Record stores in Florence
I love to collect vinyl records and every time I'm in a new town I try to visit their local record shop and buy something (even if just a t-shirt) to support small businesses and an industry that I don't want to see disappear. Visting a record store is like going to a coffee shop. It's a place you want to linger; talk to the clerk or owner and listen to music with others to form relationships. It's a cultural experience. I spent some time checking out all the music stores in Florence for any audiophiles out there that may be interested. If you are looking to connect with the off-beat culture of the city, try visiting these stores and start talking to people there. It's a good way to take a break from all the touristy things. Florence isn't just about opera and the renaissance. It's a great way to meet like-minded new friends and you never know what you may be turned onto!
1. Contempo Records (Via dei Neri 15/r)- Although located in a tourist area of the city, Contempo Records may be the best record store Florence has. It has been open since 1977 and they definitely have the best selection especially if you are into alternative rock or metal. This is the place to get lost and dig for hours. The outside is deceiving but don't pass on this. It's colorful inside and painted with 70s psychedelic patterns and decorated with chandeliers (it's Florence after all, still have to be a little fancy). Prices are a bit expensive compared to the United States but you can find some good buys in the 2 or 10 euro crates. I would suggest looking for Italian soundtracks or Italian records from the 70s here that you may not find in the USA. To navigate this store, it is very cramped (one person can pass at a time in most areas) but the store goes deep and breaks off into more rooms. They also sell many CD's which are available when you first walk in but keep going for the good stuff! Open 7 days a week with limited hours on Sunday. ContempoRecords.it
2. Rock Bottom Records (Via Giraldi 16/r)- Rock Bottom is to some, the best vinyl store in Europe. Opened in 1993, the store is very organized and clean. They specialize in carrying original (1st) mono pressings which is exactly what a collector is looking for but that also means they carry a hefty price tag. I was looking at a Jimi Hendrix vinyl that had a price tag of 600 euro (!) but also happened to be one of their most expensive items in the store (of course, I picked the most expensive item lol). One of the reasons that their inventory is priced this way is because they take the time to clean and grade the vinyl meticulously. Each record contains an info sheet containing the quality rating of the vinyl, it's edition, track listing, and some history about the time period of when the record was produced. They mainly deal in rock music from the '60s and '70s, punk rock to new wave and 90's alternative. Those happen to be my favorite genres of music so I found this store to be delightful. I bought a few single records because it was all I could afford but if you are a serious collector looking for the best condition possible and have some money to spare; then you definitely want to check out Rock Bottom. I look forward to going back when I have some funds to spare. Open Monday-Saturday and they offer seasonal hours as well. RockBottom.it
3. Move On Records (Piazza San Giovanni 1/r)- Okay, disclaimer this is not just a record store but also a pub. That should be enough reason to stop in. This is a very American style store and pub so if you are looking for an Italian experience, this is not the place. But after a few days of pasta and pizza, you may be craving a hamburger and craft beer and this is the place for that. Located in the Duomo square, when you enter the pub is cranking out classic rock tunes, beer, and cheeseburgers. They do charge a 2 euro cover charge to sit outside but just tell them you are there to shop and head up the stairs to find the store to avoid paying the fee. Don't worry you can't miss the stairs due to the floor-to-ceiling Rolling Stones photograph (stairs are in the back of the pub). Once upstairs you will be gobsmacked with some of the cities greatest views of the Duomo/Baptistry. Even if you don't buy anything it's worth a trip upstairs to get some great photos. They have a resident DJ spinning records and the windows were open during my visit which greatly added to the experience. They mainly stock new vinyl and not many original pressings but for the lack of 1st editions they make up for with music memorabilia. Mainly behind glass in display cases, they have some really cool stuff like a Beatles yellow submarine clock, some rare David Bowie albums, among other tchotchkes. They also have clean spacious restrooms which are hard to find in Florence. Worth a stop, and if I was an ex-pat I think I would hang out here. Open 7 days a week. MoveOnfirenze.com
4. Twisted Jazz Shop (Borgo S. Frediano 21)- Owner Stefano is a jazz aficionado and very knowledgeable about the subject but he does not just sell Jazz records. Open since 1999, if you are looking for jazz, blues, folk, Bossanova, or gospel selections then this is a good place to try but he also stocks rock n roll. Now when you walk in you will notice it is mainly CDs but Twisted makes the list since it is a different genre of music. Not only will you be greeted by Stefano but also his dog which is always a good sign of a good store. This shop is more dust than gems but if you are willing to dig I think you can find some rare items and locals really love this place. Not only does Twisted Jazz sell vinyl but a large selection of CDs, books and boxsets, DVDs, and some cool music memorabilia. If you happen to be in the area and you are a jazz lover, it's worth a look. Open Monday-Saturday. TwistedJazzShopfacebook
5. Danex (Via degli Artisti 8c)- Danex is a bit out of the city center but offers fair prices on their selection of punk, heavy metal, hard rock, drum n bass, and electronic vinyl. They offer used and new items and also sell CDs. This is a good place to find rarities and if you need a suggestion or want to discover new music, ask the owner for advice. He'll be happy to help you find something and play it for you before you buy it. Open Monday-Saturday with limited hours on Monday. Danexfacebook
6. Fumetti e Dischi Cortelloni (Viale Petrarca 10/r)- Selling comic books, vinyl, and CDs since 1996. This is a great store to spend an hour browsing because they have so much cool stuff. Although more popular for their comic book selection, they also have a great selection of vinyl. Their vinyl selection does not include new releases, only original second hand if you will, records. If you are looking for Italian LPs and 45s, this is a good place to check out to find something you probably won't find back home. They also carry rock classics. Open Monday-Saturday. Fumetticortelloni.net
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