You can get to Bolton by train in about 15-20 minutes so you could easily do a quick detour during your Manchester record-shopping frenzy. The USP of this shop is its massive stock of back catalogue. There is a database on their website of 67,000 of the items they have. The other half you’ll have to come to the shop to look for yourself. I’m not joking! At one time X-Records was spread over three sites, a Dance shop, a Vinyl shop and a CD Shop which are now all crammed into one place so you almost get three shops for the price of one. They carry a mix of new and second hand stuff and they have pretty much all genres of music spread over two levels, packed from floor to ceiling. Upstairs is given over to DVDs and CDs including Dance and Hard Rock/Metal which is one of their specialisms. X-Records also like to promote local bands and club nights, and local bands can flog their music and merchandise here.

The collection of stuff is vast and if you are looking for a long deleted release they may well have it, probably best bring some kind of knee pads to get down to the lower shelves. They also do a fine line in Rock Memorabilia, particularly the band Kiss. If you need a Kiss Baseball Bat, a Kiss Beach Towel, some Kiss Branded Coffee and a Kiss Flask to drink it from then this is the place. They have probably one of the biggest collections of music DVDs I’ve seen anywhere.

Downstairs in the basement there are Indie, Pop, Folk, Punk and 60s CDs and this is also home to the Vinyl Selection, a lot of which is at crazy bargain prices. As with the upstairs bit you will find lots of long-deleted obscure and rare records down here and plenty of crates to rifle through.

X-Records is well worth a diversion to Bolton and is one of those magical shops that frequently turns up something unexpected.

27/02/2016
Vinyl Exchange

Nah can’t shift ’em mate”…”I’ll give you 15 quid for that lot”….”got any New Wave of British Heavy Metal?”….aha we must be in Vinyl Exchange, right there in the glittering Northern Quarter and probably the biggest second hand record shop in the North West. Open since 1988 Vinyl Exchange has a massive stock of pretty much every genre of music, spread over two floors. Upstairs you’ll find racks upon racks of CDs, indexed on cards for easy browsing, and down in the basement is the Vinyl department plus loads of DVDs. They have a particularly large collection of Experimental/underground music, Electronica, Dance and Indie so not your typical second hand junk.

They have stacks of serious collectors items here, rare promos, loads of deleted and out of print records, music books and memorabilia. The rare stuff is priced fairly, and you’ll also find plenty of cheap bargain bins to rifle through too so hardcore collectors and bargain hunters alike will find hours of fun here.

If you are one of those people who isn’t particularly happy to run a sort of pseudo mail-order business from your bedroom flogging your old records on Ebay, save yerself the price of a load of jiffy bags and take your unwanted tunes down here, they’ll help them find a good home. You’ll need ID if you want cash and bear in mind you’ll get a much better deal if you want to do a part-exchange (hence the name). Be warned, they’ll only take what they can re-sell so be prepared to have a very critical expert eye cast over your collection. If you’re lucky the ‘want’ pile will be bigger than the ‘take it down to Oxfam’ pile. The staff know their stuff so if they can’t shift it, its probably worth nowt. Suffice to say if it’s a CD copy of “Be Here Now” you’re probably better off making a novelty coaster out of it instead.

There is one heavily used listening post for the vinyl heads downstairs, generally unless quiet its not meant to be used for checking out your “bargain”finds. The staff will also play stuff for you if you ask nicely.

27/02/2016
Eastern Bloc

Eastern Bloc is a bit of a legendary name for most Mancunian music fans of a certain age. Established in 1985 the shop was once partly presided over by Martin Price of 808 State, and was right at the heart of the Madchester/Acid House scene in the late 80s and early 90s.

The original shop was across the road on the ground floor of Afflecks Palace, and a cramped and somewhat chaotic place it was too. They then moved over to the much smarter and larger premises on Oldham Street. Originally they were split into two halves; Dance vs Indie but the Indie side was eventually closed (Piccadilly across the road had that covered to be fair). Eastern Bloc now concentrate on specialising on their one true love – the serious Underground Dancefloor Business – and strictly on Vinyl.

