VINYL ME, PLEASE
After suffering an almost-painful dip in sales in 2006 when digital platforms dominated the industry, sales of this bornagain format hit a 25-year high in 2016, and is still the closest to listening to your favourite musicians in real life. So, lift that needle, put your prized turntable to work, and get those LPs spinning. Whether you’re a jazzed veteran or a newly minted fan, BAZAAR’s got you covered with Kuala Lumpur’s top vinyl haunts. Hard Graft Records (www.hardgraftrecords.com), an independent fuss-free record store that offers a well-curated range of new and old vinyls, is home to a vibrant mix of hip hop, metal, and rock. Perfect for low-key vinyl enthusiasts looking for a laid-back afternoon, this hideout will take you back to simpler times. On the other end of the spectrum, husband and wife Radzi Jasni and Linda Hat, passionate owners of Teenage Head Records (www.facebook.com/teenageheadrecords), veer towards alternative and electronic music, offering local and regional releases. An added bonus is the occasional in-store gig, where you’d be able to meet like-minded vinyl hunters. If cratedigging is more your style, then Crossroads Records (www.facebook.com/crossroadsrecordsncafe) is for you. The extensive inventory might require you to work a little harder, but prepare to be surprised while you’re on that chase to acquire. And if you needed some guidance setting up your own vintage turntable set, look no further.