Cover Picture Credits © Federico Spadoni
Cover Picture Credits © Federico Spadoni

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Vinilyo & Music Machine Records in Athens

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Welcome back again to this series of stories dedicated to Athens’ record stores. This is part three. In the first one you can read about three vinyl shops in the city, and in the second one we met the owners of two recently-opened stores

In the last piece I told the stories of two record stores and their owners in the Exarchia neighborhood. In this area you can find many record and music shops so it felt right to keep going and find out more about a couple of others. Let's get on to the next one!

Vinilyo Record Store Cafè Bar

The name kind of sells it, this store is not one of those massively packed vinyl stores you spend hours in looking for something. Here, Themistokleous 34 street, the collection of records available inside is limited in number yet diverse in genre. “But I can find other records if you want” - says Dimitris, the owner - “I used to have a record e-shop before opening up this place in 2017, and I have new arrivals frequently”. Among the shelves you find original, re-issued, and used copies of mainly Greek folk, rock, and pop music but also international jazz, classic rock, rock and roll, reggae, and pop. And a section for Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.” A little bit of everything, I like it this way”. “I was inspired by other places I saw around and on the web, and I decided to give it a shot. I wanted something of a mix. There are ups and downs, but it is going good, all things consider.” Being a bar as well, the place hosts events and live shows. “The shows are small because the place is not too big, but we try to give visibility to young bands.”  The store looks like a good spot to not only look for music but also to discover and appreciate local talent, maybe a rock band or a home-made Greek spirit to drink.

Picture Credits © Federico Spadoni
Picture Credits © Federico Spadoni

Music Machine Records

This shop, on Didotou 16 street, has a long history along with a rich collection of jazz, classic rock, alternative rock, classic rock and roll, soul and funk. “The store opened in 1982”- explains Dimitris, the owner (a different one!)- “It was in a different street, Solonos, at first. For the first ten years of business the store was focused only on alternative and underground rock”. “Then, from 1992, I started to enrich our collection and now we deal with jazz a lot”. “The crisis certainly hit the shop, but it held up well”. Stepping in the store is really a nice experience; it feels like being at a friend’s place, in his or her living room; pop-culture posters on the walls, couches, sound systems (on sale), a liquor corner, and shelves of records all over. “This is the idea, I want this place to feel like this, comfortable for whoever comes in”. This shop is worth the visit: the collection (new, original, and re-issued copies) is notable for both jazz and rock fans and Dimitris is a guy willing to share stories, tips, and suggestions and have conversations with customers - "The posters are my brother's"- he tells me- "He lived in the U.S.A and he brought back these along with music".

Picture Credits © Federico Spadoni
Picture Credits © Federico Spadoni

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The author

Federico Spadoni

Federico Spadoni

I am Federico, I was born and raised in Italy. Sport and news fanatic and active volunteer. I am currently living in Athens, Greece. I write about the central parts of Italy.

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