All Hail the Mighty Vinyl!
In recent years, vinyl records have experienced a remarkable resurgence, offering a rich and nostalgic listening experience that streaming services can’t replicate. Collecting vinyl, especially vintage pressings, is a passion project that connects music lovers to the past. Even the recent artists such as Taylor Swift have embraced this blast from the past and are releasing their works on vinyl along with their usual media. There really is something so rich about the sounds you get from a vinyl as compared to digital media. Don't get me wrong, I love streaming. It's great in the car, in the office or at the gym, but at home it's gotta be vinyl.
Whether it's the warm crackle of the needle or the satisfaction of holding a classic album sleeve in your hands, there's something magical about vinyl that no digital format can match.
For seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, visiting the best record stores is crucial to building a collection full of unique and hard-to-find pressings. I've been to quite a few over the last 20+ years and have amassed some 500 records in my collection so far. I am always on the lookout for new stores, and even when overseas I try to seek them out for those unique European pressings. Ah, the day I found a Jimi Hendrix in a tiny store in Dublin Ireland was a great day indeed.
Over the years some stores have closed (Goodbye Rebel Rebel Records of NYC, you'll be missed!) but many of them are going strong and new ones pop up as the vinyl trend grows amongst the Millennials and Gen Z. In this blog I will explore a few of the best of these record stores in North America, where vintage vinyl is king. Several of them I have been to, while others were selected from a polling I ran on Reddit. I now have a few more places on my list to visit!
Amoeba Music in Hollywood is iconic, not just because it’s one of the largest record stores in the world but also for its incredible selection of vinyl. Though they stock new releases, their vintage section is vast, featuring a wide range of genres from rock and jazz to funk and reggae. Vinyl enthusiasts flock to Amoeba for its rare pressings and first editions, which are displayed proudly in the store’s glass cases.
The sprawling layout allows for hours of browsing, and with knowledgeable staff who share your passion for music, Amoeba is a place where you can dive deep into crate digging. Collectors can find original pressings of legendary albums as well as obscure gems from every era.
Located in the heart of Pittsburgh, Jerry's Records is a vinyl collector's paradise. Jerry Weber, the store’s original founder, built Jerry's Records into one of the most beloved vinyl destinations in the U.S., offering over a million records at its peak. Though Jerry himself retired, the store continues to thrive under new ownership, keeping the spirit of vintage vinyl alive.
What makes Jerry’s special is the sheer volume of vinyl they have in stock and their incredibly low pricing with most albums coming in under $5. Specializing in used records, they offer everything from classic rock to jazz, soul, and classical. Collectors come here specifically for the rare finds that often pop up in their inventory, and with the prices as they are it makes for a great place to hunt for deals. I can't count the hours I have spent combing through this store. There are room after room of records everywhere. It really is mind boggling how many records are there.
I've found dozens of vintage 78 RPM records of Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, etc. while looking around. I've even picked up a few sealed copies of some pretty rare releases to add to my collection. At one point, Jerry had so many records that he was giving away boxes of them, free. They were categorized as a genre (written on the top of the box) but you had no idea what you got in the box. It was full of about 60 records. He had put about 50 boxes of them out on the street under a canopy with a sign that said take as many as you want. I grabbed 3 boxes : Classical, 80's Music, and Rock. Got some gems that day!
Dusty Groove has carved out a unique place in the record world by focusing on niche genres such as funk, soul, and jazz. Located in Chicago, this shop is well-regarded for its carefully curated selection of both vintage vinyl and rare imports. Whether you're searching for African highlife, Brazilian samba, or classic soul, Dusty Groove is a place where music transcends genres.
The store offers a laid-back atmosphere where collectors can spend hours searching through meticulously organized racks. Their vintage section is expansive, with both high-end collectibles and affordable finds. If you’re a fan of global music or under-appreciated classics, Dusty Groove is a must-visit destination. I only had an hour the day I visited this location but I made the most out of it with a couple of good finds: Fats Waller, Elmore James and Blind Lemon Jefferson. Blues, of course. I was in Chicago after all!
For those looking for something off the beaten path, Permanent Records is the go-to spot. While smaller than some of the giants on this list, Permanent Records prides itself on its hand-picked collection of vintage albums. Specializing in punk, psych rock, and indie, this L.A. institution has built a reputation for stocking hard-to-find vinyl in excellent condition.
It’s the kind of store where you’re likely to stumble upon an obscure gem or limited edition pressing. The staff, all passionate music lovers, are eager to guide you through their selection and share their recommendations. For collectors who want something truly unique, Permanent Records delivers.
Red Cat Records, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Mount Pleasant in Vancouver, offers a cozy and welcoming vibe that immediately draws you in. Known for their carefully curated stock of indie rock, jazz, and classic albums, Red Cat has been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s music scene since 2002. They strike a great balance between new and used vinyl, with the vintage section being a treasure trove for collectors.
This store is especially well-regarded for its indie and alternative rock offerings, but you'll also find an array of other genres, including blues, country, and world music. The staff’s enthusiasm for music shines through as they help guide customers to new finds and rare vinyl gems. When I lived on the island one summer I'd often catch the ferry over to Vancouver and hit Granville island. From there Red Cat is just a short hop away so I'd usually swing by for a little bit to browse and then grab a bite and coffee at the nearby Breka Bakery and Café. It was a great way to spend a rainy Saturday to be sure. I found an original 1977 Star Wars Original Soundtrack 2-LP Vinyl Record in mint condition there that I just had to add to my collection. Best $25 I've ever spent.
