Shuga Records in Chicago, IL
An ideal spot for both new and used vinyl, Chicago’s Shuga is a popular destination in the famous Wicker Park neighborhood. Open 7 days a week, the Shuga Records warehouse is known to keep over a half-million records in-stock at any given time. The store is also popular for its long tradition of in-store concerts and artist-endorsed listening parties. In its prior incarnation as Atomic Records, Shuga once hosted the likes of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins on its stage.
Note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Shuga Records orders must be placed online for curbside pickup 24 hours later. Hours are now Mon-Sun 12-7 PM US Central Time. New drops, including for Record Store Day, are announced online. Call ahead if you have any questions (773) 278-4085.
Sound Station in Fredriksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sound Station has been an ideal place to find vinyl, music, movies, and memorabilia since 1991. Stylistically diverse, Sound Station covers all sorts of genres, including jazz, punk, mainstream pop, and club mixes. Zombies bassist Søren Koch and legendary singer/songwriter Tim Christensen are known to be regulars at the shop, located in Copenhagen’s tony Fredriksberg neighborhood. After scoring a vintage Monkees or Animals record, you can make another stop at the nearby Copenhagen Zoo.
Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey
Since 1979, Vintage Vinyl is known to be the largest independent record store in New Jersey—a notable achievement in a state with a serious musical pedigree. While set in a suburban strip mall, Vintage Vinyl has attracted a ‘who’s who’ over the years for in-store performances and signings, including Ozzy Osbourne, The New York Dolls, Queens Of The Stone Age, Liz Phair, and Ryan Adams. Notably, it’s also a great spot to score limited-edition titles issued annually on Record Store Day.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required in-store, though normal hours were restored in June 2020.
Spillers Records in Cardiff, Wales
Spillers Records has been slinging wax since 1894—literally. The shop originally sold wax phonograph cylinders and musical instruments, and has managed to survive changing tastes, technology, and several moves around Cardiff over the past 126 years. They even have a Guinness World Record to back up their claims of longevity and a selection to please generations of crate-diggers.
Disk Union in Tokyo, Japan
While technically a chain of Japanese stores, Disk Union— with locations in and around Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama—has been thriving since its first shop opened in 1967. Arguably the most impressive store in the Disk Union fleet is the 8-floor store in splashy, fun-filled Shinjuku. Each level has its own theme—for example, Latin/Brazilian sounds are on the 4th floor, while prog-rock fans ought to go one floor lower to 3F. Records, CDs, and additional media are all for sale at this store.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Disk Union has adjusted its hours. Check their website for the latest information on when they are open.
Horizon Records in Greenville, South Carolina
Horizon Records shares space with the Bohemian Cafe, a restaurant that hosts local artists. Selling a mix of old, new, famous, and local records, both casual fans and serious vinyl collectors will find plenty to be excited about when browsing the shelves of Greenville’s Horizon, which have been packed with vinyl since 1975. For budget buyers, hidden behind the cash register is a back area with clearance CDs and LPs, including plenty of interesting $1 offerings.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required in-store, and new rules are in place to protect customers.
Guestroom Records in Louisville, Kentucky
Both a buyer and seller of music, Guestroom Records in Louisville, Kentucky sells not only CDs and records but also cassette tapes; it regularly participates in Cassette Store Day and Record Store Day events. Especially tied in with the local Louisville music scene, Guestroom Records often hosts events at local spots and has maintained its own record label for over a decade.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required in-store, and new rules are in place to protect customers.
Red Eye Records in Sydney, Australia
Part of the Sydney music scene since 1981, Red Eye Records is the city’s largest indie music shop. In addition to the broad selection, Red Eye also specializes in rare, out-of-print, and unique finds from the Land Down Under. Whether you’re looking for the latest remastered reissue by Paul McCartney or something special from the Australian music scene, you’ll be in good hands with this crew.
Third Man Records in Nashville, Tennessee
Third Man Recordsfirst existed as a Detroit, Michigan-based record label synonymous with The White Stripes and its leader Jack White. In 2009, Third Man opened a Nashville storefront that arguably has something for everyone. In addition to crates of vinyl, Third Man also has a novelties lounge—which includes the Third Man Record Booth, a unique straight-to-acetate studio where Neil Young recorded a release via White’s label.
The Third Man experience is made complete by a live venue that plays host to a wide range of artists. Ticketed tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays on a first-come-first-served basis, as Third Man’s facilities also include a photo studio and other recording spaces.
The Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A record store with locations in both Minneapolis and Duluth, The Electric Fetus is seen by many as Minnesota’s top independent record store. Founded in 1968, the store has a long-standing reputation within the local music community and sells clothing, cards, jewelry, posters, incense, candles, and smoking-related accessories in addition to records.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required in-store, and new rules are in place to protect customers.
Nextime Records in Santiago, Chile
Vendors of music in all major formats, including vinyl, Nextime Records is a spot that exhibits simultaneous appreciation for a diverse array of artists. Located within the Providencia commune in Santiago, this cozy shop boasts throwback vibes and affordable prices amidst a stylish shopping district.
