The Birmingham music scene cannot be overstated. We are the home of metal music and bhangra, and gave birth to musicians and bands of all genres. Just on display at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games (held here in Brum) were UB40, Punjabi MC, and of course Black Sabbath. So obviously we’ve got an impressive record store collection too. Here is the ultimate list of all the best independent places to get vinyl in Birmingham.
Swordfish Records
There are few stores in Birmingham more established than Swordfish records. It originally opened in 1979 on Hurst Street under the name “Rockers”, then it moved to Needless Alley where it took on the name “Swordfish”, then to Temple Street, and finally arrived at its current home of Dalton Street in 2013. They buy and sell new and used vinyl and CDs, with a focus on classic indie, rock, and reggae, although there is music of all genres to be found. Although hidden around the back of the city centre, it shares a road with Tornado Books, Birmingham Ink Tattoo, and the Crown Pub, so why not make a day of it? If you need any more convincing of its status, it has played host to The Kooks, Duran Duran, and Lenny Kravitz, as well as serving customers like Dave Grohl and Neil Diamond (and now, hopefully, you).
66 Dalton St, Birmingham B4 7LX
RPM Analogue Audio
Small but wonderful, RPM Analogue Audio is primarily a seller of vintage HiFi equipment such as speakers and record players, but they also have a big collection of second hand vinyl. The atmosphere is one of an old school vinyl shop, with the owner always ready to talk shop with anyone who walks in (and show you his classic gold top Gibson).
181 Sandon Rd, Bearwood, Smethwick B66 4AB
The Diskery
What was that we said about Birmingham’s music scene? Welcome to the oldest record store in England! Since 1952, The Diskery has been selling jazz records to patrons of the second city, adding music from all sorts of genres as the years have gone on. Its chaotic décor, with faded posters and thousands of records covering every shelf, box, and wall, adds to the charm and definitely makes you feel like you’re back in the high street record stores of the 60s and 70s. The shop is spread across three houses, so you can imagine how many discs they have, both out front and in the back. It’s the perfect place to visit for any music lover out there, and for those who are just getting into the vinyl scene.
92 Bristol St, Birmingham B5 7AH
Emortal records
Emortal is a small place but filled to the brim with records. They stock a lot of dance and hip-hip, but have recently added rock and metal to the mix, so it caters to the vast majority of patrons. You’ll have to plan your trip, however, as they’re opening times vary wildly throughout the week and you don’t want to end up disappointed. When it is open though, you’ll be packed in like sardines, as this place is as busy as any mainstream music dealer – good luck!
1 Bournville Ln, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2JY
Polar bear records
Polar Bear records is as rare a find as the animal its named after. They stock a healthy mix of genres, but it a great place to find rarer albums of folk, country, and avant-garde music. Being just down the road from the Hare & Hounds, in the up-and-coming district of Kings Heath, it invites a good number of audiophiles with a more eclectic taste. Although many stores like this predominantly sell second-hand records, Polar Bear prefers the newer stuff as much as possible, but there is a shelf of preloved items for those who want to indulge their nostalgic side.
10 York Rd, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7RZ
Music is the answer
Music is the Answer was only opened in the past few years, but its starting to make a name for itself. After 10 years in the taxi driving business, the owner decided to hang up his badge and flog off some off his 10,000 records, and so this store was born. You’ll find a lot of reggae here, as well as punk, new wave, and hip hop. If you can’t make it to the store, there’s a second stall in the Red Brick Market in Digbeth, just to spread the love a little bit further.
295 Highfield Rd, Birmingham B28 0BX
Cafe Artum
Café Artum is a hipster’s dream. Not only is it a record store, but it’s also a coffee shop too! So after picking out some new vinyl for your collection, you can sit back and relax, and grab a coffee and cake while you talk about the newest releases with some fellow music lovers. It’s a really laid back atmosphere, with beautiful art on the walls and a really chill vibe all round. Just make sure not to spill anything on your recent purchase!
Hockley Social Club, 60 Hampton St, Birmingham B19 3LU
Ignite records
It’s time to get out the old band t shirt and put on your Docs, because Ignite is THE record store for metal and punk fans. With an incredible range of new albums from all the best musicians in the alternative scene, they could rival any chain store. It lives in the Oasis Market, famously a haven for the black-clad alt kids of Birmingham. Despite this though, you’ll more than likely find some top-40 artists here too, so don’t be afraid to take your normie friends along with you. Just make sure you bring your wallet, because a lot of stalls in the Oasis are cash only, so if you want the band shirt that goes with your new record, you’ll need some change.
110-114 Corporation St, Birmingham B4 6SX
Entertainment world
From the outside, you might not think much of Entertainment World. Situated on an everyday (and pretty run down) high street, its shopfront advertises a nerdy heaven for gamers and comic book fans. But don’t judge a book by its cover, because nearer the back is their second-hand vinyl collection and it is amazing. Because they don’t stock new releases, they will accept pretty much anything from well-loved classics to rare collectables that are still untouched 50 years on. You might not believe it’s worth the trek so far out from the centre, but you would be absolutely wrong.
5 The Radleys, Birmingham B33 0QY
We also need to give a special mention to Vinyl And Valves Records in Solihull and Psychotron records in Sutton Coldfield. Although not really Birmingham stores, they’re always worth a look if you’re in those areas!
