Record Store Reports
By Reyan Ali |
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Lost Weekend Records
2960 N High St.
www.lostweekendrecords.com
From a distance, this spot might be mistaken for an ordinary house in Clintonville, but step inside this homely haven of harmony and you'll be orbited by musical variety. In a charming way, the shop's colorful and packed walls resemble the bedroom of an overzealous teenage audiophile. Two last nifty elements are perpetually part of the store: a calendar stocked with local talent performances and boxes of $1 records (or three discs for $2).
Magnolia Thunderpussy
1155 N High St.
www.thunderpussy.com
When it comes to well-organized variety, Magnolia dominates the competition. Amidst the extensive array of styles dotting the long rows, you're liable to unearth all brands of obscure metal and off-the-wall rock with some quick riffling. Records aside, Magnolia has a fantastic collection of novelties (T-shirts, stickers, patches, etc.) and is the best place in town for current music publications, both of the polished and DIY varieties. Mid-sized bands (like Lacuna Coil and Of Montreal) occasionally play in-store gigs in Magnolia before regular concerts elsewhere nearby. Also of note: Magnolia sells advance tickets to a smattering of local shows held at hot spots like Skully's, Café Bourbon Street, and The Summit. Buying early here typically saves you a few dollars.
Singing Dog Records
1644 N High St.
www.singingdogrecords.com
By far the most luxurious-looking music store in the campus area, Singing Dog offers a well-organized selection with a healthy collection of vinyl and CDs touching on a range of genres. If you're in the market for more mainstream material (especially hip-hop and classic rock), this is the place to hit up when there's time to kill near The Newport. However, fantastic proximity and comfy plushness don't come cheap: Singing Dog has a reputation for slightly steeper prices than its competitors which, to be fair, might be because of its reputation for stocking higher-end items like box sets and imports.
Used Kids Records
1980 N High St.
www.usedkids.com
When a band from Brooklyn decides to rename their project after a Midwestern record shop, that place must have something special. Such is the case with Used Kids, the sprawling tomb located up a dirty flight of stairs. If you're hoping to dig up the gems and oddities floating around here, dedicate an afternoon to your pursuit, because the store thrives in a state of taxonomical disorder. However, the search is ultimately worth it, as the unpredictability of the hunt and the low prices make for a vinyl adventure. Used Kids caters to all flavors, but rock 'n' roll listeners with varied tastes will find the most enjoyment in this happy mess.
Originally Published: September 1, 2009
