Six of the best places to spin the black circle in southern Colorado

By William J. Dagendesh

Vinyl albums and 45 rpm singles are enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to a combination of collectability, sound quality and the experience of simply dropping a needle on this cherished nostalgic format.

Although digital music and streaming dominate today’s music industry, music lovers of all ages are embracing vinyl’s unique and irresistible qualities. Vinyl is durable because its larger packaging enhances the visibility and detail of the album’s cover art. Also, vinyl sometimes includes liner notes, lyric sheets, patches, posters, stickers and other bonus items not found in other formats.

Additionally, each used vinyl disc offers a personal story. Enthusiasts might find faded cellophane tape binding a worn album cover, or an occasional snap, crackle or pop wafting from the grooves as the disc spins like a thoroughbred careening down the race track toward triple crown victory. It is an experience not to be only enjoyed, but celebrated. Indeed, vinyl is a cherished commodity.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of new and used record stores boasting a wide selection of artists from ABC and AC/DC to punk, funk and elevator junk, each designed to please the most discriminating music buff. With so much diversity to choose from, it’s impossible to not find something for everyone. The following record stores have the vinyl word on the subject.

Earth Pig Music

Pig out at this record lover’s paradise. New/used vinyl and CDs ranging from the Beatles to the Bangles to the Buggles and smoking accessories offer an escape from the real world. Buyers regard the store as the choice resource when buying all music-related items.

Owner Tim Atherton loves sharing stories about the store’s history as vintage vinyl sounds fill the room. “Dad started the store after leaving the military and asked me to join him. Mom handles the paperwork and I meet with customers. I want people to feel comfortable when they visit us,” Atherton said.

Earth Pig Music is located in Westside Plaza Shopping Center, 1953 W. Uintah St., about a mile from the Colorado College Campus. The phone is 719-575-9847.

The Leechpit Records and Vintage

Feeling groovy about building a vinyl collection? This long-running small business music shop offers scores of new and used records as well as vintage clothing, toys and collectibles.

The Leechpit offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for music lovers, collectors and those who possess an eye for the eclectic. Its carefully curated vinyl collection spans all genres and eras. The store specializes in vinyl from the latest indie releases to timeless classics such as the Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Groovy!

Visiting flea markets when they were children ignited Adam and Heather Leech’s passion to launch the store. “I had a passion for vintage music, she had a passion for vintage clothing. And, we love people who love these things,” Adam said. The address is 3020 W. Colorado Ave. To learn more call 719-634-3675.

Oddball Store Music and More

Just as the name implies, the store buys, sells, trades, consigns and donates oddities. Also, the store offers unique collectibles for sale ranging from games, high-end sports memorabilia, T-shirts and jackets, themed chess sets, wall decor and, of course, vintage vinyl.

Also, visitors thrill to the variety of musical instruments offered here. Clarinets, drums, flutes, guitars, violins and more fill the music room to overflowing. Oddball offers everyday discounts for veterans and first responders, and gift certificates are available.

“You could be 100 years old, visit our store and find something from your childhood. And, we fix old radios, too,” said store manager/repair technician Matt St. Amand. Much of the proceeds go to the Wild Animal Sanctuary. The address is 2413 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs. The phone is 719-439-2857.

Tiger Records

An appropriately named outlet as visitors enjoy a paw-sitive experience when shopping for quality vinyl, timeless tunes and forgotten gems.

Tiger Records has more than 6,000 new releases, used vinyl, classic oldies, rare finds and 45 rpm singles ranging from pop and hard rock to heavy metal and more. Also, the store sells classic posters, stickers, t-shirts, patches and offers turntable repair service. Additionally, the store trades and pays cash for vinyl, so clean out the attic and get big bucks for those stacks of wax.

“We’re popular with customers because we go the extra mile. If you want an album we don’t have, we will try to get it for you,” said co-owner Shawn Mayo. So, paws and relax with the best sounding vinyl, located at 1625 W. Uintah, Ste. J., Colorado Springs. Call 719-471-3183.

Vinyl Devotion

Owned by a vinyl-loving husband and wife team, this record shop specializes in contemporary records, posters and shirts. It sells used and new vinyl, from Acid Bath and Brothers of the Sonic Cloth to Dragonette and Veruca Salt. Also, the store carries soundtracks ranging from films such as “Carrie,” “Field of Dreams” and “Jerry Maguire” to “Mission Impossible” and “Titanic.” The shop, which also sells online, is at 2502 W. Colorado Ave., in the Springs.

What's Left Records

What’s Left Records has everything vinyl lovers need to upgrade their turntable experience. They offer a wide selection of hip-hop, punk, metal and indie music on vinyl and tapes. Look for shirts and other memorabilia. Additionally, What’s Left Records sells items from local artists and seeks to give back to help create community in Colorado Springs.

Brothers Bryan and Sean Ostrow love the Colorado Springs music scene and they play in several bands. “We have a good rapport with customers. We take care of people and try to build a good relationship, and also have local musicians perform live here,” Bryan said. What’s Left Records is located at 2217 E. Platte Ave. To learn more call 719-203-5826 or email whatsleftrecords@gmail.com.

Bonus tip: Dig for thrift store treasures

It isn’t surprising that many music lovers have launched their vinyl collection by purchasing albums from ARC Thrift Store or Goodwill Store & Donation Center.

Hidden gems can be found for the collector who isn’t afraid to dig through the record bins, and dozens of audio cassettes and CDs lining the shelves. Selections range from show tunes, instrumentals and soundtracks to easy listening melodies from the Carpenters and pop classics from Barbra Streisand, Bread and Neil Diamond.

ARC Thrift Stores are located at:
7207 N. Academy Blvd., 719-528-5263
4402 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, 719-522-1203
2780 S. Academy Blvd, 719-391-7717.

Goodwill Store and Donation Centers are located at:
2655 Waynoka Pl., 719-570-9223
4158 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, 719-266-8155
1070 Kelly Johnson Blvd., 719-531-9173