Celebrating Record Store Day: Top Record Shops You Should Visit Around the Metro
Yes, I am a gold digger, and by gold, I mean vinyl records. Regardless of the occasional static noises, screeches, and skips, nothing beats nostalgia in its most tangible form. Die-hard collectors would rather starve than sell anything from their beloved collections. And while life is not a competitive game of “who has the most vinyl records wins,” all I can say is "just one more record," I swear.
The Backward Progress of History
Believe it or not, the origin of vinyl records goes way back to the 19th century, when Edouard-Leon Scott created the first device called the Phonautograph in 1857. Subsequently, Emile Berliner patented the first record player, the gramophone, just over a decade later. The device had to be manually operated at 70 RPM and played a 7-inch rubber-vulcanite disc with lateral grooves cut into its exterior. However, it wasn’t until 1948 that CBS introduced the world’s first LP vinyl record, which had a capacity of around 21 minutes per side and played at 33 1/3 RPM. This revolutionized the music industry and established the album-centric format we still use today. RCA Victor later introduced a smaller LP that played at 45 RPM, which is still in use.
Unfortunately, all things must come to an end—you know what Semisonic once said: every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. The Sony Walkman, designed by Masaru Ibuka in 1979, revolutionized the music business in the same way the first record player did. It used magnetic cassette technology to allow listeners to carry their music wherever they went. Within five years after their availability, cassettes outsold records, and vinyl sales quickly declined. But the demise of vinyl records did not mark the end of the saga. Portable CD players became the next big thing in the 1980s, allowing for even greater music storage and customization, which marked the death of vinyl records.
While the rest is history, vinyl records took a trajectory by resurging in popularity, particularly in the 2010s. A Billboard article in 2022 revealed that for the first time in more than three decades, vinyl sales increased by 22% in the first half of the year, generating $570 million in income and accounting for 10% of all recorded music revenue in the United States alone. Notwithstanding supply chain issues, the vinyl business grows with new factories, while release wait periods can still exceed nine months. CDs, on the other hand, witnessed a 2.2% fall following a brief sales increase in 2021, indicating that the format’s appeal is waning. Insofar as digital music platforms are concerned, despite a 10% rise in streaming income to $7.7 billion, the US market attracted just 8 million users, indicating a slowing growth pace. Nevertheless, average revenue per user fell somewhat from the previous year, prompting worries about market saturation. While the figures aren’t that bad, they signal that the streaming sector may be reaching its peak in growth.
Ready, Set, Dig!
Ah, Record Store Day. This is the one day of the year when vinyl enthusiasts, crate diggers, and music lovers around the world come together to celebrate the joy of tangible media. It’s a day when the familiar scent of old records mixes with the excitement of discovering something new. And while the digital age may have made music more accessible, there’s nothing quite like flipping through rows of albums, searching for that hidden gem. So, for all you record enthusiasts out there, I’ve put together a list of the top record shops you should visit around the Metro. From vintage finds to modern releases, these stores will satisfy your music cravings and maybe even help you discover your new favorite artist.
Record Stores You Should Check Out
Location: General Romulo Ave., Cubao Expo, Quezon City
Store Hours: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Starting off strong with a record store located at the hippest place in Manila, AKA Cubao Expo, Good Vibrations Records offers a diverse range of musical genres, from classics to jazz to Japanese neon pop to rock and so much more. What’s in it for you is not just the records they’re selling but also fun events usually held every Friday or Saturday. So if you’re looking for good people, good music, booze, and fun events, GVR is the place to go.
In celebration of our love for vinyl records, GVR will have a Mini Record Fair on April 22, 2023, at their store—stickers, discounted prices, merch, and live DJ sets are waiting!
2. Treskul Records and Cafe Bar
Location: CIFRA Building, 641 Boni Ave, Mandaluyong, 1550 Kalakhang Maynila (Mandaluyong)/ Upper Ground Floor, Ali Mall Cubao
Store hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Mandaluyong) / 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Ali Mall)
It’s difficult not to become lost in the rhythm and sounds of Cubao’s lively music scene when visiting record stores. Treskul Records is here to help you navigate the sonic jungle. Treskul Records is like a musical GPS that will direct you to the sounds you want, with not one but two destinations to pick from. Its Ali Mall location is just a hop, skip, and jump from Cubao Expo, making it an ideal pit stop for any music trip. If you’re not in the neighborhood, their Mandaluyong location has you covered. Treskul Records has handpicked a range of genres that will satisfy your musical taste buds, ranging from classic rock and OPM to modern hip-hop and everything in between.
Treskul will also have a special in-store event in both their branches in celebration of this year’s Record Store Day. So if you’re around Cubao, might as well consider record store-hopping with the stores nearby each other.
