Wrecka Stows – Page 6 – 7th Level Music

Wrecka Stow: Waterlood Records – Austin, TX

I knew I was going to spend a lot of money as soon as I stepped into Austin, Texas’ Waterloo Records (600 North Lamar). This massive store is legendary in the area and it takes up two large storefronts.

I walked in and saw a large selection of new albums and store-exclusive DVD’s and Blu-Ray discs. I grabbed a Blu-Ray of Razorback, but ended up putting it back on the shelf because I hadn’t even explored a sixth of the store yet.

The CD selection is this place is massive, and they have seemingly every genre you can imagine.

They also sell T-shirts, odd toys, and art, and they had plenty of stuff from Record Store Day still available. Don’t worry, vinyl lovers, they sell plenty of vinyl.

The north half of the store is nothing but records. The above photo is just a tiny part of their selection. They even sell record players.

Not to be outdone is their DVD / Blu-Ray alcove. The number of cult and B-films alone was stunning. I could drop hundreds of dollars in this alcove alone.

I walked out of there with CD’s from Eric B. & Rakim, Bayonne, and Oingo Boingo, and the Rough Guide to a World of Psychedelia.

Waterloo Records is a must-visit spot if you’re a music and / or film lover and visiting Austin. Bring a fat wallet.

Keep your mind open.

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Wrecka Stow: Friends of Sounds Records – Austin, TX

As you walk up South Congress Street in Austin, Texas, you will (hopefully) notice the sign for Friends of Sound Records at 1704 South Congress. It’s a vinyl lover’s dream.

The entrance is around the back of the building in the alley.

Walk up that ramp, hang a left, and you’ll see this.

Inside you’ll find boxes and boxes of vinyl from every genre you can imagine (and some you’ve forgotten).

John Lee Hooker, Radiohead, and the Cramps all on the same wall equals a win. The store consists of two rooms packed to the gills with records. They were playing some cool vintage R&B when I was there in April during Levitation weekend.

The second room is on a (slightly) lower level and has most of the house music, electro, and disco.

Even the cash register desk has stuff around and on it to entice you, not unlike candy bars at a grocery store.

It’s a crate digger’s paradise. Don’t miss it if you’re in Austin and hunting for good vinyl.

Keep your mind open.

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Wrecka Stow: Orbit Records – Mishawaka, IN

I’ve been going to Mishawaka, Indiana’s Orbit Music (805 West McKinley) for over twenty years. The place has always had a good selection of used CD’s, vinyl records, DVD’s, and other fun stuff like shirts and even vintage video games.

They had a good selection of stuff at this year’s Record Store Day event, and nearly everything in the store was 20% off to boot.

They’re even keeping cassettes and VHS tapes alive. It’s a local gold mine for VHS tape collectors.

Stop in there if you’re in the Michiana area. It’s worth the trip.

Keep your mind open.

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Wrecka Stow: Luna Records – Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis’ Luna Records (5202 North College Avenue) was recommended to me by a friend who lives there. He and I love wrecka stows, so I trusted his judgment. He was spot-on with it, as it’s a fun store with hip employees who spin cool jazz / funk records. The content is about 60% vinyl and 40% CD’s.

The selection is large, varied, and good. Their “Buy 4 used CDs, get a fifth free” deal was too good to pass up, so I walked out with stuff from the Crystal Method, The Heavy, Kasabian, Beck, and Black Mountain.

One of my favorite parts of the store was their rack of music and art zines. I’m always happy to see indie stores supporting indie zine and comic creators.

They have a lot of stuff, but the aisles aren’t cramped. Whoever crafts their displays has a nice aesthetic.

This alone should earn someone a raise.

It’s a great place. Check it out if you’re in Indy.

Keep your mind open.

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Wrecka Stow Day 2016 event list now available.

Don’t forget that Record Store Day is April 16th. Don’t forget to visit your local wrecka stow and show them your support. There are always prime releases on Record Store Day from hundreds of artists, and many places have live performances to boot.

The list of wrecka stows hosting live events on the 16th is now available at the RSD website and will surely be updated as the date grows closer. Don’t miss the chance to see some good gigs and score great stuff for your collection.

There’s plenty of stuff I’d like to snag: the Bee Gees / Faith No More 7″ single. a double Buzzcocks album, two classic Johnny Cash records, a Dark Shadows TV film score re-release, a Flaming Lips CD I haven’t heard before, a Buddy Guy / Junior Wells re-release, a live James Brown double album re-release, new stuff from the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, a Daft Punk remix of a Junior Kimbrough song, a psychedelic samba record, a live double Ravi Shankar LP, a cover of “John the Revelator” by The Sword on 7″ vinyl, a new Rhino Records psychedelic rock compilation, another psychedelic compilation (from the UK), a compilation of Cambodian 1960’s rock, a live Muddy Waters record, an Italian horror film soundtrack by Goblin, two Japanese garage / psychedelic rock compilations, and a Stooges re-release.

Keep your mind open.

Wrecka Stow: 606 Records – Chicago, IL

Located at 1808 South Allport Street in Chicago, Illinois, 606 Records is a nice vinyl and cassette store (as well as books and magazines devoted to music) conveniently located across from Thalia Hall and in a booming part of the city. There’s a large Hispanic community in the area, so there are some good Mexican restaurants nearby as well.

606 Records has neat art inside and a wide selection of good vinyl ranging from gospel and world music to rock and rap.

They were playing some neat psychedelic rock when I arrived there on March 10, 2016. I was tempted to flip through the rock records while I was there, but I was running short on time and wanted to get to the Levitation Chicago festival at Thalia Hall before the first band started. I spotted this groovy graffiti art as I left.

It’s a neat store with a slick look. I recommend it for vinyl lovers and for anyone checking out a show at Thalia Hall.

Keep your mind open.

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