Navigating SLC’s Record Stores

We love records, and we love when we can dig for them locally. Lucky for us, the Salt Lake valley has a handful of rad record stores. Some of our DJ's shared their personal love for local shops you should definitely check out.

Randy's Records @ 157 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

• So many things to say about this incredible man right here. Randy was everything that was great about records, deejaying, collecting, running a successful shop, and so much more. I'm very happy to have known him and his family over the years. Here's a few fond memories from over the years. In the pre-internet days, I would come into the shop and I could hum a melody of a song to Randy and he would instantly know the track and sell me a copy. This happened on many occasions and Randy was always interested in the "why that song?". I would explain how I thought it would mix well with another song. He understood that, and he was always excited when I picked his brain about music. We both shared a love of many genres. Back when I drove the City Weekly van delivering newspapers, twenty years ago, Randy's was my first stop on my route, so every Wednesday morning for many years I was their first customer that waited til they opened at 10am to flip through the new arrivals. I met some of my best friends through Randy's and even met my biggest hero, DJ Shadow, there one day. I remember on the 40th anniversary, Randy came up to me while I was playing 45's and complimented me on the selections I was playing. That was one of my proudest moments as a DJ, getting his seal of approval that day. Randy passed away in December of 2024, but his son Sam has been running the shop for the last few years after his retirement. - ChaseOne2
• Randy's is where it all happened for me as a record collector. Many of us in Salt Lake share the same sentiment. My first year digging was in 04’. In those days Randy's served as a mecca to our friend group. The amount of records we pulled from him is astounding. Whether it was something we were looking for or a new discovery, you couldn't go in there without leaving with something. Now having 20 years of reflection, I'm filled with immense gratitude for the memories and everlasting happiness that Randy's provided. It's a special place and a must visit in Salt Lake City. - Tony / gimme2
• The amount of records I have with a Randy’s price tag is staggering. Their selection and variety has been top notch for as long as I can remember. I don’t think I’ve ever bought a used record that wasn’t in great shape from their shop. Some of my fondest memories are waiting on the loading docks of the flower shop to get first crack at all the $2 sale’s goodies. Randy’s musical tastes were wide and varied, I could go on and on about the times I would buy something simply because it had a Randy 5-star tag on it, no questions asked. He was a treat to talk with and his legacy continues on within this small staple SLC record shop. - bsides

Diabolical Records @ 238 S Edison St East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

• Thanks to the “music is good, genres are bad” perspective the owner Adam has, you can always find interesting new music at Diabolical. Every time I visit I leave with something I didn’t know I needed, and now can’t live without. - Coco
• I’ve found some of my favorite picks going through the recently traded-in bins. New and Used, you never know what you’ll find in this eclectic shop. Always a worthwhile stop and the owners are a lot of fun. - bsides
• One of my earliest memories of Salt Lake City was at Diabolical Records. I had just moved here, didn’t know many folks and was invited to check out a DIY show at a record store. The noise echoed through the alley of Edison street. I go in and see a small makeshift stage in the corner with record shelves pushed along the side to make way for the crowd. The bands ripped but unfortunately, I do not remember their names… I do remember “opening up the pit” and starting to mosh when someone nudges me to stop, recalling that we are in a record shop after all. It was a wicked good introduction into Salt Lake City. (Sorry for moshing in your store Adam…) Great record collection, and the owner Adam is the legendary content king. - AL

Graywhale Entertainment @ 1773 W 4700 S, Taylorsville, UT 84129

• This has become my oasis. I put my headphones on and get to digging… Started a new folder titled “Graywhale Hunting” of random records I find but might not take home. Could easily spend hours in Graywhale. - AL
• A long standing staple in Salt Lake City music is Graywhale out on the west side.  I grew up riding my bike to pick up the latest CDs from their huge selection.  As I’ve grown to collect wax, their vinyl has always been impressive with they have a wide selection of both new and used items.  -bsides
• Graywhale is one of the first stores in the entire country to buy/sell/trade CDs as the format began to boom in the mid-80s and one at which I personally spent much of my life working behind the counter. They currently have locations in Taylorsville and Ogden, and boast one of, if not thee, largest and most diverse music collections in the valley across all genres. In addition to a huge selection of LPs, CDs, and cassettes, they also have an absolutely unreal selection of movies, video games, books and more. They’re a media hoarder’s wet dream and have been a giant supporter and stalwart of the music scene in Salt Lake City since 1986. - Jon

