I've been collecting records since I was fifteen. It's been so great to see the revival of vinyl (that has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?). In 2015, record sales increased by 53%, and in 2016, sales of vinyl hit a 25-year high. It's the movement back to tangible music.
Supporting independent record stores is important. Not only are the stores cool places to find records to add to your collection, but the people you meet there are also worth the trip. If you're a record collector yourself or want to start collecting, here is a list of 14 independent record stores to check out.
Places I've Visited:
1. Central Square Records- Seaside, Florida
Of all the record stores I've visited, Central Square Records might be my favorite. Located in the charming town square of the beach town Seaside (it's the place where The Truman Show was filmed), this record store has a great selection of records and also has plenty of fun knick knacks, shirts, gifts, and posters. The colorful posters and decor on the walls gives the place a really cool atmosphere. Records and the beach, how much better can it get?
2. Spoonful Records- Columbus, Ohio
The first time I visited Spoonful Records was this past Record Store Day in April. My friends and I waited in the chilly morning air for about 45 minutes just to get inside and get our hands on the exclusive record store day releases. Unfortunately, Toto's special release of "Africa" was already gone when we got there. Spoonful Records is quaint but still boasts a respectful selection of records. They have a good mix of old and new.
3. Gravity Records- Wilmington, North Carolina
When I visited Gravity Records, I had just started collecting records, so I was a little naive. The workers at this record store were very helpful. I got my Vampire Weekend's "Modern Vampires of the City", which I have played countless of times. Plus- look at that doggo!
4. Endangered Species, The Last Record Store on Earth?!- Delaware, Ohio
This record store has a special place in my heart since it's the closet one to my house. At Endangered Species, you can find every medium of music- vinyl, CDS, and even a surprisingly large selection of cassette tapes. This place is a hometown gem.
5. The Groove- Nashville, Tennessee
I visited The Groove when I went with my best friend to visit her older sister in Nashville last summer. It's a cool little shop, and I'm hoping to stop by again when we go back to Nashville next month.
6. Magnolia Thunderpussy- Columbus, Ohio
Don't let the name scare you, Magnolia (my preferred nickname for this record shop), has a crazy selection of vinyl. Plus, not only are they organized alphabetically, but each individual artist and band is listed to make shopping easier. I usually come in trying to find something specific, so I really appreciate the organization. The record store also has a ton of band tees to pick from too. Last time I was there, the cashier gave me two free STRFKR stickers, so that was an added bonus in my book.
Places I Want To Go:
1. Third Man Records- Nashville, Tennessee
2. Waterloo Records- Austin, Texas
3. Phonica Records- London, England
4. Groove Merchant Records- San Francisco, California
5. Redlight Records- Amsterdam
6. Route 66- Copenhagen
7. Amoeba Music- Los Angeles, California
8. A-1 Record Shop- New York City, New York
Now go out and get yourself some records.
