Clampdown Records

An independent specialist record store on Paton Street. If you're a music lover it's worth popping down to Clampdown Records to browse at their selection of new and used vinyl. Rock, jazz, funk and soul — you name it, they’ve got it! The shop’s a little walk away from the Northern Quarter’s Vinyl Valley where most of the city’s record stores are based, but it’s well worth the diversion. It’s not particularly flash, but it doesn’t need to be because their stock is quality — you’ll always leave with a gem or two. It’s also got a big Madchester and Factory section, with plenty of hard-to-find rarities (if it’s Oasis originals you’re looking for, head to Clampdown). It’s not just vinyl that they sell either — they have a huge collection of books, CDs and DVDs, most of which are rarities. Check out their stock of merchandise behind the counter too, where you’ll find band t-shirts, signed memorabilia and much more. They buy as well as sell too, paying fair prices for new stock. [Charlotte Davies]