As the popularity of vinyl records continues to rise, it’s no surprise that record stores are popping up all over Colorado. Fort Collins saw the opening of two new record stores in 2022. Songbyrd records and Driver 8 Records. Vinyl mainstays in Denver like Twist and Shout Records are doing better than ever. This boom in Colorado record sales isn’t just good for business owners either. With more record stores opening up, it creates a market for more niche records focusing on specific genres such as Lakewoods’ Chain Reaction Records, which is known for its extensive selection of hard-to-find punk records.
There are a ton of vinyl record stores in Colorado but these are our favorite.
1. Twist & Shout Records, Denver
If there is one Colorado record store every record collector should visit, it’s Twist and Shout. Twist and Shout is, by far, the largest record store in the state in terms of selection and physical space. This place is huge and rivals the selection of world-renowned shops like Amoeba Music in Los Angeles.
Located just a stone’s throw from downtown Denver, it’s clear to anyone who’s visited why this shop is so popular. The selection of both new and used records is dizzying. While a fairly well-stocked shop can keep a seasoned crate digger busy for a couple of hours, it might take you days to thumb through all of the cardboard sleeves available at Twist and Shout.
There is also way more to explore here than just records. One of the largest selections of CDs in Denver is available at Twist and Shout. There’s also t-shirts, audio equipment, record sleeves, cleaning equipment, and an extensive selection of music-related books spread throughout the store.
Twist & Shout also focuses on stocking local and independent music whenever possible. This makes it a great place to discover some lesser-known artists and any up-and-comers in the area. I’ve spent many hours browsing the bins at Twist and Shout. While it may not be my absolute favorite shop, it’s probably the best shop in Colorado.
2. Independent Records, Colorado Springs
Independent Records is a Colorado Springs music scene staple and has been serving local vinyl lovers for over 30 years.
Although the store is not quite as big as Denver’s Twist and Shout, this still falls into the category of Record Super Store. Independent is the oldest record store in the area and of the oldest record stores in Colorado. When it comes to new releases, Independent Records is largely unmatched in the city. That’s not to say that the shelves are filled solely with Harry Styles and Taylor Swift records either. Hard-to-find used records and the classics that every collector should own can easily be found at reasonable prices.
Vinyl records are the main focus of Independent Records but the store operates as a hub for all things music. Standard record store merch is available like CDs, cassettes, posters, and audio equipment. Even if you’re not looking to add to your collection, Independent Records also hosts live music and other similar events for music lovers that are worth checking out the next time you find yourself in Colorado Springs.
3. Wax Trax Records, Denver
Denver record stores live mostly in harmony with each other. Each of the dozen or so vinyl shops spread throughout the city has its own unique vibe and selection. Just like no store can match the scale of Twist and Shout, there isn’t a record shop in Colorado that can match the style of Wax Trax Records.
Wax Trax Records is a true institution in the Denver music scene. Serving local vinyl enthusiasts and all manner of music nerds for over 40 years. For years, this was one of the only stores in Denver importing punk and new wave records from the UK. This focus on stocking independent and cutting-edge music remains a huge part of the store’s identity to this day.
The shop itself is divided into two adjacent storefronts, one that focuses on records and another that focuses on CDs. Even if you prefer one over the other, the browsing experience at both shops is well worth checking out.
This is what most people picture in their head when they hear record store. A cool store in a cool neighborhood filled with cool people and great music. Wax Trax is a mainstay in the Denver music scene and is the most stylish record store in the state.
4. Paradise Found, Boulder
Boulder is a true college town and like any college town, the people there know how to party. But no party is complete without some great music and that’s where Paradise Found comes in.
Nestled amongst the bars and restaurants of Boulders’ Pearl Street mall is Paradise Found Records. The store has changed names and owners over the years but the well-curated selection and commitment to the local music scene have never wavered.
Even though the store has a healthy mix of new and used records, this isn’t the type of record store that requires hours of digging before you find what you want. The store does an excellent job of keeping their selection varied and the crates extremely organized. It can be fun to go on a record shop treasure hunt, but the ability to find exactly what you are looking for in minutes is a more than welcome change.
Paradise Found may be the only record store in Boulder but this is no indication of a failing music scene in the college town. The record store continues to support the local music scene with live music, listening parties, and more, just like they’ve done for the last 30 years.
Paradise Found has one of the best selections of new records I’ve ever seen. The used section might leave a little to be desired for some. But there are plenty of used record stores hanging around.
5. Libby’s Old School Records, Frisco
Small-town record shops are some of my favorites and in my opinion, the most important kind of record store. Libby’s Old School Records is the perfect small-town record store.
While big cities like Denver might have a dozen record stores to choose from and twice as many places to see live music, this simply isn’t the case in more rural areas. People in small towns don’t always have a place to discover new music. Music-centered communities might simply not exist in these towns. Having a record shop as cool as Libby’s can be a game changer for those looking for a place to share their passions.
Located in Downtown Frisco, high in the Rocky Mountains, Libby’s Record Shop is a small piece of the past where things were just a little bit slower. The sign outside reads “slow down, spin vinyl” which is the perfect slogan for this little shop. Despite the store’s size, the selection is impressive and there is an undeniable feeling of nostalgia, even for those who grew up in the age of digital media. The smell, the sounds, the decor, all of it makes you long for a time when there weren’t screens to distract us every minute of the day.
Libby’s Old School Record Shop is the kind of store where you flip through the same bins three different times, not because you are looking for something you might have missed, but because you don’t want to go back to the modern world that awaits you outside. Libby’s is one of the most unique record stores in Colorado and well worth checking out for those who find themselves in ski country.