Image adapted from: @anita_fu_, @hithisischeng, and @mccysg
It might be 2019 but I don’t have a Spotify account.
Cue shell-shocked gasps from hardcore music fans. It’s not what you think; instead, I’m an advocate for old-school CDs. Everything from admiring the album art to manually adjusting the sound file – it’s a hobby I grew up with and can’t quite let go.
If you’re like me, then read on to see where you can find these brick-and-mortar CD stores in Singapore. While some of these shops have rare finds that are no longer sold, others have ordering services so you can get the most obscure indie album you’ve been searching high and low for.
Image credit: Roxy Records & Trading
Roxy Records & Trading has been in business since 1962, claiming the title of the oldest record shop you can find in Singapore. You can find almost all genres of music at this store – apart from the usual pop genre, you can also find Jazz, Japanese, Indie, and local music.
Image credit: @hithisischeng
If they don’t have what you’re looking for, Roxy Records will go to the extent of hunting it down with their ordering service.
Simply provide them with the artist’s name, title of the album, the format of the album you’re looking for, and they’ll get back to you with the price ASAP. Be patient – the waiting time might take as long as 2 months for rare albums!
Image credit: @hithisischeng
Although they specialise in CDs and records, they also sell vintage gadgets which you can’t find in your regular Challenger or Courts – they stock portable disc players as well as a fair amount of vinyls from the ‘60s like classics by Elvis Presley to modern songs by Taylor Swift and Chvrches.
Address: 5 Coleman Street, #02-15 Excelsior Shopping Center, Singapore 179805
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12PM-9PM | Sun Closed
Telephone: 6337 7783
Website
Image credit: Cami Cami
If you tout yourself as an audiophile that enjoys testing the prowess of your hi-fi set or AMP music players, New Disc Village is your one-stop shop to visit for a great collection of high-fidelity music. Expect to find high quality CDs and vinyls produced by renowned record labels like Analogue Productions and Mobile Fidelity.
Image credit: Ernest Cheong
They also specialise in selling turntables, so you can make the most of their high quality vinyls. Consider Audio-Technica’s turntable if you’re just starting out – it’s priced from just $160. If you’re a more serious audiophile, look into Pro-Ject or Mobile Fiedlity turntables (from $400 onwards).
Address: 1 Coleman Street, #03-15 The Adelphi, Singapore 179803
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 11.30PM-7PM | Sun Closed
Telephone: 6334 4209
Website
Image credit: Roxy Disc House
While Roxy Disc House has 2 branches, one in Adelphi and another in Jalan Pemimpin, they both carry a large variety of reissues. The former stocks the latest audiophile CDs, and if you’re looking for wide genre of pre-owned vinyls, then the latter is the place to go.
Most of their CD collections are oldies, ranging from English rock classics like Pink Floyd to Mandopop icons like Teresa Teng.
They carry a range of rare vinyls, from the Toy Story soundtrack to limited edition Teresa Teng albums.
Image credit: Chih-Chung Liang
Other than CDs and vinyls, you can also find turntables such as the Vinyl Styl – Groove Portable 3 Speed Turntable ($190) and the RP6 Turntable – Piano Red ($2,800).
Roxy Disc House Adelphi
Address: 1 Coleman Street #03-41/42, Singapore 179803
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 1PM-7PM | Sun 2PM-7PM
Telephone: 9061 3491
Roxy Disc House Pemimpin
Address: 39 Jalan Pemimpin #01-03, Singapore 577182
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 1PM-7PM | Sun Closed
Telephone: 9844 6775
Website
Image credit: Inokii
For all heavy metal and rock fans out there, Inokii is the place to be. Besides selling a massive range of rock and heavy metal CDs, the shop also stocks band merch like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin tees.
Image credit: Inokii
Keep a look out for their range of figurines (in-store and pre-order) – they even have merch of Kiss and Megadeth, perfect to add to any diehard fan’s collection. They even provide the latest updates for rock band concerts in Singapore here.
Address: 14 Scotts Road, #03-30 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 2PM-8PM
Telephone: 6836 7657
Website
Spot a range of desserts at the Wisma outlet
Image credit: That CD Shop
With its monochromatic checkered tiles and display of intricately-frosted cupcakes, it’s easy to mistake That CD Shop for a chocolate candy shop similar to the likes of Godiva.
Image credit: @anita_fu_
That CD Shop has a catalogue of nearly 30,000 titles inclusive of CDs, DVDs and BluRays. You can also find original soundtrack albums of movies here, such as Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood” with songs like“Treat Her Right” and “Summertime”.
You can also find Denon headphones and TEAC turntables in the stores too.
Image credit: That CD Shop
Themed cafe Wonderland Savour is right next door so besides a fine collection of CDs, vinyls and turntables, you can also have a proper sit-down meal or tea break here. Try the Tea Set ($28) which includes assorted pastries and a cup of tea or coffee.
Wisma Atria Outlet
Address: 435 Orchard Road, #02-08/13 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877
Telephone: 6369 1358
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
VivoCity
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-45 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Telephone: 6259 3280
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Website
Image credit: QQ Music Store
If you’re on a tight budget, check out QQ Music Store – they’re known for their collection of secondhand CDs, DVDs, and BluRays that start from just $5! This store also sells secondhand hi-fi speaker sets and turntables of reputable brands such as Gerrard, Lenco, Audio Space, and Leben.
While they don’t carry the newest and trendiest albums on the market, take some time to sift through and you’ll be rewarded with hidden gems that can no longer be found on the market. You can also order obscure music albums too – it’s not restricted to just secondhand albums!
Address: Block 28, Sin Ming Lane, #05-135 Midview City, Singapore 573972
Opening hours: Mon – Wed Closed | Thu – Fri 5PM-9PM | Sat – Sun 1PM-7PM
Telephone: 9100 6571
Website
Whether you’re a passionate CD collector or just someone who enjoys admiring the album art, this list of shops will come in handy for you to begin your CD hunt. With ordering services and secondhand vinyl records, there’s no need to sign up for a Spotify account.
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