Way before we had playlists in the palm of our hands and everyone listened to the same trendy music, we went to the record store, a whole world where you could discover new music and you flipped through bins like it was your day job.
The record store was the place where you literally judged an album by its cover and the place where the clerk was tired of seeing you there for hours. Especially for Gen X it was the place to gather and find your identity and taste.
These photos show how it turned into their second home. Friendships were formed, artists were discovered, and moments were enjoyed with a vinyl at your hand.
1
Students
Everyone could have a good time.
2
Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall
Probably looking for The Breakfast Club vinyl.
3
Bonding time
Some records were passed through generations.
4
Groovy tiles
All the deco was like another world.
5
Friendly hangout
There was no better plan than this.
6
Bruce Springsteen
Release week really was crazy.
7
Greatest hits
There was a record for anyone and everyone.
8
The misfits
Even rebels loved hanging out here.
9
Ice Cube
And if you ran into your idol, even better.
10
Coolness overload
The outfits scream Gen X.
11
Vampira and The Misfits
The days where you could get an easy autograph.
12
Carefree
Walking down the aisles like you own it.
13
Everything Madonna
You just wanted to get everything.
14
Nikki Sixx
Stars also loved visiting the record store
15
Ozzy signing a fan
Some were super lucky and took more than a record.
16
Record store owner
The boss of the place.
17
Serious business
Once you were at checkout there was no going back.
18
Best employee
Recommendations were always a plus.
19
Forever in style
Having a collection like this was the dream.
20
Happy costumer
Every time you bought something new, it was like a hug.
