Some of you still bike or drive around Burque, headed to this or that record shop; you buy your music live and in person from other humans in honest-to-goodness buildings with concrete walls, electric lighting y todo! That’s a good thing too. It’s way too easy to go all internet-style in regard to buying and selling valuable objects that contain music.Besides featuring the splendid sonic sustenance available at Charley’s 33’s and CDs as part of this year’s Alibi Gift Guide, it occurs to us here in the music department that there are still several—R.I.P. Natural Sound—perfectly fine record shops available in Burque for your consideration, perusal and acquisitive habituation. In the spirit of the season, here’s an essentially virtual tour of some brick and mortar outlets worth your while, whether as part of the upcoming gift-giving extravaganza or a more glorious strategy involving active participation in the vivid aural culture this burg has on continuous offer.
Mecca Records & Books
A scene from Mecca
Mecca
Mecca Records & Books (1404 Central SW) has a rad selection of barely used hip-hop, jazz, ska, punk and dancehall recordings, along with an interesting cross-section of indie rock titles. The store also features some new vinyl and books that may very well inflame your interest in reading something besides liner notes and the aforementioned music section of a notorious Albuquerque alt-weekly. Owner Rocky de la Vega is a consummate expert on hep sounds and forgotten masterpieces. The joint is open from 11am to 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Saturdays; on Sunday, store hours are noon to 5pm. So traipse Downtown in search of waxen relics.
Nob Hill Music
Nob Hill Music
Nob Hill Music
Nob Hill Music (3419 Central NE) bases its formidable inventory on the record collecting efforts of owner Steve Schroeder. Although Schroeder’s tastes run primarily and capably through the genres of jazz and rocanrol, the shop features a wide selection of music, including soundtracks, classical recordings and the produce of homegrown New Mexico artists. They also sell used stereo equipment in the event your PC just doesn’t do justice to the vinyl version of Black Sabbath Vol. 4 you’re hoping to get for Xmas. Nob Hill Music is also deeply tuned to the local community, offering YouTube playlists of new merchandise and sponsoring local bands at the Albuquerque Isotopes yearly concert series. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6pm.nobhillmusic.com
Cr Music & Entertainment
C R Music & Entertainment
C R Music & Entertainment
CR Music & Entertainment (5551 Midway Park NE) is owned by Matthew Gutierrez and Phil Baca, and the shop features the latest and greatest recordings of New Mexican Spanish music and Tejano tunes currently available. Featuring artists such as Shaggy Garcia y Grupo Recuerdo, Gary Hobbs and Shelly Lares, CR Music has access to work you’re not going to be able to find anywhere else in the state. They’re open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, and they also offer graphic design and talent services for their clientele.crmusicandentertainment.com
We Buy Music
We Buy Music
Stallion Alert
We Buy Music (5203 Lomas NE) may seem chaotic and overwhelming when entering for the first time. Despite the situational cacophony, there’s always melodic treasure waiting to be discovered within. Owner James Bongard clearly takes pride in the multitude of musical moments stored on a variety of media that are for sale at his shop. Friendly and knowledgeable, he’s Burque’s go-to guy when you can’t find it anywhere else and don’t give a damn about the interwebz. Save Wednesdays, We Buy Music is open daily from 11am to 6pm, and from 1pm to 5pm on Sundays.
