The Guide to the World’s Most Inspiring Sound Venues.
Listening Bars Not To Be Missed
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Waxflower — Brunswick’s Wine & Vinyl Haven
In Brunswick, Waxflower pairs natural wine with high-fidelity sound — a Melbourne listening bar where vinyl, cocktails and calm share the room.
Waxflower — Brunswick’s Wine & Vinyl Haven
In Brunswick, Waxflower pairs natural wine with high-fidelity sound — a Melbourne listening bar where vinyl, cocktails and calm share the room.
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Dexter Sound Bites — Milan’s Vinyl Table
In Milan’s Isola district, Dexter Sound Bites fuses global small plates, cocktails, and vinyl — a 25-seat listening bar where food and sound share the spotlight.
Dexter Sound Bites — Milan’s Vinyl Table
In Milan’s Isola district, Dexter Sound Bites fuses global small plates, cocktails, and vinyl — a 25-seat listening bar where food and sound share the spotlight.
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ESP HiFi — Denver’s Quiet Revolution
On Santa Fe Drive, ESP HiFi turns listening into an art form — Denver’s first vinyl bar built on tube amps, Klipschorns, and quiet devotion.
ESP HiFi — Denver’s Quiet Revolution
On Santa Fe Drive, ESP HiFi turns listening into an art form — Denver’s first vinyl bar built on tube amps, Klipschorns, and quiet devotion.
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New Forms — Chelsea’s Frequency of Calm
On Chelsea Manor Street, New Forms blends record store, coffee bar, and hi-fi lounge into one — a calm new frequency in the heart of London.
New Forms — Chelsea’s Frequency of Calm
On Chelsea Manor Street, New Forms blends record store, coffee bar, and hi-fi lounge into one — a calm new frequency in the heart of London.
Listening Cities & Essays
The Daily Read
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The Quiet Legacy of Nujabes — A Journey Through...
Rafi Mercer reflects on Nujabes’ Luv(sic) Hexalogy — a jazz-infused journey of patience, rhythm, and hope that still sounds like a heartbeat for modern listeners.
The Quiet Legacy of Nujabes — A Journey Through...
Rafi Mercer reflects on Nujabes’ Luv(sic) Hexalogy — a jazz-infused journey of patience, rhythm, and hope that still sounds like a heartbeat for modern listeners.
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When Luxury Slows, Listening Becomes the New Me...
As the luxury industry slows, Rafi Mercer argues that listening bars are becoming the new sanctuaries of value — safe, shared spaces built on sound, trust, and time.
When Luxury Slows, Listening Becomes the New Me...
As the luxury industry slows, Rafi Mercer argues that listening bars are becoming the new sanctuaries of value — safe, shared spaces built on sound, trust, and time.
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Why Albums Sound Better on Vinyl — and Why Not ...
Rafi Mercer explores why albums sound better on vinyl — and why not all vinyl is equal. The secret lies in the pressing, the care, and the hunt.
Why Albums Sound Better on Vinyl — and Why Not ...
Rafi Mercer explores why albums sound better on vinyl — and why not all vinyl is equal. The secret lies in the pressing, the care, and the hunt.
The Listening Shelf
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Rapture – Anita Baker (1986)
Anita Baker’s Rapture (1986) is the sound of stillness sung in gold. Rafi Mercer on the elegance, restraint, and timeless warmth of a perfect Sunday-morning record.
Rapture – Anita Baker (1986)
Anita Baker’s Rapture (1986) is the sound of stillness sung in gold. Rafi Mercer on the elegance, restraint, and timeless warmth of a perfect Sunday-morning record.
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The Story Behind the Label
Rafi Mercer reflects on the artistry of record labels — from Blue Note to Factory — and why Tracks & Tales might soon have its own mark of sound and...
The Story Behind the Label
Rafi Mercer reflects on the artistry of record labels — from Blue Note to Factory — and why Tracks & Tales might soon have its own mark of sound and...
