Best Record Stores In Los Angeles
Even with the abundance of downloads and online digital MP3's, the listening public reveres the old formats of music for it's purism and versatility. We all want to own that favorite song in "hard copy" with the lyric sheets and colorful graphic inserts from the time it was recorded. The way music used to be delivered to us was somehow more complete as an artistic experience. As we continue down the ever evolving road of technology, something is surely getting lost in the shuffle. These retail shops are open for business specifically for those collectors who are seeking to revive the art of spinning music out of these age-old formats. Anyone can buy a download from a website and add it to their MP3 player, but some vintage albums are out of print or forgotten to all but the collector who is now on the prowl for the vintage albums from the past.
Atomic Records
3812 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 848-7090
www.atomicrecords.com
If you are looking for vintage vinyl, you better take some time to check out this place. This trendy little area on Magnolia in Burbank is really a treasure trove of great shopping, food and entertainment. Atomic Records is open 7 days a week and will take trades on your cool, old vinyl record as well as CD's & DVD's. They are ultra-hip and filled with the greatest hits for which you're looking.
Amoeba Records
6400 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 245-6400
www.amoeba.com
Right in the middle of all the Sunset Blvd. action and buzzing with interesting hipsters looking for their favorite tunes, Amoeba Records has long been the grand daddy for all your vinyl needs. Whether you need to sell your stuff, buy great collectible albums and vinyl, or listen and download MP3's at this cool spot in Hollywood, Amoeba Records is undoubtedly one of the top spots around the city. In fact, it's known worldwide for its eclectic nature and ode to the days of vinyl. Bring in your old CD's and see what you can get in trade, they'll pay cash straight up or you can go shopping with your money.
Soundstations
8701 La Tijera Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 641-8877
www.soundstations.com
This little treasure of lost vinyl is tucked away in Westchester with a strangely eclectic vibe. Very homey, these guys are really into sounds of all kinds. It's a bit of a hipster hangout because it's easy to get lost in the stacks. They are renown for having your favorite old records in several different formats.
Related: Best Music Stores in Los Angeles
Audio Element
117 E. Union St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 793-7229
www.audio-element.com
Passionate about their music, Audio Element in Pasadena has the goal of helping "you experience music like never before." The store offers a fair selection of records for the avid lover of music, as well as recording equipment and more. Selling everything for your vinyl turntable sound system including speakers, turntables, cables, and needle cartridges, it's a one stop shop for your musical needs. They also have the expertise to assist you in creating the system you want with all the components for which you are searching.
Freakbeat Records
13616 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 995-7603
www.freakbeatrecords.com
Enter another world from yesteryear at the turntable listening station at this location in the San Fernando Valley. Freakbeats, located in Sherman Oaks, is a great place to find everything from new and used vinyl from all musical genres, as well as hundreds of collectible records. If you're looking for rock, then you're in luck, as their rock selection is pretty vast. But, they also fill their bins with jazz, soul, disco, hip-hop, funk, country, reggae, soundtracks, classical and much more.
