The Virtual Record Store Guide
The Virtual Record Store Guide
April 07, 2020
Every record collector is familiar with that feeling - the craving for new music, the anticipation to find rare or unusual jams. In normal days you would probably go to your favorite record store for some serious digging. However, these days we are getting used to a new reality, one that obligates us to stay home and keep everything sanitized while practicing a new type of crate digging. The good news here is that at least this dirty habit can now leave our hands clean!
In response to the current situation, with the postponement of the annual Record Store Day, Fault Radio has decided to compose a list to some of the Bay Area’s favorite record stores, with ways to purchase records online while supporting local shops.
Econo Jam Records
This Oakland record shop is known for its stack of Punk, Jazz and World Music records. During the Bay Area’s Shelter in Place, Econo Jam has shifted its activities to the online world with more than 3000 records for sale. The store has already unleashed a pile of used and new records on their Discogs page for Record Store Day, along with a wide range of LP and 45s of Punk, Blues, Reggae, Jazz and experimental jams.
Vamp
The half vintage, half record store one stop shop has launched Vamp Record Club - a personally curated pack of records based on the customer’s budget and their genre & era preferences. To fulfill the requests, the store’s owners, Tracy and Fernando will choose a mix of records and will generously pack a box to deliver to you. In addition, Vamp is posting tons of 45s for sale on their Instagram account where you can DM to get your own costume-made blind record box!
Vinyl Dreams
This Lower Haight hub has managed to convert its inventory to a stylish online store. With a catalog that feels like a dream come true for every dance-floor DJ, Vinyl Dreams is offering an impressive selection of House, Disco, Techno, and Balearic - all online! Even the shopping experience feels similar to the real thing with a list of Pre-Loved Jams selected by the staff. The store is doing deliveries for the SF city area and offers FREE US SHIPPING with orders 50$ & up!
RS94109
Located at the heart of the Tenderloin neighborhood in DWTN San Francisco, RS94109 record store has been a focal point for the city's ravers. With a stock that is composed of Techno, House, Experimental (but mostly Techno), the decorative store also functions as the unofficial hub for the label Dark Entries. Despite having closed its gates during Shelter In Place, RS is offering gift cards and encouraging everyone to visit their Discogs page as new records are being loaded every day. If you're in the mood for some 80's underground sounds check out Dark Entries’ website for new releases or recent reissues.
Needle To The Groove
The South Bay is also under quarantine which affects one of San Jose's hot spots - Needle To The Groove record store. In everyday life, the store has approximately 20,000 items in stock ranging from dusty exotic psychedelic LPs to minty random rap sleepers. These days, store owners direct costumers to their Discogs page with a notable collection of almost 15k records for sale. For serious diggers, the store also has an eBay account with rare and obscure 45s records of Sweet Soul, Oldies, Funk, Reggae, Surf, Doo-wop and more.
Hercules Records
South Berkeley's independent record store has a steady rotation of new and used records mostly of Soul, Funk, Classic Rock, and Disco 45’s. You can find all the most current releases from local label Smartbomb here and other releases from local artists. If you happen to be lucky you might find a hidden jam in their Jazz section. In addition to selling LPs and 45s, unlike most stores, these days Hercules is actually buying records during the Lockdown! Check their online store to explore new formats (tapes) while shuffling into their vinyl collection.
Originals Vinyl
Located at the corner of Fillmore and Hayes in San Francisco, Originals Vinyl is a used record shop owned by brothers Dominic and Matthew Siracusa. On a daily basis, the shop carries Rock, Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop, Funk, Blues, Reggae together with an ultrasonic vinyl cleaning service. If you ever pay a visit you should check their massive vinyl-cleaning machine. In a quick chat we had with the Siracusa's, they mentioned how The Shelter In Place order has been tough so far, most and foremost due to their inability to meet people and talk about music with clients. Meanwhile, they're trying to stay busy by accepting phone orders & email requests. Check out their Discogs page to find what they have on sale!
On The Corner Music
If you ever make it to Campbell California, make sure to check On The Corner Music store. In an area that is mostly surrounded by tech companies, the OTCM record shop has managed to stand out, with an inventory that has all sorts of music style - classic rock, funk/soul, jazz, electronic, 80s, disco, and more! For us, it's the only place to find dance singles in the Silicon Valley. During Bay Area's lockdown, the store is operating online accepting requests and sales via Instagram and over the phone.
Groove Merchant
When reading the about section of Groove Merchant Records, there's one line that tells the whole story behind this San Francisco store: "Ask For Chris!". Store's owner Chris Veltri (also known as Cool Chris) is a renowned name for local and international collectors after owning and operating the store for the past 23 years. In the online world, the store is showcasing its inventory on Veltri's personal Instagram account which allows you to ask Chris about the store's inquiries. Expect to find vintage vinyl and rare groove findings.
Written by Dundee Maghen.
