— Best Record Store
- And the winner is...
- Better Days Records
The Basics
Opened: 1979 (2020 for current location; had a West End location in Lyles Mall for 30-plus years)
Neighborhood: Barrett Avenue on Highlands-Germantown-Smoketown-Paristown border
Self-description: “Serving the Highlands and all of Kentuckiana.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins: 1The Voting Academy Says
“Better Days was a safe haven for me as a teenager. Ben Jones, the owner, and his staff have become family and my go-to whenever I need a music-related question answered. I can’t see Louisville without this establishment.”
- And the other nominees are...
- Great Escape
The Basics
Opened: 1977
Neighborhood: Highlands
Self-description: “Shop from 1000s of comics, movies, CDs, LPs, 45s, 78s, video games, toys and more.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 2
Total wins: 1 (2013, Best Place to Buy Comic Books)The Voting Academy Says
“The Great Escape is like a perfect indoor yard sale. I love to find comics and figurines or dig through the crates for some classic vinyl records. You are always going to leave with something cool and nostalgic. I’ve been going there since I was a kid, and it was great to take my kid there as he was growing up.”
- Guestroom Records
The Basics
Opened: 2013
Neighborhood: Clifton (Highlands location announced to open this fall)
Self-description: “We love special orders!”
Website: guestroomrecordslouisville.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Used to love spending a Friday night/Saturday morning standing in line for special, limited-edition vinyl releases. I’m at the age now where I don’t do the overnight camping anymore, but I loved when Guestroom had a line that started at noon the Friday before a Saturday release.”
- Matt Anthony’s Record Shop
The Basics
Opened: 2012
Neighborhood: Irish Hill
Self-description: “A record shop for people who like records.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
Total wins for Matt Anthony himself: 1 (2011, Best Sexy Radio Voice, WFPK DJ)A Nice Internet Review!
“He’s spinning AMAZING stuff in there. A record store with character and personality.”
- Surface Noise
The Basics
Opened: 2016
Neighborhood: Irish Hill
Self-description: “Record store/bookstore/art gallery/intimate venue.”Best of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
A Nice Internet Review!
“A gem for crate-digging obsessives.”