FOUNTAIN Records @ 202 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

• If you enjoy quality records at a fraction of the price, this is your place. A true digger’s dream. Adam Michael Terry has created a beautiful thing here, it’s basically a vinyl co-op with multiple vendors who all have incredible taste. Let’s not forget that Sound Brew Coffee shares a space there too and right next door is Baby’s Bagels. Stop by one of their weekly jazz nights in the basement to hear some live music from local up and coming musicians. - Chase
• A true digger's dream is spot on here. Something for every taste provided by passionate collectors who love music. This is the deep end of the pool. If you're visiting Salt Lake, this place will surprise you in every way. People who show you new music are important. - Tony
• I have found some serious gems at Fountain, and am always enlightened by the deep knowledge of whoever is working there. Love the improv jazz nights and any live music I’ve been lucky to catch in the moody downstairs lair. Stoked on the coffee shop addition. The entire place has such a good vibe. - Coco

Sound and Vision Vinyl @ 3444 S Main St, South Salt Lake, UT 84115

• Mike can chat your ear off about the classics all day. Scooped Willie Nelson’s “Somewhere over the Rainbow” at this shop. - AL
• Hah! Mike will definitely tell you about his NYC past. It's easy to understand how much he loves records. Shops like this are great because unfortunately, there aren't many left. I was happy to find a stack of 80's soul that made my day - Tony

Raunch Records @ 1119 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

• Went in for a new skate set up… left with a new Gorillaz record…You never know what you’ll find at Raunch! - AL

The Heavy Metal Shop @ 156 E 900 S #103, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

• Whenever I’m craving raging or rocking musical relief, I can always count on the heavy metal shop to have exactly what I need. I absolutely adore the owner, a Salt Lake City king. Obviously their merch is classic as well. Such a historical staple for the city. - Coco

Lavender Vinyl @ 123 25th St, Ogden, UT 84401

• If you find yourself in Ogden, it's a must that you stop into Lavender. I was on a bike tour and still made space to fit some records from Lavender in the bike bag. Such a welcoming environment. Don’t underestimate the north! People have been hoarding records since they got off the union rail car and are finally seeing the light of day at Lavender. - AL
• Lavender Records in Ogden is one of my favorite shops on the Wasatch Front. I don’t get there as often as I would like, but when I do it never disappoints. Their used record selection is top-notch and the dollar bins have plenty of heat if you have the patience and the knee strength. - Chase
• The used section at Lavender is always impressive.  I tend to walk out with more than I anticipated spending.  A great vibe with a nicely varied and large selection of vinyl. - bsides
• I’m always consistently impressed with Lavender’s used inventory. I can’t tell you how many jazz, prog, and outsider-rock originals I’ve been astonished to find there. As all good mom-n-pops should strive to do, they’re out in the world seeking collections to purchase rather than solely banking on their clientele bringing it to them and it shows. It’s one of the best stores in the valley, so don’t overlook this queer-owned gem in downtown Ogden. - Jon

Synth and Soul Records @ online: https://www.synthandsoul.com/

• Synth & Soul’s owner, Ryan Condrick, is probably the biggest taste-maker in this City. His carefully curated inventory spans the globe and any record purchased from him just upped your collection by 100 percent. Not sure what to pick up, let Ryan steer you in the right direction, you will not be disappointed. - Chase
• Ryan's prowess is unmatchable. He puts in an insane amount of work curating his offerings. I would highly recommend Synth and Soul to any digger that's big on new discovery. He's constantly lighting the path. - Tony
• If you get to know the owner of Synth and Soul, you will unlock a vast pool of musical knowledge. Funk/Soul/Reggae/Disco whatever genre, start talking artists and tracks with Condrick and you’ll surely get introduced to some of the coolest music you didn’t know you need.  The selections are carefully curated to match those funky sounds you crave. - bsides
• One of the biggest heads in the city with unmatched taste, Ryan Condrick has done well to fill a void, not only in Salt Lake, but country-wide. For years, we’d discussed a shared frustration with having to pay exorbitant shipping fees to acquire lesser-known LPs from abroad labels that simply don’t have good US-distribution. For being a mostly online-based store, it is incredibly easy to browse by genre, price, title, format, new arrivals, etc. He also offers links to audio samples so that you can hear his deep cut offerings before purchase. Synth and Soul is a dream - you’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re not checking it on the regular. - Jon

3Hive Records @ 50 E 500 N #105, Provo, UT 84606

• Located in downtown Provo is 3Hive, a blueprint to what a record store can, and should be. I might be a little biased because the owner, Sam Cannon, and myself share very similar tastes in all things music. Don’t worry though, every single employee there has their own taste and it definitely shows as you flip through the bins. You’re definitely going to find something for the whole family here. - Chase
• I don’t make it down South often, but 3Hive is worth the trip to Provo alone. Extremely refreshing curation. I was stunned on my first visit and gleefully scoured every piece in the entire store. They’ve got a robust 7” section brimming with great singles from niche import labels like “Athens of the North” and “Les Disques Bongo Joe” that many brick & mortar stores don’t bother stocking. Friendly and knowledgeable staff - great selections, great vibe. - Jon