Norman Records
Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00
Friday: 09:00 - 16:30
Saturday: -
Sunday: -
About Norman Records
UK record store selling records, CDs and tapes.
Norman Records Description
In the beginning (1995-1999)
Norman Records was born in 1995 when Phil set up the business in the attic of his terraced house in the Hyde Park area of Leeds.
Initially selling via ads in Record Collector magazine, by 1997 Phil was employing extra members of staff to deal with the volume of parcels that were being carted off to the local post office.
First record sold? No idea. "Probably something by Cows, " according to Phil.
The early years (1999-2003)
In 1999, with a bedroom ceiling beginning to sag due to the sheer weight of vinyl upon it, office premises were found in an old Victorian school in Armley, Leeds. This is where the story really begins. Using an ancient, wheezing, dial-up internet connection a basic website was built (still available! ) offering the latest releases at low prices with super-fast shipping.
The 'famous' Norman Records reviews started around this time, mainly written by Phil as other members of staff shouted their opinions from across the room. Eventually staff were writing their own reviews providing passionate, knowledgeable and idiosyncratic opinions.
As night follows day, the extra space available led to a huge increase in the amount of stock we started to hold. To cope with the sheer number of records needing packing and reviewing, more staff were gradually employed.
The difficult teenage period (2003-2010)
The decline of physical sales that began in the early 2000s presented challenges. We kept on finding the best new music out there. We kept plugging away at the reviews. And whilst we kept refining the site (making it as simple and fast as we could) we resisted the siren calls of the download markets, stuck to our guns, and continued to support the physical formats.
Traffic rose, we were able to ride out the slump, and found ourselves at the forefront of a vinyl revival. . .
Leaving school (2010-now)
In 2010 we outgrew the antiquated Armley school and moved to larger premises in a brutalist 60s council building in Holbeck, 15 minutes from the centre of Leeds. Fun times.
As well offering a much bigger space for the ever-growing stockroom, the move allowed us to officially open to the public. Although not a store in the conventional sense (far from it) customers can not only walk in and buy but ’click and collect’ ofter ordering online. A bit like an Argos for vinyl lovers.
Having a physical presence also allows us to take part in Record Store Day, the first of which was a cold, frantic morning in April 2013 when crowds snaked down the stairs and out the doors of the building.
Future
Who knows?
We are proud to have been trading for 22 years and proud that the same ideals we started out with are still in place today. And as long as you lovely folk keep buying records, we'll keep selling and reviewing them.
Reviews
PRE-ORDER: Jane Weaver - Loops In The Secret Society
The new Jane Weaver album sees her re-work elements from her last two studio albums The Silver Globe and Modern Kosmology, interspersed with brand new ambient pieces.
Deluxe 2LP on Fire housed in a silver foiled gatefold sleeve
... https://www.normanrecords.com/…/175799- jane-weaver-loops-in…
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PRE-ORDER: 'A Mobtown Suite Vol. II' by Mahatma X:
Brilliant lo-fi hip-hop/mixtape from our Album of the Year winner Malk and friends.
Store exclusive! Very limited Burgundy vinyl LP of 100 on Home Assembly.
... https://www.normanrecords.com/…/175788- mahatma-x-a-mobtown-…
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PRE-ORDER: The Fall – ‘Live At the Witch Trials’
Cherry Red Records are reissuing The Fall’s debut album and hugely influential opening statement ‘Live At The Witch Trials’.
It’s limited to 1000 copies and houses a 180g red vinyl in the US artwork sleeve with the US tracklisting. It’s out in late May, and you can pre-order it with us now.
... https://www.normanrecords.com/…/57296-f all-live-at-witch-tr…
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Ty Segall has just brought a live album out this week, mastered by none other than Steve Albini.
You can order ‘Deformed Lobes’ with us now, but in the meantime, we thought we’d revisit a few records from the man who seems to never sleep.
https://www.normanrecords.com/…/174624- ty-segall-the-freedo…... https://www.normanrecords.com/artist/1701 7-ty-segall
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JUST IN: Melvins – ‘Pinkus Abortion Technician’
They once had two drummers, now they have two bass players. The Melvins team up with Jeff Pinkus of similar creators of frenzied noisey goodness, the inimitable Butthole Surfers. And yes, that title is a reference to the Surfer’s iconic ’87 album.
We’ve got the record in on the twin 10’’ LP set, with one record in oxblood, and the other in teal blue.
... https://www.normanrecords.com/…/169626- melvins-pinkus-abort…
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Greetings all, here’s our Tuesday Update:
We’re all very upset to hear about the passing of 60s pop star turned experimental icon Scott Walker. We’ll be delving into Walker’s ridiculously varied work for the rest of the week, you should do the same.
We've got plenty of new vinyl for you this week including UNKLE, C. Duncan, Ty Segall, Floating Points, The Underground Youth, Fennesz, Beth Gibbons and co., plus tonnes more.
