GLASGOW has a rich music culture, home to some of the most famous live music venues on the globe, from the iconic King Tuts to the legendary Barrowland Ballroom. The city has also given rise to some of the most celebrated musical acts, from Simple Minds to Franz Ferdinand. So, it is no surprise that Glasgow has a bustling record scene, chockfull of shops ranging from accessible to niche, satisfying both the rookie and veteran wax junky. With the current vinyl renaissance, there’s no better time to be a record collector and here I present some of the best record shops to explore in Glasgow.
ONLY a short trot from Central Station, Missing Records is a staple of the Glasgow record scene. Turning 40 next year, the easy-to-miss store carries a decade-spanning legacy of flipping second-hand vinyl. Above the entrance, the neon red sign welcomes you. Don’t be put off by the corridor of CDs and DVDS, as at the end lies a treasure of LPs. Missing Records has a seemingly infinite collection of Classic Rock and Pop albums, but it also has more than worthy Soul and Jazz sections. You will be rewarded for investing time and energy in Missing Records; many classic albums are to be found buried in the dust for ridiculously good prices, perfect for students on a budget and sample-hunting beat makers.
IN an unassuming corner of Kings Court on the outskirts of the Merchant City is Mono. The gorgeous industrial space serves as a record shop, vegan bar, live music venue and home to all things bohemian. The shop offers an abundance of independent records from a variety of genres, boasting dense shelves packed with indie folk to fourth world music. The shop makes a mission of promoting and selling new LPs from local Glaswegian bands. Their Hip Hop section is also worth a browse. The store hosts exciting album release parties, along with must-see concerts from both local and international acts, such as Kimya Dawson and – more recently – Panchiko. Neighbouring a handful of vintage shops, a guitar store and Glasgow’s most acclaimed kebab shop, Monorail Music is slap-bang in the centre of a hipster haven.
TUCKED away down a cobbled lane, Mixed Up Records is a West-End gem. Next door to a second-hand bookshop, the store has a quaint atmosphere and wouldn’t look out of place on Diagon Alley. With a diverse selection of records from every genre, Mixed Up Records is a welcoming oasis to all crate diggers. The store sells not only the latest LPs, but second-hand albums too, some for as little as £1! The store is a short walk from the Glasgow University campus, perfect for a post-lecture browse.
BEHIND Queen Street Station, Love Music has accumulated a cult following due to its all-encompassing collection of Rock records. The store stocks a thorough selection of second-hand albums, along with some brand-new releases. It is also a great browse for Scottish bands. With over 20 years in the game, Love Music is a veteran of the Glasgow record game and a must visit for Rock’n’roll fanatics.
ASSAI Records recently opened their Glasgow location on Sauchiehall Street, a five-minute walk from King Tuts Wah-Wah Hut. The freshly opened store specialises in new pressings of classic discs and rereleases. They also possess various exclusive limited edition vinyl variants, from funky coloured wax to grailed obi strips. Assai hosts a variety of events, such as performances, record signings and listening parties. It’s a great spot for picking up your favourite artist’s brand new album.
