Memphis Records Stores and Listening Rooms

Memphis means music! Dig in deeper with music old and new at these quirky record stores, speakeasy-style listening rooms, and unique music collections for you to explore. 

tall shelves of records at memphis listening lab
Alex Shansky
Memphis Listening Lab in the Crosstown Concourse

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 Record Store - Craig Thompson
shopping at Goner Records

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.

shelves  in vintage record store vinyl memphis
Holly Whitfield
Shangri La Records has new releases and vintage, used records.

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.

record store inside with racks of records and multicolored paper lanterns
Holly Whitfield
River City Records on Main Street

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.

The Central Station Memphis | Alex Shansky
Central Station lobby: the Listening Room is hidden behind the bar.

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. 

Two women eating ice cream at A. Schwab
The soda fountain at A. Schwab General Store.

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.

Comments Make Us Happy

0
Leave a Comment
The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.