Vinyl is not dead! From reggae in Iceland to a backstreet in Malvern, readers pick their favourite independent record shops, where you’re encouraged to listen, learn and love all music
Spillers, Cardiff
Founded in 1894, Spillers claims to be the oldest record shop in the world. For locals, it is a legendary store, and even today it has a vast variety of music that could keep you in there for hours. It still has the same charm and personal, friendly service that has made it a landmark for music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
Carnival Records, Malvern, Worcestershire
More than just a shop, Carnival Records is also a place for vinyl junkies to meet over coffee with owner Chris and his staff, whose music knowledge and passion create a great atmosphere. Tucked down an alley, it’s also a perfect courtyard venue for free live music.
Holt Vinyl Vault, Holt, Norfolk
In this post office and record shop, you can browse the LPs while sub-postmaster and proprietor Andrew Worsdale serves the queue of customers. He’ll turn from selling premium bonds to talking about Graham Bond and usher you through to his back room of more vintage vinyl at great prices.
Groucho’s, Dundee
Integral to the vibrant Dundee music scene, this business has moved premises several times but its loyal customers have always followed. Whether you want to buy tickets for a gig, search for that rare album or just browse and catch up with fellow music lovers, it’s the place to go.
Plattfon Record Store, Basel, Switzerland
This shop has one of Europe’s finest collections of independent, electronica, abstract, urban, world and jazz music on vinyl. Michael and Muriel know every record in the store and are eager to help you find your next favourite artist or album. It’s also a hub for left-field cultural events.
12 Tónar, Reykjavík, Iceland
On two floors of a wooden house in downtown Reykjavík, 12 Tónar is an excellent source for Icelandic and foreign music, from Björk and Sigur Rós to the latest independent local bands and artists. There’s a listening area with sofas, and the proprietor will give you a stack of CDs and make you a cup of coffee to drink while you listen.
Dischi Carù, Gallarate, Lombardy, Italy
This beautiful Lombardy villa has piles of records and CDs everywhere, and a lovely whiff of smoky cappuccino. They promote independent music and hold free concerts in the courtyard. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll come away feeling enriched.
Freebird Records, Dublin, Ireland
At the end of a long, narrow, poster-lined entrance off Wicklow Street is this granddaddy of record stores. You can take your time browsing through the CDs, vinyl and DVDs, or speed things up by asking a member of staff – they all seem to carry the immense catalogue of roots music in their head.
Coffee and Vinyl, Antwerp, Belgium
Come for a well-ordered range of new pressings of rarities, particularly reggae. Those who care less for vinyl can sit by the windows with a coffee or beer, a bun and the papers, as partners excitedly wave prospective purchases in their direction.
Aquarius Records, San Francisco
It’s easy to lose an hour or two here in this Mission district specialist in non-mainstream music – experimental, dark metal, electronic, punk and eclectic international recordings. This is the place if you want music that’s off the beaten track and staff that will help you navigate into the unknown.
The Guardian