After digging in Milan, Torino, Budapest, Krakow and Istanbul in 2008, I decided to continue my quest for records on a more regular basis in 2009. This year, my first stop in this never ending record stores tour was Madrid. As a Latin Music aficionado, I had to check what Spain’s capital had to offer.

Being in Spain, you have to adapt to the local way of life: no need to wake up too early because in any case the record stores won’t open before 10.30 and you will be forced to make a break around 14 because “hay que disfrutar del dia y de la ciudad hasta las 17”, which is quite cool because then you can enjoy a sunny terrace while sipping beers with some tasty tapas! But don’t worry shops are opened until 8:30pm.

Since there are quite a lot of record stores in the city, I didn’t get the chance to visit all of them. But from what I saw, there are some common points between the various stores. First, don’t expect to make very good deals: the records seem to be quite expensive (notably reissues). Second, I’ve never been allowed to listen to any record! I only visited six shops so I don’t know if it’s a general rule though.

I definitely would recommend “Discos Babel” in Costanilla de Los Angeles if - like me - you’re looking for progressive/psyche rock records from the 70’s. You could also find some Latin classics from the 70’s. The choice is quite large (LP’s and CD’s) and the staff very friendly.

Discos Babel

Just on the left of “Discos Babel”, you will find “Bengla Desh records” which offers a large choice of international and Spanish rock as well as some traditional local Music from the 60’s to 80’s. “CD-Drome” (Calle de Pozas 6) has few crates of reissues, especially Electro music, rock and jazz including a few interesting ones but the prices are not really attractive. “Escridiscos” (Navas de Tolosa, 4) is also specialized in (classic) international rock but I can’t say much more about it since I was not into their selection. I finished my tour by visiting “Metralleta” that is located in a basement close to Plaza San Martin. They have plenty of second-hand records and a large choice of (classic) rock, Spanish music, classical music next to the usual 80’s hits.

Bengla Desh Records

If you are looking for record stores in Madrid, this page lists the vast majority of them with their address and opening hours.

My next trip will be Barcelona so feel free to share your tips… I’ll play a selection of the records I found in Barcelona and Madrid in the Laid Back show somewhere in May.

Picture by FabE.