3. Profound+Kitchen — Mexican Cantina
Location: 26-B St. Borromeo St. South Triangle, QC
Store hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Mondays); 12 NN to 10:00 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays)
Mexican food cravings, anyone? It’s difficult to dig through the crates on an empty stomach. With Profound Audio MNL’s unique record store concept, they’ll satisfy not only your music cravings but also your food cravings. But it’s not just about the food and music; it’s the ambiance that sets this spot apart; their festive interiors and cozy atmosphere will definitely make you come back. And best of all, the place also caters to reservations for private events!
4. Phono
Location: 2 St. Rallos cor. Mother Ignacia, QC
Store hours: vary, but usually from 8:00 PM ’til late
This hidden hi-fi record bar may not be suited for the claustrophobic, but it just hits all the spots: euphoric vibes, niche events, superb owners and staff, amazing cocktails, and an array of remnants from the past that will bring you back to the future. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the bar is its retro telephone, which has been repurposed into a headphone used by the DJs to mix their music. So whether you’re a vinyl collector or a digital music enthusiast, Phono is the place to be for an immersive listening experience that will leave you feeling like you’re at an exclusive VIP concert.
5. Trax Manila Records
Location: 60 Sapphire St. SSS Marikina City
Store hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesdays to Sundays\
Another store worthy of a visit is located in the heart of Marikina City. The store features a cornucopia of vintage and new records, from English bands to OPM. Truth be told, this is actually the first record store where I found Eraserhead’s Ultraelectromagnetic Pop! vinyl. It was nothing but ecstasy to find such a rare gem.
Other than the vast array of records they offer, the store also has various audio equipment, perfect for those who want to upgrade their players and/or music devices.
6. Grey Market Records
Location: White Plains West 145 Katipunan White Plains QC / Fox Square Building GF Connecticut St, Greenhills
Store hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Mondays to Sundays
If I remember correctly, this store was actually one of the first record stores I visited when I was still venturing into the world of record collecting. Both branches are a must-visit cultural hub for audiophiles seeking hard-to-find vinyl copies, both old and new music: from vintage jazz and funk to indie rock and electronic music, there’s something here for every discerning ear. And if you’re looking for something truly special, just ask one of the expert staff members.
Another thing worth mentioning about the store is that they also sell a variety of accessories and maintenance kits to preserve your treasured vinyl and turntables in great condition.
7. OntheCornerMNL
Location: Spindlehole Community Store, Unit 14 Penthouse, Creekside Mall Amorsolo St., Makati
Store hours: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays
OntheCorner MNL is a vinyl enthusiast’s dream, tucked in Makati’s unique Spindle Community shop. The warm, crisp sound of vinyl records spinning on turntables will embrace you as soon as you enter this refuge of rhythms and groove.
OTC MNL’s collection is nothing short of absolutely stellar, with indie pop, indie rock, C86, shoegaze, jazz, funk, soul, city pop, and so much more. The collection is carefully picked to ensure that each record is a real treasure, ready to give you a new musical experience.
8. Erick’s Record
Location: Cartimar, Recto Ave., Manila
Every time I go to this shop, it’s as if I’m taking a trip down memory lane, as the store is located inside an old building on Recto Ave. It’s not just the location, though; this musical gem is filled with various gems that you think you don’t need but do—cassettes, CDs, vintage music equipment like boomboxes and record players, posters, decorative records, old books, and magazines, and pretty much anything under the groovy sun. The staff, whom I call kuyas, are very accommodating, and I would consider them like vinyl sommeliers who can recommend the perfect record to suit one’s taste and mood.
Bonus: Baihaus
Location: The Runway Arcade, Mactan, Cebu
Well, you might be celebrating this important day for audiophiles outside Manila, and that’s okay. If you happen to be in Cebu, another awesome shop is worth a visit: Baihaus. Although they’ll be having a bin takeover at Good Vibrations Records on the 22nd, you might as well not miss this!
Can’t Visit a Record Store? Check Out These Online Record Stores, too!
The peak of the pandemic made it difficult for many collectors to hunt for their must-find pieces. These online stores are a trove of musical treasures that will compel you to do nothing but one thing: add to cart.
Besides, you might be busy during this *important* time of the year for audiophiles. While the aforementioned stores in the previous section have their online shops too (whether on Instagram, their websites, or both), you might also want to consider checking out these awesome online stores offering various titles and genres to help you satisfy your music needs:
***You can also experience the physical sensation of digging through some of their collection at Good Vibrations Records—they have their own crates in the shop, too!
As cliche as this may sound, the pieces of vinyl are the second piece of treasure I find inside those shops: it’s the friendships I made with the people inside the stores that are number one.
Support your local record store—happy digging, everyone! Rock, rock ’til you drop.
