Best Record Store

Atlanta is blessed with three record stores that have thrived for 40+ years: Fantasyland, Wax ‘n’ Facts, and Wuxtry. It’s Wuxtry, though, that sets the bar for Atlanta’s vinyl shopping odyssey. The wall of new releases is a dazzling feature, meticulously organized and filled with retro and contemporary alternative rock, post-punk, country, and jazz deep cuts. The bins are filled with new and used CDs, LPs, and boxes upon boxes of 45s that are well known for being full of obscure gems. The guys behind the counter offer a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Georgia music history, and if you want banter, these guys can verbally spar for days, all in the name of fortifying your record collection. less...

Former Athens music staple LOW YO YO STUFF, well-known for its tight quarters and unwieldy selection, relocated two blocks ITP in April 2006. The shop didn’t set up camp in some hip intown neighborhood filled with artsy types and trendy bars. Instead, the Low Yo Yo dudes chose a tiny and deteriorating strip mall behind a towering office building off Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The cave of a store finally has enough space for both people and LPs. Records galore fill table after table and range in price from $5 to $100 or more, depending on how serious you are. The real fun is sitting on the floor searching through the old vinyl, priced from $1 to $2, and gawking at garish ’70s album covers. Be advised: The store is only open Fridays and Saturdays, from noon-6 p.m. less...

Former Athens music staple LOW YO YO STUFF, well-known for its tight quarters and unwieldy selection, relocated two blocks ITP in April 2006. The shop didn’t set up camp in some hip intown neighborhood filled with artsy types and trendy bars. Instead, the Low Yo Yo dudes chose a tiny and deteriorating strip mall behind a towering office building off Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The cave of a store finally has enough space for both people and LPs. Records galore fill table after table and range in price from $5 to $100 or more, depending on how serious you are. The real fun is sitting on the floor searching through the old vinyl, priced from $1 to $2, and gawking at garish ’70s album covers. Be advised: The store is only open Fridays and Saturdays, from noon-6 p.m. less...

Some places have cut back on their record stock as CDs and iPods have taken over, but not WAX N FACTS. These folks have vinyl in their veins, and it shows in their exhaustive selection of pristine rock, jazz, funk, R&B and country LPs. There’s scarcely a record that’s been pressed that a member of the veteran staff can’t identify and help you track down. Conveniently located in beautiful downtown Little Five Points, Wax N Facts also sells old-school wooden record crates. “432 Moreland Ave. 404-525-2275.” less...