Giacomo Bertolatti listens to dance music at Uncle Sam's Music. Photo: Alexia Fodere.
Spin doctors: an indie music store guide
By Aleksandra Bookman
Let's face it: listening to music these days just isn't the same as when our hippie parents would sit around in a room full of lit... candles, feeling each other's "auras" to the spin of a 12" record. Vinyl was replaced by cassette tapes, which were replaced by CDs, which have been replaced by iPods. One can have an extensive and impressive music collection without any traces of one. Thankfully, there are some people out there who are still in hot pursuit of the 12". Whether the Jimi Hendrix album cover inspires the occasional acid flashback, you're a DJ who couldn't be bothered with all of this new technology or you just want to impress hipster chicks with your indie music knowledge, we've compiled a list of groovy record stores in Miami. Leave the iPod at home.
Yesterday and Today Records: After being around for 27 years and claiming the title of oldest record store in South Florida, these people know their music. With a helpful staff and a truly fine selection ("thousands of 45s") of, well, everything, Y&T is the place you want to go if you're a serious music aficionado. Here you'll find vinyl ranging from surf to gospel to exotica to world music. Y&T does, however, specialize in folk, psychedelic and classics from the '60s and '70s, starting at $1. Mom and dad might appreciate this gem more than you.
Recent bestsellers (not surprisingly): Beatles, Led Zepp, Miles Davis, John Coltrane
9274 SW 40th St.; 305-554-1020.
Sweat Records: Having just celebrated its three-year birthday (and acquired a new, additional space down the road), Sweat Records has the majority of their collection vested in independent records. Of course, if you're not interested in exploring the unknown, they also offer the basics: '80s, rock, techno, house and the obligatory classic rock. After you buy your new 45s, relax at their full coffee bar, complete with a saltwater fish tank and a projector playing movies all day.
Put on your shoulder pads, feather your hair and pick up their recent bestsellers: Talking Heads and David Bowie
5505 NE 2nd Ave; 305-758-5862x5.
Groove Man Music: While workers here can appreciate the excitement of flipping through countless album covers, something we all craved after watching John Cusack assemble (and reassemble) his collection in High Fidelity, they recognize the feeling is fleeting these days. Groove Man has been around for eight years and even though their rock vinyl selection is slowly dwindling, they have the electronic base covered. House, techno and trance albums are also flanked by hip-hop and R&B. And in case you were cold while browsing, Groove Man has its own clothing line.
Recent bestsellers: Tiesto and music from the labels Defected and Ultra
1543 Washington Ave.; 305-535-6257
Uncle Sam's Music: This Miami Beach staple has been around for about 24 years and is a member of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores. The smell of incense and the sight of turntable listening stations make any patron feel welcome to the evanescent world of records. At Uncle Sam's, the staff is constantly bringing in all kinds of new vinyl. From hip-hop, gothic and pop to the bastions of 12" rock, punk and dance, hardcore collectors and "a lot of people from Europe" flock to Uncle Sam's to buy their records.
1141 Washington Ave; 305-532-0973.
Super Soul Records: The name says it all. Managed by a father-son duo, the store is a branch off of the same store in the Bronx. The owner, a famous record dealer, provides exclusives in everything from hip-hop, soul and reggae to disco. Local artists are also featured prominently. Prices range from $1 for the crated Christmas specials to $100 for the precious rarities.
4606 NW 7th Ave.; 914-406-9478.
Where's your fave indie music haunt? Leave a review!
Published: 6/08
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