From Soho’s Buzz to the Doors of Phonica Records
The electric energy of a Friday evening was just beginning to settle over Soho. I had just left Rough Trade Vintage, a rare Jimi Hendrix first press tucked under my arm, and my feet carried me through the bustling London streets. It was just after 6 PM, and the city was alive. Pubs spilled laughter onto the sidewalks, and neon lights shimmered on the damp pavement. Immersed in this vibrant atmosphere, I pushed open the door to a personal favorite, Phonica Records, located on Poland Street.
Phonica Records is a mandatory stop on my Soho circuit for a couple of very good reasons. The shop boasts a unique selection that sets it apart from many others. First, their impressive collection of cassette tapes, a format enjoying a cultural renaissance. Second, their meticulously curated stock of secondhand vinyl. While known as a powerhouse for electronic music, Phonica’s range is surprisingly broad, promising new discoveries on every visit.
The Analog Revival: A Deep Dive into the Phonica Records Cassette Selection
Stepping inside, the first thing that greets you is a glass shelf near the entrance, showcasing a vibrant array of cassette tapes. It feels like a small, curated art exhibit. Each tape features highly-designed, graphic artwork, transforming them from simple media into collectible objects. In an age dominated by digital streams, this tangible display feels both refreshing and deeply nostalgic.
Titles from independent labels, like the ‘Mediterranean Blue’ EP by New York artist Alien D (Daniel Creahan), are lined up, inviting you to browse. I found myself wanting to pick up each one, to feel the weight and admire the design. This corner of the shop is a quiet testament to the joy of owning music as a physical artifact. The colorful display is captivating, with books and records from artists like Daft Punk and Aphex Twin visible in the background, hinting at the shop’s deeper electronic roots. It’s a space that encourages you to slow down and explore.
A Record Shopping London Soho Experience: The Friday Night Crowd
However, the shop felt different that night. It was buzzing with more people than usual, a testament to the start of the weekend. The area near the entrance was crowded, making it difficult to linger. It seemed an in-store event was on the horizon. I navigated through the crowd of fellow music lovers and headed toward the back of the store to begin my search in earnest.
My ritualistic hunt began with Oasis. I scanned the bins for anything by the Gallagher brothers, solo or otherwise, but came up empty. Next, The Stone Roses. Nothing. Given Phonica’s electronic specialty, I held out hope for an early Daft Punk pressing. Again, no luck. This is the reality of crate digging; some days are fruitless, but that makes the discoveries all the more rewarding.
My Phonica Records Soho Review: An Unexpected Treasure
Just as a touch of disappointment began to creep in, a familiar black-and-white sleeve in the UK rock section caught my eye. It was a provocative title, scrawled on a blackboard as if with chalk. I had found it: the Arctic Monkeys’ 2006 EP, ‘Who the F**k Are Arctic Monkeys?‘.
Released hot on the heels of their massively successful debut album, this EP is a time capsule. It’s packed with the band’s raw, untamed early energy. Most importantly, it features the track “No Buses,” a fan-favorite often played live but a rarity on their official studio releases. I had been searching for a copy for ages.
My heart skipped a beat. This is why I love this ritual. You can search for specific records and find nothing, only to have an unexpected gem appear right before your eyes. It’s these moments that make record shopping an irreplaceable experience.
More Finds and a Collector’s Dilemma
Still buzzing from the find, I continued my search. Soon, another interesting record surfaced: a vinyl copy of ‘Late Night Tales: Jamiroquai,’ a compilation album curated by the band itself.
The album is a fantastic collection of soul, jazz, and funk classics, offering a peek into Jay Kay’s musical DNA. It would be the perfect soundtrack for a late night. However, a closer inspection of the back cover revealed it was a remastered version, not an original pressing.
Of course, a remaster promises excellent sound quality. Nevertheless, for a collector, there’s a certain magic to an original pressing—an authenticity that’s hard to replicate. I decided to pass on it this time, leaving it for another day and another discovery. It’s all part of the hunt.
The Beat Drops: An Evening in Soho Continues
By the time I finished my browsing, the store’s atmosphere had shifted. The staff began moving record bins, clearing a space that looked suspiciously like a DJ booth. The energy in the room was building, the anticipation of a live event palpable. A part of me wanted to stay and see what the night had in store, but I had other places to be. Clutching my precious Arctic Monkeys EP, I reluctantly made my way out of Phonica Records.
Stepping back into the Soho night, the cool air was a welcome contrast to the warmth of the shop. The weight of the record in my bag was a satisfying reminder of a successful dig. My night of music and discovery in London was far from over.
A Final Word on Phonica Records
Phonica Records is a sanctuary for music lovers. It caters to a wide spectrum of tastes, from the latest electronic releases to timeless rock classics and the resurgent popularity of indie cassette tapes London is known for. Its strength lies in its unique curation, especially its selection of independent releases and used vinyl that you might not find elsewhere. If you’re planning a trip for record shopping London Soho, Phonica is an essential destination. Be sure to check their website, as they often host in-store events on Friday nights, adding another layer to the experience.
Official Website: http://www.phonicarecords.com/
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