some quick observations from my latest UK trip:

Liverpool:

there is an EXCELLENT book shop on Hanover St, just before Duke St
that has tons of music books at remainder prices
http://www.bluecoatbooks.co.uk/index.html

same building has a music collectables shop upstairs but was closed 
when i went by

also on Hanover, the BBC shop with neat DR Who collectables and BBC stuff
you can actually wander around the first floor area where they tape 
concerts (we did
a Bongo Beat broadcast last Saturday, May 25)
listen here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/local_radio/
click on LISTEN AGAIN and then "On The Beat" w/Spencer Leigh



London:
the last remaining FOPP shop  at 1 Earlsham St (Leicester tube)
has unbelievable deals sure to empty your wallet:
tons of 2-3 pound cd deals (2 disc Petula Clark, Sniffin Glue comp, 
paul westerberg, etc) plus
cheap books (the new Spencer Leigh Cavern book for 10 pounds)
stuff turns over quickly (Fopp is owned by HMV and this is where they 
dump remainders
and cut outs and weird stuff... take your time, there is LOTS)
after that - stroll up Charing Cross and hit all the bookshops and 
instrument stores plus
detour into Denmark St to soak up the 60s vibe
http://www.fopp.com/

also:
the best  HMV is the Oxford St one - go downstairs for all the ACE 
re-issues, comps
and 60s stuff galore.

New Stuff:

The Ting Tings - hottest thing this minute. I like them but not to 
everyone's taste.
Beth Rowley -  the sticker says "next big thing" but i doubt it... 
great imagery and
nice Brit femme blues vibe

BEST TIP:

for any Top Ten cds - wait until you're at the airport and buy them 
at the HMV there -
all cds are duty free and cheaper than in the city...

BEST DEAL

Stiff Box set at Zavvi for 14 pounds (28 bucks for 4 cds and a giant booklet)

CAMDEN MARKET:
Look for the "Stables" stalls - some cool vinyl and cd dealers 
(picked up the Elektra box
set sealed for 20 pounds)

i'll be going back in October so if anyone has any tips, much apreciated!





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ralph alfonso
bongo beat records

http://www.bongobeat.com