Music

Our Four Favorite Record Stores in Portland

Plus What They're Doing for Record Store Day 2024 on April 20
April 16, 2024
|
Like
Claiming the title of the oldest record store in the PNW, Music Millennium clearly knows what they're doing, as evidenced by their long Record Store Day lines. (Music Millennium via Facebook)
In case you haven’t heard, LPs and cassettes are back in fashion. At this point, you can even grab a few records while grocery shopping at your local Target. Although vinyl seems to be sold everywhere these days, no place does it like a classic record store, which offers the unique experience of flipping through bins elbow-to-elbow with fellow music fans and knowledgeable staff on hand to recommend new tunes. Whether you have a record player or not, here are five record stores I recommend supporting not just on Record Store Day (which is Saturday, April 20, 2024), but all year round, too.


Jackpot Records List
With an eclectic roster of artists like the influential Portland punk band Wipers, blues legend Etta James, and exotica wizard Martin Denny, local reissue label Jackpot doubles as a record shop offering new and used vinyl. Flip through their everchanging selection under the delicate glow of neon signs while the staff DJs some stuff you’ve never heard of (they usually are).
Hawthorne
Record Store Day 2024 Offerings: Special releases with expanded hours 9 am-6 pm

Little Axe Records List
Between their carefully curated selection of used vinyl, obscure cassette mixes and reissues, and reasonable prices, Little Axe is hard to beat. Each time I visit, I walk out with an armful of records whether I planned on it or not. The world music and folk/country sections are especially fruitful!
Hollywood

Mississippi Records List
Mississippi has earned its spot as one of Portland’s most beloved labels and shops, keeping the music of local legends like Dead Moon, Neo Boys, and Michael Hurley in print for new generations of fans to devour. They also offer many reissues and compilations of rare/private press releases like Ethiopian pianist Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru (my personal favorite). While you’re in the neighborhood, make sure to stop by Sweedeedee List (named after the Michael Hurley song, of course) for baked goods and locally sourced brunch.
North Portland

Music Millennium List
Claiming the title of the oldest record store in the PNW, the long-running shop clearly knows what they're doing. With a huge inventory of both new and used media, Music Millennium is also famous for their regularly occurring in-store performances and signings, which have hosted artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Brian Jackson, Surf Curse, and the Church in recent years. Keep your eyes on our calendar for the latest events.
Kerns
RSD 2024 Offerings: special releases with expanded hours 8 am-10 pm. Free coffee and muffins starting at 7 am. The first 300 customers will receive a free gift bag and poster. 

Report This

Please use this form to let us know about anything that violates our Terms of Use or is otherwise no good.
Thanks for helping us keep EverOut a nice place.

Please include links to specific policy violations if relevant.

optional
Say something about this item. If you add it to multiple lists, the note will be added to all lists. You can always change it later!

Gotta catch 'em all?
Click below to be reminded about every instance of this event. (You can turn this off anytime of course.)
Remind Me