As the owner of Glitter Records, I must admit I have a bias when it comes to the topic of the best record store in Brisbane. However, if I may step outside my role for a moment, I’d like to approach this claim with a broader perspective. Words like “best” come with moral weight, and there’s a school of thought that morals are simply personal preferences in disguise. So, naturally, the best record store will always be the one that aligns most closely with your own preferences and values.
A Local Map of Record Stores in Brisbane
With this in mind, I encourage you to explore as many of Brisbane’s independent record stores as you can. Each one has a unique atmosphere, collection, and approach to curating music. Which means you’ll likely discover different strengths in each place.
To aid in this journey, my friends at Catalog Music—just 600 meters away from Glitter Records—have made a map of all the record stores in Brisbane. Customers at Glitter Records have eagerly scooped all of my physical copies of these maps up. This map comes complete with an index of local record shops in Brisbane and their logos.
Farewell to The Record Exchange? A Chapter Closes in Brisbane’s Music Scene
Driven by the passion of their owners, record stores come and go. Each leaves a lasting mark on Brisbane’s music scene. This week, it was confirmed that The Record Exchange on Adelaide Street in Brisbane City has permanently closed its doors.
I first learned of the closure from a visitor to Glitter Records. During a long conversation, they mentioned the wife and son of the original owner, Richard—who sadly passed away recently—were closing the store. It was a surprising piece of news.
Especially considering the store has been a staple in Brisbane’s music landscape since 1985. Eager to learn more, I visited the Record Exchange myself. The owners confirmed what I had been told. They explained that the decision to go online was something Richard had planned with them before his passing. They are now in the process of packing up the space. While this marks the end of an era for the iconic store, it’s reassuring to know that the owners will continue to operate online.
Brisbane’s Very First Record Store Crawl
While retailers in Brisbane’s CBD have been struggling with falling foot traffic and increasing rents, other shops are just getting started. A new store called Spin and Groove has recently opened near Glitter Records in Newstead, enhancing the vibrant local scene here in Fortitude Valley. Now, Glitter Records, Catalog Music, and Spin and Groove are all within walking distance of each other, making Brisbane’s first official Fortitude Valley Vinyl Crawl a reality.
Here is a fun fact. While examining the cover sleeve of an old shellac record, I recently discovered that Fortitude Valley had a local record store as far back as the 1950s. Called Mastertone Radio, the shop sold audio equipment alongside records. It was located at 306 Brunswick Street. This highlights this area’s rich musical heritage. That record is now part of my own store’s collection. How many more times might it change hands in the next 100 years?
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector, a newcomer, the best way to find your own best record store is to dive in and experience Brisbane’s diverse music scene for yourself. Through experience, personal reflection, and time spent with quality music, you’ll begin to recognize your preferences. And then, the answer will be clear. I hope you enjoy the journey.
Order a copy of the Catalog Music Crate Digger’s Guide here.
