Northside specialises in a lovingly curated selection of what an ethnomusicologist might call “the music of the African diaspora”. We call it a crate-digging paradise. It’s located in the heart of Fitzroy, but you won’t find hipster jams and nu-disco here.

While Northside’s focus is very much on soul, Latin, reggae, jazz, hip hop, Afrobeat, funk and their associated variants, this is a shop to check no matter where your preferences lie.  It’s not unusual for entire collections to turn up here, but naturally they get ransacked quick smart. The disco selection is small but good and the library crates are always worth a punt for some Bruton or KPM nuggets.

Nice-price gems are often found in Northside’s bargain crates so don’t be afraid to get on your knees and rummage. Proprietor Chris sends out a weekly bulletin of recent arrivals (new and secondhand) which also contains a mini gig guide to Melbourne’s soul/funk happenings. They stock Grado carts and can hook you up with a guy who reconditions vintage turntables. Northside is the real deal.

Northside Records 236 Gertrude Street Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Tel 03 9417 7577