Adam writes…
In the aftermath of the Brussels bombing Rick Steves wrote a great piece on why it is imperative that we keep on traveling. I heartily agree with his sentiments and hope you do, too – you can catch up with his post HERE.
In that spirit, I'd like to take the opportunity to urge you, as travellers and music fans, to check out the great record shops of Brussels.
I know of no other European city with so many record stores. Certainly no other city that lies within just a couple of hours of London can boast so many, and so many varied places to buy records.
On a recent visit there I topped up my collection – my great guilty pleasure - of 1960's European EP's (I'll blog more on that next week).
My very fave of all the Brussels record shops is The Collector.
The Collector Record & Movie Gallery Rue de la Bourse 26, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The stock is particularly strong on 60s classics, but I think it's the decor that won my heart. The stacked crates and walls plastered with posters and sleeves create a real Aladdin's cave vibe. It's always my first port of call in Brussels.
I love their attitude, too. They're not on Twitter. They don't take plastic payment. Their website is utilitarian at best. It's old school in all the best ways. If you love records, you'll love The Collector.
Also check out…
Arlequin Records Rue du Chêne 7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Great selection inside, fantastic street art outside. Bargains to be had here…
Veals & Geeks Rue des Grands Carmes 8A, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Small (but perfectly formed) record shop, well presented and uncluttered…
This time around (about a month ago) my trip was a flying visit, so I only managed to swing by these three stores – there are loads more. I was in a hurry to cram in the Jacques Brel Museum – Editions Jacques Brel on the same trip. And I'd urge you to do so too. The story as presented at the museum in narration, song and film, takes us back to Brel's boyhood. It looks at how an early-mid 20th century Belgian childhood, with summers on the wild North Sea coast, shaped the great man's work as a singer, a songwriter and actor.
Editions Jacques Brel Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés 11, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Plan your visit to the Brel museum here: www.jacquesbrel.be From my sketchbook, here's my Brel as scribbled on the EuroStar home…
Good luck and much love to everyone in the great city of Brussels – I'm looking forward to visiting again soon.
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.