Cover Vinyl records are making a remarkable comeback and here are some places in Klang Valley where you can find them (Photo: Pexels)
Vinyl records are making a remarkable comeback and here are some places in Klang Valley where you can find them (Photo: Pexels)
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Turntables no longer have to collect dust in your grandfather’s house because vinyl records are back
As everything becomes increasingly digital and streaming takes over the music industry, people have begun to yearn for the nostalgia associated with physical media, including vinyl records.
Unlike digital music, which can sometimes feel compressed and flat, vinyl offers a warm, full-bodied sound that many find more satisfying. Also, because of its high demand and limited production, records have become incredibly prized by collectors and casual music lovers.
The classic LP vinyl record was first developed by Columbia Records and released in 1948. It outdid all its competitors by being significantly less ‘noisy’, since the disc is made of PVC (vinyl) instead of an abrasive shellac compound and is played with a smaller-tipped stylus.
Read more: 8 decorative and innovative shelving solutions for vinyl record enthusiasts
Vinyl records aren’t, and never have been, just an American thing. There are plenty of spots to get your hands on one, whether a brand-new pressing or a vintage piece and here are some of our favourite places to find them.
Teenage Head Records
Priding itself in its wide catalogue, this ‘mom and pop’ record store describes itself as “100 per cent family-owned”, according to its official website. A favourite amongst teenagers (unsurprisingly), they also have an online store.
Teenage Head Records
20, Jalan SS 14/1a, Ss 14, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
+603-5613 0020
Tandang Record Store
Founded in 2012, Tandang caters to a range of tastes, from Adele to the Rolling Stones, from Radiohead to Frank Sinatra. What began as a hobby for owner Wan Hazril, whose interest in physical records was sparked by his sister’s extensive collection, has become a full-fledged record store. “What I love about my store,” he said in an interview with Free Malaysia Today, “is that I’m able to share my love for music with my customers. We can connect through our mutual love of music, even if our preferences are different.”
Tandang Record Store
Zhongshan Building, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
014-632 3696
Sputnik Rekordz
Delving beyond just popular, classic, and retro pressings, Sputnik’s owner Naza Mohamad aims to showcase lost gems and to preserve music from Malaysia’s past. While the shop certainly has plenty of mainstream records available, it is also the perfect setting to discover and celebrate unsung musical treasures.
Sputnik Rekordz
TD67, Level 3, Pasar Besar TTDI, Jalan Wan Kadir 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
012-316 4375
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Trans Music Express
This store, nestled in the heart of the cult-favoured Amcorp Mall, curates a selection that will surely appeal to everyone. They also buy records, so if you’re looking for a place to sell discs from your collection, this is the place to bring them.
Trans Music Express
L1-154, Amcorp Trade Centre Tower 3, Pjs 52, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
012-630 2656
Hard Graft
Head to Petaling Jaya to check out Hard Graft’s vast collection of brand-new, shrink-wrapped vinyl records. They stock a wide range of artists, such as Peggy Lou, Pink Floyd, and Aaliyah. Established in 2012, they have both an online and physical store and ship worldwide.
Hard Graft Records
25, Jalan 52/1, PJ New Town, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
011-2325 3365
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MusicRecords2u
An independent record store based in Bukit Bintang, staffed with knowledgeable vinyl enthusiasts, MusicRecords2u sells both new and preloved records. They also sell a selection of records on Shopee, so music lovers can browse and purchase both in person and online.
MusicRecords2u
Unit 6.09, Level 6, Cosway Guesthouse, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
011-5998 4531
Basement Records
With two outlets, Basement Records can reach more music fans and provide a wider range of records. They mainly regale fans of punk and metal with their curated picks, and their Rumah Api outlet occasionally serves as a venue for gigs. If you are planning on shopping at their Rumah Api outlet, it is advisable to contact them in advance, as the venue is typically locked for security reasons.
Basement Records
3rd floor, 18, Jalan Beremi, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur / M2-D, 15, Jalan Pandan Indah 4/6, Pandan Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
011-5998 4531
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