Since we wrote our review, Eastern Bloc finally moved from Oldham St in 2011 and can now be found at 5A Stevenson Square just around the corner – and doubles as a Cafe – one of the few Record Shops you can pop into at breakfast time! They’re still providing the usual Vinyl business, but the shop also functions as a cafe and a place to hang out, complete with free WiFi. You can get all the details on their smart website, and follow them on Facebook to keep in touch with live events, in-store DJ Sets and the absolute cutting edge in dance and electronic music (and whatever the cake of the day is!)

Here’s our original review of the Northern Quarter shop from 2009 written by our man Carl:

“Eastern Bloc has for a while been on my update radar. Truth is there was a time when I was a regular, however time and age can play merry tricks and the shop had kind of drifted off my horizon a little…somewhat like the Ghurka Grill in Withington, I love it but just dont go anymore. So, with this in mind I set out to the Northern Quarter on my first New Years adventure.

The shop now deals solely in the harder, edgier end of the dancefloor. This is the place for Deep House (the specialist end, no Scouse House or Handbag) , Techno, Drum n Bass, Dubstep, Electro and repressed classics. You will generally find affable Jim behind the counter supported by one or two of Mark, Will or Andro. Plenty of listening decks are available and the vibe is friendly and well informed. Got to say I was genuinely impressed with the feel of the place and the mission these guys are on.

Nearly all the stock is 12″ vinyl and they place the focus only on those labels that put vinyl releases as a priority….props fellas! This shop cares about, and focuses on, the underground scene, particularly the local Dubstep and Drum n’ Bass troubadours.

All in all my visit back to the Bloc reinforced for me why we are doing this site (the need to celebrate shops like this) as well as stirring some great memories of the dance scene past and excitement for the future. Top work lads.”

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26/02/2016
Vinyl Planet

Opened in 2015 Vinyl Planet is located just off the main drag of Macclesfield, handily next door to a guitar shop. The town itself is steeped in pop mythology itself being the one time home of Ian Curtis and other members of Joy Division & New Order, bluesman John Mayall, the semi-legendary britpoppers Marion and…er…The Macc Lads. So it’s only right and proper that Macc has haunt for vinyl diggers and tourists on the trail of Macc music heritage.
Main man Neil knows a thing or two about rock, and indeed roll having been a founder member and guitarist of Manchester band Puressence, and a provider of guitars, amps and brews to Manchester musicians for many years. He’s now turned his hand to the business of buying and selling vinyl and as you can see from the pics he’s amassed a bunch of goodies right there. It’s a relatively small shop but there’s a surprising amount of stock packed into the crates and racks so plenty to go at. It’s a good range of stuff from classic rock to metal, jazz, funk, indie and beyond – all killer, no filler and it’s reasonably priced too. I filled a nice carrier bag full and found a few things on my wants list on my list visit – in fact I’m overdue a return trip. See you soon Neil!

25/02/2016
Save Records

*** Stop Press ** – Sadly Save Records has now closed it’s stall on Bury Market. A real shame as this was a little gem of a shop. Best wishes and Good luck Maxine!

Save are still trading online, and looks like they’re popping up at Record Fairs so you can follow them on Facebook and shop online here:

https://www.discogs.com/user/Save-Records

Save Records has been on Bury Market since the mid 70s apparently and before that in Rochdale as far back as 1968. Nestling amid the hustle and bustle of Bury’s famous and massive market, this is a small but delightful shop with a surprisingly large stock of vinyl and CD crammed into that small space. There is plenty of good stuff racked up and lots more in crates on the floor and it’s well worth getting stuck in for a proper dig as this is the kind of shop that throws up nice little surprises. I’ve visited a few times and never left empty handed. The prices are very reasonable, the staff are friendly and welcoming, what more do you want?

