Article by Raudel Flores
Living in the age of Apple Music, Spotify, and other music streaming services, it’s second nature to open Apple Music and stream my favorite songs. It’s been close to ten years since these Music streaming services have begun to take over the internet, yet the sale of physical records continues to grow. Hearing about the constant growth of physical record sales, made me wonder which local record stores I should visit. Here is a list of five interesting record stores to visit in Orange County.
Nothing But a Nightmare Record shop
If you’re a punk or metal head, this is the place for you. Nothing But a Nightmare Record Shop is a Garden Grove based record shop that is dedicated to selling punk/metal records and merchandise. When you go to check out NBAN’s Record selection you’ll be excited to find a wide variety of records and CDs, from the hits we all know to love, all the way to some rare bangers. Trust me, you could spend quite some time just going through their main selection of vinyls. Not only does NBAN feature great music, but they also have an impossible to resist catalog of horror movies. This movie selection includes dozens of must watch horror films like George A. Romero’s Dawn of The Dead, which happens to be one of the greatest horror films of all time, or other not so necrotic films, like William Freidkin’s The Exorcist which is also one of the greats. Not feeling a vinyl, CD, or movie? Well then you’ll be happy to learn that you may also shop from NBAN band Tee collection. If you’re creative and looking to record, you could record right at NBAN. You read that correctly, my friend, NBAN has a recording studio in their store! These guys at NBAN live, breathe, and work punk. If you’re a member of the punk or metal community you need to check this place out!
SOUND SPECTRUM
Sound Spectrum is a must visit pop/indie rock record store based in Laguna Beach, California. Being in business since 1967, Sound Spectrum is what I would personally consider a music institution. Let’s think about it y’all, the music industry has changed dramatically since then. The development of the internet alone completely changed the music industry in a way that nobody at the time could’ve expected, yet Sound Spectrum found a way to keep their perfect spot right across the street from the beach. Time has not only made Sound Spectrum an institution, it has also allowed them to slowly cultivate a massive collection of music and memorabilia which we are lucky enough to shop through. Sound Spectrum’s collection starts off with an assemblage of used LPs and 45s that easily adds up into the thousands. A catalog that would have any music lover coming back for more.
Another cool thing at Sound Spectrum is an original print of their 1971 calendar. The 1971 edition of the Sound Spectrum yearly calendar is the only edition left from when it once began in 1967 and shortly ended in 1972 (so these are verified vintage). The owner Jim Otto isn’t just a successful record store owner, he also has a radio show on KROQ called The Reggae Showcase. You can catch The Reggae Showcase’s Sunday broadcast for three hours from 3-6pm, or listen to it via webcast at your own convenience from KSBR.org. I could personally describe Sound Spectrum in only 2 words, endlessly interesting: From the never ending catalog of vinyls available in store, to the owner, Jim Otto, working to preserve and document music culture. I encourage you to make the drive to Laguna Beach and check out Sound Spectrum. You will not be disappointed.
CHARLIE’S RECORDS
Charlie’s Records is a business located in Downtown Santa Ana. At first glance it is difficult to put this place into words, but their Instagram page puts it best, a one stop shop. Charlie’s is packed to the very last inch with something cool.
With all the real estate this place has to work with, they are able to showcase dozens of genres of music accompanied by all their greatest hits. It’s likely you’ll find something you love, or something you would’ve never thought you’d like. Charlie’s also uploads new videos of their latest vinyl pick-ups on Instagram, so you can keep your eyes peeled.
If your fingers get tired of flipping through the what seems endless catalog of vinyls then fear not, there are plenty of other items to browse from. Are you a fan of skateboards and skateboard accessories? You are in luck because Charlie’s happens to feature an assortment of boards and accessories made up of legacy brands like Deathwish, Blind, and Enjoi; just to name a few. The board collection is so legit, it probably rivals some dedicated board shops.
When I visited Charlie’s for the first time I noticed the serious selection of tattoo supply and let me tell y’all, it took every fiber in my soul to not buy everything I needed to give myself a tattoo. I love all of Charlie’s tattoo inventory, from the vibrant inks to the top notch tattoo machines. The last interesting thing I’ll mention is the fact that Charlie’s Records is a family owned and operated business. It warms my heart to know that Charlie’s was established in the late 90’s as a tamale stand humbly operated by Charlie and his wife, a humility that you can still feel twenty five years later. You must not walk but run to Charlie’s Records, whether it’s to check out the massive music collection, skate inventory, tattoo supplies or any of the thousands of gems that you must discover yourself. This trip will not disappoint.
VINYL SOLUTION
Number four on my list is Huntington Beach Punk rock Mecca called Vinyl Solution. Vinyl Solution shares the same neighborhood as legendary punk bands Avenged Sevenfold and The Joykiller. I also had the joy to learn about Darren, the owner of Vinyl Solution. Darren’s history is cemented in the punk scene, so this guy knows a thing or two about the culture.
The collection at Vinyl Solutions specializes in punk music and memorabilia, but they also have lots of pop and classic rock records as well. Walking into Vinyl Solution you will come to see original pressings of classic punk albums that we all must own. The best part of the just arrived section is the seven sub sections, one for each day of the week. In other words, as you comb through all the music in the just arrived section you would know what day of the week that particular record came into the store.
One super easy to miss gem of this place is the restroom. Yes folks, the restroom. Have you ever used the restroom and suddenly realized dozens of photos and magazine spreads of David Lee Roth are staring at you? Well Vinyl Solution has made it happen. Darren from Vinyl Solutions credited Van Halen as one of the bands that ruined all music, so maybe it’s a little bit of a meme by them? Whatever meaning the themed restroom might bring, I love it.
Darren started his experience in the record sales industry at a store called Neil’s Records in Glendale, California. Once Darren moved out from his father’s house in 1983 he was able to use his wits to get a full time job at the same record store. Darren later moved to Orange County with his mother in pursuit of opening a record store of his own. With her advice, Darren was able to open a record shop on the busiest street in his city. The free advertisement from the busy streets, his great attitude, and input from the community allowed Darrel to cultivate an amazing business with cemented roots in the community.
When you visit Vinyl Solution expect nothing less than an awesome experience, whether it’s original pressed records, Darren’s stories, or you just want to pee in a room with dozens of David Lee Roths’ staring at you; Get ready for an adventure at Vinyl Solution.
LEFT OF THE DIAL
Left of the Dial is our last entry on our list from the good ol’ City of Orange. The current owner of Left of the Dial is an awesome guy named Bill Michelle. Bill curates his Vinyl inventory primarily with rock from the seventies and eighties, with many other rock genres like punk and metal. Bill takes great pride in the excellent quality of all his used vinyls that he has for sale, so much so he offers a no hassle money back guarantee on any damaged or below par records. Left of the Dial has a simple but effective business strategy. Instead of having a huge inventory of collectibles, memorabilia, and clothing, they focus on having the best curated collections of music possible with a decent selection of turntables to jam with. Also, Bill and his repairman buddy have services available to repair record players and turntables. The owners are so cool they’ve been known to lend out vinyl players while you have your own out for repair.
Bill Michelle’s story of acquiring LOTD is interesting to say the least. According to Bill, he had no intention of buying a record store. Since he would get off of work much earlier than anyone else in his family, he would often visit places he had never been to. One day Bill coincidentally decided to visit a record store he had never been to in Santa Ana. This same store would become his own six days later. Bill has since moved LOTD to its current location in the old town district of Orange.
At LOTD you could expect three things, great music at a fair price, great customers and staff, and an owner with a true passion for music that speaks for itself. If you’re looking for record gold, you must start at LOTD.
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Be sure to check out these spots when searching for your next set of records.
