Reykjavík
Record crawl + Kex vinyl bar
Lucky Records, 12 Tónar, then a back booth at Kex with whatever is on the turntable.
More about this plan
Reykjavík sits above its weight in music, and the city's record shops are still where the scene actually happens. Start at Lucky Records on Rauðarárstígur — the deep crate-digger shop, Icelandic jazz to krautrock, bargain bins that occasionally hide real things. Give it forty-five minutes; you will use them.
Walk down to 12 Tónar on Skólavörðustígur — half shop, half indie label, the place that first put Múm and Sigur Rós on vinyl. The owner will hand you an espresso and let you sit in an armchair with headphones and a stack of records. This is the point of 12 Tónar.
End at Kex Hostel on Skúlagata. The bar in the back has a turntable, a view onto the bay, and a menu that holds up. Order a local pilsner, put your haul on the seat next to you, and argue about which side you are going to play first when you get home.
The plan, stop by stop
- 1
Lucky Records
The big crate-digger record shop. Icelandic jazz, krautrock, hip-hop, bargain bins worth the time.
- 2
12 Tónar
Record shop and indie label on Skólavörðustígur. Espresso in hand, headphones on, armchair — the way to listen before buying.
- 3
Drinks at Kex Bar
Hostel bar on Skúlagata with a turntable in the back, a bay view, and a proper food menu. Order the beer of the week.