Ready to delve into the world of music in Rome? This vibrant city is home to a diverse range of music stores, offering something for every taste and budget. From independent gems to large corporate chains, you’ll find a treasure trove of tunes to explore.
Dive into the Underground: Pirated Discs and Independent Stores
Have you ever stumbled upon a street vendor selling bargain CDs? These discs, often pirated, offer a cheap way to get your hands on popular tracks. While tempting, it’s always wise to give the disc a listen before purchasing, ensuring the songs match the cover. However, these copies lack the liner notes and credits found on legitimate releases.
If you’re looking for something beyond the mainstream radio hits, Rome’s independent music stores are a hidden gem. These havens of music offer a curated selection, focusing on specific genres or providing unique finds.
Discoteca Laziale: A Haven for Retro Sounds
This store is a haven for fans of ’60s, ’70s, and heavy metal music. With two floors dedicated to used records and CDs, it’s a treasure trove of vintage vinyl and rare finds.
- Address: via Giolitti, 263 (Across from Termini Station)
- Phone: 06 44714204
Hell Nation Rage Music Store: Where Anger Meets Music
Despite the name, this store doesn’t exude aggression. It boasts a small but well-curated collection of jazz CDs, both new and used, along with hard-to-find titles and box sets. The displays change frequently, so if you see something you like, don’t wait too long to grab it!
- Address: via Nomentana, 113
Big-Box Music: Choices and Budget Options
For a wider selection and convenient pricing, the large music chains in Rome are a solid choice. While the variety is appealing, you might sacrifice a bit of the personalized experience you find in independent shops.
Mondadori Multicenter Corso: A Multi-faceted Music Haven
This store is a giant of a music store, centrally located on via del Corso. It offers a comprehensive selection of foreign music, heavy metal, retro tunes, and Italian hits. While the jazz section has shrunk, it still boasts a decent selection, as do the blues and vocal sections. With listening stations, budget-friendly CD sections, and a diverse magazine selection, you can easily spend hours exploring this music and media haven.
- Address: via del Corso, 472
Ricordi Media Store: Music and Instruments Combined
Ricordi Media Store is another corporate chain, offering a similar selection to its counterparts. However, the store on via del Corso stands out with its additional offerings of musical instruments, including guitars, keyboards, and amplifiers. While prices are a bit higher than Mondadori, the convenience of purchasing both music and instruments in one place is a major plus.
- Address: via del Corso, 506 (and in Termini)
Star Music: A Brightly Lit Music Paradise
With a spacious, well-lit interior, Star Music is another large chain store. The highlight of this store is its extensive selection – it’s almost guaranteed to have the CD you’re looking for. However, like other big stores, organization isn’t always a priority.
- Address: via B. degli Ubaldi, 45 (Near Baldo Ubaldi metro station)
Discovering Musical Gems: Independent Treasures
Rome’s independent stores offer a unique charm, often specializing in specific genres or catering to music lovers seeking rare finds.
Discoteca Laziale: A Haven for Retro Sounds
This store is a haven for fans of ’60s, ’70s, and heavy metal music. With two floors dedicated to used records and CDs, it’s a treasure trove of vintage vinyl and rare finds.
- Address: via Giolitti, 263 (Across from Termini Station)
- Phone: 06 44714204
Rock Shop: Where Music Meets History
This store, located across from San Lorenzo, is a haven for music enthusiasts seeking rare and hard-to-find CDs and vinyl records. With a wide selection of all genres, and a large collection of used CDs, it’s a must-visit for any music lover.
The quote “This is more of what a music store should look and sound like; the outside windows and walls are covered in stickers and graffiti, and inside the music is loud” sums up the Rock Shop perfectly. This store is a testament to the passion for music, with its vibrant atmosphere and dedication to finding the hidden gems.
The Best Music in Rome: Your Choice
Rome offers a vibrant music scene, from the bustling energy of the large stores to the intimate charm of independent shops. Whether you’re seeking the latest hits, vintage vinyl, or rare finds, Rome’s music stores are sure to have something for you. So grab your headphones, immerse yourself in the city’s musical heartbeat, and discover your next musical obsession.
