Nothing beats the nostalgia of scoring a rare cut on wax and dancing around the living room in a 1970s fantasy. Vinyl is now coming back as a popular format for listening to music. MRC’s annual year-end music data reported that physical formats dominated 2021, with vinyl outshining CD sales. Whether you’re shopping for new releases, looking to sell, or on the hunt for a limited edition, here’s your guide to Houston vinyl destinations:
Cactus Music
There’s no conversation about vinyl shops in Houston without Cactus Music. It’s the oldest independent music store in Houston and has provided a wide array of records, music ephemera and more for nearly 50 years. It won the Houston Press Critic’s Choice Award for “Best Record Store” just last year.
Cactus Music is located at 2110 Portsmouth and is open Mon-Sat, 10 am-6 pm; Sun, 12pm-6 pm.
Vinal Edge
Since 1985, Vinal Edge has provided The Heights with a top-notch selection of vintage records in the city. The shop’s collection holds over 100,000 titles from all music genres, including jazz, classic rock, country, electronic and much more. In addition to the huge vinyl inventory, the shop offers a selection of DVDs, posters, books, and small goods.
Vinal Edge is located at 239 W 19th St. and is open Mon-Sat, 10 am-6 pm and Sun, 12pm-6 pm.
Memo’s Record Shop
Memo’s is the destination for all things Latin music. Founded by famed producer and artist Guillermo “Memo” Villarreal in 1968, and located in the East End, the shop holds a collection of diasporic classics. Stop in to browse walls filled with photographs, and shop Tejano, salsa, and merengue hits alongside a collection of movies.
Memo’s Record Shop is located at 703 75th St. and is open Mon-Sun, 10 am-7 pm.
Sweet Spot Audio and Records
Established in 2012 and based in Clear Lake, Sweet Spot is the perfect landing for music lovers who live outside the I-10 loop. The shop has an emphasis on vintage vinyl and houses a selection of new releases. If you’re in need of new or gently used audio equipment, Sweet Spot also has turntables, amps, headphones and other essentials. Looking for a rare title? The super friendly staff will help you find it.
Sweet Spot Audio and Records is located at 16960 TX-3, Webster, TX and is open Wed-Fri, 12 pm-6 and Sat-Sun, 11 am-5 pm.
Mo’ Better Brews
Coffee, music and vegan cuisine collide at Mo Better Brews in the Museum District. The vinyl shop is curated by DJ and ethnomusicologist, Flash Gordon Parks and features a selection of rare Houston records and Black music ephemera.
Mo’ Better Brews is located at 1201 Southmore Blvd and is open Tues-Thurs, 7:30 am-3 pm and Fri-Sun, 7:30 am-6 pm.
Sound Revolution
Sound Revolution is for the real rock stars. Part skate shop, smoke shop and record store, it’s a family-owned staple in Northwest Houston with locations in Cypress and Tomball. Sound Revolution also has a huge online catalog for virtual shoppers.
Sound Revolution is located at both 1312 Cypress Creek Pkwy and 21153 Tomball Pkwy and is open Mon-Fri, 9 am-9 pm; Sat, 10 am-9 pm; Sun, 11 am-7 pm.
Sig’s Lagoon Record Shop
Right in the heart of the Mid Main district, this shop was inspired by Sigman Byrd’s 1955 book “Sig Byrd’s Houston.” Sig’s Lagoon is filled with vinyl on two floors for easy record browsing. You’ll also find quirky objects, knickknacks and vinyl with a local touch.
Sig’s Lagoon is located at 3622 Main St Ste E. and is open Mon-Sat, 11 am-7 pm; Sun, 12 pm-6 pm.
Sound Exchange
Another one of Houston’s oldest record stores is located in Second Ward. Sound Exchange moved from Montrose to its new spot in the East End back in 2018 and is still a hot spot for live, in-store performances and great vinyl.
Sound Exchange is located at 101 N Milby St #3 and is open Mon-Sun, 11 am-7 pm.
Juiceland
Juiceland is not only a go-to for juice, but the shop’s Westheimer location is another vinyl shop in Montrose. Pop in to browse the store’s small but mighty selection of new releases and vintage records.
Juiceland is located at 1340 Westheimer Rd and is open Mon-Sat, 7 am-8 pm; Sun, 8 am-8 pm.