You won't believe the prices some people paid for these tickets!
With the meteoric rise of digital downloads, many feared the decline of tapes, CDs, and vinyl would signal the end of independent record stores. But in 2007, vinyl made a triumphant return. As The New York Times put it, “Left for dead in the 1980s, vinyl records are now the music industry’s most popular and highest-grossing physical format.”
This revival has sparked a new era for record stores, click to explore these must-visit destinations for music lovers worldwide.
Spiller's Records in Cardiff, Wales, is recognized as the world’s oldest record shop, established in 1894. Known for its deep-rooted history and connection to music culture, Spiller's has adapted over the years and remains a beloved destination for music enthusiasts worldwide.
When the store opened, vinyl records were still decades away. Sound recordings then came on wax cylinders or heavy shellac discs, which were costly and seen mostly as novelties.
Amoeba Music is legendary for being the world’s largest independent record store, located in the heart of Hollywood. It stocks music and movies of every kind and serves as a popular tourist destination for music lovers.
With a massive collection covering all genres, rare vinyl, and CDs, Amoeba also frequently hosts live in-store performances, featuring both up-and-coming and high-profile artists.
The iconic Rough Trade record store in London's trendy Shoreditch area has been an influential force in the UK music scene since the late 1970s. Known for its distinct approach to independent music, Rough Trade has now expanded to seven stores across the city, cementing its reputation as a cultural institution in England’s capital.
Known for its curated selection, Rough Trade East also doubles as a performance venue for intimate live shows and album signings. Situated in the Truman Brewery, once home to London's largest brewery, it’s impossible to miss this vibrant hub of music, community, and art.
Tower Records in Shibuya, Tokyo, stands as an iconic, multi-level megastore with a vast selection of music spread across eight floors. Since its opening in 1995, it has become a major cultural landmark in Tokyo.
While Tower Records in the US shut down and filed for bankruptcy, the Shibuya location in Tokyo flourished, continuing to attract music lovers to this day. This flagship store for Japan officially separated from its American counterpart in 2002, four years before it ceased operations.
Third Man Records, an eclectic vinyl-focused independent label and store was founded by musician Jack White, alongside Ben Blackwell and Ben Swank. The company operates out of three locations—Nashville, Detroit, and Soho, London. However, to experience the full Third Man vibe, the flagship store in Nashville is the place to be.
The "Music City" store is a central hub, offering exclusive releases, vinyl records, live shows, and even a recording booth where visitors can cut their own vinyl, offering a truly authentic experience that embodies the spirit of Third Man... And you never know when you might bump into Jack White himself!
Electric Fetus has been a cornerstone of Minnesota's music scene since 1968, originally founded as a place for the counterculture community to discover more alternative and out-of-the-ordinary music. Prince was a long-time customer of the store and made purchases there for Record Store Day, five days before his death in 2016.
Over the years, Electric Fetus has evolved into a cultural hub and a beloved gathering place for music lovers. It offers a diverse selection of music, with a strong emphasis on promoting independent releases and supporting local artists.
As Auckland's longest-running secondhand record store, Real Groovy has become an institution in New Zealand's music scene. Known for its extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes, the store has earned a reputation as a haven for both collectors and casual music fans alike.
Founded in the 1980s, it has grown into a cultural landmark, often hosting live performances and events that celebrate local and international talent. With its eclectic selection and commitment to preserving music history, Real Groovy continues to be a must-visit destination for music lovers in Auckland.
Sifters Records in Burnage, Manchester, holds a special place in music history, thanks to its connection with the Gallagher brothers of Oasis. Growing up, Noel and Liam frequented the store, where Noel would buy albums from iconic Manchester bands like The Smiths, Joy Division, and The Happy Mondays. These records were instrumental in shaping Oasis' legendary anthems.
Liam mentions Sifters in the Oasis song ‘Shakermaker,’ thus cementing the small, local record store as a concrete part of rock and roll history, and a location worth visiting for any hardcore music fans.
Waterloo Records has been a key player in Austin's music scene since 1982. The store is known for its lively community involvement, frequently hosting live performances from local and internationally recognized artists across a wide range of genres.
During the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, Waterloo becomes a hotspot, featuring up to 10 bands a day, making it an essential destination for music fans attending the event. Past in-store performers have included Nirvana, Willie Nelson, The Stooges, Sonic Youth, St Vincent, and thousands more.
12 Tónar, established in 1998, is a legendary record store and a label in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland. Complete with bar and cafe, and open till 1 am at the weekends, they frequently host concerts and events.
12 Tónar quickly became an important part of the Icelandic music scene and a meeting point for musicians, including Björk! In 2003 they launched a record label of the same name, with a special emphasis on young and upcoming musicians.
Australia's largest independent record store, Red Eye Records, is an institution in Sydney's music scene. Known for its extensive collection of vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia, Red Eye Records has been a staple for music lovers since its founding.
Winner of three ARIA Awards (Australian Recording Industry Association) for “Best Independent Physical Retailer in Australia,” over the past decade, Red Eye's mail-order business has grown rapidly, offering customers around the world access to rare, out-of-print, and uniquely Australian music items. This expansion has made it a key player in the global market for hard-to-find records and memorabilia, further solidifying its reputation as a cultural hub for music lovers.
Hard Wax is one of the world's leading shops for cutting-edge electronic dance music, such as techno, house, dub, and bass music. The beloved Berlin-based record store was founded in December 1989 by Mark Ernestus on the ground floor of a Reichenberger Straße building.
Hard Wax has had a significant influence on Berlin's infamous electronic music scene. It can be credited as an instrumental force in shaping the evolution of techno music, not just in Berlin, but across the world. This is why the store is a priority destination for both up-and-coming and world-famous DJs.
A pillar of Jamaica's rich music culture, Rockers International Records has been located on Kingston's iconic Orange Street for over 40 years. Rockers International flies the flag high for Jamaican vinyl and continues to uphold its reputation as a key player in the reggae scene.
Rockers has played a pivotal role in shaping Jamaica's reggae, ska, and rocksteady movements, especially during Orange Street's golden era. In the past, this street was a bustling hub of vinyl shops and recording studios. Today, Rockers stands as one of the few remaining vinyl stores in the area, a testament to its legacy in preserving Jamaica’s music history. It remains a landmark not just on what is now referred to by the locals as "ghost street," but in the development of one of the 20th century’s most influential music genres.
Rock'N Freud Record Store, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a favorite among vinyl enthusiasts, blending a love for classic rock with a distinctive Argentine flair.
The store offers an impressive selection of genres, with a special focus on jazz and special editions. Rock'n Freud is known for its dedicated following, often attracting fans of both local and international music.
Sources: (Red bull) (The Vinyl Factory)
See also: Home decor ideas for music lovers
Global grooves: iconic record stores every music lover should visit
All hail the vinyl renaissance
MUSIC Vinyl
With the meteoric rise of digital downloads, many feared the decline of tapes, CDs, and vinyl would signal the end of independent record stores. But in 2007, vinyl made a triumphant return. As The New York Times put it, “Left for dead in the 1980s, vinyl records are now the music industry’s most popular and highest-grossing physical format.” This revival has sparked a new era for record stores.
Click to explore these must-visit destinations to get your limited edition and deep-cut fixes.