Memphis Records Stores and Listening Rooms

Listening Lab at Crosstown Concourse

1350 Concourse Ave. (Suite 269)

Music and vinyl lovers will feel like they've stepped onto holy ground at the Listening Lab. More than 30,000 45rpm singles, 10,000 LPs, 20,000 CDs and thousands of photographs, artifacts, and more make up the exquisite Listening Room at Crosstown Concourse. Most of this was donated by Ardent Records founder John King.

The space is open to the public and is free to pursue and listen to on the record players on site. It feels like a tricked-out library where it's ok to play music! EgglestonWorks Audio created the Sound Room listening space with an incredible speaker system. Enter through the Concourse’s Central Atrium and head up to the second floor—follow the signs and you'll be listening in no time.

Goner Records

2152 Young Ave.

Goner Records is a cozy-cool record shop in Cooper Young that offers every kind of music you could want on vinyl, including Memphis tunes and Goner merch. It’s the perfect place for hard-to-find older music, new releases, and Memphis mementos. Goner Records is also an indie label and headquarters for the annual punk rock music festival in Memphis held every fall.

Shangri La Records 
2926 Madison Ave.

Since the early 1990s, Shangri-La Records in midtown, Memphis has served as a hub for the Memphis indie scene and home to a deep catalog of Memphis music old and new. It’s much more than a vintage music store riding the wave of a vinyl renaissance. Located in an historic home, look for a full inventory of popular releases, new albums from local artists and labels, and regular live music events and discount sales like the Purgening, Sweat Fest, and Record Store Day.

River City Records
101 S. Main St.

This new Memphis record shop is in the heart of downtown Memphis on Main Street, and will host their grand opening on September 11, 2021 with live music and more. They plan to spotlight local bands with intimate listening parties and album signings, and carry all genres of music from Memphis and beyond.

Listening Room at Central Station 
545 S. Main St. 

This downtown hotspot is known for its amazing spaces, craft cocktails, and French brasserie, Bishop—and its dedication to Memphis music! The historic Central Station building reopened in 2019 and the entire hotel is themed for Memphis music. 

There’s an incredible Eggleston speaker system in the lobby, a 3500-record collection of Memphis tunes (which are pumped through the space and into rooms). Stop by on weekend evenings for live local DJs and a cocktail party atmosphere. Whenever you choose to go, Central Station a vibe. For a real speakeasy experience, though, look for the secret Listening Room.

It's a more intimate space for music appreciation, a little lounge that's tucked away behind the Eight & Sand bar. Surround yourself with sound and explore the catalog of Memphis-connected music. 

A. Schwab Memphis Vinyl Department 
163 Beale St. 

The oldest shop on Beale Street, A. Schwab’s old-fashioned general store and soda foundation has been a staple of the entertainment district for years. Being located on the street that is the official Home of the Blues, it makes sense that A.Schwab would dedicate a part of their shop to Memphis vinyl. Head upstairs to shop at the Memphis Vinyl Department, with a selection of local music and artists, curated by some of those same artists.