30/01/2014
Static Records

Given it’s musical heritage it’s only right and proper that Wigan has its own proper record shop
Recordshopcity reader John was the first to bring this place to our attention –
“Went there for the first time today, a return visit guaranteed. Collectables, cheaps, mid-budget, all genres, mostly vinyl. Owner Paul very helpful and knowledgeable, he may even draw your portrait for you. Definitely worth checking out, apparently opened six months ago after a ten year hiatus”

I paid the place a long overdue visit today and sure enough Wigan can boast to having one of the best record shops in the region. The shop was busy and buzzing when I went in on a very rainy afternoon, sadly the main man Paul wasn’t on duty that day but I found Static to be bright, inviting and carrying a good range of records of most genres – not just your usual classic rock vinyl – there is also lots of Dance, Soul, Indie, Prog, Metal, Jazz and a selection of instrumental/esoteric music. There are box sets, CDs, Books and other music related bits and bobs too. Below the main racks there are bargain bins on the floor for those who like to get low down and dirty among the cheap stuff. Most of the stock is 2nd hand although there are some reissues and a few new pieces – Static are also connected with the utterly cool and wonderful Static Caravan record label so you’ll be able to pick up some of their releases too. I was very pleased to take away a lovely limited Seahawks picture disc – the records go in a brown paper bag too which is a nice touch!

01/05/2013
Rockbottom Records

It’s a wet Tuesday in March so of course I’m digging around an old antiques and junk warehouse in North Manchester. Failsworth Mill is typical of the old industrial heritage that shrouds North Manchester in its dark, solid embrace. Yet un-typically this mill contains a little gem of a Vinyl store called Rockbottom records. The name is a giveaway as this one is for you Metal muthas and rockers out there. The stock is predominantly Hard Rock, NWOBHM and Punk and it’s a healthy cache ranging from Crass and Iron Maiden albums through to the Rolling Stones, Ratt, AC/DC and Suicidal Tendencies. Other genres are covered, albeit limited, and there is of course a healthy section of classics containing all your Neil Young, U2, Beatles and a good box of £1-ers to lighten the load on the wallet. There is also a selection of CDs however I was too busy looking for that late period Tull album to flick through jewel cases! Prices are very competitive and I came away with the ‘Performance’ Soundtrack LP for less than a few pints and a chip supper.

Jon is your friendly proprietor and will happily chat over your purchases and recommend a few you may have missed. All in all a great addition to our site and brings back fond memories of an old leather jacket I had, comfortable if a little frayed!

04/04/2011
Endless Music

** Please note this review was for the original shop on Bury Old Road – Endless are now at a new location which we’re advised is bigger and brighter! ***

I’m South Manchester born and bred so the northern reaches of our fair city can be something of a foreign field to me. Needless to say the “top” end of Oldham St is often as far north as I get. However, after a number of good tip-offs I decided to dust down my ‘Saver Seven’ and head up Prestwich way. The town has it’s own interesting musical heritage – home to the legendary Mark E.Smith from The Fall, birthplace of 10cc’s Godley & Creme, and (somewhat bizarrely) in the early 80s Nico, the Velvet Underground’s ‘Femme Fatale’, settled here.

After some confusion between Bury New and Old road I found Endless Music snugly sat in Prestwich town centre (or the Village as the locals prefer to call it). Now, I have been told I can be prone to exaggeration (Surely not?!! – Ed) but seriously our kid, this is one of the best record shops I have dug in for years.

There can, at times, be a subtle hint of pretentiousness in the whole South Manchester music thing. I mean that Chorlton/Didsbury/Withington beards n’ Acid Folk vibe, of which I am wholly guilty of contributing to sometimes. Let me tell you people this place is solid, down to earth Manchester in all the wonderful ways we seem to sometimes deny on the South side. I got a warm and friendly welcome straight away and, after 15 minutes of chat, a coffee and the story of the shop. In that time a number of other punters came in and the place was alive with music, conversation and good humour. That reminded me of the time I used to attend all those concerts in the U.S. Interestingly within 30 minutes another well known digger had appeared in the shop, one of the “regulars” and a vinyl aficionado….

Endless Music was opened by Mike in 2000 and currently has around 10,000 albums, 10,000 12″s and over 35,000 7″s, at a very rough estimate. Mike himself is a singer and possesses a valid songwriter agreement. All genres are covered from Rock, Pop and Soul through to Disco, Soundtracks, 60s, 70s, Reggae, Northern, Jazz, Spoken Word, TV and Film, Rarities, Picture Discs and many more. I didn’t actually see any CDs but they may have been lurking in a corner. The main room is heaving with racks upon racks of albums and the back room is where you will find the 7″s and where I spent 2 hours digging and playing.