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Luv(sic) Hexalogy – Nujabes & Shing02 (2015)
Nujabes & Shing02’s Luv(sic) Hexalogy (2015) is music built across absence — a six-part conversation between rhythm, memory, and love. Rafi Mercer on why it’s quietly, completely beautiful.
Luv(sic) Hexalogy – Nujabes & Shing02 (2015)
Nujabes & Shing02’s Luv(sic) Hexalogy (2015) is music built across absence — a six-part conversation between rhythm, memory, and love. Rafi Mercer on why it’s quietly, completely beautiful.
Vinyl Drops
Waiting List Open
Five classic rare albums each month, each discovered, sourced, and dropped here on the Tracks & Tales Guide.
Every drop we sell out within a few days, proof that the right records still travel fast when curated with care.
Future drops will be announced first to members of The Guide.
The Pour
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The Shape of Oak — On the Making of Whisky Barrels
From oak forests to fire and iron hoops, whisky barrels shape every dram. Rafi Mercer explores the craft of coopers and the soul of the cask.
The Shape of Oak — On the Making of Whisky Barrels
From oak forests to fire and iron hoops, whisky barrels shape every dram. Rafi Mercer explores the craft of coopers and the soul of the cask.
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The Ten Whiskies That Belong in Your Cocktail C...
Ten whiskies belong in every cocktail cabinet. From rye to Japanese blends, Rafi Mercer explores the bottles that sing best when mixed.
The Ten Whiskies That Belong in Your Cocktail C...
Ten whiskies belong in every cocktail cabinet. From rye to Japanese blends, Rafi Mercer explores the bottles that sing best when mixed.
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Bottles and Decanters — The Shape of Whisky
Bottles carry history, decanters create atmosphere. Rafi Mercer explores how glass shapes whisky — preservation, presentation, and ritual.
Bottles and Decanters — The Shape of Whisky
Bottles carry history, decanters create atmosphere. Rafi Mercer explores how glass shapes whisky — preservation, presentation, and ritual.
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The Weight of the Glass
The weight of a whisky glass changes everything — in hand, in sound, in presence. Rafi Mercer reflects on glassware, ritual, and listening bars.
The Weight of the Glass
The weight of a whisky glass changes everything — in hand, in sound, in presence. Rafi Mercer reflects on glassware, ritual, and listening bars.
Notes on Listening
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The Quiet Return of the Listening Bar
London’s nightlife isn’t dying — it’s evolving. Rafi Mercer explores how listening bars reflect a shift toward slow luxury, mindful sound, and quality over quantity.
The Quiet Return of the Listening Bar
London’s nightlife isn’t dying — it’s evolving. Rafi Mercer explores how listening bars reflect a shift toward slow luxury, mindful sound, and quality over quantity.
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Motto — Bordeaux’s Sonic Cellar
Hidden on Rue des Piliers de Tutelle, Motto blends hi-fi sound, cocktails, and Bordeaux charm — a cellar where vinyl and wine share the same quiet elegance.
Motto — Bordeaux’s Sonic Cellar
Hidden on Rue des Piliers de Tutelle, Motto blends hi-fi sound, cocktails, and Bordeaux charm — a cellar where vinyl and wine share the same quiet elegance.
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Can a Listening Bar Exist on Playing Just Old V...
Can a listening bar exist on old vinyl alone? Rafi Mercer argues yes — but discovery must share the stage. Heritage and curiosity form the perfect partnership.
Can a Listening Bar Exist on Playing Just Old V...
Can a listening bar exist on old vinyl alone? Rafi Mercer argues yes — but discovery must share the stage. Heritage and curiosity form the perfect partnership.
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Are There Any Listening Bars in Our City, or Do...
Do you need to travel to Tokyo or New York for a listening bar? Rafi Mercer explores the global spread of hi-fi sanctuaries, now appearing in cities from Barcelona to...
Are There Any Listening Bars in Our City, or Do...
Do you need to travel to Tokyo or New York for a listening bar? Rafi Mercer explores the global spread of hi-fi sanctuaries, now appearing in cities from Barcelona to...
