Beyond the Big Names: 5 Austin Record Stores to Expand Your Vinyl Collection – The Daily Texan
Austin’s thriving music scene fuels a growing passion for vinyl. While iconic spots like antone’s Record Shop and Waterloo Records’ “four Record Friday” are well-known, The Daily Texan explored five niche record stores offering unique selections to complete any vinyl collection.
End of An Ear – 4304 Clawson Road
South Austin’s End of An Ear caters to both mainstream and underground tastes with a focus on rock and punk. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the store buys, sells, and trades vinyl, CDs, and DVDs. They specialize in rare finds and operate on a sell/trade system, accepting lightly used or well-maintained records and CDs from audiophiles.
Exploded Records - 2828 Guadalupe St.
Founded by Juiceland’s Matt Shook and DJ/producer Andrew P. Brown, Exploded Records uniquely combines vinyl with fresh fruit smoothies. Located above the Guadalupe Street Juiceland, this smaller store boasts a diverse inventory of new and used records spanning from the 1960s to the present day. They also host a “New Record Day” to showcase their latest arrivals with a refreshed “New Arrivals” section.
Magic Isle Record Shop – 927 W. 12th St.
Living up to its name, Magic Isle Record Shop offers a highly curated selection of vinyl, specializing in music from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America – including reggae and salsa. Despite its small size, the shop holds a significant collection of used records geared towards collectors. Records are priced on the higher end, ranging from $200 to $1,200, reflecting their quality and demand.
Breakaway Records – 211 W. North Loop blvd.
Established in 2008, Breakaway Records has become an Austin staple. Originally located in East Austin, the store moved north to accommodate its expanding collection. Initially focused on soul, jazz, and hip-hop, Breakaway Records now includes international sounds, rock, and punk. They specialize in 45s (smaller format records) and also sell stereo equipment like 45 adapters and speakers for those starting or upgrading their vinyl setup.
Honorable Mention: Half Price Books – 5555 N. Lamar Blvd.
For those who enjoy both literature and music,Half Price Books on North Lamar offers a selection of used records alongside its book collection. Primarily carrying older and used vinyl, the store provides a vintage shopping experience with prices steadfast by quality and popularity.
