Gridskipper
If video killed the radio, then the iTunes and other downloadable music options have effectively killed the music store. OK, not entirely. While a few of the independent music stores that I had planned to include on this list — Kemp Hill Music and Orpheus Records — have closed or will soon, a handful of DC's independent music stores have survived the war. Here's a few of my favorites — add yours in the comments.
Melody Record Shop
1623 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Melody has been serving the District since 1977 and has the war wounds to show for it. The shabby storefront is plastered with posters that advertise the latest releases, and their selection isn't always as complete… as you'd want it to be. But I like their self-awareness; instead of resentment, this music store has taken a more nonchalant attitude toward the digital surge, evidenced by a sign on the front door that says, "We know you have a choice. Thanks for choosing us." [link]
N 38° 54.41039 W 77° 2.39466
Crooked Beats Records
2318 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
It's easy to miss this below ground hangout, but don't. They've got great staff and host in-store live shows regularly. [link]
N 38° 55.11279 W 77° 2.30485
Smash Records
2314 18th ST NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20009
Another easy-to-miss music hideaway in Adams Morgan. This place definitely specializes in the obscure, so stay away unless you can hang with the cool kids. (kalimistuk/flickr)… [link]
N 38° 55.11279 W 77° 2.30485
I Hip Hop Music
3223 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
Depending on where you live, it may be a trek to get to I Hip Hop, but the trip is worth it. And don't be fooled by the name. They carry more than hip-hop, and have a good selection of DC's homegrown brand of awesome,… go-go. [link]
N 38° 55.51599 W 77° 1.24594
House of Musical Traditions
7040 Carroll Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912
HMT is most well-known for their huge selection of musical instruments for bluegrass, folk, and other genres. That said, their recordings collection is fantastic. They go beyond folk and Americana to include a huge… selection of Celtic, Caribbean, and blues recordings, many made by local artists. At the moment, they are preparing for a move to 7010 Westmoreland Ave, with an exact move date not yet known. [link]
N 38° 58.30365 W 77° 0.39248
Comments
There's another fairly cool place called Som on 14th.
[www.somrecordsdc.com]
I find that these types of stores live and die by their staff, and Som's is superfluous.
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