the best record stores in memphis

Music is the heart and soul of Memphis, and mooching around a local vinyl shop is the best way to get a taste of the city's vast (and wild!) music history. Here are my four favorite shops, well-suited for both tourists and locals.

Goner Records, Memphis Music, River City Records, Shangri-La Records

• Goner Records in Memphis, United States

  
  leah

  Goner Records was founded in 1993 to put out underappreciated music, beginning with Tokyo's Guitar Wolf and Memphis' Oblivians and Reatards. In 2004 they opened up their brick and mortar store at 2152 Young Avenue in Memphis, processing more than 30,000 orders for over 15,000 customers. They stock all kinds of interesting LPs and 45s, continue to put out LPs, and promote shows and DJ nights in Memphis. Every September they host Gonerfest, a four day festival with bands and fans from across the United States and all over the world.

• Memphis Music in Memphis, United States

  
  leah

  Memphis Music has been here on Beale Street since 1991 specializing in the best of Blues, Southern Soul, Gospel, Jazz & Rock 'n Roll. Stop in and meet Malcolm Burt, the Doctor of Buesology. You'll be glad you did.

• River City Records in Memphis, United States

  
  leah

  River City Records is located on historic Main Street in Memphis, Tennessee, just a short walk from Beale Street, The Peabody Hotel, and just about every downtown eatery or bar! Along with all the great record titles found on the website, RCR stocks new and used vinyl records, including Memphis music, regional blues, classic rock, hip-hop, alternative, modern rock, and country music. And don’t forget all of the Memphis-inspired t-shirts, memorabilia, keep-sakes, and much more!

• Shangri-La Records in Memphis, United States

  
  leah

  Shangri-La is the South's most-rockin' record store for 30+ years! Named one of the top record stores in the country by Rolling Stone. They specialize in Memphis music, but carry all genres of VINYL, CDs, DVDs, VHS, posters, books, magazines, musical and stereo equipment, turntables and all manner of pop-culture memorabilia.