Things To Do In England When You're Dead

Christmas is coming and the Moon is fat, and somewhere in Manchester, just of Oldham Street a record store propritoeor is sacrificing a goat to some Dark God, asking for only one thing. In exchange for the spilling of blood they must use thier shadowy influence to guide the music snobs of the North West towards thier stores and over to thier experimental / Austrilian Rock / electronica etc. sections. I happen to be one of these people, and not wanting to disturb the sinister force I go along and part with my barely earnt money, but if I have to go, I might as well understand my options. So if you happen to be in the same situation heres a quick guide to the record stores of Manchester, just to help you get the most out of the blessed ocassion.

• Vinyl Echange: Undisputed kings of the area, untold bargains to be found and the widest selection of CDs you could hope for. I gradually make my way through thier collection buying up everything by The Triffids or Mono, but pleanty more left for everbody else. The downstairs record section is a suprisingly well kept secret, and with most of its patrons being there for the dance music alterntive records by the likes of These Immortal Souls go overlooked and just waiting for your purchase. As if this wasn't enough they have a second store in Deansgate which is normally where the best finds are to be had since it seems to get visited less.

• Piccadilly Records: The thing about this store is that its bloody expensive, but, ever cloud has a silver lining so be sure to go in anyway to check out the 7" record rack as its the best in town and where the shops real bargins hide out. However, if you do find something on CD just walk out the door and go back to Vinyl Echange where no doubt it'll be but a fraction of the price

• Beatin' Rhythm: There are those that say this is the largest collection of 45's in The North of England, and you'll believe this the second you walk in the door. There have a fairly unique pricing system according to coloured stickers, and the storage is a bit wierd to, but perservere, for you will find ANY record you desire (Check out the Gordon Lightfoot and Frank Zappa sections, I mean, they actually have one). They're also a great place to go for record storage boxes. One drawback is that it can be pricey, but then unlike Piccadilly Records, its because your paying for original quality items as opposed to last weeks CD, and even then they do have a buy three get the cheapest free sale on most of the time. Another problem is finding the place, its tricky, try hunting down the entrence of Matt & Phreds.
  

• Clampdown Records: Are fucks

• King Bee Records: Are far away from the city centre so should not be include here, but they are, because the fact they have survived so long so far away from the main shopping area attests to the quality of thier stock. The shop is in distant Chorley cum Hardy, and the only way I know to get there is to take the 42 out to Sainsburys in Fallowfield then take a three mile walk down the old abandoned railway line. If your up for this you'll be rewarded the chance to buy Hindu Love God records and original die-cut Blue Monday 12"s. Think your up for the challange?

Anyway, these are my favourites and the places I remember the name to. Nex time, the best of the rest and some of the best palces to go vinyl shopping on-line