A Serendipitous Discovery: Unearthing FOPP While Hunting for Coffee in London
Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. My daily grind is in digital marketing, but my passion lies in exploring cities, both at home and abroad, uncovering local culture through a personal lens. Photomo is all about sharing these “walk, shoot, write” experiences, focusing on the feeling and sensation rather than just a dry record of events. This time, I’m excited to share my visit to an incredible record store, FOPP, which I stumbled upon on a cloudy afternoon, November 12, 2023, in the heart of London.
My original plan was to grab a coffee at the highly-rated Monmouth Coffee Company. As I was making my way down Earlham Street, a uniquely designed building at a street fork caught my eye. Its doors were wide open, inviting passersby in. The sign read FOPP. Intrigued, I stepped inside, and instantly, I knew I had found a haven for music lovers.
An Ocean of New Vinyl: Getting Lost in FOPP’s Vast Collection
The moment I entered, I was greeted by walls and racks overflowing with new vinyl records. From the latest releases to timeless classics, every genre imaginable – rock, pop, jazz, soul, electronica, and more – was meticulously organized yet passionately presented. It felt like diving into an ocean of music. Beyond vinyl, FOPP also boasts an impressive selection of CDs and a vast array of band t-shirts that could keep you Browse for hours.
Venturing downstairs, I discovered a basement packed коммерческий with DVDs and books, a treasure trove for film buffs and bibliophiles alike. Then, with growing anticipation, I headed to the second floor. The sight that greeted me was simply breathtaking – even more new vinyl records than I could have imagined, filling the entire floor. Simply Browse, picking up records, and admiring the artwork was an experience in itself, and time just flew by.
A Coldplay Fan’s Dream Come True
What truly amazed me was the sheer completeness of the Coldplay section I found in the ‘C’ racks. I had previously searched for their records at Rough Trade, another well-known record store, but their selection paled in comparison to what FOPP offered. Almost every studio album, from their early work to their latest releases, was right there. Finding albums I had been seeking for years was an incredibly exciting moment. This perfectly encapsulates Photomo’s philosophy of “conveying sensations” – it was a truly multi-sensory experience.
I carefully selected the albums I didn’t yet own, taking my time to appreciate the cover art, feel the weight of the vinyl, and imagine the joy of listening to them. It was a pure, unadulterated celebration of the analogue experience.
An Unexpected Gem: Discovering a Foo Fighters Heavyweight Pressing
Then, as I scanned the ‘F’ section, my eyes landed on a record I’d been hunting for: Foo Fighters‘ “Wasting Light.” And it wasn’t just any copy; it was the 45rpm heavyweight double LP – a true audiophile’s dream! It felt like fate. I immediately grabbed it. Back home, listening to it was an incredible experience; the sound was immense and crystal clear, like being at a live concert. I was so glad I decided to pop into FOPP and even happier with my purchase.
My Vinyl Treasures: A Haul of Coldplay and Foo Fighters Classics
Here are the five records I ended up taking home from FOPP:
- Coldplay – “Music of the Spheres”: Featuring the hit collaboration “My Universe” with BTS, this album’s cosmic and colorful artwork is as captivating as its music.
- Coldplay – “A Head Full of Dreams”: The kaleidoscopic, vibrant jacket is instantly recognizable. Its hopeful melodies are a consistent source of positive energy.
- Coldplay – “Mylo Xyloto”: The graffiti-inspired artwork is unique and striking. The conceptual narrative woven through its songs is equally compelling.
- Coldplay – “Ghost Stories”: Featuring delicate angel wings on its cover, this introspective and beautiful album is perfect for quiet, immersive listening.
- Foo Fighters – “Wasting Light”: As mentioned, the 45rpm 2LP heavyweight vinyl. The attention to sound detail makes it a must-have for any rock enthusiast.
These records have become cherished mementos of my London trip. At Photomo, we believe in “experiences, not just records,” and listening to these LPs brings back the vivid sensations of my time at FOPP.
A Heartwarming Encounter: The Kindness of FOPP’s Staff
The appeal of FOPP extends beyond its incredible inventory. I actually had a bit of a mishap during my visit. After purchasing my records at FOPP, I moved on to another record store. It was there I realized, with a sinking feeling, that my credit card was missing. Frantically retracing my steps in my mind, I figured I must have left it at the FOPP counter.
I rushed back to FOPP, and to my immense relief, a staff member was there at the till, holding my credit card. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. They handed it back with a smile and a warm “Enjoy London!” This act of kindness truly enhanced my overall impression of the city. It was a perfect example of a heartwarming local interaction.
Final Thoughts: FOPP is a Must-Visit for New Vinyl
FOPP London is, without a doubt, a paradise for any music fan on the hunt for new records. Its comprehensive selection spanning all genres, fair prices (they even had multi-buy discounts!), and, most importantly, its friendly and helpful staff make it an exceptional store. Whether you’re looking for records by popular artists like Coldplay and Foo Fighters or hoping to discover hidden gems, FOPP is the place to go.
If you’re a music lover visiting London, or if you’re simply curious about the warm sound of vinyl, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to FOPP on Earlham Street. You’re bound to find some musical treasures and create lasting memories. I know I’ll be making a return visit on my next trip to London, eager to see what new discoveries await. And of course, I’ll be sure to share that experience here on Photomo!
Check out FOPP London‘s official website here: https://www.fopp.com/stores/london/
Here’s the Google Map for the location: