Imagine if you will, your favourite DJs opening a record store together. For myself and a whole lot of others this came true as the opening of Red Light Records introduced us to a stellar mix of weird and wonderful records dug throughout Europe as well as taken directly from the collections of the three co-owners, Tako Reyenga, Abel Nagengast and Jamie Tiller.

Digging through basements in Greece and flea markets in Antwerp, to the most unassuming music shops on desolate German highways, Reyenga, Nagengast and Tiller are in a league of their own with their knowledge matched only by their taste. Unlike many DJs who strive to keep discoveries “secret”, the trio has created a sharing environment in the store where the customer can feel comfortable to peruse as well as be introduced to the unknown.

While RLR was full of records from my wantlist, I was actually more excited to hear things in the store that I didn’t know before and Tako, the main store clerk who makes sure the speakers are always warm, was more than happy to introduce and expand my mind.

It really is a “world music” store with well organised crates categorised by country and then by genre, spanning from ambient and folk to electronic and funk. Conditions are very nice throughout and the prices fair.

The district itself is going through a cleansing process, scrubbing itself of its unsalubrious past and bringing some culture to the centre. RLR’s neighbour Red Light Radio has had an extremely positive effect on the area and the whole city since its launch over a year ago, and the record store is seldom quiet with local and visiting DJs dropping in before or after their sets on the radio station next door. When you’re there, make sure you check out Vintage Voudou directly next door which specialises in exotic vinyl. I caught the owner spinning at a party in Amsterdam when I was there and it was positively infectious music that struck you hips first!

I’m already looking forward to my next visit and to see the areas transformation into something closer to its surrounding laneways, streets and canals which really are charming.

Keep an ear out for Red Light Records’ soon to be launched label Music for Memory which will release comps and unreleased material from incredible music makers. Meanwhile here’s some mixes from the guys that will have you booking the next flight to Amsterdam.

Red Light Records Oudekerksplein 26 , Amsterdam, 1012GZ, Netherlands

Having come of age to a walkman-delivered soundtrack of golden-era hip hop jams I’m a sucker for the romance and mythology of New York city. My own time record shopping there was an all too brief period in 2007 and I’ve been itchy to get back ever since. The following look at some of NY’s lesser-documented digging spots, contributed (again!) by Noise In My Head’s Michael K hasn’t helped. A libation of gratitude to him.

New York City – the big smoke. The birthplace of hip hop and disco and many booming generations of DJ culture. A great spot for you and thousands of record buyers. Things get competitive and shops have a fast turnaround. If you’re looking for a digger’s guide, the comprehensive breakdown over at Discogs’ International Record Store Index is an essential starting point. Though on a recent trip I observed that this is getting a little outdated so here’s a walk-through of some new or neglected second hand dealers. I’m again avoiding covering the A1 and Academy institutions as they’ve been documented so many times before. However, they’re still worth hitting daily!

I never walk out of this East Village spot empty handed. Ideal for buyers of soul, jazz, disco and hip hop, with splatterings of soundtracks, latin, rock, libraries etc. Crammed dollar bins beneath the racks. Scored a Brazilian lazy disco LP while my wingman filled a bag of soul LPs for practically donuts.

They have a sister store in Jersey which I’m yet to visit but some of the records warehoused here are listed on their discogs profile  (if there’s anything of interest they’ll apparently send it over to this East Village location). Barely a block away from Academy (415 East 12th St) which never disappoints.

 Big City Records, 521 E 12th St, Manhattan, NY 10009

Feel constant positive vibrations at Tropicalia In Furs. The staff always seem to be having a good time, blaring music and having a laugh out back. Predominately a Brazilian specialty store with a healthy serving of other genres. A pretty overstimulating space with orange walls coated with records, including a cool display of sleeves designs based around the image of an eye.