... Reissues wise, there's a couple of exciting things from Sophia and the Cocteau Twins, Vashti Bunyan once again gets her classic folk record 'Just Another Diamond Day' recirculated, John Dwyer's got an early Thee Oh Sees LP out soon, and The Church bring a classic back for you.
Sleaford Mods have got a new single to pre-order, and These New Puritans' excellent 'Inside the Rose' has been restocked once again for you lovely lot. There's plenty of Talk Talk CDs available, too.
Read the full update here:
https://www.normanrecords.com/updates/131
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BACK IN STOCK! 'Laughing Stock' by Talk Talk:
More copies of their legendary swan song on vinyl and CD. If you don't own it yet.....then you know what to do.
https://www.normanrecords.com/…/124252- talk-talk-laughing-s…
Japan were one of the most daring groups to come out of the broad new wave genre. We’ve picked out these classic records from David Sylvian and co., their final two albums before they went their separate ways.
On the left is their swansong ‘Tin Drum’, and on the right we have ‘Gentlemen Take Polaroids’. Both these reissues are remastered so you can listen to their era defining avant-synth-pop in hi-def.
https://www.normanrecords.com/records/171 585-japan-tin-drum... https://www.normanrecords.com/…/171584- japan-gentlemen-take… https://www.normanrecords.com/artist/1987 9-japan
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JUST IN: Beth Gibbons & The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra – ‘Henryk Górecki: Symphony No. 3 (Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs)’
Well, that was a mouthful. If you’ve been wondering what Beth Gibbons has been up to since the last Portishead album, then your thoughts have been partially answered. In 2014, she performed Henryk Górecki’s Symphony No. 3 with esteemed conductor Krzysztof Penderecki and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra.
We’ve got the album in delux...e tip-on gatefold sleeve with mounted booklet insert plus a bonus DVD featuring the concert film. Also available is the CD with bonus DVD, and the LP and CD variants without the DVD.
https://www.normanrecords.com/…/174758- beth-gibbons-the-pol…
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JUST IN: Ty Segall & The Freedom Band – ‘Deforming Lobes’
The prolific garage rocker returns with a brand-new live album, mixed by none other than Steve Albini. Backed by The Freedom Band, Ty delivers a career-spanning set to a packed Los Angeles ballroom. Expect raucous, noisy fun from start to finish here on ‘Deforming Lobes’.
https://www.normanrecords.com/…/174624- ty-segall-the-freedo…
JUST IN: Sophia – ‘The Infinite Circle’ and ‘Fixed Water’
These albums have been sought after by fans for years, and now they’ve finally got the reissue treatment.
We’ve got Sophia’s ‘The Infinite Circle’ and ‘Fixed Water’ available to buy now.
... https://www.normanrecords.com/reco…/661 44-sophia-fixed-water https://www.normanrecords.com/…/66145-s ophia-infinite-circle
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With just under two months until The National release their new album ‘I Am Easy To Find’, we thought we’d revisit a few of their classics.
Pictured here we have the indie/post punk groups ‘Boxer’, ‘Alligator’ and 2013’s ‘Trouble Will Find Me’. ‘I Am Easy to Find’ is released on May 17th, and you can pre-order the limited edition box set with us now. It comes complete with an individual grey, green and red record, music exclusive to the format, a huge poster and a tri-fold j...acket with a 24-page booklet.
https://www.normanrecords.com/…/175446- the-national-i-am-ea… https://www.normanrecords.com/artist/1143 9-national
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Looking forward to ‘Serf’s Up’ from the Fat White’s? These 12’’ singles of ‘Feet’ should keep you occupied until then.
https://www.normanrecords.com/…/175525- fat-white-family-feet https://www.normanrecords.com/…/174426- fat-white-family-ser…
LATEST HAND-PICKED PRE-ORDERS:
It’s the last week of the month which means its payday week for most of you lot, so you may as well spend some of that hard-earned cash on some vinyl that’s going to be released soon.
We’ve chosen Cate Le Bon, Calexico and Iron & Wine, Mort Garson, Gang of Four, and Mr Ben & the Bens. There’s a book on flexi-discs in there and all. Order now so they can be delivered to your door on the day of release.
... https://www.normanrecords.com/promos/476< br> See More
PRE-ORDER: Sleaford Mods – ‘Discourse’
We’ve got the new Sleaford Mods’ single ‘Discourse’ available to pre-order on white vinyl.
Frontman Jason Williamson states that it’s a track which “chapters that dark silence in the vaults of the unskilled worker. The acceptance of all that is horrible and endured”. The B-side includes the previously unreleased track ‘Eton Alive’.
