Much like a favourite bar and a good book shop, a local record store is an important addition to any functional neighbourhood. On the island where I live in Copenhagen, there’s only one. Two if you count Amagers only bookstore, Zittans; they carry a selection of records too, but a limited selection, the main focus being books of course. But one is enough especially when it’s as friendly and welcoming as Amager Records.

The store has a nice living room feel and if you need moment to contemplate what record you’re going to buy next, you can settle down in an armchair, listen to whatever is spinning on the record player at that moment and check out the cool light art on the wall and vintage lamps all picked up in another local shop, Leben CPH.

In addition to selling new releases, the owners Niels and Jan have a flair for getting their hands on really good second-hand collections which quite often contain hard-to-find records.

I like jazz-infected music and luckily for me, Jan shares a love for contemporary jazz. On my visits to the store I have been introduced to several exciting artist and albums within that genre: he holds up the covers, I take pictures, go home, listen, come back and buy the album.

As seems to be the norm with record store owners, both guys are really nice, knowledgeable and helpful. So, don’t be afraid to ask if you’re looking for something specific.