Record Shopping On The Road: Michigan’s I-75 Corridor

A GUIDE OF THE BEST PLACES TO BUY VINYL OFF 1-75 FROM DETROIT TO MARQUETTE

For those who have already made the logical and soul-satisfying decision to spend their cash on vinyl records, the next question is often “Where?” “Where can I go to get my LP fix?”

The first obvious answer is to patronize your Marquette record purveyors at every level. Go to the thrice-annual record and poster sale at NMU (hint: Saturday the 20^th from 10-4, in the Peter White Lounge on the first floor of the NMU Don H. Bottum University Center, on facebook search: Marquette Fall Vinyl Record Sale & Poster Show).

• Check out Mostly Music on Washington.
• Go to thrift stores and garage sales.
• Ask your relatives if they still have vinyl in the closet/basement/attic.
• Swap with your friends.

But what if you’re on the road?

In the UP:

ESCANABA – THE RECORD RACK – http://recordrack.weebly.com/

I haven’t been here yet myself, but I feel strongly that we should support our UP brethren. Go see and report back.

NEWBERRY – The man behind the NMU Record Show, Ed Johnson, can direct you to lots of hidden vinyl in this un-picked area. Call him at 906-293-5336.

How about BELOW THE BRIDGE? Where do TROLLS buy records?

This is where you go, from North to South along I-75, throughout our great state.

NOTE: this is not a complete list, just the stores that are close enough to the main road that you can convince your parents and hitchhikers that your stop won’t slow them down.

GRAYLING – TRUST FALL RECORDS & COFFEE – W Michigan Ave, (989) 390-3759 facebook.com/TRUSTFALLRECS This is an oasis at a crucial juncture. James Lee Jones can serve you up a mean coffee to keep you going, direct you to the cheapest gas and food in town, and there’s always surprising new and used vinyl. Blows me away every time.

BAY CITY – ELECTRIC KITSCH – 917 Washington Ave (989) 402-1411 www.facebook.com/ElectricKitsch Jordan and crew somehow find all the coolest stuff in a 30 mile radius and cram it into their store. The prices are great.

SAGINAW – RECORDS & TAPES GALORE – 1303 Court St. (989) 793-1777 judithwegner@charter.net

Run by Bill and Judy Wegner since 1974! I have found serious gems here in the numerous crates, boxes, and piles that fill the store.

CLAWSON – FLIPSIDE RECORDS – 41 E 14 Mile Rd (248) 585-4090 www.shopflipsiderecords.com Since 1983 Flipside has been the northern outpost for vinyl in the Detroit suburbs. Next door to Noble Fish Sushi. ‘Nuff said.

ROYAL OAK – SOLO RECORDS – 30118 Woodward Ave (248) 549-0581 solorecords.weebly.com/about.html Another area stalwart – open since 1982. Great dollar section. Fabulous people. Easy to get to from anywhere in the metro area.

ROYAL OAK – UHF – 512 S Washington Ave (248) 545-5955 facebook.com/pages/UHF/119488368088692 Full line new and used LPs. Quality is consistent.

ROYAL OAK – VERTU – 514 S Washington Ave (248) 545-6050 www.vertumodern.com Next door to UHF. Not a record store, but they have records. I don’t want to tell you about them because I want their awesome selection to myself.

FERNDALE – FOUND SOUND – 234 W 9 Mile Rd (248) 565-8775 www.facebook.com/foundsoundvinyl Newest shop in the list. Filling a void where Record Collector used to reign. Roy and company are ready to help. Great stuff, easy parking in back.

HAMTRAMCK – DETROIT THREADS – 10238 Joseph Campau Avenue (313) 872-1777 detroitthreadsstore.com An extensive variety of 45’s, 12″ and LPs from techno to disco and everything in between (and rock, punk, funk, and more). DJs come here to build their collections and the store regularly hosts music events.

HAMTRAMCK – LO AND BEHOLD – 10022 Jos Campau facebook.com/pages/Lo-Behold-Records-Books/169273005881 A few doors down from Detroit Threads, this is a hamlet of times past. Literally. Just go.

HAMTRAMCK – RECORD GRAVEYARD – 2610 Carpenter St (313) 870-9647 facebook.com/pages/Record-Graveyard/145397352187329 Where all good records go to be reborn.

DETROIT – PEOPLE’S RECORDS – 4100 Woodward Ave (313) 831-0864

http://peoplesdetroit.com/ Near the DIA, The Majestic Theatre Complex, Mocad and more, this is an easy and exciting stop in downtown Detroit. Tons of 45s. Tons. Send the family to the museums.

DETROIT – HELLO RECORDS – 1459 Bagley (313) 300-5654 hellorecordsdetroit.com Awesome and fast-changing selection of LPs curated at the hands of Wade Kergan. Mostly used, all stellar. Easy eats right across the street at St. CeCe’s.

DEARBORN – STORMY RECORDS – 13936 Michigan Ave (313) 581-9322 stormyrecords.com Windy & Carl have been the areas best source for alternative and indie LPs since 1999. Don’t miss their neighbor Green Brain Comics.

DEARBORN – DEARBORN MUSIC – 22501 Michigan Ave (313) 561-1000 dearbornmusic.net If you have time, venture on down from Stormy to Dearborn Music. They’ve been in business since 1956 and it shows.

TRENTON – SLICK DISC MUSIC – 1625 W Rd Trenton (734) 692-1881 facebook.com/slick.disc I haven’t been here yet either, but they’re so close to 75 I couldn’t leave ‘em out. Again, report back what you learn!

Now just make sure you don’t leave your new prizes in the hot car or direct sun!

If this list is useful to you, let us know. A follow-up list of stores not-so-close to I-75 is in the works. Any additions, comments, questions, and corrections are welcome.

by Geoff Walker

Geoff Walker is a record collector, musician, and artist. He grew up in Marquette and visits frequently, often bringing thousands of vinyl records with him to share with the residents of his beloved hometown. He works as a life coach and shamanic counselor in Royal Oak, MI, at The Living Balance Center. http://www.livingbalancecenter.com facebook.com/livingbalancecenter

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