... https://www.normanrecords.com/…/175744- sleaford-mods-discou…
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RIP Scott Walker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgvU0YI-U t8
We’ve currently got every studio album from Boards of Canada in stock! Delve in here:
https://www.normanrecords.com/artist/1365 -boards-of-canada
PRE-ORDER: Mort Garson – ‘Mother Earth's Plantasia’
‘Mother Earth’s Plantasia’ is one of those oddball cult classic records, and it’s going to be reissued this Summer courtesy of Sacred Bones. Subtitled “warm earth music for plants…and the people that love them”, ‘Plantasia’ went out of print, but developed a rapid cult following amongst the green fingered and record collectors alike. Mort Garson creates pleasant synth ditties for the duration of ‘Mother Earth's Plantasia’, s...ounding like a fusion of early electronic and ambient with a healthy watering of space age pop.
We’ve got it available to pre-order on the limited edition green colour variant, as well as black wax and CD.
https://www.normanrecords.com/…/156878- mort-garson-mother-e…
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BACK IN STOCK: Daughters – ‘You Won’t Get What You Want’
We gave this a 9/10 when it came out, and it got the number 2 spot in our Albums of the Year 2018 list.
The recently reunited Daughters returned with a stark change up in sound, channelling post-hardcore energy with noise rock and industrial belligerence. We’ve got it in the ‘London Fog’ colour variant. Grab a copy now whilst you still can:
... https://www.normanrecords.com/…/172357- daughters-you-wont-g…
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usually my next port of call if an album I am after from the club ac30 guys has sold out...they package the records well also...to be recommended...
quite simply, one of the best - if not *the* best - music mailorder around. cannot recommend it enough.
When I took a job working from home three days a week with the the other two in Pudsey I had no idea I was within 15mins of Norman Records! Lovely people and very helpful - thanks to Joan and the other Norms for offering a click and collect service 😁
The best. It's as simple as that really. Most customer focused shop I've ever seen.
Really pleased with my first online order. I had ordered two 7" singles, one of which was due to take 5-28 days to be delivered as it wasn't in stock. This wasn't a problem as the single was for me and I was happy to wait, as I was pleased to find a stockist within the UK more than anything. I received the first single within 48 hours of placing the order. And then the second single was then delivered the very next day, despite the quoted delivery time. Brilliant service and really happy with my purchases. I'll be ordering the rest in the series of singles on pay day!
Quite simply the best online record shop. The staff know their shit and aren't afraid to completely pan a deserving target in their reviews. Shipping is top notch too, if something is out on Monday and you have it pre-ordered you'll usually find it on your doorstep on the Saturday before release.
Great bunch of lads.
Norman Records is obviously ace in every way, but I must take issue with young Clinton regarding an aspect of the Invaderband album review. I am from LANCASHIRE and any further suggestions of my origin being YORKSHIRE will be heavily frowned upon and possibly challenged in court.
Regards, Adam Leonard (Invaderband singer).
Never let me down. Always upfront with information on your order and if it's taking longer than usual there plenty of info as to why so no qualms there either! Infact latest 2 vinyls duly arrived today after 3 weeks wait and plenty of updates!
My package was recently returned to Norman from Germany, and after sympathising with my frustration at the incompetence of Deutsche Post, they very kindly offered to resend it for FREE with it being my first order with Norman. It certainly won't be the last. Thanks, Norman.
Just bought Simone Felice's Strangers from here on vinyl, online. Great price, super fast delivery (1-2 days) even though I was a cheapskate and opted for Royal Mail 1st Class and arrived well packaged and in perfect condition. Also got a discount off future purchases as a first time buyer! Subscribed to the e-mail updates too which are entertaining and informative. Everything a record store should be. I'll be back
I ordered the taxi driver soundtrack a week ago, think the release date was delayed though. Norman records kept me informed with regular emails about the status of my purchase, it arrived today in very sturdy packaging, and i am absolutely made up with my vinyl! Will definitely be using Norman records again!
I have ordered many a record from Norman (even though I could get probably get them from any number of record stores in town). They beat everyone to the punch on new music release info and have the best (and cleanest looking) e-newsletter that I subscribe to.
Norman Records is legit af.
I have made multiple purchases through Norman Records, and they are very professional and accommodating. For example, I ordered 4 LP's through them, and one was a pre-order. I emailed them asking cancel the pre-order, and they refunding me for that album the next day, and mailed off the remaining 3 LP's to me. I can't recommend highly enough how fantastic they have been. Thanks, Norman Records!
Faster than I thought, easy to do, good offers and Great for Finding something new,,,, if you have an Odd Fiver
Best online shop ever. Super fast, friendly, professional, sarcastic, and most importantly not over priced. Awesome.
Before I ordered the CD I need to ask a few questions about the delivery and the item itself. All was answered well and with quick response.
It arrived well packaged.
Happy to have it!
Amazing service as always! Got a buzz at the door from the postie this morning after only ordering these 2 days ago.
Keep up the good work!!
A great shop! The orders get packed as though they have to survive a nuclear disaster and that is simply the one thing you want from an online shop. Next to that, they know their music.
Awesome customer experience... only reason they aren't 5 is that they advertise stuff which can actually take them several weeks to get into stock. If you're patient they are the record shop for you!
More about Norman Records
Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00
Friday: 09:00 - 16:30
Saturday: -
Sunday: -