One of my favorite things to do is go shopping for music, movies, books, memorabillia, and then some. Depending on the store and what I’m searching for, I can spend hours at a time in these stores. I thought it would be fun to bring attention to these stores. Tell you about the store, the stock they have, condition things are in, prices, how the place is in general, even get into how the people that work there are. As of late, my friend and podcast co-host Justin and I have been taking excursions to a variety of different stores. Some that we have been to a ton, some that we haven’t been to in years, and new ones that we’ve been meaning to check out. So with that in mind, go shopping with Audioeclectica.

For the first one it’s only fitting that I write about the oldest record store in Los Angeles, The Record Collector. Located in Hollywood off of Melrose Ave, The Record Collector has been there for over 50 years. This store is an amazing place for its rich history, detailed and archived collection, and very knowledgeable guys that work there. Upon walking in you are surrounded by giant shelves full of vinyl records and classic film posters. One of the other things I noticed was how clean it was. For a store that’s been around this long, it’s quite a sight to see on its own. This is one of those kinds of stores that you should absolutely bring a list at. It’s much easier to have what you are looking for and they can search it out for you. I have a list that I always have with me (a google doc/google sheet is a good idea!!!) and after looking over what I had on it, they only had one artist I had on my list (it was The Allman Brothers). Most of the stock The Record Collector has is from 1980 and before specializing in jazz, classical and scores/soundtracks. The quality of the LP’s that they showed me were in great shape and condition and the price was quite right. The owner, his name is Sandy couldn’t have been nicer. He was quite the story teller too. Another thing that I really liked about this store was all the vintage stereos and speakers found throughout. The jazz album they had playing sounded great through the stereo that was 80 years old.

One of the other reasons why Justin and I went here besides him not ever going was, all the negative reviews on Yelp. We didn’t experience a single thing that these reviews mentioned. It was one of the most personable record store experience I’ve had in a a while. Being in the age that we are in now, of course there would be people that go out of their way to put negativity out there, and especially the elitist record collectors. This store is a gem and should be treated as such. I’d give this experience and store a 10 out of 10. I look forward to going back with a list of jazz albums to get.

By: Brian Lacy

Address:
7809 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Instagram: @recordcollector.melrose