Your guide to shopping for vinyl records in Nashville

For some audiophiles, every Saturday feels like Record Store Day.

The annual holiday celebrating indie record shops with collectable releases, block parties and one-day deals returns this Saturday to shops in Nashville and abroad. Local artists Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires act at this year's Record Store Day ambassadors; special releases for 2023 include Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, Elvis Presley, Grateful Dead — and the list goes on.

But what about every other weekend of the year? Let's break down some of the go-to spots for music shopping in Middle Tennessee year-round and what makes each a unique destination.

(Please, keep your pitchforks at home. This list isn't exhaustive; your favorite shop wasn't snubbed on purpose.)

Record Store Day 2023: Your guide to block parties, exclusive titles and more

For a deep dive into Nashville's music scene, visit ...

Grimey's New and Preloved Music

A major artery in the heartbeat of Nashville's music community, the two-story Grimey's is a can't-miss destination for music fans in Music City — no matter if they collect albums yet or not. Grimey's features a treasure chest of new titles weekly — including occasional autographed copies from local talent like Sturgill Simpson and the Black Keys — plus a rotating selection of priced-to-sell used wax. Head downstairs for a curated selection of music books and fiction titles.

And on any given day, local music fans may catch one of the city's sought-after songwriters on its showcase stage. The shop regularly holds listening parties, in-store shows and signing events. Upcoming events include Kip Moore, St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Tommy Prine, among others.

Plus, where else in town has been endorsed by Metallica and Taylor Swift?

More information at www.grimeys.com/events.

For a small-town road trip, visit ...

Variety Records

In Columbia, audiophiles can find Variety Records tucked into the photo-ready southwest corner of the town square. This small, well-stocked shop boasts deep stacks of used LPs and highly curated new finds, including sought-after titles in rock, country, hip-hop and Americana (this reporter snagged a copy of Billy Strings' second album "Home" at Variety last year).

Located roughly 40 miles south of Nashville, visitors can come for the wax and stay for a stroll through downtown Columbia, which includes Variety neighbor Muletown Coffee Roasters, as well as a handful of local restaurants, gift shops and nearby bookstore, Duck River Books.

More information at varietyrecords.com.

For an all-day hunt, visit ...

Phonoluxe Records

With 35 years in Nashville, southside shop Phonoluxe features a deep collection of good-priced new LPS, rare used finds and virtually all vinyl in between. With a well-stocked floor that updates regularly, it's the type of place record collectors need to budget an entire afternoon to visit — and some may need to plan that afternoon in advance, as the shop is open only on weekends.

And it isn't exclusively a vinyl stop. Those looking for CDs, cassettes or used listening gear and trust Phonoluxe to deliver.

More information at www.facebook.com/phonoluxerecords/.

For beers AND vinyl, visit ...

Vinyl Tap

This East Nashville shop creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere by teaming beer taps with record shopping (a potent combination, as too much of one could lead toward buying a whole lot of the other). The neighborhood haunt keeps a solid inventory of new vinyl — including signed local releases and Record Store Day finds — and pours craft beer from breweries local and abroad. During a given day, bargoers may gather to shop and catch a can't-miss game; at night, the store sometimes transforms into a gathering spot for like-minded locals to enjoy DJ sessions or local music showcases.

More information at vinyltapnashville.com.

For a neighborhood experience, visit ...

The Groove

A house-turned-storefront in East Nashville, the Groove features can't-miss new releases, limited-run specials and a used collection full of hidden treasures — all at a fair price for collectors. As much as Nashville collectors look to the Groove for LPs, it's known as a go-to spot for local events. The house regularly hosts backyard showcases, Record Store Day events, timely benefit concerts and Halloween movie marathons.

More information at thegroovenashville.com.

For the only-in-Nashville vinyl experience, visit

Third Man Records

OK, OK, so stepping foot in a Third Man shop isn't exclusive to Nashville; the vinyl-centric record label and collectable storefront has expanded to London and owner Jack White's native Detroit since opening a Music City outpost in 2009. But nothing quite tops visiting the original.

Third Man Records operates unlike any other shop in Nashville, boasting exclusive label releases and memobeila from White's expansive career as a sought-after rock 'n' roller. Collectors may not find the latest major label release on shelves at Third Man, but they're likely to stumble across a rare pressing from a famed artist — like Billie Eilish's "Live At Third Man" album or Paul McCartney's ultra-rare recycled pressing of 2020 album "III."

After hours, the adjacent Blue Room Bar hosts a calendar of curated talent ranging from punk icon Laura Jane Grace to Americana breakout Emily Nenni and Third Man's own Olivia Jean.

More information at thirdmanrecords.com/pages/nashville-store.

For the best alternative finds, visit ...

Luna Record Shop

Fans of modern and throwback alternative music — punk, metal, emo, indie rock, new wave, etc. — should road trip to Luna Record Shop inside the Factory at Franklin. The shop features a robust selection of buzzed-about new vinyl, while also stocking pre-owned shelves with discs in the aforementioned genres that collectors may otherwise need to hunt to find on eBay or Discogs. And there's still plenty on the Luna shelves for those wanting new and used country, jazz, pop and others.

More information at lunarecordshop.com.

For a used haul, visit ...

Alison's Record Shop

Located in off Charlotte Pike in West Nashville, Alison's Record Shop specializes in high-quality vintage albums. Looking to start your collection with classic hits from David Bowie, AC/DC or the Rolling Stones? Searching for one throwback LP to complete your collection? Alison's may be the best place to start.

More information at alisonsrecordshop.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Your guide to Nashville record stores and vinyl shopping in Nashville