One Albuquerque record seller has a warehouse holding hundreds of thousands of records. That’s a lot of albums to flip through, and the collection is available to browse by appointment.
That warehouse is only one part of this list. Another shop has classic arcade games like Space Invaders and Frogger.
A third proudly stocks VHS tapes right next to its vinyl, which I appreciate more than I can explain.
I’m drawn to stores where the next sleeve could hide anything, from a punk rarity to a forgotten country gem. The places ahead stretch from mountain towns to big-city boulevards.
So how long could you really last before your arms are full of albums you swore you didn’t need?
1. Lost Padre Records
Two blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza, a record shop is quietly making a case for the best crate dig in the state. Vinyl Me Please once named it The Best Record Store in New Mexico.
A longtime record collector and DJ founded the shop in 2018. In January 2022, it moved into its current downtown spot, which doubled its space.
So what fills that extra room? New and vintage vinyl albums share space with 45s, cassettes, and vintage audio gear.
The genre spread covers rock, jazz, and folk. Western and country music gets a strong showing, which feels just right for Santa Fe.
Need to upgrade your setup at home? The shop sells used electronics along with record cleaning supplies.
That combo makes it easy to leave with both the album and a way to play it. Your wallet may file a complaint, but your speakers will be thrilled.
Live music shows up here at least once a month. Catching a set in a record store hits differently than a big concert hall.
Santa Fe residents get a sweet perk too. LOCALS ONLY cards give neighbors a discount, so locals have one more reason to keep coming back.
The mood stays friendly and easygoing rather than snobby. You won’t need encyclopedic knowledge to feel welcome flipping through the bins.
Hours run most days, but Wednesday is closed. Sundays wrap up at 4 PM, while Fridays and Saturdays go until 6 PM.
A downtown stroll makes the perfect lead-in. Swing by after exploring the Plaza and give yourself time to browse.
Address: 131B W Water St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
2. Eyeconik Records
Space Invaders and a stack of rare vinyl in the same room? Las Cruces has you covered.
Eyeconik Records is a locally owned shop on North Campo Street. It carries a wide selection of vinyl, CDs, and cassette tapes.
Used records are a big draw for collectors. You’ll also spot rarer pressings mixed in with the everyday finds.
The fun doesn’t stop at music. Classic arcade games like Space Invaders and Frogger give you a break between crates.
Apparel and art add even more to look at. Books and movies also turn up on the shelves.
What really sets the place apart is the help behind the counter. The owners know their stuff and will go out of their way to track down a record that isn’t in stock.
That kind of service feels old school in the best way. The shop has a throwback feel that brings the 1980s record store era to mind.
Bring the kids along without a second thought. The shop is considered good for children, and those arcade games won’t hurt.
Timing matters here, so check the calendar. The shop generally opens Wednesday through Sunday, although Friday hours vary across published listings.
Mondays and Tuesdays are closed. Plan a midweek or weekend stop when you’re in southern New Mexico.
A quick visit is totally doable. Still, between the bins and Frogger, quick might turn into a lot longer.
Bring a wish list if you have one. The owners just might help you check off a title or two.
Address: 224 N Campo St, Las Cruces, NM 88001
3. Heads Up Music
Guitars on the wall and records in the bins make a pretty strong case for skipping lunch. This small Taos shop sells vinyl, cassette tapes, and CDs, with guitars thrown into the mix.
The vibe leans compact rather than sprawling. That means you can actually see what’s in front of you instead of getting lost in endless aisles.
Don’t let the size fool your expectations, though. The record selection gives you plenty to flip through, and music fans tend to struggle with stopping.
Plan your trip carefully, because the hours are short. The shop opens Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 4 PM, and Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 PM.
That schedule actually works nicely for a weekend in Taos. You can wander Paseo del Pueblo Norte, then duck in for a dig before heading back out.
Cassette lovers get some love here too. Tapes are having a real comeback, and a shop that still carries them deserves a nod.
CDs round out the stock for anyone who wants music for the car ride home. Mountain roads in northern New Mexico are long, so a fresh disc never hurts.
Guitar players have an extra reason to stop. Browsing a rack of instruments between crates feels like a bonus round for musicians.
Families can come along without worry, since the shop is considered good for kids. Letting a young music fan pick out their first record is a pretty sweet memory to make.
A visit doesn’t need to eat your whole day. It works as a quick stop, unless the bins grab you first.
Bring patience and maybe a little self-control. You’ll probably need more of the second one.
Address: 226 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571
4. Nob Hill Music
Thousands of albums and an inventory you can search before visiting. That’s a pretty strong combination for anyone hunting a specific record.
Nob Hill Music sits along historic Route 66 in Albuquerque. The shop carries vinyl albums, cassette tapes, CDs, and audio equipment.
Crate diggers, this one’s for you. Jazz and rock are particular strengths, but the selection stretches across plenty of other genres.
