Collector's Records Centre

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As with so many things, music is becoming an almost virtual experience. Everything is downloaded, streamed, and listened to off an iPlayer. I feel almost antiquated that I still buy CDs, and even more so that I do not use a portable MP3 player, but a music system that I can only use in one room.

I should feel lucky though; at least I can still buy CDs. What about the people who are pining for the days of LPs, EPs, 78s, and 45s? Many people who grew up listening to their favourite tracks on LP players believe that the music sounds better on vinyl - although I have a feeling this has more basis on nostalgia than fact. But weather it is true or not, there are things that were released on records that have never been available in newer formats, so just how are you meant to get a hold of them?



Most people are left with scrounging through the charity shops hoping for a lucky find, but if you live near Kingston, I made a lucky find that might make your day. The Collector's Record Centre is a shop down Old Kingston Road, and sells retro records for retro buyers.



The owner, Keith, has records of all sorts, with music ranging from Rock n' Roll to the Blues & Jazz. I browsed through a number of the boxes, and the prices seemed to range between £4-£9. As you step inside, you feel like your are heading back to the 70s; cover art hangs from the walls, and there is even a bust of the Rolling Stones's Keith Richards.



If you no longer have an LP player, Collector's Records also sells a vast number of CDs. Most of these are between £5-£9, but there were several sales boxes, with albums for only 50p-£3. To my utter delight, one of the first things I saw was a CD by The Cranberries , called Roses. I thought I had all their albums, but I had not heard of this one, so took a closer look. On the front was a sticker saying 'their first new album in 11 years'. The band broke up in 2003, and I had not really kept track of their careers since then, so I did not realise that they had got back together, and produced this new album. I felt so lucky that I had stumbled upon this shop.

As well as music, Keith sells a few DVDs and books. There is also the occasional live performance, such as flute music by Coleen Muriel , which cost £6 to attend. There were no dates mentioned, so you would have to ask if you were interested.

#vintage_retro
#shopping
#music
#kingston_upon_thames
#cheap
%wnlondon