Because Austin is a major music city, vinyls are increasingly popular among the community. Beyond blues and jazz at Antone’s Record Shop and Four Record Friday at Waterloo Records, The Daily Texan found five niche record stores to expand one’s music palette.
End of An Ear — 4304 Clawson Road
Unique for its selection of rock and punk sounds, this record store in South Austin provides vinyls for both pop fanatics and underground music junkies. Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, the store collects rare vinyls and sells CDs, DVDs and vinyls. The small business operates on a sell/trade system where audiophiles can bring in lightly used or in good condition records and CDs to either trade or sell.
Exploded Records — 2828 Guadalupe St.
The brainchild of Juiceland founder Matt Shook and DJ/producer Andrew P. Brown is Exploded Records, a unique combination of fruit smoothies and vinyl. The main location located above the Juiceland on the Drag, Exploded Records offers a smaller store than other record stores that has a diverse selection of new and used records, spanning from the 60s to the current decade. This store also has a day dedicated to the new records they receive called “New Record Day,” when they redecorate their New arrivals section.
Magic Isle Record Shop — 927 W. 12th St.
With a highly curated vinyl selection ranging from reggae to salsa, Magic Isle Record Shop speaks to its name. Bringing music from Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, this record store finds a unique way to spotlight music from around the world. Despite the small building, the store holds a large collection of used records that cater to collectors. The price range for their records is on the higher end, ranging from $200 to $1,200, emphasizing the quality and demand for vinyl records in this decade.
Breakaway Records — 211 W. North Loop Blvd.
Opened in 2008, Breakaway Records remains an Austin gem. Originally located in East Austin, the store moved north to expand the size of its collection. Previously only focusing on soul, jazz and hip-hop sounds, the store expanded their music range and incorporated international sounds, rock and punk. Specializing in 45s, a smaller version of a record, this store features rare and collectible used vinyls. For those looking for a new sound system or looking to get into vinyls, Breakaway Records also sells stereo gear including 45 adapters and speakers.
Honorable Mention: Half Price Books — 5555 N. Lamar Blvd.
For music and book lovers, Half Price Books offers the best of both worlds. Distributing mostly older and used records, Half Price Books on North Lamar adds a vintage atmosphere to the shopping experience. Similar to the used books, the used records are priced based on quality and popularity.
