Into Vinyl? Here Are Some of NoVa's Best Shops
Looking for a record is an age-old pastime which, in the last ten years or so, has made a major comeback. You open a sleeve that smells of musty cardboard; place the disk delicately on a turntable, and put the needle on the plastic, which emits a burst of fuzzy static. It's a sort of ritual. For some, it’s joyous because records have far better sound quality than a phone or a Bluetooth speaker does. For others, it’s intensely nostalgic and brings up childhood memories riddled with emotion. Northern Virginia gets it. There are a ton of record stores out here that provide that crisp sound and can conjure up some serious nostalgia. Below is a list of the best places to seek those things out.
CD Cellar
Photo courtesy of CD Cellar/Facebook
CD Cellar is one of the largest record shops on this list– in fact, it’s one of the largest record stores in the entire mid-atlantic. They’re also perfect for obscure selections. They’re one of the only local shops that carry a large amount of African rhythms. The rest of their selection leans older and more classic. They don’t carry as many CDs as they used to, but there’s still some.
Mobius
Photo courtesy of Mobius/Facebook
Any Northern Virginia local who appreciates vinyl has been to Mobius. It sits in the center of Fairfax City, and is arguably the most well-loved shop around. Keep in mind, this is not the place to find used records. Instead, the store specializes in New Wave, reissues, mainstream hits, and more modern tunes which gives the store a very hipster feel to it. The crew who run Mobius are wonderfully kind and helpful. Dempsey, the owner, is lovely too.
Right on Records
Photo courtesy of Right on Records/Facebook
Right On Records is as mom-and-pop as it gets. It’s a small, snug place, operated solely by the owner. Right On is the opposite of Morbius. There are rarely any new releases or modern hits here. Instead, the store is filled to the brim with oldies but goodies. It’s the perfect spot for some serious crate digging, and the prices are great.
Dig! Records and vintage
Photo courtesy of Dig! Records and Vintage/Facebook
The vinyl here isn’t necessarily cheap, but at times the extra cost is worth it. The stuff that’s pricer tends to be really well-kept, uncommon, used records. Sometimes Dig makes Instagram posts about new releases a day before they’re in the crates. Kevin, the owner, is very knowledgeable and kind. He checks his back-of-store stock when a patron can’t find the record they’re craving in the front. Dig has a bit more than just a vinyl shop, too. Heading upstairs, patrons will find a funky, vintage clothing and furniture section.
Vienna Music Exchange
Photo courtesy of Vienna Music Exchange/Facebook
Vienna’s specialty is the heavy stuff– rock and metal. The shop is tiny and a bit cramped, but the selection is incredible. There are certain records that are near impossible to find anywhere else in the area. Check Vienna Music Exchange’s hours before heading over. It’s run by just a couple of people, and their hours aren’t always accurate online.
Unless you trek up north to New York, Northern Virginia’s stores are hard to beat. Be sure to visit these stores on Saturday, April 18, for special releases and great deals on National Record Store Day.
Posted by Lauren Weiner on
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