Rachel's Guide to Newcastle and Beyond!
I’ve always thought there’s something special about listening to music on a traditional record player, the crackle as the needle hits the vinyl, the beautiful artwork that adorns the sleeves, the physical interaction with the artist’s work is something you just don’t get from a download. I still regularly listen to my treasured collection of soul, funk and disco records on my old Bush record player; It’s in desperate need of a service but I adore it!
My little treasured collection
It would seem I’m not alone with my love of of the retro format, there’s been a vinyl revival recently, record sales are at a 25 year high and the UK’s annual Record Store Day in April gets bigger and better every year!
Shoutout to @RagNBoneManUK this year’s #RSD18 ambassador 🤘🏼 get down to your local record shop today for your one chance to get your hands on these two new tunes! SOO GOOOOD! pic.twitter.com/HdIwstjB7q
— Record Store Day UK (@RSDUK) April 21, 2018
In honour of #RSD18, a day when over 200 independent record shops across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture, I have put together the ultimate guide to vinyl shopping in Newcastle. (Stores listed in no particular order – they are all awesome)!
www.facebook.com/thecuttingedgeofvinyl/
Image credit: NGI
Tucked away on Old George Yard behind the Bigg Market, this hidden gem is one of Newcastle’s best loved record shops. The shelves are packed with indie, rock, hip hop, electronic, funk, soul and blues. RPM also sells refurbished vintage record players so if you need something to spin your tunes on, this is the place to come!
Image Credit: Nick Wrightson
Beatdown is an aladdin’s cave for vinyl hunters, you could easily lose half a day trawling through the racks of records and chatting with the muso staff. The stock is regularly refreshed with new & old LP’s (as well as CD’s and DVD’s) and there are often rarities waiting to be discovered. You’ll find this jewel of a shop just a stone’s throw from central station.
The beautiful Central Arcade in Newcastle is home to J.G Windows, one of the UK’s longest established music stores, it’s been at the heart of the North East music scene for over a century. There are two floors filled with instruments, audio equipment, printed music and of course, a huge selection of brand new vinyl!
Reflex is a small but perfectly formed record store in the heart of Newcastle. Friendly, helpful, enthusiastic staff who you would definitely want on your team for a music quiz – plus a vast collection of records in every genre imaginable, what more could you want?
Image credit: Beyond Vinyl
Newcastle’s newest vinyl hangout only opened this year but has already enjoyed a successful Record Store Day, treating customers to an amazing selection of new releases and pre-loved records.
The folk behind Longplay Cafe have combined their passions for coffee and vinyl and created two of the coolest record stores in the city. Their first opened on Newcastle Quayside a couple of years ago and more recently they moved in to the Grainger Market (one of my favourite places in Newcastle). They serve up some rather scrummy food too and host regular live music events, what’s not to love?
www.newcastlegateshead.com/shopping/quayside-market
There are usually a couple of music stalls at the weekly market that takes place on Newcastle Quayside every Sunday. I once bagged about a dozen soul and Motown LP’s for a fiver, so it’s definitely worth a rummage!
www.facebook.com/StayFreeRecordsNewcastle/
Credit: Tony Fiddes
Tucked away on the second floor of the Antiques Centre on Northumberland Street, there’s a treasure trove of old LP’s waiting to be discovered at Stay Free Records. Take a trip down memory lane as you rifle through the records and enjoy a natter with Tony the owner who is a veteran of the Newcastle music scene. Opening times are a bit a sporadic so check on Facebook before you visit.
Image Credit: Vinyl Guru
Following a recent move from Kingston Park, Vinyl Guru can now be found in the city centre, not too far from Beatdown Records and Beyond Vinyl. It seems this part of Toon is becoming a bit of a mecca for vinyl lovers!
#586_records is open Fri 1030-1700 Fresh deliveries of new & 2nd hand records! Approx 1,000 Disco & Soul 12″s, ready to go, next week. Over 10,000 records for sale,in store & online https://t.co/fSllcE2Zxt @NewcastleNE1 @ne1_records @recordstoresne @BnDstudios #NewcastleUponTyne pic.twitter.com/N0WZaClKg9
— TD_586 (@antonydaly) March 23, 2018
568 Records was brought to my attention by several followers on Instagram and Facebook (thanks guys)! It’s located on the third floor of a building I pass nearly every day so I can’t believe I’ve not discovered it sooner, I guess it just goes to show how important it is to ‘look up’!
Do you still listen to music on vinyl? Do you have a favourite record store? Share your thoughts be leaving a comment below 🙂
This post was originally published in 2017 but updated in 2018 to include even more fantastic record stores in Newcastle, if you think I’ve missed any let me know!
You really should give 586 Records on Pilgrim Street a visit too
You need to check out Vinyl Guru in Kingston Park! Also surprised you’ve not mentioned Stay Free Records, that’s a belter!
586 Records is a “must visit”. Without a doubt my favourite record shop in Newcastle. Tony the owner is most welcoming, knowledgeable and always has time for you. One visit and you will find yourself going back again and again. A range of music that is diverse and unique. Go have a browse. Its well worth the effort.
Can you tell me the name of the record shop in Newgate Street under the Swallow Hotel back in the 1980s ??
I need to come record shopping in Newcastle! In Teesside we only have one – Sound It Out. It is great though.
Hannah x
http://www.fabfatmama.com
You mean Tyneside!
586 records is bollocks’ guys never in the place. It’s closed more than it is open’ wasted plenty of time trying to get through the closed door!
Ian
Bill Gray, RAM RECORDS, formerly in the QUAYSIDE MARKET, legend! Nuff said.
Does anyone know if any of these stores offer a vinyl cleaning service for a reasonable price?
Great Thanks for posting such Great information.