Waterloo Records is an Austin institution and one of the best places in Texas to buy vinyl. Though the store is known for supporting local artists, their vintage selection is nothing short of impressive. Located in the heart of the live music capital, Waterloo offers an array of rare pressings, from country classics to indie rock and everything in between.
The store also hosts in-store performances and signings, often featuring some of the musicians whose records you’ll find in the bins. Whether you’re looking for Texas blues, (they should) outlaw country, or classic rock albums, Waterloo Records offers a well-rounded collection for vintage vinyl lovers.
In the charming town of Oxford, Mississippi, lies a small but mighty record store that has earned a loyal following. The End of All Music is an indie record store that specializes in vintage vinyl, with a strong emphasis on Southern genres like blues, soul, and country.
The staff at End of All Music are known for their knowledge and love for records. Though it may be off the beaten path, the store offers a unique experience with its focus on regional music and rare albums. It's an essential stop for any collector interested in the roots of American music.
Sonic Boom is Toronto’s flagship record store, with an immense selection of vinyl that includes new releases but leans heavily on vintage albums. Not to be confused with the other Sonic Boom record store located in Seattle, which could have easily made this list too. I am sure someone out there is going to complain that I put the Toronto store instead of the Seattle one but its's my list so... ppbbtt. The store is sprawling, and while their stock of classic rock, jazz, and punk records is impressive, what sets Sonic Boom apart is their dedication to curating a diverse collection.
Collectors of all genres can find rare records from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, and the staff is known for going the extra mile to help locate specific pressings. Sonic Boom also hosts events and live performances, making it a hub for music culture in the city.
Another Chicago treasure, Shuga Records is a haven for collectors who are passionate about vintage vinyl. Shuga boasts a wide variety of records, from rock and jazz to blues and hip-hop. The store is well-organized, making it easy to search for that elusive pressing, and they often feature rare, high-end collectibles for serious vinyl enthusiasts.
What sets Shuga Records apart is their commitment to quality. They take care in the preservation and condition of their used records, so collectors can rest assured they’re buying vinyl in great shape. Whether you're a casual buyer or a seasoned collector, Shuga Records has something for everyone. Ok not everyone, I didn't find anything that I wanted there but it was still fun to wander around and to be fair I wasn't really seeking out anything in particular either.
For over 50 years, Electric Fetus has been serving up an eclectic selection of music to the Twin Cities. Though they stock new vinyl, their vintage collection is where Electric Fetus truly shines. From classic rock to experimental jazz, their crates are filled with vinyl treasures waiting to be discovered.
Electric Fetus is known for its community feel, regularly hosting in-store events and catering to the tastes of local music lovers. Collectors come from all over to browse their extensive vintage section, which often includes rare finds from legendary Minneapolis bands. I have never been but once I saw the name in the Reddit poll I simply had to include it on this list. Looking through their website I see the Paris Hilton has an album coming out. I can honestly say that I had no idea she sang, at all. I thought all she did was spend money and whine. Think I'll take a hard pass on that album...
Another entry from Toronto Rotate This is an iconic part of the city's music culture, beloved for its wide-ranging collection of vinyl. While the store is known for its strong selection of new indie releases, its vintage vinyl section is equally impressive, offering everything from punk rock to jazz, and hard-to-find pressings from the '70s and '80s.
Rotate This maintains a carefully curated collection, ensuring that every vinyl hunter will find something worth adding to their collection. The staff’s love for music is contagious, and they’re more than willing to share their knowledge with any curious collector. The two I talked to are also rather quirky and have a twisted sense of humor so, yeah, I liked it there. Also picked up a sleek copy of OK Computer by Radiohead while I was there.
Since 1982, In Your Ear Records has been a staple in Boston’s vinyl scene. It’s a place where serious collectors come to dig through crates of used vinyl, hoping to unearth a rare gem. The store specializes in rock, jazz, and psychedelic records, with a large selection of vintage vinyl from the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
What sets In Your Ear apart is the sheer amount of used records they have in stock. not quite as many as Jerry's in PA but still pretty darn impressive. It’s a classic hole-in-the-wall store where crate digging is an art form, and the discovery of an overlooked treasure is almost guaranteed. If you’re into deep cuts and rare finds, this store will not disappoint. Trust me on this one. I found a near perfect copy (*the vinyl not the outside sleeve though but meh) of a rare Beatles White Album there one chilly October afternoon in 2001. Woohoo!
Run Out Groove (i.e. the end )
Collecting vintage vinyl is a journey into the past, a way to experience music as it was originally intended. From the warmth of analog sound to the thrill of discovering a rare pressing, vinyl collecting offers a deeper connection to the music you love. These 12 record stores across North America are perfect for anyone seeking out vintage pressings, each with its own unique atmosphere and collection of hidden gems.
So get out there and explore these shops, or find new ones of your own, because there’s always another incredible find just around the corner. If you don't find it one day, try again the next week. The bulk of these places buy used records as well so their collections are constantly changing and one person's trash (or sold record) is another person's deepest vinyl desire. You can also find a trove of vinyl on Amazon if you prefer to do your shopping from the comfort of your own home. Not as much fun, but very efficient I guess!
Good Luck and Good Hunting!
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