Great Escape: Record Shops

Music. It’s what calms us downs, gets us excited and can make a break a day in one three-minute track. Now, where do you find it? It’s almost too easy to hop on iTunes and fill a computer with a vast quantity of songs you may never listen get around to listening to. But if you really want get back into the music groove, throw on a pair of sneakers and head down to your local record shop. In a day of click and grab music, it’s easy to forget the satisfaction of a CD in hand, the smooth curve of your favorite records, and the chance to hang out with the people who are still invested and interested in talking about good music. And don’t fret – almost everyone these days in throwing in a digital download with their physical CD and record purchase. There’s plenty of record shops waiting for you right out the back door, just look and see:

 Main Street Music – Main Street Manayunk has it all, and music is no exception. Main Street Music is a store invested in good music and invested in the community. Their tunes selection ranges from low-fi indie rock to Prince and everything in between. They have a great selection of current vinyl and they are friendly and willing to order at your request. They buy used albums and hold a number of music-related events, like their summer Reading & Listening series with the Spiral Bookcase and in-house performances. What more could you ask for with a record shop?
Address: 4444 Main Street, 19127

Repo Records – If you’re looking to get out for a little trip on your musical adventure, head on down to South Street for everyone’s beloved Repo Records. This store has an incredible history, from its beginnings in Wayne to its travels through Bryn Mawr and its final settlement in one of the most traveled streets in Philadelphia. The staff is immersed in the newest and best music from across the genres, and they are more than willing to chat casually about punk bands or really jazz up some newcomers about what they should be spinning in their record players. Here you can also buy and sell music, and with a basement full of cheap vinyl, you’ll never leave emptyhanded.
Address: 538 South Street, 19147

Hideaway Music – “Who says the independent music store is dead?” asks the homepage of Chestnut Hill’s Hideaway Music.  With new and used jazz, rock, blues and more, your ears will thank you for heading on over to Hideaway. And what’s great about this record store is more than just the jams – Hideaway carries a number of vintage record equipment (finally, you can buy a turntable all your own!) and posters of all your favorite rock and pop stars.
Address: 8612 Germantown Ave., 19118  

Barnes and Noble, FYE and Best Buy  - I don’t know if you heard, but the Internet wiped out a ton of independent music stores. But, that being said, it’s not cheating to head to your local mall, bookstore or electronics outlet to pick up your CDs. Your selection may be limited, but Barnes and Noble has a ton of great alternative rock and they are willing to order whatever is available. Best Buy has good prices and is starting to build a small vinyl collection for itself, and FYE gives you an excuse to go to the mall and maybe pick up some DVDs as well.
Address:
Barnes and Noble: 2300 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting, 19462
FYE: 1365 Plymouth Meeting Mall, Plymouth Meeting, 19462
Best Buy: 2010 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting, 19462

Roxy Guitar – Now, if you’ve filled your headphones with the sweetest, newest jams, covered your walls with the singers and guitarists you want to emulate and filled your shelves and milk crates with a veritable ton of records and CDs, you’re ready for the next step. Because, really, who doesn’t want to be a rock star? And you don’t have to go far to do it. Roxy Guitar in Roxborough has a huge selection of guitars and amps to get your on the road to rock and roll glory. And, you’re in luck. Store owner Lou Mueller teaches guitar, too.
Address: 7026 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128