There was a period there, in the heyday of the CD, where it looked like vinyl records were going to be a thing of the past. An anachronism. But records are as popular as ever.
And there’s no better day to celebrate the quirkiness of those beloved black discs than on Record Store Day, an event designed to celebrate musicians, listeners, record store clerks and everyone else who has helped make vinyl cool again. And there’s no better place to celebrate records than Music City, U.S.A.
The 2024 Record Store Day takes place April 20, and, as usual, it is an explosion of deals, limited-edition releases and planned and secret live performances all for the benefit of vinyl lovers. This year’s list of specials is long: a limited release of 1,000 LP picture discs from both Lily Allen and Hunter Hayes, and exclusives from The Beatles, Paramore, Pearl Jam and Duncan Sheik, just to name a few. More than 60 percent of the day’s specials come from independent labels and distributors.
The specials will be available at independently owned record shops (defined as stand-alone physical shops), and fortunately Nashville has a lot of those. Not every store has the same inventory or the same in-person guests, so it is worth it to scroll through websites and social media posts to find those that align with your tastes. You can also just let serendipity be your guide. Who knows what you will find? Possibilities include body painting, cookouts, meet and greets with artists, DJs spinning records and lots of dancing.
Here is a list of six of the Nashville area’s best independently owned vinyl shops worth a peruse on Record Store Day…or any day.
Grimey’s New and Preloved Music
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The granddaddy of independent music shops, Grimey’s hosts live music, sells new and used vinyl, books, music and more. Swing by the Inglewood store to check out the building’s murals, which change regularly.
Vinyl Tap
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Few things are more quintessentially East Nashville than a combination record store and a craft beer bar, which is exactly Vinyl Tap’s m.o.
The Groove
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One of East Nashville’s beloved music stores, The Groove stocks new and used vinyl, plus CDs and cassettes.
Third Man Records
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Just a mile from the Bobby Nashville, on the other side of downtown, is Jack White’s Third Man Records. The colorful shop is stocked with goods from their own label and beyond.
Swaggie Records
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In the shadow of the Batman building and just two blocks from the Bobby Nashville, Swaggie stocks used and new vinyl and other related merch.
Luna Record Shop
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If you’re exploring The Factory at Franklin and other Franklin historic sites, pop in to browse this collection of new and used vinyl.
