International Record Stores

Originally founded in London in 1976, Rough Trade has become an iconic brand in independent music retail with locations in New York, London, and Bristol. Known for championing indie and alternative music, the stores are designed as cultural hubs featuring coffee shops, performance spaces for in-store shows, and exclusive vinyl pressings. The New York location in particular is a stunning space at Rockefeller Center with a packed event calendar of album releases and artist signings.

Chicago's premier specialty record shop focusing on funk, soul, jazz, Brazilian, African, and disco music. Founded in 1996, Dusty Groove is widely considered the finest shop of its kind in the United States, offering meticulously curated selections of both common and incredibly rare vinyl. What began as an online-only operation evolved into a beloved brick-and-mortar store, though its website remains a crucial resource for collectors worldwide. The knowledgeable staff and thorough organization make it a paradise for cratediggers seeking hidden gems.

Though this legendary New York City record store closed its physical location in 2016 after 20 years, it lives on as an online retailer, mail-order service, and record label. During its heyday, Other Music was the epicenter of independent and experimental music in NYC, known for its carefully curated selection that often featured artists before they broke through to wider recognition. The store's knowledgeable staff and adventurous musical spirit made it a crucial hub for music discovery, with many artists citing the shop as a major influence on their careers.

Located in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood, Kankyō Records is a sanctuary for ambient and experimental music lovers. The pristine white interior with meticulously organized displays creates a stark contrast to the typically busy Japanese record stores. Customers remove their shoes upon entry to browse a thoughtfully curated selection of ambient, drone, and experimental vinyl and cassettes from around the world. The store particularly excels at highlighting small Japanese tape labels alongside international imprints like Constellation Tatsu. Its minimalist aesthetic perfectly complements the atmospheric music it specializes in.

Since opening in 2003, Phonica has established itself as London's premier destination for electronic music on vinyl. Located in Soho, the shop stocks an impressive range of house, techno, disco, ambient, and experimental releases from both underground and established labels. The knowledgeable staff includes working DJs who regularly host in-store mixing sessions and album launch parties. Phonica also operates its own record label, releasing limited editions from emerging electronic artists. The store's listening stations allow customers to preview records before purchase, making it a favorite among DJs hunting for their next dance floor weapon.

Founded in 1989 by Basic Channel's Mark Ernestus, Hard Wax has become a techno institution in Berlin's Kreuzberg neighborhood. Located on the third floor of an old factory building, the minimalist space offers a meticulously curated selection of electronic music with special emphasis on techno, house, dub, and experimental sounds. The store is known for its no-nonsense approach - records are organized by genre and release date, with concise hand-written descriptions. Staff members, many of whom are respected DJs and producers, are known for their encyclopedic knowledge but characteristically Berlin bluntness. For electronic music aficionados, Hard Wax is nothing short of a pilgrimage site.

Tucked away in Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya district, Face Records is a vinyl treasure trove specializing in rare jazz, soul, funk, and disco. The store's atmosphere epitomizes Japanese record store culture - compact yet meticulously organized, with every inch of wall space covered in rare original pressings and reissues. The extremely knowledgeable staff provides personalized recommendations while spinning choice selections on the store's high-end sound system. Face Records is particularly renowned for stocking hard-to-find Japanese pressings, which are coveted by collectors worldwide for their superior sound quality and immaculate packaging.

Operating in Melbourne, Australia since 1992, Goldmine Records has established itself as one of the country's premier destinations for vinyl collectors. The shop offers an extensive selection of new and secondhand records across all genres, with a particular focus on limited editions, audiophile pressings, and rarities. Their knowledgeable staff can help track down even the most obscure releases, while their innovative vinyl de-warping service has saved countless valuable records from the trash bin. The store's bright, spacious layout allows for comfortable browsing through their meticulously organized collection, making it a must-visit for any serious record collector in Australia.

Situated in London's vibrant Brick Lane area, Rough Trade East is the flagship store of the legendary UK record shop chain that spawned the influential indie label of the same name. Opened in 2007, this 5,000-square-foot space combines an expansive record store with a café, performance venue, and gallery. The shop stocks thousands of new vinyl releases and reissues across all genres, with a particular emphasis on independent and alternative music. The venue regularly hosts free in-store performances, album release parties, and book signings, cementing its status as a cultural hub. The shop's knowledgeable staff provides excellent recommendations while the listening posts allow customers to discover new music before buying.

With multiple specialized locations throughout Tokyo, Disk Union represents the pinnacle of Japanese record store culture. Each branch focuses on specific genres - the Shibuya store is legendary for jazz, Shinjuku for rock and psychedelia, and Shimokitazawa for used vinyl treasures. What sets Disk Union apart is its meticulous organization, expert grading system, and the sheer volume of inventory. The stores are famous for their floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with pristine vinyl, many featuring coveted Japanese pressings and obi strips. Despite the cramped spaces, the stores maintain an almost library-like organization system that makes browsing a pleasure for serious collectors. The knowledgeable staff communicates effectively with international customers despite language barriers.

Based in Melbourne with a second location in Brisbane, Dutch Vinyl claims to be Australia's largest online record store with over 30,000 titles in stock. The spacious brick-and-mortar shops offer an impressive selection of new and secondhand vinyl across all genres, with particular strength in jazz, soul, and audiophile pressings. The stores are known for their meticulous record grading and detailed descriptions, giving customers confidence when purchasing rare or expensive items. Dutch Vinyl also stocks a comprehensive range of record care products and high-quality inner and outer sleeves. Their knowledgeable staff can help track down even the most obscure releases, making it a favorite among serious Australian vinyl collectors.

Located in Reykjavik, Lucky Records has established itself as Iceland's premier vinyl destination, with over 40,000 new and used records in stock. The spacious shop offers deep selections across all genres, with particularly impressive collections of Icelandic music, international indie, and electronic records. The knowledgeable staff is happy to introduce visitors to Iceland's rich musical heritage, from classical compositions to the country's thriving indie and electronic scenes. During the Iceland Airwaves festival, the store becomes a hub for international music fans, often hosting intimate in-store performances by local and visiting artists.