Best Record Shops in Glasgow

Glasgow has always had a vibrant, killer music scene. Some vital bands and artists hailing from the city include Franz Ferdinand, Primal Scream, Simple Minds, Mogwai, Deacon Blue, CHVRCHES, and Paolo Nutini. Impressive, to say the least. While Edinburgh can give it a run for its money from time to time, Glasgow can safely assure itself as being Scotland's most musical city. 

So it's not at all surprising that Glaswegians are deeply passionate music fans and that the city is home to some cracking little record shops. With Record Store Day just a few days away on April 20th, we took a moment to appreciate some of the sublime record shops in Glasgow. So here are the best record shops in Glasgow, where you can find them, and the music they're known to specialise in. 

 

 

Monorail Music

Where: 12 97, Kings Court, 95 King St, Glasgow G1 5RB

Specialises in: having one of the best reputations for vinyl in Glasgow with more new vinyl than second-hand

Monorail Music has kept a brilliant reputation since it opened in 2002. While the shop doesn’t stock much second-hand vinyl, there are plenty of new records spanning many genres. In fact, the shop has been said to have one of the most varied selections in the city. Monorail Music also collaborates with Glasgow Film Theatre to screen movies each month, so not only can you feed your music addiction, but your film addiction too. 

 

---

 

Palais de Danse

Where: Unit 2A, De Courcy's Arcade, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8AA

Specialises in: dance, techno, funk, soul, house

Palais de Danse is a record shop in Glasgow with a devoted fanbase. Previously located in Sauchiehall Street, if you head to Unit 2A at De Courcy's Arcade in Hillhead, you’ll be welcomed by second-hand house, disco, techno, funk, and soul records and, occasionally, an in-store performance or party. The shop brings in fresh records regularly, so there’ll be something new on every visit. 

 

---

 

Mixed Up Records

Where: 18 Otago Ln, Glasgow G12 8PB

Specialises in: second-hand vinyl with a focus on rock and pop 

Whether you’re seeking out some rare 70s disco single or the latest Chili Pepper's album, Mixed Up Records can sort it for you. With a wide range of genres and a slight focus on rock and pop, most music fans will be able to find a record or two worth taking home. This independent shop also buys records and sells some for as little as £1. For just a quid, how could you say no? 

 

---

 

Love Music 

Where: 34 Dundas St, Glasgow G1 2AQ

Specialises in: rock music and also has a good selection of Scottish artists 

Another shop with a passionate following, Love Music is an independent old-school shop that stocks a mix of second-hand and new vinyl spanning various genres but focuses on rock music “in all its various forms.” Open for well over twenty years now, if you head over for a browse, you’ll find plenty of records by local Scottish artists you might struggle to find elsewhere and maybe a fair few rarities, too.

 

---

  

Rubadub

Where: 35 Howard St, Glasgow G1 4BA

Specialises in: dance records and music equipment

Rubadub is the go-to for any aspiring DJs. Specialising in dance music, there’s plenty of vinyl for disc jockeys to browse, but also a wide range of music tech including synths, headphones, turntables, drum machines, mixers and more. A true local institution, Rubadub started out over 25 years ago and has supported lots of local artists, gaining the shop a fantastic reputation. 

 

---

 

Missing Records

Where: 51 Oswald St, Glasgow G1 4PA

Specialises in: rock and pop, some dance, and rarities 

Established in 1984, Missing Records is a cracking little independent record shop beneath Central Station. It’s super easy to walk past if you don't know where you're going, but if you find your way, you’ll be in for a treat. Perfect. Most of the music is geared toward rock, pop, and dance, but you can find plenty of other genres too. Perfect for a skint student looking for cheap new music, you can find vinyl for as little as 50p.

 

---

 

Some Great Reward 

Where: Unit 2, The Cooperage, 674 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2QE

Specialises in: the best new and rare music

Doubling up as a café, this independent Glasgow record shop named after the 1984 Depeche Mode album is the perfect place to chill at the weekend. A relative newcomer, the shop only opened its doors in 2018 but is becoming a favourite of many of Glasgow’s vinyl collectors. If you’re nearby, stop in for some locally-sourced coffee and a browse through crates and crates of new vinyl. 

 

---

 

Record shops are so important to our local communities. They help us support local artists, discover new music, appreciate a beautiful, timeless art form, and let us experience the ultimate joy of finding a rare record to add to the collection. As Record Store Day approaches on 20th April, it’s definitely worth checking out which shops are participating and heading down on the day. Record Store Day is taking place up and down the UK, so get down to see your local record shops in Birmingham, Cardiff, Sheffield, Liverpool, London, Bristol, Manchester and beyond. But even if a shop isn’t participating, it’ll probably be worth checking out anyway.

 

---

---

 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

 

 

  

 

 

 Header image: Mixed Up Records / Facebook.com