DU Field Notes: Vinyl Revival

Angelo's CDs & Vinyl

Dust off that old turntable because vinyl is back! Vinyl record sales have been on the rise since 2006 and have skyrocketed in recent years. When monthly record club Vinyl Me, Please (VMP) launched in 2013, over six million vinyl LPs were sold in the U.S. In 2021, that number was closer to 42 million. To keep up with demand, VMP will open a new pressing plant in Denver at the end of 2022.

Record collectors value the enhanced sound quality and tactile experience of listening to vinyl. If you find yourself digging through record bins looking for new vinyl to spin, you may discover what you’re looking for at any of these local record stores.

Twist & Shout
2508 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver

You’ll find an amazing selection of new, used and hard to find vinyl, CDs, movies, posters, shirts and more at Denver’s largest record store, Twist & Shout. The store is well organized and the prices are fair. Pop in to one of the listening booths to test out a record before your purchase. The store is located next to the Tattered Cover Book Store on East Colfax. This record superstore has an extensive collection including blues, jazz, rock, country, soul, dance. You name it, they probably have it.

Wax Trax Records
638 E. 13th Avenue, Denver

Located on Capitol Hill, Wax Trax Records has served Colorado music lovers since 1975. Lose yourself in the variety of musical genres, from folk, reggae and Brazilian to metal, R&B and hip-hop. Word is, the person who curates the store’s music is amazing! Wax Trax buys used vinyl, CDs and cassettes. You’ll find some new and used gems at this store, and the prices are fair.

Angelo’s CDs & Vinyl
1959 S. Broadway, Denver

Close to DU on South Broadway is Angelo’s CDs & Vinyl (pictured above), described as a “funky CD and record shop with a range of music, body-art jewelry and gifts, plus in-store gigs.” They have new releases every week and their wide music selection includes pop/rock, metal, punk, techno and soundtracks. Also, you can pick up movies, posters and video games while you’re there.

Recollect Records
1255 Delaware Street, Denver

Recollect Records is a small shop with a devout following. “I’ve been buying records for 25 years and shopped in a lot of cities in the US and Europe. Recollect had row after row of amazing hard to find stuff in great condition. The hard part was narrowing down my selections,” says one Recollect fan. You’re sure to find a wide range of genres, including soul, funk, jazz, R&B and disco. Bring unwanted LPs and 45s to the shop for cash or trade.