The Thousands

Like its namesake, the Laughing Outlaw Record Shop in Lewisham is difficult to pin down. Is it open? Is it closed? Is it an illusion conjured by my hunger for rare records?

Owner Stuart Coupe describes it as his, “Hi-Fidelity meets Black Books mid-life crisis record and book shop!” And once you finally make it inside the doors, you’ll find it’s certainly a shambolic yet comprehensive audiophile’s wet-dream, with an esoteric range of vinyl, CDs, and books. The jewel in the haul is the mono copy of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme (Impulse label), which Stuart tells us is worth around $250.

For a taste of the selection you can listen to his show, Tune Up, on FBi Tuesdays at midday. It is devoted solely to cover versions – and if he can fill a weekly show for the past five years with a theme that niche (that’s 260 hours! of pure covers!), you can be sure this guy knows his stuff. The challenge will be catching Laughing Outlaw on an open day. If not, go on a beer bandit mission to the White Cockatoo Hotel in Petersham – no doubt the original Laughing Outlaw will be holed up there.