Kicking off my run down of the best independent places to spend your hard earned is a Brighton institution – Rounder Records. Nestled away in the famous Lanes, Rounder (like all the best record stores) is a hive of local scene activity – stocking tickets for Brighton’s vibrant live scene along with a choice selection of vinyl and CDs. Record stores have a reputation, mainly deserved, for being fortresses of snobbery and sneer – and a lack of that is what drives Rounder into my Top 5. It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to spend time – light, airy and not overstocked, and perhaps most importantly staffed by pleasant folk. In my experience of the shop not once have I seen someone talked down to, dismissed or ignored – and despite often being rammed there always seems time to discuss the latest and greatest with the bloke behind the counter. From Blackalicious to the Bad Seeds not only has there been knowledge, but interest too – a proper two-way conversation. A key factor in their 43 year history, surely?

Star Find: Back in 2004 when The Killers weren’t a band of language manglers (or maybe they were, but I was younger then…) there was a limited edition light blue vinyl of Hot Fuss that I had trawled most of London’s stores for, chain and independent. I’d driven my lady insane with this wild wax chase, and we’d probably escaped to Brighton to get away from record shops. Wandering past Rounder I couldn’t help but notice that they’d assigned LCD’s seminal Yeah one of their singles of ’03 – I had to go in, and there it was, no. 2919. Done.

The Killers – Mr Brightside

Photo: Brighton Photo Daily