Sounds Familiar

Name: Ben Rowland
Comment: I used to frequent both shops at least twice a year, and spend loads of £££ and a couple of hours searching through ALL their records! The one in Romford closed around 2005 I think, as I remember talking to the owner about the lack of stock. He said he had decided to call it a day.
(2023)

Comments

Dave Harwood

29 Nov 2023 at 09:07

I found this advert in the 'Daily Mirror' dated 21st February 1991: “ALL YOUR used records (no 78's), cassettes and CD's bought at Sounds Familiar Record Exchange, 95 Wood St., London E17 or 47 North St., Romford Town Centre. (Collection possible for large quantity). Phone 0708 730737.”

Dave

07 Apr 2024 at 01:51

Used to go to Sounds Familar regularly. Masses of soul and funk 12" singles bought and exchanged here over the years. Purely by coincidence the last time I went there was their closing day, July 10th 2005. Owner was Mick. Really miss them, was a great shop. Traded in loads of my records there.

Andrew

23 Aug 2024 at 05:12

The smaller branch of Sounds Familiar in Wood St, E17 became independent of the Romford shop and was called House of Rhythm from (I think) the late 90s. It closed in the 00s.

Mark H

31 Jan 2025 at 09:39

I loved this shop, used to go there all the time when I was in HS mid/late 90s. Half the time had no idea what I was getting just looking for old skool/jungle and dnb with the odd stone roses or similar thrown in.
I remember I had a temp job one summer holiday and spent almost every lunch break in there.
I’ve never sold a record and still have every one I’d bought from there. Cheers.

Katherine G

30 Jun 2025 at 11:39

I bought my first records in there on Wood Street. Saved up my 50ps and bought 7"s of: Sister Sledge (Frankie), Stevie Wonder (Part-Time Lover), Amii Stewart (Knock on Wood), and Club Nouveau (Lean On Me).
I used to love going in there and passed it every day on the way to school.
I'm sure the guy behind the counter was also an extra in Eastenders!

Rhea Stringer

04 Jul 2025 at 09:53

Spent many years in this shop, behind the counter sticking labels on! Sounds Familar was run by my father Mick, spending my young years in this place was wonderful. Very lucky to have a knowledgeable and legend of a dad who’s educated me on lots of music 😄 long live Sounds Familiar!