Music Moments

The Best Record Stores for Shopping Record Store Day 2024

The Record Store Day (RSD) concept was sparked by a passion for independent record shops and the culture that they support. There truly is something special about how a great record store can connect people in deep and long-lasting ways.

Lou’s records

San Clemente to San Diego Record Stores.

Year-round great weather, surf, and skate culture set the tone for SoCal sounds. Record stores abound in cities along the Pacific Ocean from San Clemente to San Diego. Bands like Rocket from the Crypt and Drive Like Jehu got their start in SoCal by playing in-stores and releasing 7 inch singles.

Lou’s Records in Encinitas opened its doors in 1980. Their reputation for having hard-to-find releases makes them a must-shop location and their in-stores have been known to shut down streets and get the attention of local police.

You can read full interviews with the owners of Moldy Toes in San Clemente and Vinyl Junkies in San Diego.

These stores, in Wrensilva’s backyard, are regular stops for staff and customers alike.

Left of the Dial in Orange and M-Theory in San Diego round out the list of great places to shop in SoCal for vinyl and Record Store Day releases.

  • The crackle of vinyl has the power to elevate even the simplest of moments—morning coffee, a slow evening by the fire, or the gentle rhythm of snowfall outside your window. With this in mind, we’ve handpicked a collection of albums designed to complement the season, each offering a distinct kind of coziness when played through a Wrensilva.

  • Miles Davis – In a Silent Way (1969)

    Envelops listeners in a warm, hypnotic blend of ambient jazz fusion.

  • FKJ - Just Piano (2021)

    A minimalist masterpiece of gentle, improvised piano compositions that flows calmly. Ideal backdrop for slow evenings spent curled up indoors.

  • Junip - Fields (2010)

    Earthy folk melodies with dreamy, synth-infused textures, carried by José González's serene vocals.

  • Arthur Verocai – Arthur Verocai (1972)

    Lazy morning jazz out of Brazil. A legendary album that deeply influenced hip-hop sampling.

  • Bon Iver – Bon Iver (2011)

    A sonic tapestry, layered with intricate harmonies and lush instrumentation, that is both intimate and expansive, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia.

  • Weyes Blood - And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow (2022)

    Creates an atmosphere of wonder with its blended genres and soothing vocals.

  • Each of these selections was chosen for its ability to transport, soothe, and enrich your winter rituals. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the luxury of slowing down.

Permanent Records.Photo: Jim Newberry/Voyage LA

Los Angeles Record Stores

L.A. has seen it all. From Laurel Canyon folk, to the Sunset Strip classic rock, punk and hair-metal, venues like Gazzarri’s, The Roxy, The Whiskey, and The Troubadour launched the careers of local bands like X, the Doors, Beck, Jane’s Addiction, and Van Halen… and record stores were there to get the music straight into the hands of eager listeners.

Though the landscape has changed, the community spirit remains at shops like Permanent Records and Amoeba. AmoebaMusic has one of the most expansive music selections in the country. With headquarters in San Francisco, the Hollywood shop was long anticipated. When it opened in 2001, occupying an entire city block on Sunset Blvd., Amoeba Hollywood planned to stock as many as 250,000 titles. The shop quickly became a beacon for music lovers of all genres. Now in a new location, a colored vinyl LP installation welcomes customers at the front door and an original Shepard Fairey mural adorns the stage. The massive floor space includes vinyl, CD and DVD/Blu-ray sections; books and posters; t-shirts; turntables and vinyl accessories; and collectibles.

Permanent Records’ motto is “Life is short. Buy more records.” This east side shop sells a wide selection of new and used vinyl. Their space has evolved to become the first bar/record store/live venue in Los Angeles with live music and record shopping til midnight on weekends.

Waterloo Records. Photo: Spectrum News

Austin Record Stores

Austin adopted the nickname of the“Live Music Capital of the World” in 1991. There are more than 200 music venues in the city with live performances every night of the week. Artists like Willie Nelson, Gary Clark Jr, and Britt Daniel from Spoon call Austin home.

Waterloo Records has been serving up recorded music to the Austin community since 1982. Their support doesn’t stop at just selling records. They encourage unsigned bands to put their self-released CD, LP, 7” or cassette on consignment with the shop. They host innumerable in-store performances, and their 10-day, no-questions-asked return policy ensures that customers are happy with the music they purchase. Other Austin shops to check out: End of an Ear, Breakaway Records, and Love Wheel Records.

Cactus Music vinyl racks. Photo: Great Day Houston

Houston Record Stores

ZZ Top, Johnny Nash, Lizzo, Selena. This disparate list just scratches the surface of the diverse music roots in Houston, Texas. Southern roots rock, hip-hop, Tejano, country, jazz and blues – you can hear it in clubs and on the dial, and Houston’s record stores have it all.

Bud and Don Daily opened Cactus Music in 1975. It was one of the first music super stores in the U.S. with deep roots in the music business. The Daily brother’s father, Harold “Pappy” Daily, ran a record store called The Record Ranch and a label that released music from George Jones, the Big Bopper, a young Willie Nelson and George Strait. The brothers retired in 2006, but Cactus lives on. As an ode to Pappy Daily’s original store, the new owners created “The Record Ranch,” a 1800 square-foot vinyl-only space and art gallery adjacent to the main store. In addition to thousands of new and used records, The Record Ranch gallery presents ongoing exhibits featuring music-related artwork.

Sig’s Lagoon Record Shop packs a big music punch in its modest footprint. There are thousands of vinyl titles, along with books, artwork and collectibles to peruse before catching a live show at the Continental Club, which is just across the street.

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