Visiting the record stores of Vancouver

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Five spots for your landmark list the next time you’re in Canada.

With a huge selection of record stores, spanning an extraordinary range of genres and tastes, Vancouver has plenty to offer both casual vinyl fans and the most dedicated crate-digger alike. VF’s Kelly Doherty recently hit the streets of Vancouver for a taste of nature, and culture and, importantly, to check out the local record stores. Check out five of the best spots that Vancouver has to offer.


Audiopile

Address: 2016 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A9, Canada

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Commercial Drive’s Audiopile (make sure not to put audiophile into Google Maps if you’re searching!) is a relatively unassuming store primarily offering contemporary indie, rock and pop releases alongside electronic and dance and treats such as a brief but beautiful Japanese releases section. With a friendly atmosphere and extensive collection of Canadian music, Audiopile is a pleasure for fans of the experimental and avant-garde.


Neptoon Records

Address: 3561 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4, Canada

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Vancouver’s longest-standing record store, Neptoon Records has withstood the winds of vinyl-market change for over 40 years now. Familiar around the world as the location for Nardwuar’s iconic interviews, Neptoon Records has plenty to offer vinyl fans with a hefty contemporary range of indie, pop and alternative alongside metal, punk and releases from the ’60s and beyond. The easy-going store, owned by the welcoming Rob Firth, also holds an extensive collection of merchandise and visual art. A cosy and friendly neighbourhood store for all fans with some excellent prices.


Red Cat Records

Address: 4386 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada

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Red Cat Records, on Main Street, offers a brand and identity that caters wholeheartedly to the recent vinyl revival and the younger fans that have embraced it. With store events such as listening parties for new Lana Del Rey and boygenius albums alongside classical vinyl and a CD selection, Red Cat is a store that the whole family can enjoy together.


Vinyl Records

Address: 44 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4, Canada

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Gastown’s Vinyl Records has a storefront that draws music nerds like moths to a flame. The distinct window lists over 100 genres, from the universal to the niche, and Vinyl Records’ offering mirrors that variety. With a very hip, exposed brick interior and an exceptionally long front desk, Vinyl Records provides an easily navigatable service with many limited releases and unique 7″ records.


Zulu Records

Address: 1972 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5, Canada

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Commanding the type of quiet reverence of a local library, Zulu is the perfect location for some peaceful, solo crate-digging. With a series of listening stations including an extra-special cassette listening booth, Zulu Records is for enthusiasts of all mediums–with DVDs, equipment and merchandise all also available. A great spot for contemporary releases alongside forgotten gems. Make sure the check out the 99-cent classical records selection upstairs.