The prices are very good and the guys will generally do a deal if you’re buying a bag full and why wouldn’t you?. Their motto is “shift it” so there is little preciousness regarding holding on to stuff or getting rid of “rarities” at a top price….However this attitude is also matched with a pure love for all forms of music and together it’s a pretty unbeatable attitude.

I only had 2 hours to spare, which actually after a couple of phone calls stretched to 3, but even then I didn’t really begin to touch the edges of this vinyl Utopia. Boxes of the latest arrivals were winking at me as I left and man I know that elusive Patsy Ray 7″ was in one of them.

Endless Music is highly recommended and a real crate-diggers paradise. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in here then give up! The stock, the atmosphere and the geniality of Mike and the gang makes Endless a new stop on my regulars route. Bang on our kid!!

27/10/2009
Sifters

Far from the bustling City Centre, hop on a train from Piccadilly Station and head for Burnage the birthplace of Oasis. Just around the corner from the Station you will find the legendary shop once the regular haunt of the brothers Gallagher of this parish and famously immortalised in the lyrics to ‘Shakermaker’

“Mister Sifter sold me songs
when I was just sixteen
Now he stops at traffic lights
but only when they’re green”

Well, Mr Sifter is still there ready to sell you songs too. Apparently Oasis fans from as far away as Japan and the US like to call in to have their photo taken in the shop, if you do please ask nicely and preferably buy something as well.

As the name suggests this is a shop where you need to…Sift. You’ll find all kinds of music new and secondhand, and there are some real gems there amongst the racks, especially if you are looking for some forgotten classics of 70s and 80s pop and rock. Sifters have plenty of Vinyl records, but also CDs and even good old cassette tapes. The prices are very reasonable indeed, and this is one of those places off the beaten track where you may just find something unexpected. It is lovely to find a real live Record Shop in such an unlikely suburban setting and Sifters is a wonderful bit of Mancunian cultural heritage. Get yourself over to Burnage, follow in the footsteps of Noel and Liam and get sifting!

27/08/2009
Double 4 (Stockport)

**** THIS SHOP HAS NOW CLOSED (As of 2025) ****

Stockport is, like many town centres, now too big for itself and – it’s a classic victim of online shopping and serious competition from Manchester just 10 mins away by Rail and out-of-town retail. If you head down Lower Hillgate you’ll pass a quirky and attractive street that looks perfect for an Indie retail quarter but an awful lot of shops are empty (although I note some new ones springing up) – right at the end you’ll find Double 4. A South Manchester stalwart, Double Four has been trading for over 30 years and had a number of shops across the conurbation and still retains two premises, this one in Stockport and another in Glossop

Carl visited this shop a few years ago when we started the site and wasn’t too impressed (hence the comments from D4 fans below!). At the time the shop was mainly selling CDs and DVDs and there was a rather forlorn Vinyl selection.

I’ve visited since and the Vinyl selection has expanded considerably and now takes up a large section of the shop although there are still lots of CDs and DVDs at bargain prices if that’s what you’re after.

There are lots of crates of vinyl and there’s a big bargain section which was 4 for a tenner, all sorts of stuff so worth a dig. The main sections do contain a lot of Rod Stewart and Gerry Rafferty albums I have to say but the prices are very reasonable. So while you might not find some real rarities here this is place you’ll find some real bargains and who knows what’s lurking in those crates on the floor I didn’t have time to look at as I had a train to catch…

27/08/2009
Piccadilly Records

Where do you start with this one? As much a Manchester institution as a pint of Holts or Chips n’ Gravy! From its opening days in the shabby Piccadilly Arcade through to the rather grand Brown Street store and its current location on Oldham St. Since 1978 Piccadilly records has served generations of shoegazers, rude boys, anarcho-punks, goths, moshers, skate punks, grebos and every other indie derivative you can think of.

I first went in at the tender age of 12 and got my mitts on a 7″ copy of UK Decay’s “For my Country”. I went in last week and got my slightly older fingers on the new Bibio album. That says it all. From boy to man my money has passed over this counter so many times I wonder if it might have been better to cut a deal and just give them ten percent of my earnings every year. But what returns; first Bauhaus album – check, first Stone Roses single – check, first Devandra Barnhart album – check, and probably nearly a thousand others with a moment of joy attached to each one.

