Beatin' Rhythm

They call it, “The Soul of the Northern Quarter” and they’re not wrong. This is not only probably the best looking record shop of the lot, its the absolute Premier store for Rock’n'Roll, 60s Pop, Funk,  Doo-Wop,  Girl groups, Rare  and Northern Soul, Surf, Psych, Rhythm n’ Blues, Film Themes  and more.   The guys here must have the worlds best knowledge of the Northern Soul scene and this shop is a veritable shrine to the glory of obscure 45s. When you go in you will see photos of previous customers  including Keb Darge and DJ Shadow.  The heart of this shop is built around the specialist knowledge of Carl, Tom and Derek  and it’s all done with true love for the music.

The wall racks of 7″s are divided into categories which range from  Christmas Songs to “Uncharted Canadian”. The Northern Soul section is enough to make a Wigan Casino kid weep, and can happily keep me entertained for hours (with the odd fag break). Man, these guys even have an ‘Answer Songs’ category!

The shop itself is a great space predominantly taken up with Vinyl but lots of stuff on CD too. They also have a good selection of re-issued albums near the main door with the particular focus on Northern and Soul compilations; a couple of which are regulars in my box. The shop has a couple of listening posts and also carries a range of T-shirts, Magazines, books and even some nifty looking portable Record Players. If you want to know where the next Soul night is or what’s happening on the collecting front then check out the flyers and posters at the front of the shop.

Ultimately, Beatin’ Rhythm is testament to the longevity of the 7″ single, and Talcum-powdered dancefloor action. I defy you to go in and not leave without at least one tune you never expected to have or hear. A truly inspiring shop and one that every Mancunian should visit by birthright.