How To Navigate A Record Store 

Good tips. I remember when I first shopping at record stores back in 05, when I was 16ish, I was nervous asking for help because I thought I would be judge. American Idiot came out, and it made me a big Green Day fan, I wanted to buy their back catalog, side projects, and other bands in the East Bay, and bands that sounded like them, etc. But because I knew from the online message boards that a lot of people did not consider Green Day a punk band, and a lot of people saying they suck, I thought by bringing them up at a record store, I would be refused help, laughed at, ask to leave or something. Turns out to be the furthest from the truth! And record store owners seem to be the coolest most down to earth people around, who want to help people out and make new suggestions based on your tastes. Another story, that's kind of related. I was in Vienna for a week this summer and went to the record store from Before Sunrise, I was a bit nervous to looking like a fanboy, but the owners loved it. They have autograph posters (not for sale) by Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, and Richard Linklater hanging on the walls. The owner remembers the filming of the movie, and for a small niche movie, they are happy when fans from all over the world stop by to buy a record, and how they have one or two a day. I got myself a live Joan Baez

Hi Brendon: Great tips. It made me think about my local store. CDs are a kind of a lower priority there and there are tons down below under the racks. I sit on the floor there frequently. I wear skorts for this process. I usually go on weekends since it takes me tons of time to find the CDs that I want. I love your visits to Sound Exchange! - Heather

Brendon, this vid was really helpful. I’m glad that you reiterated that going into a music store can be overwhelming. Even if it happens to be one that’s your favorite & have been to numerous times. Every time we walk in them are senses get overwhelmed and excited. This vid is helpful for me especially if I will be able to make it to Sound Exchange in NJ in two weeks.

Streaming, a quick listen for a new artist or an older band with new material. A list is a must. I keep one on my phone.

Is it alright to take a list with you to the record store? I have a few artists that I want to look for. When I get there I can’t remember 75 percent of the artists I was looking for.

Great video, lots of good information. Only thing I would add is sometimes if you are looking for a particular type of music, ie soul/funk whatever a specialist shop can be a good option, over a general store. Thanks again for all your hard work creating the videos.

It also helps to scope out what categories of music have been segregated. You may be looking for Scorpions in the Rock section, but may not realize that store has filed them in their Metal section. If store personnel isn't diligent, they may have albums by the same band in multiple sections, which is pretty frustrating. I also keep a list of albums I own on my phone along with albums I am looking for, so that I don't accidentally buy duplicates.

I'd usually go through everything from A to Z. Sometimes, though, I'd go through everything from Z to A just to be different.

I'm having major record store envy.

This made me want to go to my fave "stuffed-to-the-gills" record shop... But I might spend my PJ tour savings 😅 Thanks for the tip n info about the misc. section. I'm always too lazy to go through that 🙈

Thanks for turning me on to Sound Exchange. They didn't have as much in the styles I collect but had a great time when I went a few weeks ago. I picked up Albert King "Born under a bad sign" w/bonus tracks, John Coltrane "Coltrane's sound" and Cab Calloway's compilation "Are you hep to the jive?". It was a little hard figuring out where things were but it was organized and there was an extreme amount of product which in count was probably 30,000 units. I had a great time there and it was worth the 2 hour trip from the Catskills. I wouldn't be too liberal filing groups and solo stuff together. I'd keep Diana Ross and the Supremes with the Supremes but essential you'd have Jean Terrell in with Diana Ross if kept all members together. Would Neil Finn get filed with Fleetwood Mac or Crowded House or would you combine them? How about Rick Vito who few remember? I wouldn't take that to the store level and leave that discretion for my personal collection. Furthermore stores could do a "carve out" for punk and heavy metal sections with the goal of their not being much overlap. If Anthony's not there are has to hire a New Jack, he might not know Eric Clapton was in Derek and the Dominos.

Hey Brendan, yes great video, l always end up tripping up and booting boxes, Besides my back going 😂 Many thanks 👍👍

Great video Brendan. The issue is it is nigh on impossible to find a decent record store in the uk

Dj Paul from Dublin Ireland love going to the local muisc store called golden discs it is the oldest record store in Ireland 🇮🇪 buy 💿 💿 💿 💿 💿 because I love music Brendan ❤❤❤❤❤

How is the Metal section at Sound Exchange? I was thinking of taking a road trip down there one weekend.

Awesome video

Hi Brendon Greetings From Argentina! You T-shirt reminds me of an Argentinean Metal Band if you want to hear. The Name is Hermetica. Also you can check Malon y Almafuerte same members long story!

My favourite bands are thin lizzy and u2

😎👍

Flabbergasted that Anthony has Blind Faith by itself. It should be with Derek in the. Laptop Section

What kind of headphones are those?

Step 1: Find a record store...

Better yet this should have been how to tackle Walmart instead 😂