Record store tour

Today is all about scoping out record stores. Some overnight research netted us around 6 stores that look like they have the goods. I'm specifically after old, vintage stores that might be hiding the odd Elvis gem.

First stop was Luna Records in Franklin where I picked up an LP and a 45. These days it gets harder and harder to find things I don't own so walking out with two is a good start.

✅ for the good start

The next two we had lined up don’t open for another 30 minutes (12pm), so we decided to go to the furthest away one first

we made our way to Rock a Rolla in Spring Hill. This might be a tough one to top!!

You never know what you might get so I try and manage my own expectations. We enter the store and I make a b-line to the guy behind the counter, who I later learn is Jay. Jay and his brother run this store.

I asked Jay if he has any 8 Track Cassettes of Elvis. Jay said no, thinks a bit, then says, “hang on one moment” in that southern twang. Jay then spends a few minutes hunting out back and under selves in the store. He comes running out with 3 or 4 8 Track Cassettes and promptly tells me they are a gift and I can have them.

I was absolutely stoked, but there’s more! Jay then comes out with a plastic guitar still in its plastic wrap (but ripped). It’s from 1984 and has a competition to win a pink Cadillac, you can still see the entry form underneath the guitar. This was another gift from Jay. Jay also came out with an awesome vintage poster but it would be way too big to get home. Jay was awesome and he made my day, if not the trip!

After all that commotion and excitement, I did buy some records from Jay also. So that makes for a VERY successful second stop and unlikely to be beaten. If you’re ever around Nashville and in Spring Hill, swing by Rock n Rolla and say hi to Jay!

https://rockarollarecords.bigcartel.com/

Now a 30 minute drive back to Franklin, same place as our first stop.

The store, Carpe Diem, is in what looks like an old, two bedroom home. Dave goes to open the door and it's all locked. There is a sign with a phone number to ring and note saying "if we're not here ring us". Dave called the number and speaks with Will who is just around the corner and turns up in about 4 minutes. Will noticed the NZ number when Dave called and shared that he had travelled to NZ with his parents a few years back and stayed in Russell.

This store was awesome with all sorts of vintage stuff ranging from clothing, guitars, books, newspapers etc. I made Will dig around for any 8 Track Cassettes but no luck. Plenty of Elvis books and records but I had them all bar one magazine from the 60s, which I purchased.

Will was great and we had a blast chatting. Check out the Carpe Diem Instagram account as I just might make an appearance: https://www.instagram.com/carpediem_212

Fun fact, the top Taylor Swift wore on her 1989 album cover was purchased right here in Carpe Diem!!

More on Will and his great work here.

Next stop is about 30 minute drive to North/West Nashville.

We made our way to Great Escape and this place was massive. Huge collection of vinyls, CDs, cassettes, 45s, everything. Then add in gaming cards like Pokémon, magazines, posters there was plenty for all of us to look at.

I asked the staff if they had 8 Track Cassettes (very common theme coming out here). I was taken to the back of the store where I was pointed to a stack of cassettes. Going through them I found no less than 8 more cassettes to add to the collection. I had to purchase these ones but they were only $3!! These are going to sound great in the Caddy!

Alison's Record Store is our second to last stop. I didn't get anything Elvis but I did get two records from The Jordanaires, Elvis' backing band.

As I was paying, Alison, who owns the store asked if I wanted to hear a story. Apparently a few years back a lady came into the store with several boxes of records. Her father was a member of the Jordanaires and had recently passed away. The records were some of her fathers. Now while we can't 100% confirm it, Alison said she was "pretty sure" one of the records KD purchased was owned by one of the band members, Neal Matthews Jr.

https://www.alisonsrecordshop.com/

Now we thought Great Escapes was big b ut McKay's was bigger. Lots of books, music, movies and games, kinda like their sign says. Lot's of retro game consoles and games, books and huge collection of vinyl records and CDs.

I was able to pick up a CD I didn't have. So, 6 out of 6 for finding things I didn't have as part of our store visits. Every one had something I didn't own and I even picked up a bunch of rear freebies from Rock a Rolla.

Back to our accommodation now as today is the last day in Nashville. We need to grab some food too as we haven't eaten since breakfast (and it's now 5pm after leaving McKay's). Umm, and Kahn didn't have breakfast! We're off for more burgers!

Off to Memphis tomorrow.