Randy’s Records: Keeping it old school since 1978

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The Randy's Records sign highlights the shop is niche as Utah's vinyl specialist since 1978. (Hayden Harman)
The Randy’s Records sign highlights the shop is niche as Utah’s vinyl specialist since 1978. (Hayden Harman)

Randy’s Records serves as a resource for those who still love or are newly curious about the old-school medium of groovin’ to their favorite jam: the vinyl record. The store offers a variety of options for exploring this analog – based music technology.

“[Randy’s Records] is unique because it isn’t too glitzy,” said Sierra Davis, a political science major from Idaho. “They kind of just let the records speak for themselves.”

Randy’s Records was started in 1978 by Randy Stinson, a record collector who had started accumulating a large collection of rare vinyl records, called 45s, 25 years prior to opening the store.

Since its opening, Randy’s Records has specialized in oldies records but also carries a variety of other music. During the rise of CDs in the 1990s, when many thought vinyl records would become obsolete, Stinson still bought and sold records.

“That’s the reason we’re still in business here, is because of Randy’s dedication to vinyl,” said Chris Copelin, assistant manager of Randy’s Records.

Randy’s Records has around 20,000 priced and ready-to-sell records that range from classical to metal, jazz to reggae, hip-hop to indie and everything in between. The store sell both used and new records. The quality of the records the store sells is one thing that sets the store apart from other music stores, according to Copelin.

New and used vinyl records from a variety of music genres lines the walls of Randy's Records. (Hayden Harman)
New and used vinyl records from a variety of music genres lines the walls of Randy’s Records. (Hayden Harman)

“You can buy a record here and know that it’s going to sound good,” Copelin said. “It’s not going to be so scratched that it’s no fun to listen to.”

About every quarter, Randy’s Records has a $1 used record sale where collectors, both new and old, can expand their record collections.

Jeremy Divine, a clerk at Randy’s Records, said what he enjoys most about vinyl is the process of putting a record on a turntable.

“It’s a little less convenient, so it’s more involved. I kind of like that aspect of it,” Divine said.

Copelin said one thing that makes listening to music on vinyl unique is the experience of being able to handle a tangible object where one can see detail and enjoy the big artwork and liner notes that come with records.

“The other huge part of it is the sound difference, like it’s undeniable how much better it is,” Copelin said.

People interested can stay updated on new record arrivals and the dates of the $1 record sale by visiting www.randysrecords.com or joining the Randy’s Records Shop Facebook page.

Randy’s Records is located at 157 E. 900 South in Salt Lake City.

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays and Mondays

 

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