Independent Record Stores

The world's largest independent record store, with massive locations in Hollywood, San Francisco, and Berkeley. Each store features over 100,000 items spanning new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and more. Amoeba is known for its extensive collection across all genres, rare finds, and in-store performances from artists like Paul McCartney and the Flaming Lips. The Hollywood location serves as a cultural landmark with its massive 25,000 square-foot space full of musical treasures.

A Minneapolis institution since 1968, Electric Fetus was famously Prince's favorite record store, which he visited just days before his death. Despite its unusual name, the store offers an impeccable selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and music accessories across 70,000 items. Jazz, hip-hop, blues, and world music fans are especially well served here. The store's relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable staff (many who've been there for decades) make it a must-visit for any serious record collector in the Twin Cities.

Named after Austin's original name, Waterloo Records has been the Texas capital's premier music destination since 1982. The store stocks a wide variety of new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes with knowledgeable staff and dedicated listening stations. A highlight is their 'Texas Music' section featuring local artists. The store is famous for hosting in-store performances, particularly during SXSW when multiple bands perform daily. Visit on Tuesdays for 'Vinyl Happy Hour' with 10% off all records.

Originally founded in London in 1976, Rough Trade has become an iconic brand in independent music retail with locations in New York, London, and Bristol. Known for championing indie and alternative music, the stores are designed as cultural hubs featuring coffee shops, performance spaces for in-store shows, and exclusive vinyl pressings. The New York location in particular is a stunning space at Rockefeller Center with a packed event calendar of album releases and artist signings.

Nashville's beloved independent record store features over 300,000 albums in stock, with about one-third on vinyl spanning every imaginable genre. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere have made Grimey's a musician favorite, hosting legendary in-store performances from artists like Metallica (who recorded 'Live at Grimey's'), Phoenix, and The Black Keys. The store's success has allowed them to continually expand their vinyl selection, replacing many CD racks with additional record bins as the vinyl revival continues.

Portland's favorite record shop is known for its striking red ceiling and Las Vegas-inspired name and decor. Operating since 1997, Jackpot specializes in new and used vinyl with a particularly strong emphasis on local Pacific Northwest artists. The shop also operates an in-house record label focused on preserving and reissuing classic records, including works by regional punk heroes like Wipers and Green River, as well as more famous artists like Dr. John, Sun Ra, and Devo. The store's friendly atmosphere and extensive vinyl selection make it a must-visit Portland destination.

Though this legendary New York City record store closed its physical location in 2016 after 20 years, it lives on as an online retailer, mail-order service, and record label. During its heyday, Other Music was the epicenter of independent and experimental music in NYC, known for its carefully curated selection that often featured artists before they broke through to wider recognition. The store's knowledgeable staff and adventurous musical spirit made it a crucial hub for music discovery, with many artists citing the shop as a major influence on their careers.

This Athens, Georgia institution has been a cornerstone of the city's famous music scene since 1976. Wuxtry is perhaps most famous for being where R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck met Michael Stipe while working behind the counter. Future Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) was also once an employee. Beyond its storied history, the store continues to thrive with deep selections of rock, indie, and local music across both new and used vinyl and CDs. The Athens location also features a terrific comics shop upstairs, making it a dual destination for collectors.

Founded by musician Jack White of The White Stripes in 2009, Third Man Records combines a record store, performance venue, and recording studio in Nashville with additional locations in Detroit and London. The Nashville flagship features the Blue Room, the world's only live-to-acetate venue where performances are direct-cut to vinyl in real time. Other unique features include a vintage Voice-O-Graph recording booth where visitors can record their own vinyl and a Novelties Lounge showcasing unusual merchandise. The store specializes in Third Man label releases but also stocks carefully selected titles from other artists.

