Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.10.2017, Side 30

CITY GUIDE
Vinyl Fantasy VII
A guide to downtown Reykjavík record stores
Words John Rogers Photos Art Bicnick
Downtown Reykjavík has some
great independent record stores,
all of which sell LPs by Icelandic
artists that you might not find
elsewhere. So if—or more likely,
when—you fall head over heels
for some Icelandic band dur-
ing Airwaves, here are the places
where you might be able to track
down their music. Smekkleysa,
12 Tónar and Mengi also run in-
die labels releasing many of the
best up ‘n’ coming artists in the
country. Starting out at the Kóla-
portið flea market, and working
your way up to Lucky Records
on Rauðarárstígur, here are the
best places to go crate-digging in
downtown Reykjavík.
Kolaportið
Tryggvagötu 19
Only open on weekends, this cav-
ernous space is a bric-a-brac haven,
selling everything from cheap elec-
tronics to antique books and army
surplus clothing. There are a cou-
ple of dedicated second-hand re-
cord stalls, and you’ll stumble over
boxes of used vinyl tucked away
amongst the lamps, furniture, or-
naments and ephemera.
12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
This classic Reykjavík re-
cord shop has been located at
Skólavörðustígur 15 since 1998. The
friendly and knowledgeable staff
are happy to recommend Icelandic
bands you might like based on your
listening habits. After compiling
your listening list, you’ll be given
some headphones, a spot on the
sofa, and a cup of coffee, so you can
shop and relax at the same time.
Reykjavík Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
The homely Reykjavík Record Shop
is tucked away in a small unit on
Klapparstígur, just off the main
Laugavegur strip. They have a small
but well-curated selection of vinyl,
from both Icelandic and interna-
tional artists, and there are some
classics thrown in for good mea-
sure.
Mengi
Oðinsgata 2
This artist-run arts and music
space is a staple of the local ex-
perimental music scene, hosting
interesting exhibits by day and ex-
perimental performances by night.
It’s definitely worth popping in to
check out the records and art ob-
jects they have on sale by local art-
ists—and from their own indie la-
bel—in their gallery and shop.
Kaffi Vínyl
Hverfisgata 76
This vegan café-bar is a great lunch
stop, and always has the crackle of
vinyl in the air as the staff and cus
tomers pick LPs to play from their
sprawling, eccentric record collec-
tion. The café also runs the Bónus
Plötur micro-label releasing short-
runs of 7” records—pick one up if
you’re seeking a true rarity.
Smekkleysa
Laugavegur 35
Smekkleysa (“Bad Taste” in Eng-
lish) is a record label and creative
collective that grew from Reykja-
vík’s punk scene in the 1980s—in
fact, several Sugarcubes are still on
the board. Today, Smekkleysa also
runs a bright green record store at
Laugavegur 35 with a fine selection
of CDs and vinyl.
Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
When it comes to sheer quantity
of records on offer, Lucky Records
wins hands down. It’s easy to lose
an hour to crate-digging here,
whether you’re after specific rari-
ties, dusty second-hand LPs, or the
latest Icelandic and international
releases. They also host free con-
certs occasionally, so keep an eye
out out for those.
Best Of Reykjavík
For your mind, your body and your wallet
30The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 18 — 2017
SELECTION
FROM BEST OF
REYKJAVÍK
2017
Best Veggie Burger
Bike Cave
Einarsnes 36
Bike Cave is the cafe you need
to know about. It’s relaxed, not
New Nordic, located in a sub-
urban neighbourhood close to
the domestic airport, and has
a resident Sphinx cat. It’s been
described as the best place to
get a “messy vegan burger.”
With a choice of two veggie
patties (black bean and chilli or
potato rosti) we were already
feeling spoiled—then they
turned up with their “luxury
vegan burger,” made from soy
granule patties with a hint of
peanut butter, sweet mustard
and onions. This one comes
pretty darn close to the mouth-
feel of a meat burger. But the
best part still remains that all
of this tasty fare will set you
back only 895-1,195 ISK, sans
fries.
Best place to start the night
KEX Hostel
Skúlagata 28
KEX Hostel is a great place to
kick off an evening. It’s a hostel
bar, but it kind of transcends
that description, with an
amazing sea view over Faxaflóí
and Mount Esja, beautiful de-
cor, spacious tables, and a large
wrap-around bar with stools
to perch on.It’s especially
fun if they’ve got a live show
booked—they’re almost always
free, with great local and visit-
ing bands. KEX just has a cool
atmosphere, with the bonus of
great food and a good beer se-
lection (now improved with a
happy hour). It can get crowded
with the after work folks, so get
there early to find a seat.
gpv.is/bestof
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