Over the years, Newcastle has become quite the treasure trove for vinyl. With new stores popping up frequently, there always seems to be somewhere new to hunt for additions for your collection. An essential mention on any list is Beatdown records near central station and is one of the larger stores you’ll find in the North East. Although the shop may look small when you first go inside ; take a turn down the hall and there’s another room full of vinyl as well as books and accessories for your turntable. The store’s huge amount of stock is enviable and covers all major genres. Keep an eye on their facebook page for their understandably popular ‘all you can carry for £10’ sales
You’d be forgiven for walking past RPM. Tucked away in Old George Yard, this hidden gem is a personal favourite which sells record players as well as a varied range of vinyl and CDs from Country to funk, which is often quite reasonably priced. They have a £1 box behind the door which is usually full of pop and rock records ,so make sure to have a look for some bargains.
If your taste is focused on new releases ,Reflex, on nun Street by Grainger market is a must. Covering pretty much all genres and orientated towards new rather than second hand stock , you can expect to pick up that new favourite album of yours and it’s more fun than that trip to HMV that usually leaves you empty handed.
It is also worth remembering that apart from dedicated record stores, there are charity shops around the centre of town that can surprise you with their affordable offerings. Make sure to have a flick through a crate next time you’re out shopping when you should be in lectures.
