For the best deals on new and used vinyl, be sure to stop into any of these Seattle record stores.
Neptune Music Company
4344 Brooklyn Ave. N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 632-0202
The Neptune Music Company may not be the largest of Seattle’s music stores, but it is a must-stop location if you’re searching for the biggest and rarest selections when it comes to vinyl records. Located in the University District, this underground shop cleans and sleeves every record with care, and also provides detailed information about the individual record including the condition, history and price on the sleeve. Vinyl records are categorized by music genre, so if you’re looking for punk, metal, rockabilly, bluegrass or hip hop selections, they are easy to find.
Georgetown Records
1201 S. Vale St.
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 762-5638
www.georgetownrecords.net
Georgetown Records has been around since 2004 and is considered one of the best record stores for the serious collector. Georgetown’s focus is on selling used vinyl, but it also hosts live music events, art events and book signings with its neighbor store, Fantagraphics Books. When you go into Georgetown Records, be sure to check its ‘just in’ records section for all of the latest finds, as well as the bargain $3 record section for the best deals on used records. Regardless if you’re searching for mainstream artists or the harder to find gems, you’ll be sure to walk out with rarer selections to add to your collection.
Jive Time Records
3506 Fremont Ave. N,
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 632-5483
www.jivetimerecords.com
The Jive Time Clearance Annex
Fremont Vintage Mall
3419 Fremont Place N.
Seattle, WA 98103
Jive Time Records has been selling vinyl records in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood for more than 12 years. Jive Time Records has become so popular over the years that it had to expand to two locations that are right across the street from one another. The original record store on Fremont Avenue features a regular priced bin of used vinyl records, as well as a $3 bin and a 99-cent bin. The newer annex location across the street features an additional treasure trove of space that houses 20,000 or more reasonably priced vinyl records, singles, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, books and VHS tapes. Fresh stock is added to both locations on a daily basis.
Sonic Boom Records
2209 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 297-2666
www.sonicboomrecords.com
Opened in the Ballard neighborhood in 1997, Sonic Boom Records offers a great selection of vinyl records that includes LPs, 45s and 12-inch singles, as well as cassettes, eight track tapes, CDs and DVDs. Don’t forget to check the daily bargain bin for the best deals on vinyl. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that even though Sonic Boom Records sells mostly used vinyl, the records are not scratched up. The primary focus of the vinyl sold here is rock, including indie, alternative, progressive, hardcore, psych and punk, as well as soul, funk, jazz, reggae, hip hop, world and experimental.
Easy Street Records And Cafe
4559 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 938-3279
www.easystreetonline.com
Opened in the late 90s, Easy Street Records and Cafe has been a staple to Seattle’s music business. Over the years it has offered free on-site shows from bands like Mudhoney, Rocket from the Crypt, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and more. Nowhere else in Seattle can you go buy records, get a coffee or a beer, great food and occasionally a live show all in the same place. It only happens at Easy Street Records and Cafe. You’ll find new releases as well as used, older favorites that are in excellent condition. Be sure to check the store or website often for upcoming in-store events, live shows and prize and ticket giveaways.
Golden Oldies Records Tapes & CDs
201 N.E. 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 547-2260
Singles Going Steady
2219 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 441-7396
Bop Street Records
2220 N.W. Market St
Seattle, WA 98107
www.bopstreetrecords.com
Related: Best Local Rock Bands In Seattle
Sue Gabel has been writing entertainment and travel-related articles in the greater Puget Sound/Seattle area since 1999. She writes about music, the Seattle scene and more. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
