As a zealous vinyl collector, I’m always looking for new record stores to check out in my free time. I’m a chronic window-shopper with a wishlist of LPs a mile long that I “swear I’ll buy on my next paycheck.”
If you aren’t from the area, it can be difficult to break into the record scene in the Springs. This article will guide you to the record stores you should check out first, depending on your personal needs.
The Leechpit Records and Vintage – 3020 W. Colorado Ave.
Leechpit is my absolute favorite record store due to its wide variety of vinyl in different genres. The store is divided into sections by genre, including punk, pop, hip-hop and soul, with records new and used.
This store is famous for its “Keep Colorado Springs Lame” stickers, the highlight of its extensive collection of stickers, punk patches and pins. It also features a collection of unique clothing from crochet vests to floral suit jackets to funky-patterned pants. They recently expanded the store and offer new oddities including vintage games and magazines.
The Leechpit is 15 minutes from UCCS and has the easiest parking to find with the lot right out front. It remains my go-to when I’m looking for vinyl, and it’s my favorite spot for Record Store Day, when artists release exclusive vinyl to indie record stores around the United States.
Oddball Store Music and More- 2413 W. Colorado Ave.
This store in Old Colorado City has a solid collection of old records for sale, but not a large variety of genres available.
True to form, Oddball seems to mostly deal in oddities, featuring eclectic dishware, unusual clothing and a couple of katanas for some reason. There was a room filled with instruments for sale, including guitars, drums and a bright pink clarinet.
Oddball was a bit of a maze, but as long as you keep walking towards the back of the store, you’ll eventually find every eccentric room. It’s located 15 minutes from UCCS and has the hardest parking to find — there is no designated lot, only street parking where you can find it.
This store is definitely worth checking out for its uniqueness, but I wouldn’t search for vinyl here unless you’re in the market for antiques.
What’s Left Records- 2217 E. Platte Ave.
What’s Left Records is known for its involvement in the local music scene, and it doubles as a concert venue for local bands.
The selection of vinyl was limited mainly to metal, punk and hardcore. However, there was a surprisingly wide selection of cassettes available. What’s Left also had CDs, comic books and a small selection of clothing for sale.
The store is 11 minutes from UCCS. The parking lot is located around the back and can only be accessed from the west side of the building. I wouldn’t recommend What’s Left if you’re strictly looking for records, but I would recommend checking out one of their shows with some friends.
The doors time for all shows is at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 will feature queercore and punk bands, Sept. 25 will feature death doom and Sept. 29 will feature thrash bands.