Whether you’re into rock, reggae, jazz, or metal, the sound of vinyl cannot be beat. Here are our picks to the best record stores in Melbourne.
Melbourne’s record stores are a haven for those looking to start a collection, supporters of the local indie scene, as well as discerning audiophiles hunting for rare obscurities. But with Victoria under lockdown once again, record stores need all the help they can get to stay afloat, so look no further than our list of Melbourne’s best record stores offering online sales.
Dutch Vinyl
Dutch Vinyl, named after Dutch expat Mark Reuten’s homeland, is a household name to many a Melbourne audiophile. After working as a web developer, Reuten went on to pursue his passion project of opening a record store, and thus, Dutch Vinyl was born. Head over to their store, physical or online, to buy new records, or contribute to their used collection.
Address: 269 Johnston St, Abbotsford VIC 3067.
Rocksteady Records
Helmed by Pat Monaghan, Rocksteady stocks loads of independent releases “with a fierce local focus” as well as a great selection of Caribbean-influenced tunes. Look through their collection of reggae, funk, soul, and jazz records to your heart’s content, and check out their collection of turntables and books while you’re there.
Address: Level 1, Mitchell House, 358 Lonsdale St, Melbourne CBD VIC 3000
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Greville Records
Greville Records first opened in 1978, and has been championing local independent artists ever since. Vintage records and the latest pop releases are standard fare in any record store, but Greville makes it a point to feature local indie labels such as Mistletone and Anti Fade.
Address: 152 Greville St, Prahran VIC 3181.
Alley Tunes
Hawthorn’s very own Alley Tunes Records, which first opened in 1994, is a pioneer of the Melbourne underground music scene. The record store specialises in underground electronic dance music, while also stocking a large collection of other genres and rare classic records. Alley Tunes also has an espresso bar, which makes the store an excellent place for music lovers to hang out.
Address: 660a Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122.
Oh! Jean Records
Oh! Jean Records stocks an extensive collection of vinyl, from funk and soul to hip hop and jazz, directly sourced from both local and international distributors. Apart from selling vinyl, Oh! Jean Records also has a takeaway coffee bar, RRIOT House, and an in-store stage for private gigs and a dedicated section for New Zealand artists.
Address: 276 Nicholson St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Record Paradise
Originally established at St. Kilda in 1955, Record Paradise is a piece of Melbourne’s record store history. As one of the most respected establishments in the area, the record store stocks a wide selection of rock, pop, and alternative records spanning across decades and continents. Visit this paradise for some records or drop by when they host the occasional instore gig!
Address: 159 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Wah Wah Records
Wah Wah Records focuses, funnily enough, as one of the newer additions to Melbourne’s record store family, on classic rock and roll from the 60s and 70s, harking back to an Australian classic rock tradition. Wah Wah is also dedicated to keeping Aussie musicians afloat, which is why they also stock a decent selection of music from local artists, from Tame Impala to Eddy Current Suppression Ring.
Address: G/F, 196 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Lulu’s
A purveyor of Melbourne’s underground music scene, Lulu’s sports a collection of vinyl from Melbourne post-punk to Norwegian black metal. This Thornbury establishment is much more than a record store, though, given that they also sell books, cassette tapes, and high fashion from the Australian underground and everywhere else. They also publish their own zine introducing new arrivals and bands, and host the occasional live gig or launch party.
Address: 905 High St, Thornbury, VIC 3072
Natural Selection
Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Abbotsford – also home to the Hive – Natural Selection is a vinyl store specialising in Dance Music that offers a vibrant array of musical treasures ranging from Jazz to Techno. This Melbourne-based gem caters to the discerning tastes of audiophiles, drawing them in with an enchanting selection of vinyl records, and also a range of equipment and apparels. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, Natural Selection is a must-visit destination for all things dance music.
Address: 344 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia, 3065
Featured banner image credit: broadsheet.com.au
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