This conversation includes contributions from Dayna Goltz, NASHtoday’s editorial intern.
Unplug the aux cord and dust off your record player. We’ve rounded up eight vibrant + homey record stores that are well-stocked and totally in tune with your musical needs along with some Record Store Day (Sat., April 23) celebrations.
But first things first — if you’re lacking a turntable in your life (or maybe yours just needs an update), snag a five-star reviewed record player. The H004 Hi-Fi Turntable Stereo Set is perfect for treating your vinyl right with a proper hi-fi system (plus it’s $30 off), and the H005 Bluetooth Turntable lets you listen to your records with bluetooth headphones (and it’s $10 off).*
🎵 East Nashville highlights
Grimey’s, 1060 E. Trinity Ln.
Believe it or not, Grimey’s got its start in a small house in Berry Hill in 1999. Founder Mike Grimes later moved the shop to 8th Avenue South, where it operated for nearly 15 years before moving to East Nashville. Doors open at 10 a.m. on Record Store Day (find the designated line for RSD releases) + enjoy local bites from Golly G’s Food Truck + Cabin Attic Burgers.
The Groove, 1103 Calvin Ave.
This East Nashville staple is easy to spot, thanks to its vinyl mural featuring many classic album covers. In addition to offering new and used records, CDs, and cassettes, the store also sells vinyl art, with an array of designs cut into records. Visit the shop on Record Store Day from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. for live music, local vendors, and RSD specials.
🎵 Record store where you can also grab a drink
Vinyl Tap, 2038 Greenwood Ave.
Owner Todd Hedrick fulfilled his dream of opening a record store when he launched East Nashville’s Vinyl Tap in 2015. The shop is not only a record store, but also a bar with an extensive selection of craft beer + cocktails. Stop by the shop’s Record Store Day block party from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for food, live music, and local makers.
Third Man Records, 623 7th Ave S.
Jack White’s Third Man Records wears many hats: Record label, record store, novelties lounge, photo studio, and the world’s only live venue that can perform direct-to-acetate recording. The Nashville store also houses Blue Room Bar, which is open Thursday-Saturday weekly.
🎵 West Nashville staples
The Great Escape, Nashville, Madison, and Murfreesboro
This longstanding record store has had locations on Division Street and Broadway until its most recent move to Charlotte Avenue. Early birds get the vinyl. The shop is opening four hours early on Record Store Day at 8 a.m. with limited RSD releases + specials throughout the day.
McKay’s, 636 Old Hickory Blvd.
The Nashville location has only been open since 2007; McKay’s has been supplying books since 1974 out of “Edward McKay” in North Carolina. What started as a free enterprise library is now one of Nashville’s richest sources for previously loved books and vinyl with 25,000+ used records in stock on any given day. The store will offer special Record Store Day releases beginning at 9 a.m.
🎵 Off the beaten path
Alison’s Record Shop, 994A Davidson Dr.
Family-owned Alison’s Record Shop sells vintage vinyl, turntables, and other music equipment out of its store in West Nashville. Come for the rare finds and stay for the tunes — you can listen to records on the store’s state-of-the-art turntable systems.
Luna, 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin
Venture out to Franklin to visit this women-owned record store located within The Factory. Amongst Luna’s gems are new and used vinyl, cassettes, and music-inspired gifts. The store opens at 9 a.m. on Record Store Day, but the line is expected to form much earlier.
Let’s keep the records spinning. Check out selections at Phonoluxe Records (2609 Nolensville Pk.), Swaggie Records (211 Union St.), and Ernest Tubb Record Shop (417 Broadway).
