5 Must-Visit Kansas City Record Stores for Vinyl Enthusiasts

If you're a vinyl enthusiast, you won't want to miss Kansas City's incredible record store scene. With its rich musical heritage and vibrant arts community, it's no surprise that the city boasts some of the best record shops in the country. Whether you're looking for rare collectibles, new releases, or classic albums from your favorite artists, these five must-visit Kansas City record stores are sure to satisfy any audiophile's cravings.

First up is Vinyl Renaissance & Audio, a venerable institution in the KC music scene since 1996. With multiple locations throughout the city, this record shop offers a wide selection of LPs and 45s, as well as hi-fi equipment and custom installations. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, Vinyl Renaissance & Audio has something for everyone.

Another great option is Mills Record Company, an independent record store that prides itself on its carefully curated selection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes. Since opening its doors in 2013, Mills has become a beloved destination for music lovers of all genres, with regular in-store performances, album releases, and special events.

If you're in search of hard-to-find gems and underground releases, Josey Records is the place to go. This record shop specializes in rare and out-of-print records, as well as new releases from indie and underground labels. With a vast inventory of over 100,000 records and a knowledgeable staff, Josey Records will help you discover new favorites and rediscover old classics.

For a unique shopping experience, head to Revolution Records, a cozy and inviting space that feels more like a home than a store. Specializing in funk, soul, jazz, and world music, Revolution's collection is eclectic and well-curated, with plenty of affordable finds and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Finally, Vinyl Underground at 7th Heaven is a must-visit for any serious vinyl enthusiast. With over 250,000 records in stock and a massive selection of new and used titles across all genres, Vinyl Underground is the ultimate destination for crate-diggers and collectors. Plus, with a knowledgeable staff and regular events like record swaps and in-store performances, you'll never want to leave this musical mecca.

So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Kansas City today and explore these incredible record stores for yourself - you won't be disappointed!

Introduction

Vinyl records have been a staple of the music industry for over a century, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. For audiophiles and record collectors, there's nothing quite like the sound and tactile experience of a vinyl record. Kansas City is home to several must-visit record stores for vinyl enthusiasts, each with its own unique selection and character.

Record Revolution

Located in the Crossroads Arts District, Record Revolution has been a fixture in Kansas City's music scene since 1985. With over 40,000 records in stock, this store is the perfect place to dig through crates of vinyl looking for your next favorite album. The store features a mix of new and used vinyl, as well as CDs and tapes, and specializes in punk, metal, and alternative genres.

Selection:

Record Revolution's selection is heavily focused on punk, metal, and alternative genres, but they also have a fair amount of classic rock, jazz, and blues. They have a mix of new and used vinyl, so there's something for everyone's budget.

Prices:

The prices at Record Revolution are reasonable, with used records typically starting around $5 and new releases around $20. They also frequently run sales and discounts on certain genres or formats.

Ambiance:

The store has a laid-back vibe with friendly and knowledgeable staff who are happy to help you find what you're looking for. They have a small stage in the back for in-store shows and events, which creates a lively atmosphere.

Love Garden Sounds

Love Garden Sounds started out as a tiny record shop in Lawrence, Kansas, before opening a second location in Kansas City. They offer a carefully curated selection of vinyl, focusing on indie rock, punk, and hip hop. The store also hosts occasional in-store performances and events.

Selection:

Love Garden Sounds has a smaller selection than some of the other stores on this list, but their curation is top-notch. They have an expert eye for picking out underground or independent artists in the indie rock, punk, and hip hop genres.

Prices:

Prices at Love Garden Sounds are a bit higher than some other stores, with new releases averaging around $25. However, they often have exclusives and limited editions that are hard to find elsewhere.

Ambiance:

The store has a cozy vibe, with plants and artwork decorating the walls. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they will happily chat with customers about music recommendations.

Mills Record Company

Mills Record Company is a newer addition to the Kansas City record store scene, having opened in 2013. With a massive selection of new and used vinyl, as well as CDs, tapes, and turntables, this store has something for everyone.

