Herald favorites: best vinyl record stores in BA

In an age when virtually any song can be summoned instantly from a phone, Buenos Aires continues to preserve a more tactile way of discovering music: browsing the shelves of a record store.

The city’s long tradition of disquerías goes well beyond selling records. They are also hangouts for musicians, curious listeners and collectors, where a new generation of audiophiles is introduced to emerging artists, cult heroes, and pioneers.

Many of these stores have remained at the heart of the city’s cultural life for many decades, surviving the rise of CDs, and the arrival of large retail chains. Others have opened during the last decade all around the city.

Most places specialize in rock, but there are also extensive jazz and world-music catalogs, plus classical music, Argentine folklore, and tango. They usually carry deluxe 180-gram reissues as well as used records in unsorted bins that include rare hard-to-find editions, first pressings and albums that are no longer in print, making each visit a treasure hunt as well as a shopping trip.

The culture extends beyond traditional shops. The used-record stands at Parque Rivadavia and Parque Centenario have long attracted collectors, while San Telmo’s antique market provides another destination for people hunting for old records.

In any Buenos Aires disquería, finding an unfamiliar album can still involve flipping through rows of records, choosing an album, examining its cover, reading the liner notes and talking to the person behind the counter, leaving with something that was never on the shopping list.

The Herald’s 10 best record stores 1. Zivals Callao 395 (corner of Av. Corrientes, Congreso)
Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
@zivals.ok

With more than five decades of history, its catalog of new vinyl reissues ranges from Argentine and international rock to tango, jazz and classical music. It also operates as a music bookstore with biographies and essays. Check out the huge mural of Charly García painted by Martín Ron outside the store. 

2. Casa Piscitelli  San Martín 450, Downtown.
Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
@casapiscitelli

Founded in 1939, it is one of the city’s oldest record stores and reportedly the first in Argentina to sell compact discs in 1983. It specializes in classical music, but also carries a broad selection of jazz, tango, and rock. 

3. Cactus Discos  Uruguay 290, Downtown
Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
@cactus_discos  

Endless corridors of record in a dimly lit shop with all kinds of genres. New and used vinyls, with very tempting cheap ones on sale.

4. RGS  Av. Corrientes 5233 (galería Galecor, local 2), Villa Crespo
Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
@disqueriargsmusic

Another historic shop, founded in 1966. It also created its own record label and has reissued hard-to-find Argentine albums. Check its Instagram for special events and live performances, including Record Store Day on April 22. 

5. Jarana Records  Pasaje Soria 5125, Palermo
Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
@jaranarecords

Since 2016 near Plaza Serrano, it has specialized in selling, buying and trading vinyl records and accessories. Bins with more than 10,000 new and used albums offer a selection of almost all music genres, including rarities, special editions, and the newest releases and reissues. Check out the first floor for first pressings and reissues of Argentine rock, with listening stations available. 

6. El Gallo Cantor  Av. Corrientes 1582 (galería Apolo, local 23), Tribunales
Monday to Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
@elgallocantordisqueria

Another unassuming galería hides this small hole-in-the-wall paradise for music lovers, with old records, books, and magazines. Do not hesitate to ask its owner, Hugo, for tips. 

7. Oid Mortales  Av. Corrientes 1145 (local 17), Downtown
Monday to Friday, from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
@omdiscos

Next to the Obelisco, in a quaint galería, lies a haven for music lovers. It also carries books and films.

8. Musicomio  Av. Alvarez Thomas 540 (first floor), Chacarita
Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
@musicomioba

A small doorway and a flight of stairs lead to an incredible store with neatly arranged rows of bins. Boxed sets are also on display.

9. Exiles Records  Honduras 5270, Palermo
Monday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
@exilesrecords

Another unassuming entrance leads to a fine selection of Argentine and international rock, with a special section devoted to African music. Check out their online store and schedule for listening parties.

10. Eureka 

Defensa 1281, San Telmo
Tuesday to Friday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
@eurekarecords

A must for vinyl lovers that specializes in used records, including rare editions, first pressings and out-of-print albums. Its inventory changes constantly as collectors sell or exchange records, making each visit an opportunity to discover something unexpected.