Amazon maybe consistently one of the cheapest places to buy music, but you can often pickup some jems from other places such as recordstore.co.uk. For example you can pickup a number of signed copies of albums and/or limited editions.  In terms of price – the only real difference is postage unless you order over £50.  So always worth checking out.  I’ve ordered my copy of the next Delays album (Star Tiger Star Ariel) from RecordStore.co.uk

I’ve blogged in the past about the demise of the record store. But I came across a little video clip on Glorious Noise trailoring a documentary on the subject:

“Re-Vinylized” trailer from John Boston on Vimeo.

When I go travelling on business, and often being on my own I have a chance to go looking for those record stores that manifest the character of Nick Hornby’s Championcip Vinyl.  rummaging through the racks looking for something different and interesting is a good way to kill some time.  so I thought I’d point out a couple those fine emporiums I’ve encountered:

Polyester Records in Melbourne – a hint of commercialisation, but a brilliant section on Oz & Kiwi artists.  More Empire Records than Championship Vinyl.

Basement Discs – good stock of vinyl, big on Folk.  Easily missed as its only a small entrance at street level – but basement is big, right in the centre of Melbourne.

Dixons Recycled Disc – several stores around Melbourne (I visited the Prahan store as I wondered down Chapel Street) stocking second hand, or better put ‘pre-loved’ music.  An aladin’scave of stuff. Yes, lots of the dross, but jems among them.

Amoeba Music – San Fransisco, a short cab ride from the city centre. But a place of pilgrimage.

Rasputin Music – heart of San Fransisco, just a minutes walk from Union Square and could be giving Amoeba a run for its money.