For some people, vinyl is the only way to listen to music.
There is just something about those record grooves that enable you to ‘hear’ more of the tune. Whether it is a subtle octave change or the notes of a particular instrument, vinyl offers a listening experience that cassettes, CDs, iTunes and Spotify simply do not.
Shopping for vinyl also offers a different browsing experience too. As there is just nothing like spending hours leafing your way through hundreds of album covers all arranged in alphabetical order.
If this sounds like your idea of heaven, there are several places you can visit in the Emerald City to get your fix.
Offering every genre of music you can think of, here are 12 of the best record stores in Sydney for those who love to listen on vinyl.
Sandy’s Music Centre
Situated in the suburb of Dee Why, Sandy’s Music Centre is a record store that has stood the test of time.
First opening its doors almost 50 years ago, the shop is lovingly run by Nigel and Jenny Fry. It still rocks its original signage from when it launched, as well as a distinctly vintage feel, which is also homely and inviting
The shop is very much a tale of two halves. With its front half being dedicated to CDs and its back to vinyl.
Covering all genres their selection of musical offerings suits all tastes. So whether you are into Miles Davis, W.A.S.P, Hockey Dad or EPMD, they will most probably stock it.
As well to their CDs and vinyl, they also have a great range of collectables available too.
Address: 870 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why NSW 2099
Phone: (02) 9982 7353
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Sat 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Sun closed
Papa Disquo Records
Papa Disquo Records isn’t so much a record store as a legacy to music lover Ken Perkins.
On his death, Ken’s family put his 80,000-strong record collection up for sale. It was promptly snapped up by a local DJ called Gunjo Discopantz, who immediately opened up a shop in Newtown.
The store is now a successful part of the landscape in the suburb, featuring a fabulous collection of rare funk, soul, blues, dub and surf records that defined Ken’s musical taste, as well as a significant number of new releases.
If you are looking to discover some obscure artists you have never previously heard of, this is the place to come.
Address: 109 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Fri 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Sat 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Red Eye Records
Established in 1981, Red Eye Records is Australia’s largest independent record store.
Situated on York Street, in the heart of the CBD, this quaint store has an eclectic mix of classics, second-hand treasures and plenty of new releases.
It also has a huge range of music-related books, memorabilia, posters, magazines and DVDs on offer too.
Whether you are after a gospel, jazz, progressive rock or reggae record, this venue should be your first port of call.
Address: 143 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9267 7440
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Wed 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Thu 9:00 am – 7:30 pm, Fri – Sat 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Repressed Records
A veritable institution in Newtown, Repressed Records is a popular haunt for those who love old-school music.
Offering a wide range that includes everything from vinyl, 7-inches and cassettes to compact discs, printed matter and merchandising, their products covers many different genres – including punk, hip
hop, jazz and alternative music.
First opened in 2002, the store is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff. Although predominantly music orientated, they also have a fabulous range of second-hand books available too.
Address: 413 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9557 6237
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Title Music Film Books
If you are big into pop culture then make Title Music Film Books your first port of call.
As its name implies, this venue in Surry Hills doesn’t just sell music but also film stuff and books too.
The music-related items it does offer, however, include a big range of vinyl and CDs. Which covers everything from old-school classics to the latest releases, across several genres.
It is the kind of venue where you could easily spend several hours browsing in a happy state of contentment. While their social media content is equally as compelling too.
Address: 501 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9699 7333
Service options: In-store shopping
Hours: Mon – Sun 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Utopia Records
Since 1978 Utopia Records has been the undisputed ‘Home of Metal’.
Whatever type of metal you are into, whether it be old-school thrash like Slayer, 80s British metal like Angel Witch, American glam metal acts like LA Guns or death metal legends like Sepulchre, this place is sure to have it.
The collection at this CBD venue is vast and varied and covers everything from new and used vinyl to CDs, DVDs and even Blu-Rays.
They even have a terrific selection of clothing here too, for those who like to wear their musical
tastes.
