While the label, responsible for spawning the Smiths among others, went into liquidation in 1991, the shop became a thriving business and the bastion of independence. It's also spearheaded a culture with its regulars being a mixture of hippies, dreadlocks, scuzz rockers and fanzine writers. Many of the best shops are clustered together on Soho's Berwick St, just a few minutes walk from Oxford Circus tube. Here you'll find Selectadisc, Reckless, Sister Ray, Mister CD and Music And Video Exchange. First, on the left is Selectadisc which stocks all the current big sellers, a decent vinyl selection and new releases from off-kilter bands, as well as a pretty good back catalogue section.
Prices range from about eight quid to a few over a tenner for new releases.
Back catalogue can be cheap, though if it's a classic LP and there's few in stock you may end up paying the same as chainstore prices. Further on is Reckless Records . A shop which is on first name terms with limited 12 inch singles, Reckless is pretty damn good at sourcing rarities and even has a separate shop for soul and dance. Those after guitar-based rock would find it in their interests to have a good rummage through Reckless' racks. Like most independent shops they've got separate sections on US indie, some of which goes under label headings such as Domino and Matador.