I’ve always loved going to record stores. Sadly, like so many other things, the internet has really hurt these businesses as so many people just download music these days. Record Store Day is a holiday that started in 2008 and celebrates those independently-owned record stores that are still alive and kicking. In honor of Record Store Day, I thought I’d put up some links to record shops I’ve visited through the years and have documented on several blogs including some local ones right here in Pekin and Peoria.
Bleecker Bob’s Records - New York City - MAD - Bleecker Bob’s was featured in this Seinfeld episode and sadly it’s closed now. Here’s a video of the last day at Bleecker Bob’s.
Colony Records - New York City - TWM - This record and sheet music store was located in the famous Brill Building in midtown New York. They closed in 2012, you can read about that right here.
Rebel Rebel - New York City - MAD - This record store was on Bleecker Street and just like the first two in this list, it’s closed now too. High rents forced them to shut the doors for good in 2016.
Bleecker Street Records - New York City - MAD - Bleecker Street Records had to move from this location to West 4th Street and they finally shut down in 2016. This post is getting a little depressing!
Rainbow Music - New York City - MAD - I met the infamous NYC Birdman who owned this place when I went there, but he wouldn’t let me take his picture. And yes, this place is now closed. Ugh!
Rockit Scientist Records And Bleecker Bob’s - New York City - TWM - I knew back when I visited these two stores that Rockit Scientist was closing and then Bleecker Bob’s followed suit.
Academy Records & CDs - New York CIty - TWM - Well, I’m happy to report that this record store is still open! It’s located just two blocks from where I used to live and you can check out their website here.
The House Of Oldies - New York City - TWM - Here’s another record store that refuses to die in New York City! This place is all vinyl and a really cool record store located in Greenwich Village.
Younger Than Yesterday - Peoria - MBIP - Craig Moore has been in the record store business longer than anyone in Peoria, Illinois. He not only sells records and CDs, but hosts fun events at the store like this one and this one!
Acme Comics - Peoria - MBIP - While Acme is primarily known for their massive comic book selection, they also have a section of the store devoted to vinyl albums and compact discs.
Rock of Ages - Pekin - MBIP - This record store has been in business for over three decades in Pekin, Illinois. I think it’s the only record store in Pekin, but I could be wrong...but I’m not going to worry about that now.
Electronics Diversified - Peoria - MBIP - This was the last stereo store in Peoria and they sold a few albums here as well. I recently heard that the store has opened up in a different location and I need to look into that. Stay tuned for a future post on that!
Ribbon Records - Peoria - MBIP - Ribbon Records started out as neighbors to Electronics Diversified and a couple years ago they moved into this cool location on the corner of Sheridan and Main Street.
Record Store Day @ Younger Than Yesterday - Peoria - MBIP - Here’s a post from an in-store concert at Younger Than Yesterday on a Record Store Day back in 2014 starring The Black Roses.
This concludes this Record Store Day post. Now turn off your goddamned computer and go out and buy a fucking record and keep these shops in business! We'll see you all tomorrow!
Related Posts: Small Business Saturday—November 29, 2014 and A Small Tour On Small Business Saturday.