Off the record: Oxford
Oxford’s music scene is as exciting as ever, with artists such as Foals, Supergrass, Radiohead and Glass Animals rising through their ranks, which is aided by the University of Oxford. The number of record shops within Oxford is on the increase, meaning there are some brilliant options for music lovers across the city to get themselves involved in.
Truck Store - 101 Cowley Rd, OX4 1HU
First off, the beating heart of Oxford’s music scene lies through the doors of Truck Store. Their role in the scene goes well beyond selling a couple of LPs, it stretches to highly desired live performances in and out of their store with album signings squeezed in too. They have been an integral part of creating an independent music hub for all kinds of music consumers. There are essential recommendations for those currently riding the wave of vinyl revival to bolster their collection, or for those veteran enthusiasts, there's the potential to pre-order the tracks you’ve been craving into the store. They have the local community at the heart of their work.
Riverman Records - 153 Walton St, OX1 2HD
Established in 2019, Riverman Records has firmly established itself within Oxford as the place to be, all whilst bringing friendly competition to the brilliant Truck Store. Credit has to be given to owner Andy Tucker, who has already run record stores in Henley for the past decade, but his shop in Oxford gives customers the perfect opportunity to quiz him on his expert knowledge of vinyl, which has been accumulated over his tenure as a record lover. They cover pretty much everything of genres with an emphasis on second-hand rarer pieces of vinyl, this is your chance to have a dig and find a standout LP.
Big Scary Monsters Social Club - 98 Cowley Rd, OX4 1JE
If craft beers and records sounds as heavenly as it does to us, then Big Scary Monsters Social Club has to be firmly on your radar. It is the perfect social hub to dabble into new genres all whilst enjoying hand-selected beers. Coined from their record label, Big Scary Monsters, for over 20 years they have been championing Oxford artists and have spearheaded the sound of the local music scene. Now their record store is the perfect home for their artist's music and anything Punk, rock, indie, alternative, and hardcore. What’s not to love?
The Little Record Store
Quality not quantity is exactly what you will be getting with The Little Record Store. A mobile record store popping up in and around Oxfordshire, they offer an outstanding range of genres with impeccable tracks guaranteed. It’s definitely worth getting yourself down there when it’s on, as they stock thousands of pre-loved and new records from a plethora of genres, there's a bargain to be found when you’re sifting between sleeves.
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