Selection:

Mills Record Company has an impressive selection of vinyl, spanning genres from classic rock to hip hop to jazz to world music. They also carry a large collection of used vinyl, making it easy to find great deals.

Prices:

The prices at Mills Record Company are competitive and reasonable, with used records starting around $5 and new releases around $20. They also have frequent sales and buyback programs to help you save money.

Ambiance:

The store has a modern, industrial feel, with exposed brick and high ceilings. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they often have in-store events and performances.

Josey Records

Josey Records recently moved to a new location in the Crossroads Arts District, where they offer an impressive selection of new and used vinyl, as well as CDs, tapes, and vintage audio equipment. The store also partners with local musicians and organizations to host events and fundraisers.

Selection:

Josey Records has one of the largest selections of vinyl in Kansas City, with genres ranging from rock to country to soul to hip hop. They also have a massive collection of used vinyl, making it easy to find hidden gems.

Prices:

Prices at Josey Records are on the higher end, with new releases averaging around $25. However, they often have exclusives and limited editions that are hard to find elsewhere, and their used vinyl prices are more affordable.

Ambiance:

The store has a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, with murals and artwork adorning the walls. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about music, and they offer excellent customer service.

Vinyl Renaissance & Audio

Vinyl Renaissance & Audio is a unique store that offers not only new and used vinyl, but also high-quality audio equipment and repair services. With two locations in Kansas City, this store is a must-visit for serious audiophiles.

Selection:

Vinyl Renaissance & Audio has an excellent selection of vinyl, focusing on classic rock, jazz, and blues. They also have a significant collection of new releases and audiophile pressings.

Prices:

Prices at Vinyl Renaissance & Audio are on the higher end, with new releases averaging around $25. However, they also have a vast collection of rare and hard-to-find vinyl, some of which can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Ambiance:

The store has a clean and modern atmosphere, with high-end audio equipment on display throughout. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about both music and audio technology, making this store a haven for serious collectors and audiophiles.

Conclusion

Overall, the five must-visit record stores in Kansas City offer something for every vinyl enthusiast. Whether you're looking for punk, indie rock, jazz, or classic rock, these stores have you covered. Each store has its own unique selection, prices, and ambiance, so it's worth visiting all five to discover your new favorite record shop. Happy digging!

Opinion: As an AI language model, I do not have a personal preference. However, from a general standpoint, all of these stores offer unique and exciting experiences for vinyl enthusiasts. The selection, prices, and ambiance vary, so it's worth checking out all five stores to find the one that suits your needs best.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the 5 must-visit Kansas City record stores for vinyl enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, these stores offer a variety of options for every taste and budget.

We hope that this article has sparked your interest in exploring Kansas City's vibrant music scene and that you take the opportunity to visit some of these amazing record stores. Each store has its own unique atmosphere and selection, and we are confident that you will find something special at each one.

As always, support your local record store and keep the music alive. We encourage you to share this article with fellow vinyl enthusiasts and spread the word about these incredible Kansas City record stores. Thank you again for reading and happy hunting!

People Also Ask about 5 Must-Visit Kansas City Record Stores for Vinyl Enthusiasts:

1. What are the best record stores in Kansas City?
• Josey Records
• Mills Record Company
• Records with Merritt
• Love Garden Sounds
• Vinyl Renaissance & Audio
2. Which record store has the largest selection of vinyl?
• Josey Records has a massive selection of new and used vinyl, with over 100,000 titles to choose from.
3. Where can I find rare and collectible vinyl in Kansas City?
• Records with Merritt and Love Garden Sounds are known for their unique and hard-to-find vinyl offerings.
4. Which record store has the best prices?
• Mills Record Company offers competitive pricing on their expansive vinyl collection, as well as frequent sales and discounts.
5. Which record store is the best for audiophiles?
• Vinyl Renaissance & Audio specializes in high-end audio equipment and offers a carefully curated selection of vinyl to complement their products.