TOP RECORD STORES IN WASHINGTON 

So last week we talked about how record players are one of the hottest Christmas gift this year. We kinda saw this coming back on Record Store Day back in April, but when we started to explore some of the must listen to vinyl albums to listen to once we unwrap that classic gift, we discovered that there were no record stores in Wenatchee. The days of national chain shops like The Warehouse, Licorice Pizza, and Tower Records are long gone. Ironically it’s the mom and pop record shops that have either survived the new way of buying online or listening via Spotify, or have suddenly sprung up due to the new interest in holding and owning physical vinyl. The closest record shop we found was in Ellensburg. We’ll visit this one here in a bit as we go in search of some of the great record stores in Washington.

Photo: Mav3rick
Photo: Mav3rick
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As you can imagine, there are going to be a quite a few in Seattle alone. Afterall, it is Seattle. Home of the grunge movement and movies like, Singles which has a fantastic soundtrack. So we’ll highlight a couple of those, but I want to make sure we cover some of the favorites this side of Cascades.

Photo: Mav3rick
Photo: Mav3rick
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SUB POP -SeaTac Airport Of course the first one that comes to mind is one I mentioned in my previous article that most likely you’ve seen when you fly into Sea-Tac. Sub Pop. Yep. The indie record label has a record store in the terminal, concourse C, that features many of the classic and new Seattle artists and bands from Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana to Sub Pop’s own bands like, the Shins. It’s also a PNW related gift store as well, but it’s great to check out some of the albums, but I’m sure you’ll want to wait to buy when you’re heading back home. Bey the way, they another store over on 7th Ave in downtown that’s fun to visit.

Photo: Mav3rick
Photo: Mav3rick
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DAYBREAK RECORDS -Seattle This tiny record store is tucked away in a neighborhood on Fremont Ave North. If you blink while driving, you might miss this five star shop.

Photo: Mav3rick
Photo: Mav3rick
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EASY STREET RECORDS AND CAFE -West Seattle When you think of a record store in Seattle, this place is it on California Ave SW. Just the building itself defines the look that really could be in a movie. Known for a variety of albums to search for, including new music, they’ve been known to host in store performances from the likes of Lou Reed and Brandi Carlile.

Photo: Mav3rick
Photo: Mav3rick
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OLD SKOOL’S -Ellensburg What’s cool about this place on North Main Street is not just the collection of great vinyl, they have a backroom for local and traveling musicians to perform…often times, for all ages.

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Photo: Mav3rick
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ROADTRIP RECORDS -Ellensburg Not only do they have crates upon crates of classic vinyl albums they often restock on University Way, they even have clothing apparel, including their own cool logoed-up shirts.

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Photo: Mav3rick
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GROOVY RECORDS -Kennewick This place comes highly recommended by several friends, but here’s the catch. This record store is only open at South Washington Street on Saturdays from 11am-3pm.

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Photo: Mav3rick
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SOMEWHERE IN TIME/THAT 70’S SHOP -Yakima Yes, this is more than a record store selling classic vinyl, but I had to add this place that’s actually in Union Gap on Main Street, because once you walk into this place, you are taken back in time in what looks like a horter’s small apartment from the 1970’s! Just be aware that if you come here just to check out the crates upon crates of classic vinyl, you will walk out buying some memories from their unique antiques.

Photo: Mav3rick
Photo: Mav3rick
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RESURRECTION RECORDS -Spokane When you drive by this record store on West Northwest Blvd, you’re gonna think the store front must have been the inspiration for the album cover for the Beach Boys’ SMiLE album. This is simply a fun place with a great vibe. While checking out their wide variety from punk to Jazz, make sure you say hi to the owner’s dog. Although I’ve been told the dog isn’t as knowledgeable on the records as the owner…but just as friendly.

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