Home to the original locations of Amoeba and Rasputin, the East Bay is no stranger to reputable record stores. Over the past few years, there’s been an influx of specialty shops offering a niche selection of rarities, reissues, and classics. Take a spin around town and experience these gems in all of their analog glory.
A community staple since 2008, Steve Stevenson single-handedly brought vinyl back to Oakland. What started as a record label in 2001—releasing local acts like Shannon & The Clams and the latest Buzzcocks album—1-2-3-4 Go! now carries everything from Taylor Swift to Electric Wizard. The shop also hosts weekly all-ages shows and recently opened a second location in San Francisco at 1034 Valencia. // 420 40th St #5, Oakland, 1234gorecords.com
(Photo by Derek Shaw)
Founded in 2013, Econo Jam is well respected for its eclectic selection of everything from indie to international obscurities. The punk and experimental catalog is impressive, as is the array of stereo equipment, including turntables, tube amps, receivers, speakers, and reel to reel tape machines. They also carry local albums and zines on consignment. // 2519 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, facebook.com/econojamrecords
Step inside this time capsule of tobacco-chewing, foot-stomping fun. Established in 1976, Down Home Music is the local authority on all things folk, and the staff are very knowledgable and eager to share stories. Stop by for one of their free in-store performances, and watch youngsters and the young-at-heart get down together. // 10341 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, downhomemusic.com
(Photo by Derek Shaw)
This boutique shop in the heart of Temescal is a two-story temple for vinyl junkies. Known for its collection of rarities and reissues, electronic, psych, and free jazz are among the many genres represented. Stranded is the place to go for that record you just can’t seem to find anywhere else. // 4929 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, stranded-shop.com
Friendly and charming, Mod Lang is like an old friend you never lose touch with, even when they move from Berkeley to El Cerrito. Mod carries a solid selection of contemporary rock and indie, but they also focus on European imports and classic reissues. Don't forget to check out their 7-inches and nostalgic collection of music memorabilia. // 6328 Fairmount Ave, El Cerrito, modlang.com
Park Blvd Records & Tapes, Oakland
Perhaps the only shop of its kind in Northern California, Park Blvd. is cornering the market on hip hop vinyl. Despite the fact that the shop opened a mere three months ago, Park has already created quite the buzz with a refreshing focus on rap from the 80s onward. Everything is neatly categorized by era, genre and region (with a healthy dose of local beats). They also sell a ton of tapes, which are making quite the comeback. // 2014 Park Blvd, East Oakland, parkblvdrecords.com
(Photo via Pinterest)
This old school establishment has a mom and pop vibe that’s hard not to love. The demure, fairly-dusty atmosphere is conducive to treasure hunting and talking shop. With a robust variety of new arrivals, the pricing is very affordable. // 2634 San Pablo Ave, West Berkeley, facebook.com/davesrecordshopberkeleyca
(Photo by Derek Shaw)
Tracy Parker curates an eye catching array of vintage clothing, antiques, and local art at this Oakland shop, while her boyfriend, Fernando Carpenter, supplies the unique records. The focal point is pre-1980s music ranging from gospel and soul to Latin and African. Make a pit stop at their listening station fir a chill way to explore the exotic sounds. // 331 19th St, Oakland, facebook.com/vampmusicandart
(Photo by Aaron Mendelson)
Rick Ballard, a jazz aficionado and vinyl veteran, has sold records since 1992. Groove Yard is a reservoir of originals and early presses from the early-50s to the late-70s. His collection comprises over 10,000 jazz albums including a fair share of 45s. // 5555 Claremont Ave, North Oakland, myspace.com/grooveyardjazz
(Photo by Derek Shaw)
Funky and free since 1973, this local landmark is not only the exclusive vinyl destination in Alameda, but it’s one of the oldest surviving record stores in the Bay Area. The racks of old Playboys, VHS tapes and cassettes stand alongside drum kits, amps, and vintage clothes. Whether your seeking classic rock, easy listening, or Tiki, you can find almost anything for under $10. // 1451 Webster St, Alameda, facebook.com/recordgallery
