PEAKLIFE

No, they’re not extinct and yes, people still love them. Read along to discover their whereabouts in India.

 The Long Play (LP), or more commonly known as vinyl, has been an integral part of the music industry. Not just as a medium but because it paved way for the modern-day cassettes and CDs. Older generations have a big heart for the vinyl, mostly because of the warmth and familiarity of the records – it’s something they grew up with. Authentic and devoid of layers, vinyl is an unsurpassable experience when it comes to enjoying music.

Dominant in Delhi and Mumbai, vinyl is found vehemently in these two metropolitan cities. If you’re searching for some, here’s where you can purchase:

Shah Music Center, Meena Bazaar, New Delhi

Established in the 1930s, the streets of Chandni Chowk come to a halt here for music lovers. Owned by Zafar Shah, third generation son of the owner’s family, explains that it’s been passed down from generation to generation; music now runs in their blood. The store has about 2 lakh records stacked in its confinary. Shah further states that each month about 40 people, aged both young and old, come to his shop searching for classic records that were once forgotten. It’s mostly Bollywood music that sells like hot cakes including artists like RD Burman and Lata Mangeshkar. Shah also upholds a selection of gramophones and electronic record players if you’re more avid about vinyl than just for collection.

Haji Ebrahim, Chor Bazaar in Mumbai

Stacked everywhere with vinyl and players and strangely enough, telephones, Haji Ebrahim stands in Chor Bazaar, Mumbai. Business began by Haji and now continued by his sons Hussain and Asif, the store takes you back to an era old but so pure. These gems have come a long way from the owner spending weeks to find them to now being maintained and kept by the sons. You can even choose one and ask Asif to play them for you, a humble offer for humble hearts just seeking good music. Careful while you explore, you just might step on one or two records.

Gurukripa Enterprises, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

A trip down memory lane, the Partition had happened and this vinyl store had been gaining popularity. Now managed by Balwant Singh, he took the cause of adapting to changing times and began to introduce cassettes and CDs. However, the popularity of records has once again surfaced and Gurukripa Enterprises is back with their game. Popular amongst fanatics of the 70s and 80s, the shop sees a great deal of uprise in interest among youth. The shop is a one-stop shop for all your classics like Mughal-e-Azam and Sholay. 

Music Circle, Asha Nagar, Mumbai

Situated in the perimeters of Mumbai, the Music Circle stands tall with two storeys showcasing an expanse of old records about 5000 in number. Owner Pilak Bhatt owns a personal collection of one-lakh records, evidently an avid music lover himself. The store features vinyl in four categories each for Bollywood and Western, making it all the more detailed for collectors. As for people more interested, the store also has Japanese, Chinese and Middle Eastern vinyl. Bhatt makes sure his customers get a full array of all genres of music in the most genuine way possible.

Radio and Gramophone House, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Set up in 1951, the Radio and Gramophone House holds contemporary music equipment with only a section of the store with vinyl records. Despite being small, the shop still manages to attract buyers from all places. The collection ranges from imported records to a few rare ones. The father-son duo explains that their classic pieces are the ones most sought after. As old as it is, the House is one of the only destinations that have modern turntables.

It’s very well true that music transcends language and medium both. But for hearts that have heard the stylus etch across the vinyl only will know the essence of what’s music.