Seattle's premier independent record store has been a cornerstone of the city's music scene since 1997. With locations in Ballard and Capitol Hill (the latter recently relocated), Sonic Boom offers extensive selections of new and used vinyl, CDs, and music books. The stores frequently host in-store performances and are known for their handmade mixtapes curated by staff and local musicians, including K Records founder Calvin Johnson. The Ballard location in particular feels like the perfect expression of Seattle's music culture: unpretentious, deeply knowledgeable, and community-focused.

This beloved West Seattle institution combines a full-service record store with a classic American diner, creating a unique cultural hub for music lovers. The two-story shop features a vast selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and music books, while the attached cafe serves breakfast and lunch with musically-themed menu items like the Hank Williams Western Omelet and Dolly Parton Stack (pancakes). The store has deep connections to Seattle's music scene, with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder being a regular customer who once worked a shift behind the counter in 1995.

What began as a comic book store founded by two MIT students in 1978 has evolved into a New England retail powerhouse with nearly 30 locations across the Northeast. While Newbury Comics has expanded well beyond music to include toys, apparel, and pop culture items, its flagship Boston location remains a mecca for music lovers. The stores are known for stocking limited edition colored vinyl pressings, rare box sets, and an impressive array of indie and alternative music alongside mainstream releases. The atmosphere combines suburban mall nostalgia with authentic musical curation.

This Cincinnati stalwart has been serving Ohio's music community since 1999. Beyond its impressive selection of nearly 40,000 titles on vinyl and CD, Shake It distinguishes itself with extensive offerings of music books, magazines, and Japanese vinyl toys. The store also operates its own record label focusing on local Cincinnati artists. The knowledgeable staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for both casual listeners and serious collectors, while regular in-store performances and artist signings make it a cultural hub for the city's Northside neighborhood.

Chicago's beloved independent record chain operates three locations throughout the city, each with its own distinct character but united by a vast selection of new and used vinyl and CDs. The Wicker Park location famously inspired the record store depicted in the film 'High Fidelity.' Reckless prides itself on stocking everything from the latest indie releases to obscure international pressings and rare collectibles. Their knowledgeable staff creates handwritten recommendation cards throughout the store, helping customers discover new music across all genres.

Located on Denver's trendy Colfax Avenue, this massive 12,000-square-foot emporium houses over 250,000 new and used titles across vinyl, CD, and DVD formats. Since opening in the mid-1980s, Twist & Shout has hosted hundreds of in-store performances from artists like Ween, Elvis Costello, and John Cale. The used vinyl section is particularly notable, with deep selections across all genres and collectors competing for prime browsing spots daily. The store also offers an impressive selection of music books, film, Japanese toys, and band merchandise, making it a complete cultural destination.

Known by regulars as PREX, this New Jersey institution offers an astounding selection of used CDs (under $9) and vinyl (generally under $5) alongside new releases. Located just steps from Princeton University, the store attracts a diverse clientele from students to serious collectors. Unlike many shops that have inflated vinyl prices during the current boom, PREX maintains accessible pricing that makes building a collection affordable. The shop buys and sells around 15,000 items weekly, ensuring constant turnover and fresh inventory for regular visitors.

Though primarily known as a record-of-the-month subscription service, Vinyl Me, Please opened a stunning flagship retail store in Denver in 2023. The shop showcases their exclusive pressings alongside carefully selected new releases and reissues. What sets VMP apart is their commitment to high-quality vinyl production, featuring custom color variants, deluxe packaging, and audiophile-grade pressings. The physical store extends this ethos with listening stations featuring high-end audio equipment, allowing customers to experience the superior sound quality before purchasing.

Since opening in 2003, Phonica has established itself as London's premier destination for electronic music on vinyl. Located in Soho, the shop stocks an impressive range of house, techno, disco, ambient, and experimental releases from both underground and established labels. The knowledgeable staff includes working DJs who regularly host in-store mixing sessions and album launch parties. Phonica also operates its own record label, releasing limited editions from emerging electronic artists. The store's listening stations allow customers to preview records before purchase, making it a favorite among DJs hunting for their next dance floor weapon.

