The Hunt Begins: A Record Collector’s Night in Soho
As dusk settles over London’s Soho, the district transforms. The daytime bustle gives way to the electric hum of neon signs, and for a music lover like me, CityNomix, the real adventure begins. My record-digging pilgrimage, which already led me through the hallowed aisles of Sister Ray and Reckless Records, was culminating at a truly unique spot: Rough Trade Vintage Soho.
This isn’t your average record store. It’s a hidden sanctuary for music enthusiasts, tucked away in the basement of the New York fashion label, rag & bone. It’s a place where fashion and music don’t just coexist; they intertwine. I descended the stairs, the anticipation building with each step. On a previous visit, I’d scored a rare cassette by Paul Weller (you can read about that lucky find here). Tonight, I wondered what treasure awaited me.
Unearthing Treasures at Rough Trade Vintage Soho
The basement space is intimate, a stark contrast to the sprawling Rough Trade East. Here, the focus is curated and specific. Vintage vinyl, cassette tapes, music books, and merchandise line the walls, creating a haven for collectors. The air smells of old paper and vinyl, a scent that is pure nostalgia for any crate digger.
A Hidden Gem Beneath rag & bone: The Vibe of the Shop
The first stop, as always, was the cassette section. My eyes caught a tape by The Stone Roses. For a moment, my heart leaped, but the £80 price tag brought me back to reality. I reluctantly placed it back on the shelf, unaware that their drummer, Reni, would pass away just a few months later. It was a stark reminder that in the world of collecting, hesitation can lead to regret. Every find is a fleeting opportunity.
The Hunt for Oasis and a “Signed” Surprise at this Soho Record Shop
Shaking off the momentary disappointment, I moved on to my perennial quest: searching for Oasis records. I sifted through the ‘O’ section under “Alt Modern,” my fingers expertly flipping through the sleeves.
Unfortunately, the new arrivals offered nothing rare this time. Just as I was about to move on, I wandered over to the book and merchandise corner. And that’s when I saw it: an Oasis photobook with a bright red sticker proclaiming “Signed Copy.”
My pulse quickened. A signed copy? Could it be? I had just seen an authentic Noel Gallagher-signed 7-inch for £500 at Reckless Records. I eagerly opened the book, only to find an unfamiliar signature. It dawned on me with a comical sense of deflation: it was signed by the author, photographer Tom Sheehan, not one of the Gallagher brothers. It was a classic rookie mistake, a reminder to always keep your collector’s wits about you.
The Ultimate Find: A Jimi Hendrix Original at Rough Trade Vintage Soho
Feeling slightly dejected, I decided it was time to leave. I turned towards the stairs, ready to head to my next destination. But in that final moment, a previously unnoticed crate caught my eye: “NEW ARRIVALS.” I had missed it completely. With a renewed sense of hope, I knelt and started digging one last time.
A Modern Approach to Verifying Vintage Vinyl
A few records in, my fingers froze. I pulled out a sleeve that radiated history. It was Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Hendrix In The West.’ The iconic cover, with Jimi lost in performance, stared back at me.
The sleeve showed some wear, but it was in decent shape for its age. The real question, however, was its provenance. Was this a first pressing or a later reissue? This distinction can mean the difference between a nice record and a holy grail. I examined the labels and the weight of the vinyl, but I couldn’t be certain. That’s when I decided to call in a modern assistant.
I pulled out my phone and opened ChatGPT. I snapped photos of the cover, back, and the record’s labels, asking the AI for an analysis. The initial response was impressively detailed, suggesting it was likely an early UK or German pressing from 1972 or the mid-70s. Then came the crucial instruction: “If you can, send a picture of the markings in the dead wax. That will determine the exact pressing.”
The Verdict: A 1971 UK First Pressing of ‘Hendrix In The West’
I held the record up to the light, capturing the faint, hand-etched matrix numbers in the run-out groove and sent the image. The final verdict from ChatGPT sent a shiver down my spine:
“Analysis complete. This is definitive.
Title: Hendrix In The West
Catalog: 2302 018
Label: Polydor (UK)
Year: 1971 Original
Matrix: A//1, B//1 (Indicates a true first press)
Assessment: This is a complete UK first pressing with early stampers. An extremely valuable find.“
I was holding a piece of rock history. A first pressing of a posthumous live album from the greatest guitarist of all time. The matrix numbers confirmed it was from the very first batch ever made. The sound on this vinyl would be as close to the master tape as possible.
Without a second’s hesitation, I took the record to the counter. The price was a fraction of its true value. This was the magic of record digging in London, a magic I had just experienced firsthand.
Your Guide to Visiting Rough Trade Vintage Soho
If you’re planning a trip to London and love music, this shop is an essential stop. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit.
Essential Information for Your Visit (Rough Trade London soho)
Name: Rough Trade Vintage
Address: 1 Marshall St, Carnaby, London W1F 7BE, United Kingdom
How to Find It: Look for the rag & bone store; the record shop is in the basement.
What to Expect: A curated selection of used vinyl, cassettes, music books, and apparel. It’s not a huge store, but it’s full of potential finds.
Official Website: http://www.roughtrade.com/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts: Why This Rough Trade Vintage Soho Shop is a Must-Visit
Rough Trade Vintage Soho is more than just one of the best record shops Soho London has to offer. It’s a cultural crossroads where fashion, history, and music collide. It’s a place of discovery, where you can find anything from a nostalgic cassette tape to, if you’re lucky, a legendary first pressing.
Clutching the Hendrix record, I stepped back out into the cool Soho night, my mission a resounding success. The night was still young, and my next stop, Phonica Records, awaited. The hunt continues.
