SpaceHall

Zossenerstraße 33, 10961 Berlin
Tel 030/6947664
www.spacehall.de
U-Bahn Line U7: Gneisenaustraße

Mon - Friday 11.00-20.00; Saturday 11.00-19.00

“I don’t give a f*** what’s on your iPod.”

Not one for mincing words, SpaceHall has a clear idea of what good music means and is dedicated to providing Berliners with it. Claiming the city’s best vinyl collection of Techno and an offensively impressive range of electronic music, this multi-levelled grotto is one of Berlin’s most famous record stores. Unlike a lot of specialist retailers, SpaceHall doesn’t immediately smack its visitors with that you’d-better-know-everything-there-is-to-know-about-music feeling the second you cross the threshold.

The atmosphere in the main part of the store is relaxed; with Downbeats interrupting light Drum ‘n’ Bass only to be cut off again as the guy behind the cash desk decides it’s time for the next tune. Here you’ll find a nice variety of CDs and DVDs; button badges and accessories, and what appears to be the entire Kraftwerk back-catalogue hanging on a wall flanked by Flat Eric dolls in cuffs and studs. Obviously.

Through to the back of the store and down the few steps to the right, that feeling of being the little kid in the big boys’ playground could creep up on those unschooled in the art of Techno. Though the assistant casually having a fag behind the counter does insist on playing his choices just shy of full-blast; six decks with ‘phones are lined up, ready and waiting for customers to sample whichever of the vast selection takes their interest. Downstairs again is the huge Electro and Minimal section: oddly quiet considering the absurd amount of sound housed in here, you’re practically guaranteed to find what you’re after in terms of electronic vinyl.

And if you’re after House... It’s in the attic.

SpaceHonda
Zossenerstraße 35
10961 Berlin
www.myspace.com/spacehonda

Mon – Friday 11.00-20.00; Saturday 11.00-19.00

SpaceHall’s little brother in both senses, this store sells only vinyl. New and second-hand; stock includes imports, overstocks, singles, maxis and LPs. An array of everything from Dubstep to Gothic to Disco can be found here with a bit of digging. Some t-shirts, picture discs and VHS tapes are also on offer.