The current shop is a pleasure to visit. Bright, airy and spacious the floor space is taken up with around seventy percent vinyl including a 7″ rack deep enough and wide enough to justify a parking ticket. There are a couple of multi CD listening stations next to the racks as well as three turntables to browse away the afternoon, and a PC to browse the new releases on the website. Right at the front of the shop as you walk in is the ever useful new releases/recommends rack which I consistently fail to pass without picking at least one selection.

Piccadilly is still the champion of all things indie and by that I mean “Indie” in the old independent charts sense of the word; you know Cherry Red, Rough Trade, Cargo, Domino; small labels exploring the outer recesses and hidden nooks and crannies of the great big music machine. Folk, Drone, Psych, Americana, Kraut, Garage, Punk, Emo and Doom are all in evidence yet balanced nicely with a fine and varied selection of House, Disco, Electro, Hip Hop, Nu Soul, Beats, Reggae, Dubstep and our old favourites Downbeat, Weird and Experimental. If you ever wish to meet me, my office is rack 2 and a half Downbeat/Weird section!

New releases and particularly limited vinyl runs are the shops speciality and if if there is an ultra-limited edition to be had, Piccadilly will have it (but be quick!). The Website is updated every week and check the ‘Just in’ and ‘Released next week’ pages over the weekend to decide what to call in for on the Monday.

Step away from the racks sir and the shop also sells a range of magazines, fanzines,T shirts and record bags as well as having a counter full of flyers and events advertised by Manchester miscreants. The staff are great and very approachable, full of enthusiasm for the music and a shared love of the shop and all it gives to the Manchester scene. Each staff member is pretty much a specialist in one of the genres – just get Phillipa talking!! (I’m reliably informed its Andy you want to get talking! – ed) and from my experience and 2000 hours spent in there will happily share and explore your interests as much as their own.

Keep your eyes peeled for in-store events, special promotions and their regular Newsletters.

21/08/2009
Empire Exchange

This place is an absolute gem and well worth an afternoon of any music junkies time. This isn’t purely a record shop, but essentially a huge basement full of books, comics, magazines and stacks of vinyl and CDs, as well as 78s and possibly even some wax cylinders underneath all that, who knows.

It can be a little overwhelming at first and you’ll possibly be rubbing shoulders with collectors of ‘specialist magazines’ but, what the hell, this is what it’s all about, the place has an edge and boxes and boxes full of vinyl as well as sagging CD shelves, so just get down and dirty and have the shower later. In truth this is the kind of place I love as you really don’t know what you’re going to find. I have friends who have pulled some absolute stone cold gems out of here, particularly in the Electro and Hip Hop field and on my last visit I came away ten pounds lighter and with some great obscure 45s.

Its a free for all with all points covered from your obvious Rock n’ Pop through to Reggae, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, 50s, 60s, Film Soundtracks, Comedy Records…its got the lot. It also has stacks of music magazines as well as old Pop annuals, Beatles mags and music books. No listening post that I’m aware of but the guys behind the counter are friendly enough and although clearly used to dealing with a fair number of scallywags still offer some smiles and patience. One’s a Red and one’s a Blue so take your pick!

13/08/2009
Record Shack

It sells records and it really is a shack! This is a place of myth and legend and to even offer opening times would be ridiculous. It opens when the guy wants to and stays open as long as he likes, and good on him. I have passed this shop every day on my way to work for years yet in all honesty only crossed the threshold a couple of times. When I have been in everything seems to turn sepia and I emerge two hours later with a carrier bag of old dusty 7″s and no real idea why I have them.

On my last visit it would be fair to say that there was two square feet of floor space to stand in with the remaining 60 square feet taken up with box after sagging box and sack after bulging sack of vinyl. Amongst the literally thousands of records here are probably some hidden gems and definitely a nugget or two so its down to pure perseverance and sweat…I gave up after shifting ten boxes! There really is little order other than a selection of racks by the door with an A-Z of Soul, Funk and Pop albums. All the 7″s are set on some shelves just within arms reach, well Mr Tickle arms reach, of the floor space and if you can manage to navigate down a few boxes you will find 100s of mostly pop 7″s from the 80s.

