Music lovers, put down the Spotify playlists and reach for something a little more nostalgic. Around Northern Virginia, there are several independent record shops that stock new, used, and rare vinyl records and CDs.
And, for an added layer of excitement, many shops are celebrating Record Store Day on April 18 with special releases and discounts. Just be sure to plan ahead if you’re participating in RSD — stock is often limited, and many record shops get long lines.
Bumrush Vinyl Shop
This Fredericksburg spot provides a new place for vinyl collectors and music lovers to shop for records. The store is preparing for its first official Record Store Day, when it’ll offer special releases. 2225 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg
CD Cellar
This Falls Church shop, which bills itself as the “East Coast’s largest music store” started in 1992 in a basement and has now grown to occupy a space on Park Avenue. Stop in here for new and used vinyl and CDs, with new stock added regularly. 105 Park Ave., Falls Church
Crooked Beat Records
Head to Crooked Beat Records’ Alexandria space by early May to shop its selection of records. The shop is moving out on May 3 after a devastating flood in January; a new location has not yet been announced. On Record Store Day, they’ll be open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering discounts and swag bags. 2417 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Dig! Records and Vintage
This Leesburg shop is a staple in downtown Leesburg. While it doesn’t get official Record Store Day releases, it will stock a variety of rare LPs in a range of genres — including punk, metal, ’90s rock, soul, jazz, reggae, and hip hop — this Record Store Day. Titles will be posted on the shop’s social media the week before RSD so shoppers can plan ahead. 212-C Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg
Mobius Records
Mobius Records, established in 2014, is a “mom-and-pop” record shop that specializes in new releases and reissues. The shop will post the full list of RSD titles it’s getting on Wednesday, April 15. RSD sales are first-come, first-served, and shoppers should plan to arrive early — the line typically starts forming 10 to 12 hours before the store opens at 9 a.m. 10409 Main St., Ste. D, Fairfax
Records & Rarities
This shop began in Old Town Manassas and has since expanded to a store in Springfield Town Center. It offers classic rock, soul, R&B, funk, punk, metal, electronic, and hip hop records. The shop also has vintage video games, vintage arcade games, comic books, and pop culture collectibles. 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
Right On! Records
Dig into the bins in this Herndon shop and you’ll find used and vintage records and CDs in genres including rock, jazz, R&B, soul, world music, folk, metal, punk, pop. Since it’s exclusively a used shop, it doesn’t stock Record Store Day releases, but you’re sure to find a great piece of music on any given visit. 731 Elden St., Ste. 211, Herndon
Vienna Music Exchange
Vienna’s record and CD shop specializes in metal, punk, and rock albums. It stocks new and used vinyl, plus CDs, cassettes, DVDs, and even some VHS tapes. 131 Church St. NE, Vienna
Feature image courtesy Dig! Records & Vintage
