A ‘Record Store Day’ Tribute To Wyoming’s Best Music Shops

One of the unfortunate casualties of the information age is the decline of record stores. While fans have more access to music online than ever before, we have lost something truly special. The local record store was more than just a place to discover music, it was a gathering place for music lovers. Record shops were pivotal to the culture in the cities and towns where they operated.

Luckily, there are still a few old school record stores left in Wyoming. They are the last of a dying breed and we hope they will continue to survive. In honor of National Record Store Day, here are the best shops in the Cowboy State.

Ernie November in Cheyenne - Part of a chain that operates stores in Montana and South Dakota, Ernie November specializes in new releases, vinyl, clothing, and music memorabilia. They've been rockin' in Downtown Cheyenne since 1996 and they're still going strong.

Sonic Rainbow in Casper - An old school record store with a local vibe, Sonic Rainbow stocks music and merchandise from several Wyoming bands, along with an impressive vinyl collection.

Graffiti Records in Rock Springs - Everything a small town record store should be, they specialize in metal and punk, offering a wide variety of new releases and old records. They also carry clothing and accessories for rockers in western Wyoming.

Phoenix Books and Music in Cheyenne - If you're a collector, chances are you will unearth some buried treasures at this quaint little shop in downtown Cheyenne. They also host the monthly Knights of the Turntable meeting, where a gathering of music enthusiasts share their passion for vintage vinyl.