Justin Sinclair

SHOPPING WITH AUDIOECLECTICA: The Record Collector- Hollywood, CA


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

COMING SOON TO AUDIOECLECTICA


Welcome to the almost all new Audioeclectica. Since last year when I took a break from this, I had a lot of time to think about what I wanted this site to be moving forward. As much as I enjoy writing about bands, albums, songs, etc, I came to the realization that I can’t keep up with it on a daily basis. So, as this new chapter of Audioeclectica begins, the articles might not come every day but, there will always be something to check out whether on Audioeclectica.com or on the socials.

During that break I also started to finally put the pieces back together to relaunch the Audioeclectica Podcast. Yes, I know everyone has a podcast these days but, I too have a lot of stuff to share and it’s going to be a fun way to talk about multiple bands and topics. My friend Justin (also a fellow Audioeclectica Reader) will be joining me on the podcast to discuss a myriad of topics. The Audioeclctica Podcast will launch in mid March.

Live Shows are a huge part of the new Audioeclectica. For the past couple years I’ve been working with “Cobalt” Dave Politi, the founder of the legendary So Cal All Ages club, The Cobalt Cafe, on a new venture called The Cobalt Presents. Essentially we brought back the old Cobalt at different venues throughout So Cal, and have reinvigorated a scene for up and coming bands both younger and older, as well as reuniting some old school Cobalt bands. If you are looking for a show please send us an email at thecobaltpresents@gmail.com.

Also coming soon will be Audioeclectica Radio. I’m working on building a really fun and interactive old school radio show where I will play whatever I’m feeling like and talk about interesting things as well as have specialty shows for genres and more. I’m sick of streaming sites and their algorithims ruining music and the listening aspect. So I’m brining it back old school.

Some of you might have already started to see new logo rollouts for Audioeclectica. That’s all part of the fun behind the scenes of what is going on. I’m working on a full on revamp of the site and how it looks. I’m planning on making Audioeclectica more than just an underground thing and I sure hope you all stick around for all that is to come for Audioeclectica.

There will be a lot more to come as well but, I can’t give away all the surprises!

See you at a show or on the interwebs!

-Brian