50 best record shops

Everyone's life has a unique soundtrack. Whether it's supplied by JS Bach or Bachman Turner Overdrive is a matter between you and your turntable. But you do need to know where to find those life-and-death grooves. Let Steve Jelbert and his expert panel of record collectors help you get next to the ones you love

Best classical
Harold Moores Records
MDC Classical
McAlister Matheson
Bath Compact Discs
Heffer's Sounds
Sounds Good
Forsyth Bros Ltd
Prelude Records
The Classical Music Shop

Best danceThe Record Album

Black MarketFat CityAtlas RecordsRub-A-DubHard to Find

Best jazz
Honest Jon's
Ray's Jazz Shop
Mole Jazz
Rhythm Records
Decoy Records

Best one-stop/generalPiccadillySelectadiscFoppJumboBeggar's BanquetAction RecordsReplayProbeWood MusicSpillersJG Windows Ltd

Best second-hand/collector
Reckless
Steel Wheels
Intoxica
Music and Video Exchange
Beanos
Rounder
Helter Skelter
Plastic Factory
King Bee
Vinyl Exchange

Best specialistRough TradeUltima ThuleMr BongoSmall FishSoul Jazz/Sounds of the UniverseMalcolm and Annette GallowayMinus ZeroSterns African Record CentreThese RecordsThe PanelRock'n'Roll Traveller

NB: Details were checked at the time of going to press, but are liable to change