Country, reggae, soul, and funk are among the options. The store also stocks soundtracks and New Mexico music.
Why does this matter? A searchable inventory gives collectors a way to check for particular titles before making the trip.
The shop updates its online record database regularly. Customers can request that available albums be held for pickup.
Albuquerque itself adds to the fun. Historic Route 66 makes a good setting for a record-shopping afternoon.
The selection extends beyond the records on display. The business also has access to thousands of additional LPs stored off-site.
Need something that isn’t listed? The shop accepts music requests, giving collectors another way to track down albums.
Audio enthusiasts get another reason to visit. Nob Hill Music also handles consignment sales of selected stereo equipment.
Record supplies are part of the selection too. Look for protective sleeves, storage accessories, and other useful extras.
Treat it like a treasure hunt. The searchable inventory may help narrow your options, but browsing the shop still leaves room for surprises.
Address: 3904B Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
5. DeeCee’s Record Room
No algorithms and no endless scrolling, just bins. That’s the promise at DeeCee’s Record Room, and it sounds like a pretty good deal.
The Albuquerque shop calls itself a crate-digging destination for music heads, collectors, and the curious. You’ll find new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes.
Genre fans get a serious lineup here. Punk, indie, soul, funk, hip-hop, reggae, ska, jazz, and metal all show up.
Post-punk, new wave, and alternative fill out the list too. Plenty of sounds don’t fit neatly into any category, which is half the fun.
Fresh records hit the bins regularly. That means a return trip next month could turn up something new.
The mix runs from essential classics to deep cuts. Unexpected finds are part of the plan, not an accident.
Got a stack of records collecting dust? DeeCee’s buys, sells, and trades vinyl along with full music collections.
That makes it handy for cleaning out a closet. Trade a few old albums and walk away with something you’ll actually spin.
Kids are welcome, and the shop is considered good for children. A box of ska records might be the start of a lifelong habit.
Check the hours before you head out. The shop opens noon to 5 PM on Monday, then Friday through Sunday.
Tuesday through Thursday it stays closed. Plan a long weekend dig and you’ll have the most options.
The Broadway Boulevard address puts it close to downtown. Pair the stop with a drive around the city’s southeast side.
Leave your phone in your pocket for a bit. The thrill of the dig works best with both hands free.
Address: 1810 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
6. SloLow Vinyl Records
Hundreds of thousands of records in a separate warehouse. Yes, you read that right, and collectors can arrange an appointment to explore it.
SloLow Vinyl Records has a retail presence on Central Avenue in Albuquerque. Its booths inside Antiques & Things offer vinyl alongside music-related vintage treasures.
The antique-store setup makes this stop feel different from a typical shop. Records are organized in bins, making it easier to browse different genres.
Rare records turn up throughout the stock. Serious collectors can chase long-lost titles while casual fans grab favorites.
Thinking about selling? The owners buy records and are known for offering fair prices.
That’s useful if you inherited a pile of albums you don’t play. Turn them into cash or new finds for your own shelf.
A visit here can stretch out quickly. Shoppers often say you could spend a lot of time digging, so be ready.
Snacks in the car and a charged phone for your wish list help. A plan keeps you from wandering aimlessly through the stacks.
Hours are generous compared to some shops. Tuesday through Saturday runs 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday goes noon to 5 PM.
Mondays are closed, so skip that day. A Saturday morning start gives you the most breathing room.
Central Avenue is part of old Route 66 in Albuquerque. Cruising the historic road before a record hunt feels fitting.
Vintage items add another layer to the search. Keep your eyes open beyond the vinyl, too.
Bring a sturdy bag or a crate of your own. With a selection this size, you probably won’t leave with only one album.
Address: 4710 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
7. LongHair Records
A Japanese cover of In the Navy on a 45? That’s the kind of oddball treasure LongHair Records is known for.
This Albuquerque shop offers a curated mix of vinyl, cassettes, and VHS tapes. The VHS section alone makes it a fun stop for movie nerds.
Eclectic is the key word here. The stock leans toward the strange, the rare, and the stuff other stores rarely carry.
Rarities show up often, which keeps collectors coming back. You might walk out with something you didn’t know existed an hour earlier.
The staff knows the stock well. Ask for a recommendation, and you’ll probably get a thoughtful answer.
Good help like that turns a quick browse into a real music lesson. It’s a great way to discover a new favorite band.
Night owls, take note. The shop sometimes stays open later, although extended evening hours aren’t guaranteed.
The official website lists approximate hours from noon to at least 6 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. Appointments are also available, so plan around that.
Ordering ahead is an option too. In-store pickup makes it easy to grab a record you already have in mind.
The San Mateo Boulevard spot is easy to reach in Northeast Albuquerque. It fits nicely into a day of hopping between New Mexico record shops.
Give the VHS shelves a look before you leave. A worn tape might be the perfect partner for your new album.
Fair warning, your idea of normal music may shift. That’s kind of the point.
Address: 1315 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110