Los Angeles Record Store Roundup
Just in time for Record Store Day on April 22, we compiled a list of seven record stores in Los Angeles that you have to check out. Got a suggestion for a shop we missed? Give us a shout on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Happy digging, vinyl lovers!
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In 2001, Ameoba opened their largest location yet in LA. Ocupying an entire city block, this store houses the biggest and broadest collection of music and movies ever seen under one roof. Live free concerts and some of the best crate-digging in the world are what set Ameoba Records apart from the rest. Other locations include Berkeley, San Francisco and Hollywood, and every store has a personality of its own. 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323-245-6400
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Freakbeat Records is a neighborhood record store, comfortable to shop in and filled with new and used vinyl from all musical genres. Hundreds of collectible records line the walls and ceiling beams inside. The rock section is largest, but the jazz and soul bins carry weight too. You can listen to any used record or CD that is already open and they’ll special order anything for you that is still in print. Don’t miss the 99 cent room — a mecca for bargain buyers and those willing to dig for a gem. 13616 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423; 818-995-7603
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After 18 years in New York, Gimme Gimme Records moved to Los Angeles. Owner Dan Cook originally opened the shop in 1994 at the height of the CD era. People told him he was crazy, but more than 20 years later and a move across country has proven the store’s credibility. A wide variety of genres are available and the shop buys used records too. Stop in for yourself to see why this store has flourished. 5810 N Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042; 323-550-1878
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“Life is short, so buy more records” is the motto behind Permanent Records. Two Chicago-based record purveyors, Liz Tooley and Lance Barresi, moved to Los Angeles to open their second location in 2011. Chicago hospitality warms the space, and employee reviews are displayed next to nearly every new release for sale in their employee “picks” section. The team regularly takes record buying trips to expand their already incredibly wide variety of music, and they are always open to buying used records brought into the store. Don’t miss the local musician and rock sections. 5116 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042; 323-739-6141
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Next time you head to Burbank, make sure to peruse the record bins at Atomic Records, which prides itself for being a “100% used-record store.” A passionate group of “regulars” visit this shop, but even if your new to the store, the knowledgeable clerks and co-owner Steve Apler will be more than happy help you find your way to discovering your next favorite album. 3812 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank CA 91505; 818-8487090
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In the heart of Hollywood’s entertainment district on Hollywood Boulevard lies As The Record Turns. This shop is known for being the go-to record store in town and has been featured in several music-related documentaries and television shows. The in-house musicologist can point you to some of the rarest records available and as a consultant and record research locator, As The Record Turns has credits on over 2500 different LP’s, CD re-issues, 1200 films and 700 TV shows. 6727 3/8 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028; 323-251-4895
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Brothers Wayne and Gary Johnson began re-selling albums in 1979 after attending one of the legendary record swap meets in the Capitol Records parking lot in Hollywood. What began as a hobby more than 35 years ago quickly turned into a business when they were virtually forced to open a store, if only to house their growing collection. They’ve moved three times since then, but while many independent record stores in Los Angeles have closed, Rockaway is flourishing. The Johnson brothers are known throughout the world for their honesty and for paying the fairest prices for records and memorabilia. They regularly travel the United States and overseas to purchase private collections and make certain that sellers receive the highest market price. 2395 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA; 323-664-3232
