As a kid, I remember riding my bike into Lemon Grove, where Keith's Record Den once stood. It was your classic independent record shop, with racks of vinyl (CDs? Not even invented, and cassettes were just making their way into the marketplace) and cool album covers and posters. "Keith" was the owner...he looked a bit too old to really like Creedence, but he was friendly and always showed me what just arrived. It was when rock and roll was always fresh and innovative...and it's a nice memory I have of my youth.
Of course, we all know vinyl gasped its last breath in the early 1990s, and the CD format took over the scene. Mom and pop record shops died out as well...Keith's Record Den barely made it through the '70s.
So, now we see music downloads as the future, CD sales are dropping, and music stores are disappearing: Tower Records is on the verge of bankruptcy, the Wherehouse is gone, and Sam Goody is a poor excuse for a record shop. But believe it or not, the independent record store survives. Sure they may be a bit more eclectic than back in the day, but they thrive nonetheless.
Here is my roundup of a few of the best local record stores that San Diego has to offer, and are still exposing kids to new and cool music.
Lou's Records
Lou's Records in Encinitas is the king of record shops. Whether you're looking for mainstream music or oldies, Lou's has it - or can get it. And the vinyl selection will have old schoolers like me in memory heaven. Better yet, Lou's has the reputation of some of the most knowledeable music staff anywhere, and they often have live artist appearances. 434 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 760-753-1382.
Off the Record
Arguably one of the best record stores in town, this venerable outlet recently moved to a new location in North Park, away from the incresingly gentrified Hillcrest. Off the Record is the place to go for those ever-so-cool, non-mainstream artists (a nice selection of punk and alternative bands). But it's the vinyl collection that is the attraction...some really cool old stuff that your parents listened to. You may feel like the most square person in there, but no will notice. 2912 University Ave., North Park (619) 298-4755.
M-Theory Records
This little shop in the Golden Hill/South Park neighborhood is the proverbial new kid on the block, but the owners have old-school sensibilities by offering an eclectic mix of music, including local artists, in a cool and comfortable retail space. M-Theory recently opened an annex, and also regularly has performances by national and local bands. 3004 Juniper St, San Diego, 619-269-2963.
Blue Meannie Records
Once the purveyor of all things Beatles (hence the moniker), this outlet has gone completely to the other end of the musical spectrum over the years. It is now San Diego's premier "Metal Superstore." If your tastes run more towards, say, Motorhead and Slayer, then this El Cajon space is your place. Newly moved to a different location, Blue Meannie now has a performance space so you can bang heads with your bretheren. 1164 N. Second Street, El Cajon, 619-442-5034.
Folk Arts Rare Records
This beloved record store once housed in a bungalow in Normal Heights is the best place to find all the music that doesn't fall under "rock" or "popular." From folk to country to blues to Vaudeville, you'll find those rare gems not only in LP format, but in 78 rpm as well. Folk Arts moved out of its former bungalow, but owner/archivist Lou Curtiss found another locations just down the street, still on Adams Ave in Normal Heights. 2881 Adams Ave, San Diego, 92116 - (619) 282-7833.