Tropicalia In Furs is a treasure trove of 60s/70s/80s Brazilian funk, folk, revolutionary rock and bossa nova. Sadly these aren’t cheap and often in rough condition, but this is not indicative of the whole store. Worth going for a rummage as there’s something in there for everyone.

 I also highly recommend walking across the road to Gimme Gimme Records (325 East 5th St). The owner teaches piano in the building so its only open Fri-Sun. While the hours didn’t work out for me this time around, I’ve had golden runs here in the past.

Tropicalia In Furs, 304 East 5th Street, Manhattan, NY 10003

Just up the hill from Boulinier, this place has been around since 1978! Imagine the records that have come through in that time…

Heaps and heaps of stock. A buzzing place. Music playing loud. I got the impression that there are guys in there assigned to different genres, as there were about four staff members  busy helping people in each section of the shop. Heaps of Afro and alike from the French islands. 100,000 records over the two stores but you should head straight to the one on the right. This has all the disco, funk, soul, afro, world stuff. Got some nice 7″s here too.

Next door is rock and Kraut heavy. Great selections. Crocodisc is a must visit store while you are in Paris!

Crocodisc 42 Rue des Écoles 75005 Paris, France

Went here with some local dudes and new friends David McFarline and Julian Horn and (non) collectively, we found some good things.

A real mix. Nice library section, found a cool LP on ‘Selected Sound’. Great jazz, got a Polish LP full of hot grooves, I’ve been wearing that one out. Flashback was the first time I ever flicked through crates that only had the sleeves in them! Strange sensation, like the wax had melted inside. But the staff were chilled, happy to get the numbered vinyl from the shelves behind the jump and let you listen to plenty. Prices were decent.

After the arvo dig we recorded a listening session in the evening which included some things we picked up during the day. You can check it here.

The magic grooves summoned a double rainbow which shone brightly outside the window for a while…

Flashback 50 Essex Road, London, N1 8LR

PS: If you’re in London you gotta check out Misty Macumba – a monthly night of anything of a Balearic inclination at the Star of Bethnal Green. . I had the pleasure of playing there and it’s a great night!

Thankfully not some concoction from Masterchef but a great record shop in Prahran. Established by owner Dave Reitman almost a decade ago, Licorice Pie has become a key destination for locals and out of towners alike – if I happen to be showing a vinyl-loving visitor round town I make sure I take them in for a slice.

Licorice Pie has a solid selection across dozens of genres from classical to funk, soul, punk, Krautrock, psych and beyond. Anyone with a bent for Brazillian, Afro  or reggae variants will be very happy here. Also a worthwhile dig for Australian oddments, disco, electronic and library. The section at the rear features a trove of LPs  and 12s at bargain prices.

This is the kind of place you’re bound to find something whenever you come in. Scores from my last visit included Savannah Silver Band Pure Silver LP, Eddy Grant Timewarp 12 and More Sex Stories OST.

Licorice Pie, 249A High Street, Prahran 3181 Victoria, Australia Tel +61 3 9510 4600

Northside specialises in a lovingly curated selection of what an ethnomusicologist might call “the music of the African diaspora”. We call it a crate-digging paradise. It’s located in the heart of Fitzroy, but you won’t find hipster jams and nu-disco here.

While Northside’s focus is very much on soul, Latin, reggae, jazz, hip hop, Afrobeat, funk and their associated variants, this is a shop to check no matter where your preferences lie.  It’s not unusual for entire collections to turn up here, but naturally they get ransacked quick smart. The disco selection is small but good and the library crates are always worth a punt for some Bruton or KPM nuggets.

Nice-price gems are often found in Northside’s bargain crates so don’t be afraid to get on your knees and rummage. Proprietor Chris sends out a weekly bulletin of recent arrivals (new and secondhand) which also contains a mini gig guide to Melbourne’s soul/funk happenings. They stock Grado carts and can hook you up with a guy who reconditions vintage turntables. Northside is the real deal.

Northside Records 236 Gertrude Street Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Tel 03 9417 7577