A big portion of our readership won’t remember a time when shopping malls played host to businesses like Sam Goody or when mega-stores like Tower Records boasted sprawling outlets almost a city block long across the country, but, like the Jurassic period, these eras did in fact exist. For many of us, it doesn’t seem that long ago when you could stroll into what was known as a record store and browse aisles of vinyl LP records – which would later be replaced by Compact Discs in those same aisles – while engaging in the ceremony-like ritual of flipping those eye-catching albums forward to excitingly see what was behind them.
Eventually, technology coupled with convenience seemed to render the humble vinyl record obsolete, evidenced by the introduction of two major formats in its wake, cassette and CD, and the vinyl craze that rocked the 50s, 60s and 70s appeared to be all but dead. As the 90s turned into the 2000s, something interesting happened: a sudden rabid interest and resurgence in the vinyl medium appeared to sweep the world, with some industry insiders believing it had to do with a certain demographic of the population known as “millennials” who were viewing the format as a “cool fad” to explore.
Irrespective of who or what started the vinyl resurgence, both turntable and vinyl record sales have been up like almost never before, though if you ask those who are seriously vested in the hobby and format, they will tell you it’s all about the differences between digital (CD) and analog (vinyl), and how there’s something so magical about gently dropping a stylus down into the first groove of a record.
Luckily for vinyl enthusiasts, a plethora of privately-owned shops selling both new and used vinyl have sprung up in major cities across the U.S. catering to those who “get” the satisfying emotional connection a true music lover has to the record-playing routine. Indeed, Los Angeles has not been immune from the vinyl fever still burning high in 2023, and if you’re a record aficionado in Woodland Hills, you’re in for a real treat.
The following shops represent our picks for the best record stores currently operating around the Valley, so get ready to take home quite the haul for your existing – or just growing – collection.
Deadly Wax, located at 21903 Devonshire Street in Chatsworth, is the town’s first record store to be opened in what seems like ages, this family-run shop offering everything from insanely rare finds to clean copies of classics. Endowed with what customers call a “nice cozy vibe” that hearkens back to privately-owned record stores of yesteryear, Deadly Wax is guaranteed to hide a treasure or two that even the most hardcore of collectors are searching for. Albums are displayed in the traditional upright positions, making flipping through the impressive inventory simple, and arranged by genre (“Rock/Pop” etc.) alphabetically. Look closely enough, and you’ll even spot some CDs and cassette tapes. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
CD Trader Tarzana, located at 18926 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, has become a go-to spot in the Valley for those looking to buy or sell everything from CDs and vinyl to Blu-ray Discs, DVDs and more. Indeed, don’t let the name fool you – CD Trader buys and sells thousands of records, with owners always making it clear that there is no record too expensive, no collection too big. Case in point: the shop will buy big collections, small collections, record industry collections, DJ collections, radio station collections, publishers’ collections, your aunt and uncle’s collection and your own collection. All music is organized and separated by genre for easy pickings, and there’s even a $3 bargain section where you never know what you’ll find. Don’t miss the super-cool Capitol Records building cardboard replica that’s always a hit with visitors. CD Trader is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.
Freakbeat Records, located at 13616 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, hearkens back to the indie music shops of the 70s and 80s where there’s no computer inventory, a small specialized selection and a famous “99 Cent” room. This is the consummate neighborhood record store from the days when shopping for music was fun and adventurous, not based on some downloaded digital file that has been streamed into oblivion (along with its sound quality); half the store is filled with new and used vinyl from all musical genres, while hundreds of collectible records line the walls and ceiling beams. The rock section remains the largest in terms of offerings, but Freakbeat staff has been aggressive about filling the jazz and soul bins as of late, even introducing a special section of disco, soul, hip hop and funk 12-inch singles. A seven-inch single collection includes a plethora of soul and rock titles as well, most under $10. Browse the aforementioned 99 Cent room, a mecca for bargain hunters from throughout Southern California, where thousands of LPs and CDs priced at just 99 cents each are restocked every day. Freakbeat Records is open daily from noon to 6 pm.
Record Surplus, located at 12436 Santa Monica Boulevard in L.A., is considered one of the largest record stores in Los Angeles, offering a huge selection, fair prices and a laid-back vibe. Founded in 1985 and eventually being labeled “the last record store,” Record Surplus has become the place to find your favorite music, from rock and jazz to soul, hip hop, blues, classical, international, Latin, reggae, oldies, country, soundtracks, comedy, vocals and more, the shop carrying new vinyl releases and a formidable selection of used vinyl plus used CDs. It is here that you can find music for every budget, from $1 records in a sizeable bargain section to amazing vintage vinyl and rare collectibles. Record Surplus has been named “Best Record Store” by The Argonaut and LA Weekly and is open seven days a week.
The Midnight Hour Records, located at 1101 San Fernando Road in San Fernando, sells new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, magazines, books, shirts and more, the shop sporting a quirky, spooky vibe that enhances the browsing experience. You can spend a few hours “crate digging” here and still not scratch the surface of everything they sell – from all genres of vinyl and a whole discounted price section of used records to CDs, a middle display of great gifts for any unique soul in your life and more. Having a vintage record store itch? The Midnight Hour is more than ready to scratch it, with an inventory organized conveniently by musical category, including unique offbeat sections like “Dad Jams” and “Mom Jams” complementing traditional genres like R&B, soul, punk, country, soundtracks and classical. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Dusty Records, located at 4574 South Centinela Avenue in L.A., is a welcome addition to the used vinyl landscape of the Los Angeles music scene, but more importantly, with the opening of Dusty’s new shop in Mar Vista, more vinyl goodness is being brought to L.A.’s west side. Dig deep and you’ll find a growing selection of the coolest rock, soul, jazz and other genres of carefully hand-picked vinyl – but that’s not all Dusty Records is about. The shop pays fair prices for your old records and offers sound (some pun intended) advice on what you perhaps should and shouldn’t add to your collection; the staff here can even help you acquire the equipment you need to enjoy the very special vinyl experience. Still, the most awe-inspiring thing about this charming little shop is that it isn’t one of those places that make you feel as if you need to be in a special “clique” just to discuss music. There is no condescension, nobody with a superiority complex…just good people who love talking music in general, and vinyl specifically. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Closed Monday and Sunday.
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the vinyl waters for the first time or returning to the format after years of loading CDs into multi-disc changers, the Woodland Hills record stores in this roundup are guaranteed to help you find your groove…if you know what we mean.
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