Operating in Melbourne, Australia since 1992, Goldmine Records has established itself as one of the country's premier destinations for vinyl collectors. The shop offers an extensive selection of new and secondhand records across all genres, with a particular focus on limited editions, audiophile pressings, and rarities. Their knowledgeable staff can help track down even the most obscure releases, while their innovative vinyl de-warping service has saved countless valuable records from the trash bin. The store's bright, spacious layout allows for comfortable browsing through their meticulously organized collection, making it a must-visit for any serious record collector in Australia.

Situated in London's vibrant Brick Lane area, Rough Trade East is the flagship store of the legendary UK record shop chain that spawned the influential indie label of the same name. Opened in 2007, this 5,000-square-foot space combines an expansive record store with a café, performance venue, and gallery. The shop stocks thousands of new vinyl releases and reissues across all genres, with a particular emphasis on independent and alternative music. The venue regularly hosts free in-store performances, album release parties, and book signings, cementing its status as a cultural hub. The shop's knowledgeable staff provides excellent recommendations while the listening posts allow customers to discover new music before buying.

The flagship location of Chicago's beloved Reckless Records chain, the Wicker Park store was famously the inspiration for Championship Vinyl in the film 'High Fidelity.' Located on Milwaukee Avenue in one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods, this spacious store offers an exceptional selection of new and used vinyl across all genres, with particularly strong offerings in indie rock, punk, and electronic music. The knowledgeable staff creates an authentic record store experience that draws serious collectors and casual music fans alike.

Founded in 2013, Mills Record Company has quickly become Kansas City's premier destination for vinyl enthusiasts. This woman-owned shop in the Westport neighborhood offers a carefully curated selection of new and used records, with a particular focus on local and regional artists. The store regularly hosts in-store performances and maintains strong ties to Kansas City's music scene. With knowledgeable staff, competitive pricing, and a welcoming atmosphere, Mills has established itself as an essential community hub for music discovery.

Located beneath Grimey's New & Preloved Music in Nashville, The Basement is a legendary small venue that perfectly complements the record store experience upstairs. This intimate 100-capacity space has hosted secret shows by major artists like Metallica and The Black Keys, as well as providing a launching pad for countless emerging artists. The venue's 'New Faces Nite' on Tuesdays has become a Nashville institution for discovering new talent. The combination of carefully curated vinyl shopping upstairs and live music downstairs makes this one of America's most complete music destinations.

Located in downtown Alpharetta, Georgia, Comeback Vinyl has established itself as Atlanta's suburban destination for serious vinyl enthusiasts. The store specializes in pristine used vinyl, with each record carefully cleaned and graded before hitting the shelves. Their selection spans classic rock, jazz, soul, and indie releases, with a growing audiophile section featuring high-quality pressings. The shop's listening station allows customers to preview records through high-end equipment before purchasing. Owner Amanda Sleger has created a welcoming environment that appeals to both veteran collectors and those just beginning their vinyl journey.

This Oak Cliff, Dallas institution has established itself as a community-focused record store with a distinctly inclusive vibe. Founded by Kate Siamro in 2014, Spinster (a reclaimed term suggesting independence rather than spinsterhood) offers a carefully curated selection of new and used vinyl across multiple genres. The shop regularly hosts listening parties and in-store performances, with a particular focus on highlighting local Dallas artists and women in music. The welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for both serious collectors and those new to vinyl, with staff who pride themselves on creating a judgment-free environment for musical exploration.

Nestled in the college town of Bloomington, Indiana, Landlocked Music has become a Midwest vinyl destination since opening in 2006. The spacious store offers an exceptional selection of new and used records across all genres, with particularly strong sections dedicated to indie rock, jazz, and experimental music. The shop maintains close ties to Bloomington's vibrant music scene and the nearby Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, regularly hosting in-store performances from local and touring artists. Landlocked's knowledgeable staff includes musicians and serious record collectors who create an unpretentious environment where musical discovery is paramount.