Written by Cheong Jane-Menn
The idea of owning a record player may seem slightly pointless to a lot of people. It’s expensive, you’d need to have your favourite records on vinyl and Spotify is just right there on your desktop, and a single click gives access to your entire library, that’s still more songs than what a vinyl disc can hold. However, if inconvenience is your thing, then look no further.
Jokes aside, vinyl is something that has recently reemerged because listening to your dad’s scratched records definitely gives you that distinct, yet indescribable warm fuzzy feeling that you can only get with said medium. For those with the equipment to boot also know that vinyl sounds much much better than what Spotify can give you, given that it’s an uncompressed format that presents a clearer picture of the piece you’re listening to, kind of like seeing Mona Lisa on the internet and then seeing the actual thing in the Louvre. So, from one sufferer of retromania to another, if you absolutely adore an album and want to listen to it in its fullest potential, get it on vinyl.
With that said, here are a few stores to visit around Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley.
Picture Credit: TimeOut
Tandang Store
Located in The Zhongsan Building, Tandang has a range of CDs, vinyl and cassettes to choose from – mainly of the punk rock genre. Admittedly a very grungy, “Mom, it’s not a phase”, basement-like aesthetic, the store blasted punk tunes when I visited my first time. Apart from that, you can find a range of zines and books at the store or maybe even an occasional gig.
Website: https://www.tandangstore.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tandang_store/
Address: No.82, 2nd Floor, Zhongshan Building, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Hard Graft Records
What started off as an online record store turned physical, Hard Graft is a no-nonsense record store with plain white walls and minimal décor. With a range of genres from rock to jazz and hip hop, the store serves as a collection point for online orders or for customers who might just want to browse through their records physically.
Website: https://hardgraftrecords.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardgraftrecords/
Address: 25A, 1st Floor, Jalan 52/1, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Picture Credit: TimeOut
Crossroads Records
A pretty huge store with a wide range of vintage records from the 70s to the 00s, you can spend your time browsing through a wide selection of genres. Prices are pretty reasonable as well and they often do promos. Apart from the selection, they also offer vinyl cleaning services.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossroads.records/
Address: Palm Spring @ Damansara Shop Lot, Lot C- Seksyen 13, 106, Jalan PJU 3/31, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Teenage Head Records
One of my favourite record stores to visit, I absolutely love heading down to Teenage Head because they always have what I want. If it’s not in store, they are always helpful and will check if they can order it online. They also often update their social media once stock has arrived, so you know when you can collect something you’ve ordered. The in-store selection is arranged by genre and although not the biggest store, variety is immense. Supporting the local music scene as well, you can find albums from local artists and lots more. The store’s owner, Radzi is also great to strike conversations with.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenageheadrecords/
Address: 20, Jln SS14/1 (Back Lot), Subang Jaya
Sputnik Rekordz
Up the stairs and down one of the little corridors in Pasar Besar TTDI, this small store comes with a range of old records from both local and international artists. You’re bound to find records ranging from Morrissey to Sheila Majid and even Whitney Houston. The store also carries CDs and cassettes.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sputnikrekordz/
Address: TD67, Level 3, Pasar Besar TTDI, Jalan Wan Kadir 1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Other notable mention include the Sunday vintage market at Amcorp Mall where you’ll definitely find gems if you look hard enough. All I can say is hopefully your wallet survives the ordeal.
