True, I don't know why they just don't keep the paper vouchers.

I assume it'll be a tenner. Hopefully there'll be some cheapo offers on.. If it isn't, I'll think less of the person who gave it to me. Which I shouldn't, but I just will. Anti social.

Remember to ask for a student discount (assuming you're a student)

I know a few of you are lucky enough to live in the essex area, anyone actually found a record store that is any good??

I still don't know who you are and you live in my town! haha

Tried Woolies on the high street?

Lol! Err cash converters in Braintree very occasionally has decent metal records.

Woolworths, always a good outlet for rare and underground metal!!!! lol
Your town? I dont see it as a town, i see it more as a paradise on earth!!!
Now wheres my medication??

Nottingham
(Although there is a bit of shameless self promotion, this should also give you an idea of what else is in the area...)

Chain:
HMV: 2 locations, one in the Victoria centre, one down by the Broadmarsh mall entrance. Both *have* Metal sections (which can't be said for alot of HMV's around the country) and both are suprisingly decent (the Broadmarsh shop has a better selection of the two). Suffers from the usual lack of staff knowledge and can be quite pricey (compared to the Indies). You also might have to swat away some fringes there too

Fopp: Now they are owned by HMV, I consider it a chain rather than an indie. Anyway, metal section is pretty pathetic really IMO. You will do worse than pick up cheap back catalog Iron Maiden and Sabbath albums from here though. Aside from that, its usual Fopp style.

Zavvi: last time I checked the metal section was pretty tired, and I haven't been back so can't honestly comment directly although people have told me it's gotten better since the change of owners/ name.

Independent:
Selectadisc: Great independent store which has a very decent metal section. Does new CD's and both new and used vinyl. I haven't checked the vinyl in a while but I have picked up stuff in the past. In store pricing tends to be cheaper than HMV/Zavvi, but obviously not a cheap as t'internet. Recently changed owners and is now 'downsizing' - not sure how (if) that will affect the Metal side of things.

Anarchy Records: Just second hand, a reasonable walk from the town centre up Mansfield road, but you can get some good bargains here - especially in vinyl. I know people who swear by this place although they do have a varied taste so not specifically metal orientated. I don't often get a chance to go in there myself, but typically I'll walk out with 2-3 CD's easily each time.

The Heavy Sounds: My shop, I'm in the West End Arcade which is opposite the Public Library, tucked away there. Small shop, but I do both new and used CD's and Vinyl. I try and keep the new CD prices as low as possible and second hand CD's are usually around £4. At the moment I've got quite a bit of old used death, thrash, doom etc vinyl in so that may be for interest to some of you guys ^ up there looking for originals (oh the spam! Oh, I pretty much only do metal (occasionally some other stuff filters through, but 99% just the good stuff)

Good Vibrations: again just second hand, and also up Mansfield road. I never really had much luck finding metal here but I did pick up the occasional CD. They have lots of vinyl but I'm not sure how often it gets refreshed. Worth a look though, especially if you are wandering up to Anarchy.

Honorable Mention for Craziest record store in Nottingham... Robs Records. This is tucked away in Hurts Yard (google it) which is close to where I am, and is run by a great old geezer funnily enough named Rob. You walk in and it's an aladins cave of piled up records and shit everywhere. The thing is, if you just ask Rob he'll know where it is. You have to visit it to believe it... oh, and you can find some bargains there with Metal stuff occasionally.

All in all I think Nottingham is pretty solid as a record shopping destination. I've already determined that people are happy to travel from surrounding areas to check out the stores, especially the ones that do second hand. If any of you are looking at visiting drop me a PM and I can get you the exact address details for each of the stores mentioned so you can do a circuit.