Alternative & Indie Vinyl: Must-Have Records for Your Collection

Alternative and indie music grew from decades of influences across different genres, times, and places. In the early nineties, it broke into the mainstream, only to retreat underground by the mid-decade. Kept alive by visionary bands and loyal fans, it’s now back in the spotlight, and better than ever!

As the growing demand for indie records shows, more people are discovering (or rediscovering) the magic that happens when musicians buck trends. 

Sound good to you? Fantastic. Start building your alternative and indie vinyl collection with best indie records available at Dig In Records.

Indie vs Alternative: Aren’t They the Same?

Alternative and indie are often used interchangeably, and for good reason. It’s not necessarily incorrect. Both terms describe genres and approaches to music, whether it's production, content, or how it’s consumed. Confusing? Don’t worry – stick with us, and it will become clearer.

Indie, or independent, music is an incredibly broad umbrella term for do-it-yourself music. While indie artists have a huge amount of creative freedom, they usually work with low budgets and release music themselves or through smaller labels. 

While the number of indie sub-genres is huge, many of the best indie records are guitar-oriented and don’t sound like what’s being played on mainstream radio. Some indie artists and bands you might’ve heard of include Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Bastille, Ethel Cain, Metronomy, The Smiths, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. 

Alternative music also sees artists and bands take a do-it-yourself approach. Like indie music, alternative is exactly that – an alternative to mainstream pop. 

As a genre, it includes a range of sub-genres, such as alt-folk, alt-rock, Britpop, Goth, New Wave, and Nü-metal, although to most listeners, it’s a term used for rock music that breaks away from classic rock and more defined genres like metal. Some great examples include The Cure, Blur, Pulp, Tori Amos, and The Pixies.

Having spent years out of the spotlight, alternative and indie vinyl records are experiencing a resurgence. One of the main reasons for this is how both genres encourage creative freedom and the creation of exciting new sub-genres. Also given them a push are their inclusiveness, a growing appreciation for retro styles in music, the influence of social media on self-expression, and how these genres often touch on deep personal, cultural, political, or social themes. 

Listen to the best indie records from the Buzzcocks, Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and others, and you’ll know one thing’s for certain – they don’t shy away from reality.

Must-Have Alternative and Indie Records

Given how far-reaching the alternative and indie genres are, they offer a journey of discovery that could last a lifetime (or several). Not sure where to begin? Start your aural explorations with these must-have albums on vinyl.

AM – Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys’ fifth album, AM, is one of the foundational albums of early-2010s indie music. Featuring gems such as Do I Wanna Know” and Why’d You Always Call Me When You’re High, this intricate, thrilling album is nothing less than a masterpiece. 

It’s a dark, gritty, psychedelic nod in the Velvet Underground’s direction and definitely one of the best indie records you’ll ever listen to. No, we’re not exaggerating.

Silent Alarm – Bloc Party

Brash and confrontational yet hypnotically tender, Bloc Party’s 2005 debut Silent Alarm is as ferocious and fresh now as it was when lead single Helicopter blew us away in late 2004. 

This intense, urgent indie album weaves together rhythmic guitars, elements of dance and punk, and Kele Okereke’s emotive vocals in ways that will leave you spellbound from the moment you place the needle in the groove. While this entire album’s fantastic, Baquet, Helicopter, Like Eating Glass, and This Modern Love get a special mention. 

Unknown Pleasures – Joy Division

Atmospheric and moody, Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures is a thing of dark beauty. Ian Curtis’ vocals and Bernard Sumner’s guitar set what’s easily one of the best indie records apart from all others. 

So, it’s not surprising tracks like Shadowplay and She’s Lost Control still appear regularly in charts and lists compiled around the world. It’s a timeless must-have in any alternative vinyl collection.

Let England Shake – PJ Harvey

Picking up from where White Chalk left off, PJ Harvey’s Let England Shake is a treasure. Delicate, driving, euphoric, and dreamy, the lush sound of autoharps, guitars, keys, bass, brass, and other instruments recorded in an old Devon church are the perfect accompaniment to Harvey’s ethereal voice singing lyrics inspired partly by World War I poetry. 

Drawing on history in a rich setting, Let England Shake is a record that demands attention from start to finish.

OK Computer – Radiohead

Radiohead’s third album, OK Computer, was a classic from the day it was released. Thom Yorke’s bleak vocals meet strange guitar tunings and instruments such as the Mellotron and glockenspiel to create an album that’s hauntingly beautiful and easily one of the best indie records since 1997. Listen out for Paranoid Android, Karma Police, and Exit Music for a Film.

The Queen is Dead – The Smiths

The Smiths’ The Queen is Dead features shimmering guitar work and sharply funny lyrics delivered in a deliciously matter-of-fact way. Containing some of the band’s greatest work, this album played a huge role in shaping indie music. If there’s one The Smiths album to include in your collection, this is it (but, by all means, add their others, too).

Honourable Mentions

The best indie records we mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg. A few others worthy of a spin on your turntable include The Cranberries’ No Need to Argue, Franz Ferdinand’s self-titled debut album, Nirvana’s Nevermind, The Cure’s Disintegration, R.E.M.’s Automatic for the People, Tori Amos’ Little Earthquakes, and The Velvet Underground & Nico. 

Of course, you’ll find many more of the top indie and alternative albums on vinyl at Dig In Records! 

Discover the Finest Indie & Alternative Music

Capturing the angst, joy, and questions of generations of artists who continue to do their own thing, the best indie albums offer sonic journeys unlike any other. 

Start or expand your vinyl collection with these must-have albums and others in our alternative/indie collection here at Dig In Records. Whether you’re looking for the classics of the genres or the latest releases, we’ve got you covered.