There are many different kinds of record stores. The differences may be small, but when you’ve been to enough of them, you’ll start to notice the little things that set one apart from another.
Posters almost always adorn the walls, but how many? Is it the kind of place where hundreds of gig posters are placed on every single inch of real estate? Should this be the case, expect to hear some punk-adjacent tunes playing over the speakers while you browse. Perhaps there are some tasteful indoor plants and an abundance of leather furniture. If so, then you’d best start digging through the jazz section because there’s a good chance that’s what this store’s owner knows best. Modern lighting, white walls, and brightly colored fixtures- this is your go-to spot for new releases. There are a dozen more, but my point is; the ambiance of a record shop is just as responsible for the experience as the selection of records available. Such is the case at Songbyrd Records.
The reality is, I’m not always in the mood just to buy a record and leave. Completing the purchase is the end goal, but the anticipation, the atmosphere, and the post-purchase pillow talk are what elevates a good record store romp to something truly satisfying. This is exactly what Songbyrd Records offers.
What to expect at Songbyrd Records
With possibly the coolest record store location in Northern Colorado, this basement shop may be the new kid on the block in Fort Collins, but it will instantly become many audiophiles’ go-to spot for crate digging. Focusing almost exclusively on used records, there are a ton of great finds to be had and more records are added to the selection every day. The store also operates as a vinyl-enthusiast hangout spot, hosting meet-ups with live music, rare records, food trucks, and more.
There is a distinct homey feel to this store. The warm lighting, causal browsing experience, and amazing music playing make this an experience distinctly different from some of the other shops in the area. At times it feels less like a record store, and more like browsing through your cool friends’ dad’s collection.
Selection and pricing at Songbyrd Records
One of the main jobs of a record store is to introduce people to new music. Records they’ve never heard of, records they’ve heard of but thought they wouldn’t like, and records they know but have never fully appreciated. Songbyrd delivers on this front as well. The owner has an infectious excitement for all things music that can have you trading obscure artists for hours. No matter what kind of music you listen to, expect your next favorite artist to be on the turntable within a few minutes of walking in. In my experience record store employees tend to play the music they like. During my visit to Songbyrd the owner was listening to a record he had never heard before which allowed for a sort of first impressions discussion of the record. It was sort of refreshing to not be trembling beneath the musical knowledge and suggestions of a record store emplyee for once.
There is no genre bias here and a huge variety of used records is available. This is a true “used” record store so don’t expect to find any of the latest releases here. For that, head to All Sales Vinyl and Driver 8 records just up the street. Songbyrd Records is a place you come to dig and to pad your collection. There aren’t a ton of rare records floating through but the new arrivals bin is still worth a glance. Expect lots of records from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s and mostly rock.
As far as pricing goes, the shops employs a fairly unique pricing method. They keep it simple with colored stickers indicating prices: $5, $10, or $15. etc. Hopefully you aren’t colorblind. Prices of the records themselves were more than fair during my visit.
The selection here is more than adequate but it is the ambiance that makes Songbyrd records truly special.
My Thoughts on Songbyrd Records
Songbyrd Records is your friendly neighborhood used record store. This isn’t some shop filled with tons of crazy used records that are upwards of $200. Nor is this the place where hardcore collectors will be making a pilgrimage to. Stop by every once in a while, chat with the owner, then spend $50 and go home with a pile of records you will actually listen to.
Records Purchased:
Peter, Paul, and Mary – In the Wind
Address:
526 S College Ave B, Fort Collins, CO 80524