Glasgow was recognised as the first UNESCO City of Music in 2008, with it having a vibrant music scene spread across the city which caters for anyone.
A number of huge acts have been born in Glasgow with it being very little surprise that the city had some of the finest record shops going, throughout the decades. Bands such as Simple Minds, Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand have all emerged from the Glasgow music scene with labels such as Alan Horne’s Postcard Records and Creation becoming legendary and writing their place in history.
There has always been a desire in Glasgow for ‘new’ music as we continually search for tunes and artists that we are yet to fall in love with with some acts even giving performances at some of these locations or heading in for a browse themselves.
Although vinyl records may have made a ‘comeback’ in recent years, in their heyday you could spend hours browsing through Glasgow’s record shops, long before the days of Spotify and other streaming services. Even though many of these shops are no longer with us, they still hold a special place in people’s hearts as before placing an album on your turntable, you may be transported back in time to the day you purchased the album for the first time.
5. Rat Records
Rat Records was originally found in Virginia Galleries before moving to Buchanan Street. The shop is fondly remembered for holding a signing session with Sonic Youth on their Daydream Nation tour in 1989. | Supplied
6. 23rd Precinct
23rd Precinct on Bath Street closed its doors in 2009 after trading for almost 50 years in Glasgow. The 23rd brand is still maintained as a publishing and artist management company. | Supplied
7. Listen Records
One of Listen Records locations in Glasgow was this store on Cambridge Street. It was a firm Glasgow favourite for many years. | Google Maps
8. Hades Records
Located near to McCormack’s on Bath Street was Hades Records who desrcribed themselves as a ‘progressive’ record store. As well as having a ground level section, there was also a basement where you would be greeted with a large poster of Rory Gallagher. | Google Maps