Nostalgic music lovers in the capital survive the times like the record and vinyl stores of Madrid, despite trends and technology. Although buying Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album on vinyl may be anachronistic, the most common thing in most stores is the sale of second-hand records from bygone eras. And as in any store of things with a previous life, the exciting thing is to find a hidden gem among the pile, which in English is called crate digging and is enjoyed in a different way in times of TikTok.
1. Under the volcano
In this new interest in analog, vinyl has a special place and the stores dedicated to this reproduction format are reviving, evolving and multiplying. Bajoelvolcán sells both new and second hand records, and all kinds of styles of music, they also have a section of books on music, film and current narrative, so it is the perfect place for culturetas, or for give yourself a gift to oneself.
📍 Ave María Street, 42 (Lavapiés)
2. The Machine Gun
La Metralleta opened its record store in 1985 in the Plaza de las Descalzas and managed to have up to nine stores scattered around the city and become a reference in the sale of records and second-hand films, although they only keep the original one. What you’ll find in his rummaging through his boxes of records and vinyls is a lot of Spanish music, a lot of rock and some hidden electronic surprises.
📍 Calle del Postigo de San Martín, 1 (Parking de las Descalzas Shopping Center)
3. Discos La Gramola
In this small store in the center of Madrid you go with the hope of finding old rock or heavy metal gems on vinyl or CD. You have more than 20,000 references, and you can buy online on their website or in their physical store near Callao, very recognizable by the piles of discs stacked at the door.
📍 Calle del Postigo de San Martín, 4 (Downtown)
4. Liquidator Music
Liquidator Music began its journey as an independent record label in 1997, but it wasn’t until 2016 when it opened its physical record store.
The venue is decorated by the artist Pedro Poyatos and the content is mainly black music, with special attention to Jamaican music from the 60s and 70s, such as rock steady, ska and reggae, although they also have styles such as soul, funk, or jazz.
They mainly sell new records, although they also have a large second hand and collectibles section, as well as t-shirts, merchandising, books, magazines, fanzines and all kinds of accessories for the vinyl world: cases, centerers, skaters, cleaners, covers, etc.
In addition to being a regular record store, they also do record and book presentations, acoustic concerts, radio broadcasts, talks and exhibitions.
📍 Dos Hermanas Street, 22 (La Latina)
5. Babel Discs
Good selection and perfect organization. At Discos Babel the psychedelic rock and garage rock of the 60’s coexist with the Pop of the 80’s, and with everything that musically fits between these decades. Although it’s not just vintage vinyl that you can buy here, they also have magazines and books, even some first editions that attract collectors here.
📍 Cost.ª de los Ángeles, 5 (Center)
6. The Record Store
El Almacén de discos is a vinyl store specialized in electronic music by Malasaña. They sell both new and second hand, and it is common to see DJ’s and collectors digging through their vinyls. They are focused on a wide variety of styles within electronic music, from experimental, to techno, house or acid among many others. Although they do not forget other genres such as jazz, soul, funk, boogie, disco or folk.
📍 Calle de las Minas, 13 (Malasaña)
7. Marilians Records
If the introduction to this list just mentions the fun of buying Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album on vinyl, it is at Marilians Records where you can make this a reality. This store is a magazine, or vice versa, in which you can read the reviews of many of the albums they have for sale, or the chronicles of concerts of the artists they sell. In other words, novelty is its differentiating factor. Although they also have the best of the last decades.
There is also room for small concerts of Spanish artists and record signings.
📍 Calle del Noviciado, 9, Local 7 (Conde Duque)