10 Detroit-Area Record Stores Helping Vinyl Thrive
Record Store Day is here…and here again…and again! Yes, Record Store Day is divided into three separate Saturdays this year due to coronavirus (COVID-19), offering three chances to scour local shops for vinyl finds.
While the first Record Store Day 2020 date already happened, there’s plenty of time to prep for the other two dates, which are Sept. 26 and Oct. 24.
Read on for a few choice Michigan record shops, in alphabetical order. The Detroit area is fortunate to have so many great options!
Dearborn Music
22501 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Online: dearbornmusic.net
Dearborn Music got its start way back in the 1950s, so needless to say, it has a rich history. The shop offers lots of vinyl, as well as CDs, DVDs and more.
Detroit Record Club
28834 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
Online: thedetroitrecordclub.com
The Detroit Record Club is one of the newer kids on the block, as it opened just last year. The shop specializes in “expertly curated, ultrasonic-cleaned and well-loved vinyl, new release records, with music-related books, dry goods and vintage hi-fi equipment,” according to its website. Got that? Good.
Flat Black & Circular
541 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
Online: flatblackandcircular.com
Okay, so this store is not in the metro Detroit area, but it’s one of the most celebrated record shops in Michigan, so I had to include it. Plus, it’s a personal favorite. Anyone who went to MSU — or has even visited someone at MSU — has probably been to Flat Black & Circular. The shop opened in 1977 and, to this day, offers MSU and East Lansing residents lots of cool vinyl, both new and classic.
Found Sound
234 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale
Online: foundsoundvinyl.tumblr.com
Found Sound is a longtime music staple of Ferndale, featuring a very cool ’90s vibe. You’ll also find rare music books, merch and a huge range of vinyl at this music oasis.
Melodies & Memories
23013 Gratiot Ave., Eastpointe
Online: melodies-memories.business.site
Eastpointe’s Melodies & Memories has been rocking it since the late-1908s, and they’re still a local favorite. The store has a large selection of vinyl releases, both new and used, and features some cool local decor with stickers from area bands featured throughout the shop.
Solo Records
30118 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
Online: facebook.com/Solo-Records-147339023682
Solo Records is a Royal Oak landmark. The store opened back in 1982, and the family-run business boasts an impressive amount of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, eight-tracks and more.
Street Corner Music
26020 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park
Online: facebook.com/Street-Corner-Music-113647113495
If you live near Oak Park and don’t want to travel far to get your vinyl fix, Street Corner Music offers a quaint record shop that offers a classic, authentic record store experience.
Third Man Records
441 W. Canfield St., Detroit
Online: thirdmanrecords.com
Jack White’s Third Man Records is a newer addition to the Detroit record shop scene, relatively speaking. it opened in the Cass Corridor in 2015 and offers lots of records, as well as special releases from White and his Third Man Records label.
UHF
512 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Online: uhfrecords.com
UHF is another famed Royal Oak record shop, complete with both new and used vinyl, plus magazines, turntables, music books, merchandise and more.
Village Vinyl
5972 Chicago Rd., Warren
Online: facebook.com/villagevinylrecords
Don’t let Village Vinyl’s small size fool you– this place has plenty of hidden gems, from vinyl to music merchandise.