Before starting I would really like to congratulate all of them around the world as they are trying to keep the analog sound alive (let's not get into the "which is better discussion" here).
However the ones in my home country, Turkey, deserve a big second round of applause due to the fact that they have been really trying to conduct their business in a much more idealistic way compared to developed countries (only referring to commercial/economic climate).
Having said that I also need to add that even with the current environment, the vinyl shops in Turkey are not one bit less attractive than their competitors operating in more music and/or art rich parts of the world.
Do not forget that you can come across some real gems/collectible items of more popular music but also certain fine examples of the Turkish jazz, folk, Anatolian rock, 70s popular artists which are considered real rarities...
So here is a list of the shops for crate digging (in no particular order)...You can find the details on the links.
- Groove: Very nice used/new vinyl shop in one of the posh neighborhoods of Istanbul. You can find all mainstream genres such as jazz, rock, pop, classical music. The owner is a great guy, very helpful and friendly. Another highlight is that the pricing of especially the used records is really competitive thus making the shop attractive.
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| Groove (photocredit: www.timeout.com/istanbul/tr) |
- Analog Kültür: Half music studio half vinyl shop where you can also taste great coffee. The owner is a DJ, a producer and a musician. The shop mostly concentrates on electronic music but you can find a very good collection of other genres too. I can say the collection consists of 2/3 second hand records and 1/3 new. You may also check out the vintage Hi-Fi, studio gear or even vintage musical equipment such as synthesizers, drum machines etc. Located very close to Galata Tower.
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| Analog Kültür (photocredit: www.zeroistanbul.com) |
- Rainbow 45 Records: One of the best shops on the Asian side of Istanbul in the heart of Kadıköy where you can find almost everything in its bustling small streets from fresh fish to antique shops. The place is run by a couple of partners who have left the corporate world. One distinction of Rainbow 45 is that they also produce and print records with their own title. They do print new Turkish artists as well as make re-issues of sought after items. Mostly blues, rock and jazz as well as a good collection of Japanese prints. Online shopping available.
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| Rainbow 45 (photocredit: www.cazkolik.com) |
- Plakhane: Another great shop on the Asian side between two very lively neighborhoods Kadıköy and Moda. Run by two namesakes, a musician and an actor. I can easily say the coziest vinyl shop I have visited. Stop anytime for a cup of tea or something harder. Mostly second hand archive includes rock, blues and jazz along with a good collection of Turkish 45s. Online shopping available.
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| Plakhane (photocredit: www.plakhane.com.tr) |
- Kontra Plak: Another one on the European side very close to Istiklal Street once the center for art and entertainment. A wide spectrum of genres include jazz, rock, electronic, soundtracks, classical and Turkish music. You can find both new and used records and some CDs as well. They also carry a significant selection of avant-garde and experimental titles. If you visit the shop on a Record Store Day you might come across some great live music too. Prices are relatively reasonable.
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| Kontra (photocredit: www.veganlogic.net) |
- Zihni Müzik: Probably one of the oldest music stores of Istanbul. They stock new & used records, CDs and DVDs. Located in Kadıköy in a very central shopping arcade where you can find other music shops and bookstores. Vast collection mainly jazz and rock. They also have a good online store.
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| Zihni (photocredit: www.zeroistanbul.com) |
So the ones I listed above are from my hometown Istanbul, Turkey. I am sure there are some fine shops in other cities like Izmir or Ankara but I never had the chance to visit them. If you are interested in new records than the two stores that definitely come to mind is Lale Plak and Opus3A.
https://www.facebook.com/laleplak1/
https://www.opus3a.com/
And what about abroad?
- Ameoba Music: I think we can call this place the heaven for music lovers. As far as I know they have 3 locations in California, USA. I had the chance to visit all of them and have never seen such a vast collection of almost everything. Both new and used items. If you ever plan to visit, make sure you spare enough time for browsing/shopping otherwise you can be sorry.
- Rough Trade: One of the best shops of London. They have 2 locations, East and West. I think they have two other shops in UK, Bristol and Nottingham and one in New York. Most stocked items are alternative rock, post punk, indie and electronica items. They organize some serious live music shows from time to time especially on Record Store Days.
- Crocodisc & CrocoJazz: Discovered thanks to a dear friend living in Paris. A brand with 3 shops very close to each other. You can find almost all genres except classical music. The two next door shops specialize in pop, rock, new wave, soul, funk, rap, jazz rock, reggae and world music. Other location (walking distance) specializes only in jazz.
One final comment, as I highlighted at the beginning, these stores are my favorites only.
I am sure I have been to many other shops all over Istanbul and other parts of the world, but these ones have been much more frequent than the others so that they all have left good memories...
An Update: Groove has been recently closed down but the owner still doing a great job from home. Still a great selection with better prices.
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