In the age of Spotify and free digital streaming platforms, you would think that vinyl records are a thing of the past. But as it is with fashion, it’s all cyclical, and the vinyl movement in Malaysia is making a solid comeback. Some may argue that it never left, but that’s a conversation for another time.
Not into the oldies? You’ll be glad to know that vinyl records extend beyond the sounds of the 70s and 80s. Most respectable modern musicians still release their albums on vinyl because it simply sounds better. It isn’t just the nostalgia of listening via turntable either, as vinyl playback is the closest one can get to what the musicians intended for their songs to sound like.
But don’t just take our word for it, head on over to one of these record stores in the Klang Valley area to pick out an album or two and listen to them for yourself.
Yan Kee Records & Recording, Kuala Lumpur
Got audiophile parents? Then they’ll probably have stories to tell about this ol’ record shop. With Chinese classics, warm and waltzing, still pouring out from the shop today, Yan Kee has been around since the 50s.
Alongside its more obscure opera offerings, you’ll find pre-loved classics, jazz, and pop releases, both in CD and vinyl format, by famous recording artists from Teressa Teng to Elvis.
Address: 182A Jalan Tun H S Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, 10am to 5pm; Closed on Monday
Teenage Head Records, Subang Jaya
A modern-day mom-and-pop store, Teenage Head Records is a family-owned business helmed by a husband and wife duo, Linda Hat and Radzi Jasni. Located in the suburban area of Subang Jaya, the store’s selection focuses more on alternative and contemporary artists, the likes of The XX, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and more.
Got your eye on something that they don’t have in-store? Check out their website for pre-orders on upcoming albums and backorders on older ones!
Zafigo tip: Teenage Head is always up for expanding their collection, so if you’ve inherited any CDs, vinyl, and cassettes that you may not have a taste for, hit them up and see if they are down for a fair-priced trade-in.
Address: 20 Jalan SS14/1, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: Daily, 11am to 7pm
Tandang Records Store, Kuala Lumpur
Did you know that the cool artsy block that is Zhongshan Building also houses an old school record store? That’s right. Most of Tandang Records Store‘s repertoire gears towards the punk rock genre of music, with not just vinyl but also cassettes, CDs, magazines, and other punk-related merchandise available for sale.
In true punk spirit, the store also hosts independent gigs every now and then, so be sure to keep your eye out on that to lend your support to the local music scene.
Address: No 82B, 2nd Floor, Zhongshan Building, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 1pm to 7pm, Saturday & Sunday, 12:30pm to 7pm; Closed on Monday
Musicrecords2U, Bukit Bintang
An independent seller based in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Musicrecords2U aims to bring the best analogue records to you. With LPs from the 60s to today up for sale, browse their Shopee page for your hard to track down records or check in to their physical store to look at the available new and used records, CDs, and cassettes that are for sale.
Address: Cosway Guesthouse, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm; Saturday, 12pm to 4pm; Closed on Sunday
Hard Graft Records, Petaling Jaya
An independent record store specialising in a specially-curated selection of vinyl LPs, EPs, and singles that span from metal and hip hop to jazz and rock – Hard Graft is all about the music. And you can tell, too, with nearly every inch of the walls lined with vinyl records.
Not based in KL? Fret not, as Hard Graft ships throughout Malaysia! Browse by genre on their website or their Shopee store for titles by Adele to Led Zeppelin.
Address: 25 Jalan 52/1, PJ New Town, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 11am 5pm; Closed on Sunday
Sputnik Rekordz, Taman Tun Dr Ismail
In the Pasar Besar TTDI (Taman Tun Dr Ismail), a bit of a hunt will bring you to the treasure trove that is Sputnik Rekordz. Run by long-time indie musician and records collector, this cosy store is lined with records featuring local and international artists.
It’s probably one of the best places to find some Malaysian classics, including some old-but-gold albums from the likes of Sheila Majid to Saloma.
Address: Wet Market, Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm; Closed on Monday
Basement Record Store, Bukit Bintang
In keeping up with its punk philosophy, this small, nondescript record store makes you hike up a hill before going up against some stairs. Ring ahead of your visit as they will seem closed with a locked door for security purposes.
Selections here are strictly of the punk genre, but some modern film soundtracks and mainstream vinyl of the rock persuasion have been known to make an appearance every now and then alongside cassettes, CDs, and a selection of ‘zines. If thrash, punk, and hardcore labels are your thing, you’ll feel right at home at Basement Records.
Address: 3rd floor, 18 Jalan Beremi, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday, 12pm to 8pm, Closed on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
