Hi hcoool
Do you have a Tescos or suchlike near hand? I buy my spices from an Asian grocer but I notice that the larger branches of Tesco are doing packets of spices now and they have a good enough range for the essentials such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, chilli powder, curry powder (yes curry powder) etc.
I think the recommendations for bases you have received so far are spot on - I like the Bruce Edwards (2008) base - simply and will get you producing good curries quickly.