Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.11.2018, Side 36

The R
eykjavík G
rapevine
Iceland A
irw
aves Special 20
18
36 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 during
Airwaves, here are the places
where you might be able to track
down their music. Smekkley-
sa, 12 Tónar and Mengi also run
indie labels releasing many of
the best up and coming artists in
the country. Starting out at the
Kólaportið flea market, and work-
ing your way up to Lucky Records
on Rauðarárstígur, here are the
best places to go crate-digging in
downtown Reykjavík.
Kolaportið
Tryggvagata 19
Only open on weekends, this
cavernous space is a bric-a-
brac haven, selling everything
from cheap electronics to an-
tique books and army surplus
clothing. There are a couple of
dedicated second-hand record
stalls, and you’ll stumble over
boxes of used vinyl tucked away
amongst the lamps, furniture,
ornaments and ephemera.
12 Tónar
Skólavörðustígur 15
This classic Reykjav í k re-
cord shop has been located
at Skólavörðustígur 15 since
1998. The friendly and knowl-
edgeable staff are happy to
recommend Icelandic bands
you might like based on your lis-
tening habits. After compiling
your listening list, you’ll be given
some headphones and a spot
on the sofa, 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 Ice-
landic and international artists,
and there are some classics
from over the decades thrown
in for good measure.
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
experimental performances by
night. It’s definitely worth pop-
ping in to check out the records
and art objects they have on sale
by local artists—and from their
label—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 customers pick
LPs to play from their sprawling,
eccentric record collection. 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
English) is a record label and
creative collective that grew
from Reykjavík’s punk scene in
the 1980s—in fact, several Sug-
arcubes are still on the board.
Today, Smekkleysa also runs
a bright green record store at
Laugavegur 35 with a fine se-
lection of CDs and vinyl.
Lucky Records
Rauðarárstígur 10
When it comes to the quantity on
offer, Lucky Records wins hands
down. It’s easy to lose an hour
to crate-digging here, wheth-
er you’re after specific rarities,
dusty second-hand LPs, or the
latest Icelandic and internation-
al releases. They also host free
concerts occasionally, so keep
an eye out out for those.
Vinyl
Fantasy
2K18
A guide to downtown Reykjavík
record stores
Words: John Rogers Photos: Art Bicnick