Now that Amoeba LA is shut down, the loss of our one stop vinyl shop is even more of a symbol to the importance of engaging with the physical and analog. Reports from The Recording Industry Association of America state that vinyl sales surpass the $232.1 million mark in the first six months of 2020, compared to CD sales in the same time which were nearly half of vinyls with $129.9 million. This being the first time in 34 years (1986) in which vinyl triumphed.
Our spirit at QooA has been one which well appreciates the process and ephemera of things that simply bring us joy. Who doesn’t like the ritualistic process of putting a record on and can we talk about the awe inspiring proto-ASMR quality of vinyl ridges. It was fascinating as I was recently tasked with hunting down rare vinyls for a friend, the world of these beautiful discs had me running all around LA to find some hidden spots as well as getting an insightful dose of suggestions. Here we share some of our top picks.
The beautifully glossy store off of Sycamore Ave offers more than great rarities, releases, and exclusives. The space features wonderfully designed turn tables from McIntosh which are design objects within their own right. The friendly staff are passionate and absolutely stylish.
SuperVinyl | 900 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 688-2222
Hidden in an alley off of Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas is As The Record Turns a store that has been opened for over 30 years and boasts the most rare and well-rounded collection of albums from all over the world, hand sourced by the lovely eccentric owner who will pull you in with stories about his curations with Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder.
As The Record Turns | 6727 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 251-4895
An Eastside favorite, this album shop carries a varying array of vintage albums at affordable prices featuring everything from jazz to metal hip-hop to funk and rock to reggae check out the break the bank portion of the website to see if any of your collection made the cut.
Cosmic Vinyl | 2149 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 568-3113
With an eclectic mix of music spanning The Smiths to Jay Z this cute record shop also carries a host of toys, comics, vintage and a selection of DJ gear along with a bunch of other “stuff”.
Paradise City Records & Stuff | 5009 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 486-7887
A total trip back in time, as you step in you are greeted by a Sofia Coppola-esque 70s boy wonder in polyester trousers. Highly informed he along with the space will transport you to the golden era of vinyl. The rare vintage albums are endless.
The Record Parlour | 6408 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 464-7757