I love this place for its chaos, confusion, dust, dirt, randomness and just pure vinyl mania. Having chatted to the owner he has always had the vinyl bug and can’t stop collecting bag after bag of stuff with perhaps little saleable value but what the hell. I guess the scary truth is that when I’m his age perhaps my house will resemble this shop. I understand him …now is that a good or bad thing? We both also love Jazz…enough said!

09/08/2009
Clampdown

This place is a bit of a hidden gem although actually not far from the Northern Quarter Vinyl epicentre. It’s just off the main drag leading to Piccadilly Station so easy to call in your way into, or out of the city. Clampdown is a real collectors treat. On this site since around 1996 I believe, the shop is focused on vinyl with around eighty percent of the stock comprising good old black plastic. It covers all the usual rock, pop, new wave, soul, and funk and of course a very healthy Madchester and Factory section. The real treat for me here is the boxes of 7″s which are in a floor to wall shelf beside the counter. Also worth checking out some of the signed posters and memorabilia behind the counter.

Lots of collectors stuff in here and all the goodies are in great condition and fairly priced. The man behind the counter, Neil, is an affable and friendly fella who is happy to discuss your wants and the vagaries of pressings and labels. I didn’t see a listening post, however I am happy to stand corrected and I’m sure Neil will be happy to play through some of your selections and offer a guiding hand if so desired.

04/08/2009
Beatin’ Rhythm

* Note that Beatin’ Rhythm have now moved to Prestwich – This review and photos are of their original store in the Northern Quarter Manchester *

This is the absolute Premier store for Rock’n’Roll, 60s Pop, Funk, Doo-Wop, Girl groups, Rare and Northern Soul, Surf, Psych, Rhythm n’ Blues, Film Themes and more. The guys here must have the worlds best knowledge of the Northern Soul scene and this shop is a veritable shrine to the glory of obscure 45s. When you go in you will see photos of previous customers including Keb Darge and DJ Shadow. The heart of this shop is built around the specialist knowledge of Carl, Tom and Derek and it’s all done with true love for the music.

The wall racks of 7″s are divided into categories which range from Christmas Songs to “Uncharted Canadian”. The Northern Soul section is enough to make a Wigan Casino kid weep, and can happily keep me entertained for hours (with the odd fag break). Man, these guys even have an ‘Answer Songs’ category!

The shop itself is a great space predominantly taken up with Vinyl but lots of stuff on CD too. They also have a good selection of re-issued albums near the main door with the particular focus on Northern and Soul compilations; a couple of which are regulars in my box.

Ultimately, Beatin’ Rhythm is testament to the longevity of the 7″ single, and Talcum-powdered dancefloor action. I defy you to go in and not leave without at least one tune you never expected to have or hear. A truly inspiring Manchester institution

04/08/2009
Kingbee Records

King Bee Records in Chorlton is, I believe, the sorting office for all record collectors in South Manchester. Between us we ship new stock in and at the same time plunder one anothers “saleables” whether through misfortune, moves, rent cheques or separations! The number of times I have nipped out for a paper only to come back with a Gong album and Peter Tosh CD instead. I wonder on occasion if Les is a secret Socialist as he successfully redistributes the cream of South Manchester record collections.

This shop is a winner for many reasons, from the cheap stock LPs (we all need a Steely Dan album every now and then) through to the specialisms of Reggae, Funk and Northern Soul 45s. Indeed if rare 7″s are your thing then be prepared to scrabble through box after box of dusty delights and if King Bee doesn’t have something of interest I will be amazed. The shop itself is around eighty percent vinyl covering Rock, Pop, Soul, Psych, Prog, Jazz, Disco, Funk, Blues, New Wave, Folk and Indie too. There is a turntable for listening to your selections, but be warned, there can be a queue for it especially on a Saturday afternoon, but that’s part of the experience!

King Bee deals mostly with used Vinyl and CDs but does carry some new stock. For you hardcore collectors out there it’s fair to say that Les is a specialist when it comes down to Reggae and Northern, and one of my favourite pastimes is flipping through the Bass Heavy Reggae singles and shelves of rare Vinyl. Go in on a Saturday afternoon where they always have the Football commentary over the shop Stereo, enjoy the punters banter, rifle through racks of 70s Funk or New Wave 7s and what could be more perfect…..ahhhh DJ Heaven!

03/08/2009