Vinyls Are Back in Style
It's common knowledge that Paris is a mecca for the arts — music, literature, painting, and so forth. The list goes on and will continue to stretch on throughout its existence.
The same can be said for vinyls.
What was once our parents' version of iTunes and Spotify, vinyls have come back to life after years of obsolescence. The Internet is convenient and savvy, but there's simply nothing like holding the music in your hands and watching it spin and crackle in its authentic sound. CDs and vinyls may be at competition with pirate downloads, but they haven't gone down without a fight. According to Nielson, a global information measurement company, vinyl sales spiked 260% in 2009 alone. For a while there, vinyls were disappearing in popularity, but they're back now, and these timeless machines are not too difficult to find.
Here's where to find some vintage record players in Paris:
1. Peléophonies
Check out this shop in the center of Paris for a vintage record player.
16 Rue de Vaugirard
75006 Paris
Image Credit: Sheila Sund
2. Grados
Christian Grados has numerous options for record players, carrying some dated back to 1968, and others that are more recently made. These record players are vintage finds.
9, rue des Déchargeurs
75001 Paris
And next off, here's some Parisian stores with actual disks to kick-start your new player or to add to your collection:
1. Crocodisc
Your classic, all-around handy music shop. Crocodisc is split into two sections: Rock and Electro and Reggae and Jazz. This store offers both new and used vinyls. Want to hear a record? Ask the friendly workers to play it for you and spend hours here.
Image Credit: Coup d'Oreille via Flickr.
42 Rue des Écoles
75005 Paris
2. La Fabrique Balades Sonores
This place is chic and rétro — perfect for French indie vinyls and cozy home décor. Stop by La Fabrique Balades Sonores for a local treat of electro, indie, and local French bands. You may even find more than vinyls here; Thursday night is concert night at this indie paradise.
Image Credit: Nadege Soquet Image Credit: Nadege Soquet
1 Avenue Tridaine
75009 Paris
3. Walrus - Disquair Café
If you want to browse through music, test out vinyls in a booth, and drink coffee in a stylish record shop/café all in the same hour, Walrus is perfect for you. Stop by, have a drink, and jam. This place is great for pop, rock, and indie finds.
Image Credit: Evan via Flickr, photoextremist.com
34 Ter
Rue de Dunkerque
75010 Paris
4. Techno Imports
For a wide selection of electronic music, Techno Imports is your haven.
16 Rue des Taillandiers
75011 Paris
