Northern Colorado Record Stores: A Complete Guide of Where to Find What

 If you want newer releases...

Downtown Sound is a family-owned shop in downtown Loveland, and it's the true aficionado's record store. It's organized well, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable about turntables (they also sell and repair). They also seem pretty helpful and open to requests if you're trying to find something specific.

Does: Carry new and used vinyl.

Does: Participate in Record Store Day.

Does: Buy used vinyl.

Does: Sell and repair turntables.

If you want a vintage gem...

Formerly in Old Town, the family-owned and operated Bizarre Bazaar is now next to IHOP on College Ave. They're pretty eclectic; mostly a used book store, but they have a pretty big selection of  comics, movies and records.

I was under the impression they no longer carried new releases, but according to their Facebook page, they do have a bit of a selection of newer albums. However, if you want the records that come with pops, crackles and that certain musty smell, this is your place to set aside an afternoon and flip through crates of 'rare gems.'

I've walked out with Mamas and the Papas and Stevie Nicks albums ranging from $5-$20 before. Bizarre Bazaar does buy used vinyl, though sometimes they are on a buying hold, so you may want to check before you head in.

Does: Carry used vinyl.

Does: Participate in Record Store Day.

Does: Buy used vinyl, and accepts donations.

Does: Sell and repair turntables.

 If you want a great deal (and a free sticker)...

Yeah, this one isn't in Northern Colorado, but it's really only about a 45 minute drive from Fort Collins. We went for the first time last week, and while they have a few racks of new vinyl in the front, we were drawn to the 'used vinyl room' in the back. Most of the albums in there were only $3-$5.

From Boston to Black Sabbath to Foreigner and Toto -- if you're looking for quality '70s and '80s era records for the same price as those weird Christian gospel ones you find at Goodwill, this is your place.

Also a lot of incense goin' on in there, if you're into that.

Does: Carry new and used vinyl.

Does: Participate in Record Store Day