Beatnik Records

You might have spotted from the e-mail address for Beatnik that our little pledge about not being connected to any of the shops we feature on this site isn’t quite true any more. Carl of this parish has been and gone and done it. After all those years of crate digging, crawling around in the Charity shops mere mortals dare not enter, and getting his knees very very dirty in the name of Vinyl, he’s finally joined the esteemed ranks of Manchester record dealers.

Beatnik as it stands at the moment is a sort of touring record shop. You never know where it might pop up next. It has it’s base of sorts within the Willowpool Garden and Antiques centre at Lymm in Cheshire. Follow the signs, and you’ll find Beatnik in it’s own little den (pictures below). There you will find a small but intriguing collection of 2nd hand vinyl, including a good spread of Jazz, Funk and Soul rarities (and not so-rarities) and also a bunch of of rock, Indie, Punk, Folk and more. The hand picked collection is all about quality, and priced to buy and listen to rather than to just collect. There is also a bunch of CDs too, at very competitive prices, none for more than a fiver and loads at 3 quid or less. There is a little turntable there, and you’re encouraged to have a listen and try before you buy. You’ll also find a collection of books, prints, posters and customised record boxes.

If you’re lucky, our man Carl will be pottering around and you can engage him in conversation about Traffic LPs or the best Salsoul singles to pick up, but we warned…he has an extraordinary ability to exchange the contents of crate-diggers wallets for Black vinyl, all in the name of spreading the love of course!

The other place to look out for Beatnik is at the regular Manchester Street Markets . These take place on Saturdays at various locations, and you’ll find Beatnik pitches up at Withington (every 2nd Saturday in the month) and Chorlton (every 3rd Saturday). These markets are always buzzing with people and you’ll find all manner of crafts, food and goodies and a great way to while away part of your Saturday afternoon. Again, look out for the Beatnik banner and you’ll find an interesting array of Vinyl LPs, 12s and 7s, a bargain bin, and a good selection of CDs for under a fiver. Note that this won’t be the same stock that’s in the Lymm shop so you’ll have to visit both to see all that Beatnik has to offer.

Right that’s enough of a hard sell, don’t want to overdo it less I be accused of nepotism! Get along to Beatnik, say hi to Carl and tell him what you think of this ‘ere Website too (and tell him how great you think Tim’s articles are). Oh and if it’s a cold day, get the guy a tea would you?…milk no sugar.