Across The Tracks

One of the things I remember from my childhood (I’ve blocked out the traumatic parts), was that my dad had a vinyl collection. The one album in that collection I cherished was a record by The Smurfs. I can’t remember the exact title, but I do remember the picture. The Smurfs were gathered in the foreground, and behind them was the face of an old man with a beard (acting as God, I think). I listened to that album constantly. When I stopped by Across The Tracks, I was secretly hoping they had that album in stock.
They didn’t, but they had an amazing selection of other records. What’s great about this store — well, great, depending on your perspective — is the staff just doesn’t really care when you walk in and browse. They really just let you do your thing and search. I didn’t get a polite smile and a «How can I help you?» at the door? No. What I got was a quick glance from a staff member, and then I was left alone to browse. And this was a good thing for me as there was a lot to browse through. Good prices, and a great selection of vinyl. Thumbs up.

If I’m on the move I’m happy to listen to my iPod.
When I’m at home however, it’s vinyl every time.
Situated at the bottom of the North Laines, Across The Tracks is an second hand record shop with plenty of vinyl, CDs and memorabilia. Admittedly, it doesn’t have the quantity or wow factor of The Wax Factor or the style of Resident Records but it has what counts: racks and crates of dusty old vinyl. There’s a strong bias towards funk, soul and motown but you’ll also find plenty of rock, pop, hip hop, dance and reggae.
Some of the records are a little dog-​eared but remember, it’s the wax not the sleeve you’re gonna be playing later! I went in looking for some Ronettes or Shirelles and emerged half an hour later with albums by Blondie and Public Image Ltd.

Price, range, volume and personality, I was blown away by my unexpectedly idyllic experience at this veritable vinyl heaven. It ain’t pretty, but it sure provided the goods in abundance. And the prices were the lowest I found throughout Brighton.
From the old vinyl buffs that were behind the counter to the salty characters who were, in effect, record store roadies — this place oozes a lack of care for anything but the music itself, which I can definitely get behind. As soon as they found out I actually knew what I was talking about, they completely changed their aloof tune, pointed out some new treats for the pickin’ and even showed me some rare gems they stash in the back for their treasure hunters.
It’s not about the hype or the décor or the chipper staff, ATT is all about the music. If you are as well, I’d highly recommend a good browse.

The sheer range of LPs on offer stops me from giving this place a 2, but I must admit I’m not struck on Across the Tracks at all. Where as «Monkey Music Emporium» and «Borderline» can’t hope to compete with the volume at ATT, they both have something that Across the Tracks really craves… A personality.
I just feel this place doesn’t care, from its general lack of ordering, absence of a stock sheet (the owners themselves won’t be able to tell you if they have what you want), and surprisingly steep prices for second hand LPs, it feels soulless. Save your money, and head over to Monkey Music Emporium for a great store, with fantastic prices, and the feeling that both you and the music you crave matters.

This is a great shop, full of a veritable maze of new and second-​hand cds, record and movies. The number of items inside is truly immense, and you’re sure to find something to satisfy your musical, or visual tastes. Definitely a good place to go if you want to save a few pennies.

Across the Tracks is a great second-​hand vinyl store in the North Laines. Unlike many of its neighbours, it’s not much to look at from the outside, but this doesn’t really matter, because it’s what’s on the inside that counts right?
ATT doesn’t need to paint its walls in bright colours of vibrant patterns and if it did I think it’d just seem wrong. In a previous life I was a hip-​hop DJ and would love to sift through the mountains of records in ATT. They have a great range of genres, unlike many of their competitors who tend to stick to the classics — rock, jazz, blues, soundtracks etc. With more modern (is 90s still classed as «modern»?) selections there is a better chance of finding some LL Cool J, or Public Enemy, that’ll keep heads nodding ’til the break of dawn.
So, in conclusion, if you’re looking for records of any genre check out ATT. I am not guaranteeing they will have it, but they tend to have a wider selection –get diggin’ in some crates!
I will end by quoting the great Madlib with his views on digging for vinyl:
«I’m the type of brother that don’t like to hear the same thing over and over, so I don’t listen to the radio/​I go beat shopping with my brother or my lady yo/​take me to the spot so I can dig.»
Word!

This secondhand record shop has been unchanged for years. It stocks a lot of vinyl and is particularly strong on funk and soul, and 60’s and 70’s stuff. There are some collector’s items up on the wall at eye-​watering prices. About two thirds of the shop is now given over to CDs, with a strong dance section. However, prices are quite steep considering these are second hand and seem to average £4.99 to £7.99, which is about the range for new back catalogue CDs in other independent record shops. The guys behind the counter are helpful, but in a gruff bloke-​in-​a-​record-​shop kind of way, which I found pretty intimidating.