Please your inner record geek and visit one of these revered vinyl shops in Connecticut. Although music pessimists bemoan the current state of the music industry, they seem to underestimate the power of the local business. Not only do these places carry vinyl, but they are regarded as neighborhood treasures—jewels that deserve much more recognition.

Mystic Disc
10 Steamboat Wharf
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-1312
Hours: Mon – Sat 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mystic-Disc/299943149436

Mystic Disc is known to carry LP and collectible records by artists produced between the years 1964 and 1985. Conveniently located in picturesque downtown Mystic, the store also offers vinyl and allows customers to trade and/or sell records. Although somewhat cramped for space, Mystic Disc is an eclectic haven, a place for hardcore and casual collectors alike. If the store doesn’t have what you are looking for, it can easily be ordered.

Replay Records
2586 Whitney Avenue #2
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 934-9999
Hours: Mon– Fri 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
http://www.replayrecordsct.com

Officially established in 1989 by Doug and Mary Snyder, Replay Records specializes in new and used vinyl. Customers sincerely appreciate the knowledgeable and personable staff; they are only too eager to chat up fellow music aficionados. Additionally, the prices are reasonable and the quality selection is respectable. Like the aforementioned Mystic Disc, if the particular vinyl is not in the store, Replay records will gladly order it.

Redscroll Records
24 North Colony Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 265-7013
Hours: Sun – Mon 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Tues – Sat 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
http://www.redscrollrecords.com

Looking for unbeatable selection and fair prices? Stop by Redscroll Records in Wallingford and find yourself surrounded by wall-to-wall records. Searching for that specific record for your eclectic music junkie? Redscroll is your savior! Unsure about purchasing a record? Redscroll allows you to listen to records and avoid that pesky feeling called “buyer’s remorse.”

Merle’s Record Rack
307 Racebrook Road
Orange, CT 06477
(203) 795-9033
Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
http://www.merlesrecordrack.com/

If you’re into the music’s best known icons, Merle’s is the place. From Elvis, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith, are a few of the artists that the store carries. Turntable on the fritz? Mere’s Record Rack can help, as they offer repairs for receivers, amplifiers, or turntable tubes.

Brass City Records
489 Meadow Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
(203) 574-7805
Hours: Mon– Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
http://www.brasscityrecords.com/

Brass City Records provides a no-bull shopping experience for the music purist. Brass City Records is also known for hosting live performances. The store offers a wide range of music, from punk, new wave, and jazz. If you’re unsure about a potential purchase, Brass City Records also has listening stations to ensure overall customer satisfaction.

Vanessa Willoughby lives in Waterford. A recent graduate of The New School’s MFA program, she also blogs for the entertainment and music website, 411mania.com