There's a proper vinyl revival revolution going on, and we're here for it! From record listening sessions in Delhi to India's first craft beer and vinyl bar space, The Record Room in Bangalore, vinyl is making a comeback and how. It's time to dust off the ole gramophone, fix it up, and put a record on. While the most of the LBB Crew has a soft spot for vinyl, we had to tap into the expertise of Andrew Sabu, the Music Program Director, Record Room, for insider details. Being a singer-songwriter and artist manager, in addition to leading the charge of the vinyl culture revival, no one better to tell us exactly where the best record stores are, eh? So, in collaboration with Andrew, we give you the list of India's best vinyl record shops. For all you crate diggers looking for everything from Bob Marley and BB King to Asha Bhonsle and Kishore Kumar, or even Coldplay and Kanye West, check it out!
BB King To Asha Bhonsle: 9 Stores To Get Vinyl Records Across India
Ram's Musique, Bangalore
The city’s oldest record store, on MG Road, Ram’s Musique has been the go-to for music lovers across the country. Whether you own a gramophone or just want a record as a keepsake, Ram’s Musique showcases LPs and vinyl for all old school music lovers. The owner, Ramachandran, has a fix for all your music tastes ranging from classics such as Bach and Beethoven to contemporary artists such as Pink Floyd and Queen.
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Seetha Phone Company, Bangalore
Not only does Seetha Phone Company actually sell beautiful gramophones, but they also have records that you can buy and take home to treasure forever more! The place is just as you’d want an antique store to be with piles of records all around. Search and you will find Diana Ross and M.S. Subbulakshmi alongside Italian albums and Glenn Miller concerts at Carnegie Hall.
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Music Corner, Bangalore
A rare LP on your mind? Fear not, John will either have it, or he's somehow source it for you! He has a phenomenal range of records (and CDs) for all kinds of music taste. While we haven't seen the collection too recently, he says that he has a mixed collection of pop, rock and country, and assorted hits that are mostly old releases. Of course, he highly recommends you head over to the store and go through the crates for the best experience. After all, the best things are found, when you aren't specifically looking right? Prices start at INR 500, but don't expect all to be that much. It depends on how race the album is, and how old it is.
Make sure to call before heading there though. You can call on +919945087890.
Pagal Records, Delhi
From the OST of Sholay to Shaheen, Beegees to The Fugees, David Lindley to Bob Marley, and everything in between including 2Pac, Nirvana, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhonsle, and Gladys Knight, Pagal Records in Hauz Khas is THE place for getting yourself records. Be it recent ones, or those that you need a team to hunt for, somehow you will get it at Pagal Records, thanks to the commitment and passion that the owner and founder, Joginder aka Joe, has for music.
The Revolver Club, Mumbai
Based in Mumbai, The Revolver Club, run by Jude de Souza and Parth M Pandya, is stocked with records that will make any vinyl collector delighted! Be it new artistes, essential releases and must-have re-issues or even rare records, you’ll find it at The Revolver Club. They have sections — new, second-hand and language based — to make it easier to shop. They also have a record subscription which is fantastic. Plus, you can even sell your old ones for The Revolver Club is a marketplace too.
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Music Circle, Mumbai
A family-run business, Music Circle is run by Pilak Bhatt, one of the best known custodians of all things vinyl and music. Head here if you’re looking for old-time Bollywood music, Indian music and classical music too. Of course, that is not to say you won’t get your fill of some rare non-Indian music, like The Beatles, Billy Vaughn and some Abba too.
Vibrations, Kolkata
Head down to the 70-year-old record store, Vibrations, at the famous Mirza Ghalib Street for literally all kinds of records. While this has now become quite popular for current pop-culture, skip all the Millennial and GenZ drama in favour of good old vinyl records. From Schumann to Louis Armstrong, Ravi Shanker and Billy Joel — you'll find some classics here. If you can’t make it to Free School Street (Mirza Ghalib Street to old-timers). Don’t get thrilled by the website though, that’s only got fan merch!
Rhythm, Chennai
While if you walk into Rhythm you will only see a few records, the real treasure trove is their godown in Purasawalkam. Of course, you need to call in advance, speak to the owners and then plan the trip, but my, oh my, the stock there is fantastic! Beethoven, Bach symphonies, Ilaiyaraaja records as well as classic rock music from the ‘60s and ‘70s…like I said, treasure! It may look like a tough task finding a particular record in the store or godown but they never to fail to find the one you need. Or don’t need but definitely want! These folks have gramophones starting at INR 8,000 too if you’re keen on getting another!
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Haji Ebrahim Vinyl Store, Mumbai
Hidden on Saifee Jubilee street in South Bombay’s busiest markets with an infamous name – Chor Bazaar, head to the Haji Ebrahim Vinyl Store for records in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Western and Classica. This one is a hidden gem for collectors, though don't expect specific stock each time you go. You'll need to hunt, and it's a bit hit and miss depending on the kind of music you like. Some days they have lots of jazz, other days retro pop and sometimes Indian classical. Either way, if you like records and the vibe they bring, then you'll find something here, any day. After all, you can't quite say no to Miles Davis, Mozart, Mohammed Rafi, ABBA and Michael Jackson.
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