Valletta is certainly a must-visit when in Malta. The capital built by gentlemen for gentlemen is a spectacular baroque city, which captures all the colour, noise, and character of the country. But if you do come to Valletta, don’t just stop at the Churches, and Palaces – make sure to visit an equally impressive institution – the World’s Oldest Record Shop!

That’s right! Established in 1885, Anthony D’Amato Records, in St John’s Street, a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral, boasts the incredible title, as it is, on record the oldest record shop to hold the same premises since its establishment, in the world.

Laid Back Series has caught up with Anthony D’Amato, not the original one obviously, but the fifth generation D’Amato down the line, who together with his cousins run the show in the vintage record shop.

“It is something we do with great dedication, and which, in return, gives us great satisfaction,” Anthony shares, on his experience taking over the reigns of the old business. “Working in a record store, gives you a treasure throve of knowledge which is impossible to obtain from anywhere else, and for us, being lovers of music, it is something extremely special!”

Anthony takes his job very seriously, and his ambition for the establishment is rather remarkable. “We don’t want to only be the oldest record shop in the world, we want to be the best one too. And this all depends on the stock of records in the shop – as we say in the business, you are as good as your stock.”

In fact, the cousins make sure to cater for both sides of the coin. “At our store we make sure to stock up with new releases, making sure music lovers have their Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran records available, almost on release day. At the same time, we also have a significant stock of old, vintage, collectable titles for sale for the connoisseurs, who are looking for that extra rare Beatles vinyl, or the special version of Dark Side of the Moon they are still missing!”

And the shop, looks exactly as gorgeous as you imagine it. Approaching it, you are immediately struck by the enormous light-up sign featuring the classic HMV dog and gramophone, which has adorned the antique wooden shop façade since the post-war years.

Once inside, it is a riot of music, musicians, vinyls and CDs, from all styles and eras. No matter if it is classic rock, or pop, operetta or jazz that you like, the D’Amatos have got you covered, and they know exactly in which direction of the shop they need to point you, for you to get your fix.

Given its long history, the shop went through its fair share of trials and tribulations, surviving world wars, famine and trends that changed so fast, they would make anyone’s head spin!

“The shop was established by the original Giovanni D’Amato, Anthony’s great great grandfather, who arrived to Malta from Naples, bringing with him his love for Italian Opera, which was vastly popular with the locals at the time. Setting up home and shop in Valletta, he promptly started supplying the Maltese with the best quality records, importing them directly from the best labels in London.”

In the 1920s, the D’Amatos noted a rising interest in local music, so a new chapter in the shop’s life opened. “Five popular Maltese artists were selected and sent to HMV in Milan to record their songs. The result was that their music was now commercially and easily available to a wider audience, a completely new frontier for the island.”

World War II was no fun time for anyone, and D’Amato Record Store was no exception, especially since it was extremely hard for them to import their stocks. “Naturally during the days of the war, priority was given to the importation of food supplies, meds and arms – but my ancestors argued that music was as important to the wellbeing and survival of the island as much as food and meds were,” Anthony explains.

And it appears that the D’Amatos managed to convince the authorities, as the importation of records ensued long before the war ended. “…we know for sure, because in one particular instance in 1943, a ship carrying the musical cargo, was targeted by enemy fire, and was sunk on the way. The most curious thing in the whole story was that since the stock had left its place of origin, the labels were still expecting royalties, even though their records were to be found in the depths of the ocean!”

As a sign of recognition, the D’Amatos gifted no less than five gramophones to the Mtarfa Hospital, to help keep the moral of the injured high, in full spirit of their mantra.

The post-war years were a true explosion of music worldwide. From Buddy Holly to Madonna, “from the 50s to the 90s, it was the glory days of music, and record stores around the world. It was a time when people would come over to listen to new records at the store, and sample different bands and styles to broaden their musical horizons. Naturally, we would only be so happy to help them and guide them accordingly building meaningful friendships!”

The advent of the internet and easily, cheaply available music has obviously dealt record stores a serious hit, but the D’Amatos managed to turn the challenge into an opportunity. “Customers will never get the same experience from an app, they get when they come down to our store. Instead of letting an algorithm decide what you will be listening to next, we can help you select a band or artists that suits your tastes,” Anthony adds.

“In fact, the resurgence of the vinyl, as the preferred medium to listen to music in the past years has helped this renaissance for record stores around the world, and we are only too pleased to keep the legacy going, for at least another 139 years!” Anthony concludes.

This feature forms part of The Laid Back Series by GuideMeMalta.com. Bringing to light unique characters, local traditions, and the beauty of old Malta, we search every corner of the Maltese islands to find the most unique of stories that are sure to delight and bring a sense of nostalgia to our readers.

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