The humble record store never really left the high street. Sure, many of the big names, like Sam Goody's, have closed their doors forever, but there are still some indies left. If you want to pay homage to the home of music culture, then check out some of these must-visit record stores around the US.
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The record shop has doubled down on what it is that made them great in the first place. Where the large commercial chain record stores focussed only on sales, indies remembered why they were so special in the first place. A great record store is a hub for music lovers to rub shoulders with peers.
Record stores today, to remain successful, need to offer the full package. Not only do they need to sell the best and rarest of new and second-hand records, but also host events, advertise local shows, and introduce their shoppers to new music. This is what makes for a must-visit record store for me.
#1 Amoeba Music - Berkeley, California
There are currently three Amoeba record stores around the US, located in Berkeley, San Fransisco, and Hollywood. Any one of them is worth a visit, for sure, but the Berkley store is the oldest, established in 1990.
The must-visit record store does it all. The building itself is a sight to behold, and an icon on the streets. What lies within is any music fan's wet dream. Shelf upon shelf, and box beside box of records, merch, and all things music. If you can't find it in an Amoeba, it doesn't exist.
The buildings themselves often host a huge variety of live events. If you're close by, it's always worth seeing what the record store has on that week.
#2 Electric Fetus - Minneapolis
The name might make you uncomfortable, but the must-visit record store will make you feel right at home. Rumored to be the last place Prince picked up a handful of CDs on record store day, this is a staple for any music lover.
Unlike some record stores, Electric Fetus prides itself on its eclectic selection and crowd. Anyone is welcome to have a dig through the crates, and everyone is sure to find something they love. The famous shopfront regularly hosts events. Also, they sell everything, from gifts to limited edition merch.
#3 Waterloo Records - Austin, Texas
Named best record shop of the year every year by the Austin Chronicle since it opened in 1982, this is a must-visit record store in the heart of Texas. The shop itself is a feast for the eyes and ears, with walls stacked with beautiful vinyl.
Head on down to Waterloo Records during South by Southwest in March and have the chance to see some of the 10 bands per day they host in the store. Even if you miss this, they regularly host amazing music events throughout the year.
#4 Grimey's New & Preloved Music - Nashville, Tennessee
A bastion of the indie record store scene still stands strong against the economic crisis and rise of digital media. Those who love music need to make a pilgrimage to Grimey's in Nashville. They pride themselves on their ability to source any weird and wonderful request and have a solid library to show for it.
Built within a former church, this is a homage to all things music. Besides the wealth of new and preloved vinyl, there is also a selection of other musical gear. If you're looking for CDs, books, cassettes, or even a new set of turntables, tread the hallowed ground of Grimey's, the must-visit record store in Nashville.
#5 Easy Street Records & Cafe - Seattle
As mentioned previously, what kept the indie record store alive while the big commercial ones crumbled was the embracing of the culture. They became more than just a place to buy, they became host to a movement. The digital age did away with the need to crate dig and queue for new releases, but it turned out people missed that. This is where Easy Street stepped up.
It's more than just a place to search for that elusive record, it's a cafe in which you can listen to artists play new releases, and rub shoulders with musicians, and fellow music fans. It's a hub for the culture, and it's keeping it alive in a city already bursting with music.
