In my first "Holy Grail" list, we covered NYC and Berlin. But the global network of vinyl digging goes much deeper. For the serious house and techno head, these four cities contain the hallowed ground of our culture. If you find yourself in these cities, your first stop must be these shops.
1. Gramaphone Records (Chicago)
The undisputed temple of Chicago house. Gramaphone has been the home base for legends like Derrick Carter and Ron Hardy. Their selection of local house, techno, and disco is unparalleled. Digging through their "locally sourced" bins is an education in the DNA of the genre. It is the most important record shop in North America.
2. Submerge / Record Detroit (Detroit)
Submerge is more than a shop; it’s the distribution hub for Underground Resistance and the Detroit techno movement. Located in the hallowed halls of "Techno Boulevard," it is the place to find every important release from the Motor City. It is a pilgrimage site for anyone who values the "High Tech Funk" sound.
3. Phonica Records (London)
Located in the heart of Soho, Phonica is the epicenter of the UK’s electronic scene. They have an incredible reach, stocking the best from every corner of the globe. Their staff are world-class tastemakers, and their "new arrivals" wall is where trends are born. It’s the best place in the world to find the "next big thing."
4. Technique (Tokyo)
Tokyo’s vinyl culture is legendary for its obsession with quality and condition. Technique is the gold standard for house and techno in Shibuya. Their selection is meticulously curated and the shop itself is a model of Japanese precision. It is the best place in the world to find rare, "mint condition" classics that have been long out of print elsewhere.