Portland is home to some extremely cool shit, and since this rainy little city is relatively small, a lot of this aforementioned cool shit is right next to other extremely cool shit. This is the case with the small but mighty Little Axe Records, which shares a wall with one of the best movie theaters in the country. Even if you aren’t stopping by for the latest showing at the historic Hollywood Theatre, Little Axe Records and a few surrounding businesses are still worth the trek into NE Portland.
What to Expect from Little Axe Records
Little Axe Records is one of the physically smallest record stores in Portland, but the quality of the selection makes up for it. Located on Sandy Boulevard, there are lots of reasons you may find yourself walking by the plant-filled windows of this shop. There’s the massive Hollywood Theatre next door, the mouthwatering vegan goodness offered by Doe Donuts, and the unpretentious and laid-back Wedgehead just down the street.
Find a movie you want to check out and then spend a few hours checking out the neighborhood beforehand, and you have yourself a hell of an afternoon.
Selection at Little Axe Records
The selection here is almost entirely records. There might have been the odd knick-knack for sale that I didn’t notice when I was flipping through bins, but this place is all about the music. As far as music goes, the records here are almost all used, but of the premium variety rather than the Five-for-a-dollar variety that other shops specialize in.
If there is one thing this store specializes in, it’s variety. Unlike most record shops that tend to lean heavily toward rock music, there was a more purposeful balance available here. Tons of jazz and DJ-friendly picks are available as well as a substantial world music section.
Another standout was their “premium” selection. Now, many stores have a box with all the fancy-pants records I can’t afford. But this one was filled with stuff I so desperately wanted that I found a way (I sold some bone marrow) to pick up this incredible Television live album.
If I were to compare this store to another in Portland, I think the selection is most similar to Mississippi Records. Small, but with an emphasis on variety and high-quality used picks.
Prices at Little Axe Records
Another standout part of this store is their pricing. Despite carrying more premium records than many other shops, the pricing here is extremely reasonable. This shop feels like a bit of a local collector secret. Sure, there are great pick-ups to be had at places like Music Millennium, but if you are looking for some real good used stuff, this is the place you want to be frequenting.
My Thoughts on Little Axe Records
Little Axe Records is a fantastic neighborhood shop, something Portland has plenty of. The selection is interesting, the vibes are as chill as can be, and unlike many stores, they actually have good hours. So you can pop in after work for an hour and flip through the bins before the crushing weight of responsibility forces you to go home to your stupid kids.
Selection – 8.5/10
Prices – 9/10
Vibes – 8/10
Records Purchased
Television – Live at the Old Waldorf
Address: 4142 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212