The Best 10 Record Stores in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas has some of the most amazing record stores I have ever stepped into in my entire life. The free shows at these stores are also amazing! Here are the top ten record stores in Austin, Texas that will make you fall in love with music all over again.

Waterloo Records & Video- 600 North Lamar Blvd, (512) 474-2500

Waterloo Records has an expansive collection of new and used CDs, DVDs and LPs. They also buy, sell and trade your old music and movies. Waterloo has many play stations so you can preview music before you buy. You can also use a competitor's gift card to buy music at Waterloo! Prices for new music are reasonable and range anywhere from $10 to $16 a CD. This store is a must for vinyl lovers.

BackSpin Records-4631 Airport Blvd, (512) 454-7746

BackSpin Records relocated to Airport Blvd and tripled its size to provide more vinyl to music lovers. Their extensive collection of classic hip-hop and dance vinyl is astounding. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and the music is affordable. They also buy used records, CDs and DVDs.

End Of An Ear- 2209 S. 1^st St, (512) 462-6008

End Of An Ear will make any music geek drool. This record store has the best indie and obscure collection I've ever seen. My boyfriend also appreciated the techno collection. They even have some really good funk! The prices are fair and the staff is cool. You can also buy concert tickets at End Of An Ear.

Cheapo Discs & DVDs- 914 N. Lamar, (512) 477-4499

Cheapo Discs has an overabundance of musical genres and they release new music everyday. They are open until midnight every day and have really great prices. Cheapo will also order music for you if it's not in stock at no extra charge. They are one of the best used CDs and record stores in Austin.

Antone's Record Store- 2928 Guadalupe, (512) 322-0660

Antone has been around since 1987 and is one of the coolest places to buy vinyl in Austin. You can get new and used albums, CDs, 45s, 78s and even 8-tracks. They also carry posters, T-shirts, turntables and memorabilia. CDs and LPs range from $4.99 to $16.99. This is the best record store in Austin to get oldies.

Out of the Past- 5341 Burnet Rd., (512) 371-3550

Out of the Past is a family run record store in Austin that stands apart from the rest. The store is run by true collectors and has vintage antiques too. They carry a lot of music made by local and independent artists. They carry over 10,000 vinyl LPs, 45s, and 78s in all genres.

Encore Records & CDs- 1745 W. Anderson Lane, (512) 451-8111

Encore is an independently owned record store in Austin. They only sell new and used CDs, but they have the best selection of heavy metal. They also sell t-shirts, stickers and offer video rentals. The prices are a bit more expensive and are around $15 to $20 a CD.

Sound On Sound- 106 E. North Loop Blvd, (512) 371-9980

You can find new and used vinyl and CDs at Sound On Sound. They also buy and trade used records and sell concert tickets. They always have awesome shows and will have in-store SXSW shows.

Breakaway Records- 1704 E. 5^th St #105, (512) 538-0174

This all vinyl record store offers all genres but has a large selection or soul, funk, garage, punk, country and R&B. They even have $1 items. You can find LPs, 7" and 12" records. They even have listening stations in the store. Breakaway Records also has free SXSW parties from March 19-21, 2009.

Friends of Sound Records- 1704 South Congress, (512) 447-1000

This is the ultimate record store in Austin. International music lovers can take delight in Friends of Sound. They have a large collection of International music that ranges from $24.99 to $70. Their Blues and Avant Garde collections are also awesomely delicious.