We are blessed to have a number of avid music lovers amongst our store teams who pride themselves on curating a positive experience for our customers and visitors, and playing the right tracks is a big part of that. The good news is our stores are making their playlists available to listen to on Spotify so that you can hopefully ID that track you wish you had Shazam'ed or recreate the UW store experience from the comfort of your own home.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing playlists from our London and Nottingham stores on socials and this journal, along with a few thoughts from team members about all things music – so tune in, and watch this space for more to come.

Berwick Street, London 

Left to right: Mikee, Alfie, Luke and Toby outside our Berwick Street store in London.

Disclaimer: Some tracks contain explicit lyrics. 

If that wasn't enough, here are some recommendations from the team...

Alfie

Forever on my rotation is D’Angelo’s 2000 album, ‘Voodoo’ - my favourite album of all time. One of the most influential for me and my music production, alongside J Dilla’s ‘Welcome 2 Detroit’. The music, the instrumentation, the production, and engineering to the Electric Ladyland Studio sessions and the outtakes (100% listen to those). For me, it’s a perfect album, from start to finish. As well as D’Angelo’s ‘Voodoo’ sessions at Electric Ladyland Studios, Erykah Badu was also recording her ‘Mama’s Gun’ album. In another studio room, Common was recording ‘Like Water for Chocolate’. Craziness. Two more incredible albums definitely worth checking out!

Ruby

I’m currently listening to the ‘Boogie Nights’ film soundtrack a lot. It’s just filled with so many bangers. The songs are so feel-good they make you wanna dance. Starting with ‘Best of My Love’ by The Emotions, which gives such a feeling of togetherness. If you’ve seen the film, there are so many brilliant shots panning around all the characters and the songs are what make so many of them brilliant. My favourite songs on it change all the time; currently it’s ‘Lonely Boy’ by Andrew Gold and ‘Driver’s Seat’ by Stiff ‘n’ the Tears.

Toby

What album am I listening to? ‘Innervisions’ by Stevie Wonder. Why? Nine songs and 44 minutes of multifaceted, unadulterated genius. For me, this is one of the greatest albums of all time and makes for perfect summer listening (especially ‘Golden Lady’), shifting genre and tone effortlessly to reflect the nature of 1973. Stevie Wonder saw a way to utilise synth like no one had before. The composition and arrangement (practically entirely self-written and performed on this album) feel so transcendent that anyone can put on this album today and feel completely inspired and invigorated by how fresh it feels. ‘Living for the City’ is easily one of the best songs ever made.

Kings Cross, London 

Left to right: Inken and Amalia outside our Kings Cross store in London.

Disclaimer: Some tracks contain explicit lyrics. 

The Kings X team share their favourite albums…

Inken 

Elephunk by Black Eyed Peas

I think this album is my favourite for many reasons. The nostalgic element of me having it on my hot pink iPod Nano, belting songs out in my family car, to singing it with my friends as I got older at parties, and now listening in the shop with my lovely colleagues. Simply put, it never gets old, and it never disappoints.

Lily 

Little Girl Blue by Nina Simone

The album makes me feel like Nina Simone is singing directly to me, like it’s always ever been the two of us. When I feel stressed, I put her on, and she tells me the same stories I’ve been listening to for 10+ years now. I never seem to tire of her arrangements.

Noah H 

A Hero’s Death by Fontaines DC 

This album is a constant for me! Always in a playlist or just banged on from start to finish – as for me, it’s the perfect album. Not one bad tune. Opening with ‘I Don’t Belong’, a secretly hopeful tune about moving to a new city and finding purpose (perfect for those living in the midst of the chaos of London). The best tune on the album is a track called ‘Love Is the Main Thing’; you can’t listen to this song without feeling a sense of appreciation for all things good. Another honourable mention on this album is ‘You Said’, with incredible vocal melodies over heavy shoegaze riffs. Get this album on, and this band: a huge influence on my own band and just a great group of lads! Big up Fontaines D.C. always!

Derby Road, Nottingham 

Left to right: Meshach, Jo and Alex outside our Derby Road store in Nottingham.

Disclaimer: Some tracks contain explicit lyrics. 

A few more album recs from the Nottingham team…

Jo 

Broken Machine by Nothing But Thieves

There are many great albums, but I would choose Broken Machine by Nothing But Thieves. This album came into my life during a time when I was overwhelmed with questions about myself, and its songs provided me with comfort. It showed me that I wasn't the only one struggling to endure the cycle of searching for what I lacked, feeling insecure about what I had, and finding new anxieties in the quest for perfection. It shared in my sorrow and anger. Even years later, listening to it still resonates deeply with me.

Meshach 

FORWARD by Jordan Ward

Jordan Ward's FORWARD is my current favourite album, a decision that was particularly difficult given the many albums I love. This album stands out because it radiates positivity, love, and an uplifting aura throughout its tracks. The album's versatility is truly impressive, showcasing Ward's ability to seamlessly transition between different musical styles and moods. Each song offers something unique while maintaining a cohesive, feel-good vibe that makes it perfect for any occasion. FORWARD isn't just an album; it's a refreshing and inspiring musical journey that leaves a lasting impact.

Alex

Original Pirate Material by The Streets

Original Pirate Material by The Streets is one of my favourite albums of all time because of its raw, unfiltered depiction of everyday life. Mike Skinner’s storytelling captures the essence of young adulthood and relatable experiences, turning them into compelling narratives. Bouncing from humorous to dark to introspective and back again, each track offers a slice of life, artfully wrapped in his unique blend of wit and sincerity, making the album a heartfelt tribute to the beauty found in the mundane. Every listen transports me back to those moments of youth, offering a sense of nostalgia and connection that no other music has matched.

We hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more!