Browse vinyl at these 4 record shops in WV

Music has come a long way from its early days on vinyl to its present form in digital. You’d think that beloved, scratchy old 33 1/3 rpm would have gone the way of the dodo bird by now. But thanks to nostalgia, coupled with music collectors’ desire to return to a more “pure” sound, the vinyl record is experiencing a comeback. Check out some of the vinyl offerings here in West Virginia:

1. Sullivan’s Records

Sullivan’s Records in Charleston’s East End carries thousands of new and used records, not to mention CDs DVDs, posters, T-shirts, turntables and record players, and a sizable collection of used books. There’s a lot of stuff to sift through, but mining for treasure is part of the fun. While you’re browsing, you might get to enjoy some live music from the local musicians who frequently play here. Customers rave about the knowledgeable, helpful employees, too. (If Sullivan’s doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll special order it for you!)

2. Elk City Records

At Elk City Records, you won’t find many items beyond records, but what a collection you’ll find! The owner, indulging a lifelong love of jazz music, opened the store in Charleston’s historic Elk City district with the intention of scouring the countryside for some of the finest collectible vinyl. In addition to the hundreds of jazz and classical albums in stock, you’ll find plenty of rock, pop and country. Elk City Records also hosts live music and just recently partnered with the Marshall University Jazz Combo to bring a series of performances to the store.

3. Assumption Records

Assumption Records carries more than 27,000 titles in its online catalog and thousands more on the floor at its Rivesville store. You’ll find new and local music selections among the well-organized collection here, along with music-themed items like band T-shirts and jewelry. Also, be on the lookout for special events like National Record Store Day, when the store hosts concerts on the storefront lawn.

4. Cheap Thrills Records

Cheap Thrills Records has been serving the southern half of the state and surrounding portions of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina for more than 20 years. The first store opened in Princeton in 1995 with a modest selection of music, but the inventory quickly grew. In 1999 Cheap Thrills opened a second location in Beckley, and eventually both stores moved to bigger locations as they expanded. The stores carry a wide variety of music, from vinyl to CDs, and stocks DVDs, video games and video game systems, posters, T-shirts, body jewelry and more. If you’re in a hurry, the Princeton shop even has a drive-thru window!

Where is your favorite spot to browse records?

This post was last updated on March 7, 2024