Address: 511 Kent St, (Lower Ground Floor), Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9571 6662
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Sat 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Sun 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Resist Records
Located in Marrickville, Resist Records is not just a music store, but also a record label, booking agency and even a management and touring company.
For a quarter of a century, they have been at the forefront of Australia’s metalcore scene, producing albums from the likes of Polaris and Parkway Drive-in.
However, it’s their music collection that makes them such a popular venue. Their range is impressive and showcases everything from punk and metal to alternative and hardcore.
You are sure to find some rare gems and new favourites, and if you are into them, there are lots of zines and other merchandise available too.
Address: 38 Chapel St, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: (02) 9557 8771
Service options: In-store shopping
Hours: Mon – Wed 10:30 am – 5:30 pm, Thu 10:30 am – 6:00 pm, Fri 10:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sat 10:30 am – 5:00 pm, Sun 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Egg Records
Standing proudly in Newtown, Egg Records is one of Sydney’s original and most endearing record stores.
Its collection of vinyl records can rival anything in the city, but what really sets it apart from others is its massive range of vintage and secondhand records.
Incorporating everything from once popular ‘60s and ‘70s hits to obscure blues, jazz and folk tunes, this place is a musical treasure trove.
It’s also family-owned and operated, which gives the store a rather homely feel, and sells a range of CDs and cult movies for good measure too.
Address: 3 Wilson St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9550 6056
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cottonmouth Records
Tucked away between an Indian takeaway and a post office, Cottonmouth Records has been a stalwart in Enmore for quite a few years now.
More than just a record store, they also offer craft beers and a fabulous range of whiskies, which gives it a vibe unlike any other place in the city.
The music they showcase includes some golden oldies and fresh new releases, across several different genres. While the friendly and knowledgeable staff also help to make your experience here a very pleasant one.
Address: 182 Enmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9557 1644
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Tue closed, Wed – Sun 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Vintage Record
If you are looking for the best record store in Sydney it is hard to look past The Vintage Record in Annandale.
Established in 1994, this much-loved store has been supplying local music lovers with quality vinyl records since ‘Love is All Around’ first hit the charts.
With a collection that spans the last 60 years, you will find records from pretty much every genre here including the likes of funk, soul, blues, pop, metal and disco.
To keep things fresh, they also have a good selection of new releases too, as well as some excellent re-issues that they have sourced from Australia and overseas.
Address: 31a Parramatta Rd, Annandale NSW 2038
Phone: (02) 9550 4667
Service options: In-store shopping and In-store pick-up
Hours: Mon – Wed closed, Thu – Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Record Store
The Record Store is arguably one of the most famous places to search for vinyl records in Australia.
Situated on Crown Street in Surry Hills, they have everything, music related, you could possibly think of on their shelves.
Whether you are into house, electronic, rock, jazz, indie, hip hop, funk, blues, pop, soul, Afrobeat or rare groove tunes, this place will most likely have something of interest for you.
In addition to the music, they also stock equipment like headphones, speakers, turntables and accessories.
They even buy, sell and trade both new and pre-loved tunes, and also have the expertise in-house to de-warp, clean or digitise records too.
Address: 34/277 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9380 8223
Service options: In-store pick-up, Delivery and No in-store shopping
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun closed
Something Else Records
Priding themselves on being ‘Sydney’s Electronic Music Specialist’, Something Else Records is one of the coolest record stores in town.
Located in Newtown, it boasts a massive range of all the hottest techno, drum ‘n’ bass, dub, minimal and ambient tracks, both from Australia and around the world. So if this is your jam, then you’ll be in for a treat.
Their second-hand collection is equally as impressive too. Whilst they are also another retailer that offers a range of musical equipment like turntables, mixers and record bags for those who want to create their own banging tunes.
Address: 488 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Service options: In-store shopping, In-store pick-up and Delivery
Hours: Mon – Tue closed, Wed 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Thu – Fri 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 4:00 pm