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 Comprehensive jazz/ethnic store |
2 Laivurinrinne Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 666 375 http://www.digelius.com/ |
Digelius is situated in Viiskulma, across the street from Popparienkeli and next door to The Specialist. The broad catalogue of over 30,000 titles covers jazz, ethnic and experimental/avant-garde. Most of the CDs are new but the vinyl is mainly second-hand. There is also a selection of videos and literature covering the musical genres the store offers. The staff are helpful and very committed to these genres-and no wonder, as Digelius Music is the third oldest record store in Helsinki. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: venticello |
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Where our roots lie |
35 Albertinkatu Helsinki 00180 Finland +358 9 685 1433 |
Fennica is an average-size store with long traditions that specialises in roots music: blues, soul, country, doo-wop, etc. There is a huge amount of records, both on CD and vinyl. Pop can also be found, especially on CD—and if you are looking for CD singles, take a peek at the boxes below the shelves. The majority of records are new, and Fennica imports them itself—if a title is not in stock, it can be ordered and received in a few days' time. Everyone should seek out Fennica; roots fans should also seek half a day to dedicate to the store, as well as a good amount of money: there is a lot to be found here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Satisfying all appetites with volume |
4 Mannerheimintie Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 684 1680 http://www.freerecordshop.fi/ |
Free Record Shop is a Dutch chain that has spread all over Europe and also to South America. The store is huge by Finnish standards and offers something for everybody by its sheer size alone. The pop/rock section is very large, and downstairs there is another floor dedicated to jazz, classical and ethnic music. You can also find videos (music and film), DVDs, games for the Playstation and the PC, and more. If the title you are looking for is not in stock, you can order it. Prices are a bit high—there are cheaper stores to find your records in. It is also often a waste of time to try and look for smaller names on the shelves—the alternative section is rather thinly covered. But if you are looking for big, established artists or new, up-and-coming bands, Free Record Shop offers you the biggest selection to choose from. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pop music through the decades |
12 Fredrikinkatu Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 661 638 http://www.popangel.fi/ |
Popparienkeli (Pop Angel) resides in Viiskulma, which is a centre for small record stores in Helsinki. Of the large catalogue the majority is on CD, but there is a decent collection of vinyl as well. You will find a smattering of used records amidst the new ones, covering new pop in addition to a good selection in 50s and 60s music, funk and soul. There is a large amount of CD singles, and rare vinyl can be found—if you remember to ask; it is often put aside, away from curious and careless hands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kai Heinlahti  |
 Big chain of general bookshops |
23 Aleksanterinkatu Helsinki Finland +358 9 651 855 |
This is a big chain of general bookshops, in which you can find books, stationery and office materials. It is located in the centre, next to the old student house, with easy access from both the Aleksanterinkatu and the Kaivokatu neighborhoods. Smaller branches of Suomalainen kirjakauppa are located in Itäkeskus, Tapiola in Espoo and in shopping centre Myyrmäki (Vantaa). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nikodemus Siivola |
 Crafty Designs |
4 Eteläesplanadi Helsinki 00130 Finland +358 (0) 9 6877 5625 http://www.helsky.net/ |
Literally meaning "Craft" or "Artistry", Taito has carved out a well-earned niche amongst the iconic Artek, Finlayson, and Merimekko flagship stores along Esplanade Park. Stocked with exclusive, handmade crafts by contemporary artists, Taito is a great place to find distinctive gifts. Though the artists and designers change constantly, you'll usually find a good selection of jewelry, candles, crafts, and home accessories, as well as a featured line of clothing in the west room. As the artists displayed here are less established than their counterparts at nearby Artek or Marimekko, their prices also run slightly lower than those at surrounding boutiques. -Liesl Yamaguchi Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautify Those Walls |
4 Fleminginkatu Helsinki, Southern Finland 00530 Finland +358 (0)9 76 7658 http://www.tapettitalo.fi/ |
Tapettitalo helps you transform your room into anything you want to. With over 2000 designs to choose from, this wallpaper expert offers you a huge range of looks and styles. Make your home look like a traditional European mansion with the historical collection or infuse that eclectic touch of modernity with the psychedelic prints. Choose from the popular Finnish designs like the 'Night of the Skylark' or just browse through the international selection. These unusual designer wallpapers are created using traditional printing methods and are smooth to touch. So, go on and make your home all it can be. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |