Record shops for vinyl collectors to visit in Metro Manila
In case you haven't noticed, vinyl records (or plaka, as we call it) are back and thriving.
Its resurgence can be traced back to 2007 when vinyl sales noticeably picked up. The momentum kept on building until it was reported this year that vinyl records have outsold CDs in the US for the first time since the 1980s.
The trend is also evident here in the Philippines.
In fact, local record labels have released some of their back catalogs in vinyl format to get on with the trend.
Last year, the remastered vinyl edition of the Eraserheads' 1994 debut album, Ultraelectromagneticpop!, quickly sold out. Today, that record could fetch as high as P16,000 in the secondary market, with fans either reselling their lone or spare copy of the album for some quick cash.
Likewise, young local bands have released their records in vinyl in limited numbers to complement digital releases.
In other words, vinyl records are cool again.
So where do you start? Luckily, we have a handful of record stores around Metro Manila where music fans can go to and start digging for their favorite albums in vinyl.
Treskul Records & Café
Source: Treskul Records & Café (FB)
This humble record store in Mandaluyong has been around even before the resurgence of vinyl records. Here, music fans can sift through crates and crates of records belonging to various genres. Owner DJ Arbie Won personally curates the titles ranging from the classics to modern favorites to unique finds like Japanese anime soundtracks.
Aside from the records, visitors can also purchase other vintage items here like toys, and Walkmans and Discmans, among other cool finds. If you get hungry, you can just run to the bar to order a tapsilog or nachos paired with a cold beer.
Location: CIFRA Building, 641 Boni Ave, Mandaluyong City and Ali Mall, Cubao, Quezon City
Happy Dads Vinyl Shop
Source: Happy Dads Vinyl Shop (FB)
If you're struggling to find an old record, chances are you'll find it here. Since 2008, this shop has been carrying vintage, hard-to-find albums from international and local artists. From Boy Katindig to B-52's to Culture Club to Morrissey and Pops Fernandez--there are so many to choose from here to suit all types of music tastes.
Location: 1106 Quezon Street, Quezon City
Bebop Records
Source: Bebop Records (FB)
Located in the basement of Makati Central Square is this small record store. The selection at Bebop is wide and varied, and you can snag a copy of a rare OPM classic or a popular album of a foreign metal band. If collecting local LPs is your thing, you won't be disappointed as there are a lot of classic OPM records here to choose from.
Location: 50-A First Basement, Makati Central Square, Chino Roces corner Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City
Backspacer Records
Source: Backspacer Records (FB)
Inspired by the name of Pearl Jam's ninth studio album, this shop carries a wide selection of records for all kinds of audiophiles. Their OPM selection includes Martin Nievera, Apo Hiking Society, Joey Albert, Noel Cabangon, and Juan Dela Cruz. They also sell special box sets for ardent music fans who can afford to shell out more. Care to own the 16-LP The Beatles stereo box set for P35,000?
Location: Flair Towers, Reliance corner Pines Street, Mandaluyong City
Vinyl Dump Thrift Store
Source: Vinyl Dump Thrift Store (FB)
Regulars of the art and culture hub Cubao X would know this shop too well. People on the hunt for old titles will enjoy hopping from one crate to another given the wide array of record selection here. Maybe you're into Kenny Rankin or England Dan and John Ford Coley or Al Jarreeau--you won't leave empty-handed for sure.
Location: Cubao Expo, Gen.Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City
Trax Manila Records
Source: Trax Manila Records (FB)
Aside from footwear, Marikina also has a vibrant music community. This record shop caters to music aficionados in and outside the city. The wide selection of records here are mostly foreign but buyers can stumble on OPM albums, which is part of the thrill.
Location: 60 Sapphire St. (corner Sandalwood) near Lilac Strip, Marikina City
ThisisPop! Records
Source: ThisisPop! Records (FB)
Run by Terno Recordings top man Toti Dalmacion, this record shop carries an eclectic range of records from postpunk, indie, and electronic music. Like most in this list, ThisisPop! Records also engage in buying and trading records with other audiophiles.
Location: Unit B, Ground Floor, Legaspi Towers 100 Bldg, 148 Legazpi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City