Face it, these days everyone is a DJ. Much like back in the day when everyone had a Stratocaster; now days everyone has a couple of CD-Js lying around the house so that they can pretend to be a DJ. Even if you don’t, nevertheless, that won’t impede you from checking out these top record shops. We use the term loosely, too. We are well aware that vinyl has gone the way of the dinosaur, or at least the way of the payphone. Still, for those discerning few that can’t live without the wax, we have you covered too. In fact even if you’re still rockin' an 8-track this better-than-a-sherpa guide has something for you.
At this time tested south beach shop you can find pretty much anything you are looking for. The inventory ranges from clothing, concert tickets, CD’s, and vinyl to detoxifiers, incense, DJ bags, headphones and needles to scratch with. It’s a favorite with locals and DJs alike not only for their selection, but for the serendipitous fact that they are open late. A good thing, particularly if you keep DJ hours.
Uncle Sam’s: 1141 Washington Ave, Miami Beach; 305-532-0973; unclesamsmusic.com.
At this fine establishment the gimmick is that they have record players right there in the store. Nowhere near the size of Uncle Sam’s, the staff here has to be very discerning. They only carry CDs and vinyl, but their selection is impeccable. Plus, if you are a DJ, it comes in handy to be able to listen to a track right there in the store before you buy it. The loungy atmosphere makes this place a winner. It’s also a great place to socialize with like-minded musical connoisseurs. Grooveman: 1543 Washington Ave; Miami Beach; 305-535-6259.
Open for business for longer than most Miamians can remember, Blue Note is a sterling example of how selection and taste can outdo giant corporations even in the music biz. Here you can find history, hard to find albums and an amazing selection of jazz and bootleg records from yesteryear.
Blue Note Records: 16401 NE 15th Ave, Miami; 305-940-3394.
This new and improved shop owned by the lovely and totally Indie Lauren Reskin, owes its success to the legions of local rockers that have made it their own. A crazy little place with more style than inventory, here you can expect to find the hottest Miami musical talent pimping their work. If it’s Indie and cool it’s probably sitting on a shelf at this store.
Sweat Records: 5505 NE 2nd Ave, Miami; 305.758.5862 x5; sweatrecordsmiami.com.
If you’re just looking to buy the latest Britney CD or something a bit more innocuous like a DVD of Journey for dad. Then forget about the rest. This is store at Sunset Place is all you.
The Virgin MegaStore: 5701 Sunset Dr, Miami; 305-665-4445; VirginMegaStore.com.
For those of you who have embraced the digital revolution, there can be no better place than this virtual record shop that lets you download tracks from DJs you’ve never even heard about spinning all the way on the other side of the globe.
Beatport.com: The Information Superhighway, Everywhere; Unlisted; beatport.com.
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