Listen Up: Vinyl Records Are Back

In today’s technology age, almost every person you see walking down the street gets their music from an iPod, a CD player or an Internet radio app on their cell phone. In fact, it seems that most music is intangible — mP3’s are stowed away on a computer or music player, and Internet radio is all but invisible, showing up only through the app that you have to open before you can enjoy the music. While this concept provides for extra space around the house, it feels a bit empty. Most of these folks are lacking a very cool collection of something else: vinyl records. 

Vinyl records seemed to become obsolete years ago when the tape player and then CD player rolled around. However, we may all be missing out. There is something a bit mysterious and hip about a person who has a record player, and of course, the records to go along with it.
It can be totally awesome to have a large shelf filled with record albums whose sheaths show their true history. Some will even say that the whole sound is different. Vinyl records can provide the real nitty gritty of a song (particularly an older song) that the perfectly and digitally mastered CD or mP3 cannot. There are a couple very hip places in San Diego where you can find the stellar vinyl that music was founded on. 

Hunt and Gather in University Heights offers awesome vinyl records and more. The store has an open layout and a vintage vibe. Connoisseurs of classic clothes, shoes, jewelry and music will find a new favorite spot to shop here. The store’s hip and eclectic style and design will make any record-shopper feel at home. With boxes full of vinyl and a friendly staff to help you find what you’re looking for, Hunt and Gather lives up to its name. For more information, visit Huntandgathershop.com.

Record City in Hillcrest is just that — a city could be made out of the amount of records they have. The hole-in-the-wall shop has been battling bigger CD retailers for years and is still going strong. Records must not be as obsolete as many of us think. This store has an extremely large collection (more than 20,000 LPs in stock) and variety of vinyl to fit and fill any taste. Bring in your old stuff (CD’s or records) and make a trade or sell them for cash to buy the new stuff. Everything is moderately priced and the guys behind the counter will work hard to give you the best deal. For more information, call 619.291.5313. 

M-Theory in Mission Hills proves that vinyl isn’t just about out-dated music. The shop boasts old vinyl, new vinyl and even used vinyl records. You don’t have to be a lover of the classic stuff to enjoy records. M-Theory offers in-store events and sidewalk sales. The walls are painted a cool and relaxing blue and the music-loving staff will point you in the direction of your favorite band. The store boasts lots of DVD’s as well as its wide collection of CD’s and vinyl records. Shoppers say it’s one of the best places in SD to find everything from obscure to in-style. For more information, visit Mtheorymusic.com.

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