Wall of Sound

Wall of Sound has been my go-to record store for obscure and niche vinyl for over a decade. The co-owners, who have been running it since 1990, are incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating of special orders, making it easier to support local business instead of ordering direct from distributors and labels. The selection isn't as large as other stores, but it's beautifully curated of all types of micro-genres with a strong emphasis on electronic, experimental/avant garde and music from all over the world. New and CDs are priced very very reasonably, a majority of items that are difficult to find on streaming music platforms. There's a good balance of new and used vinyl, always keeping things fresh within the New Arrivals bins. You'll discover something new to love here. I have rarely left the shop emptyhanded. I'm always blown away by how attentive Michael and Jeffrey been over the years, and have gotten to know my diverse tastes so well, that their new album/artist recommendations are always on point and those albums often become most-played favorites of my year.

Wall of Sound is one of Capitol Hill’s treasures! It’s another great record store to go digging and diving in! They have an interesting selection of titles and gems that I always walk out of there incredibly satisfied that I didn’t have to pay a gazillion dollars in shipping (I have expensive ‘overseas’ music taste when ordering records) and as their website says, they specialize in avante-garde, japanese noise, industrial, art rock, indie, alternative, free jazz, folk, experimental, ambient. World, electronic, electronic-acoustic, neo-classical and so much more! I picked out a couple of fun records that I thought a KEXP listener would enjoy, the “Spezial Edition Fariges” vinyl reissue of Kraftwerk Tour De France and Autechre, surprise 2020 fifteenth studio album “Plus”. These are great gifts for someone who is interested in learning about two seminal electronic bands or you already love them and want the latest releases! The Kraftwerk reissue has a special inserts inside and the Autechre is just necessary for any one of their fans. Also, Michael, a co-owner of Wall of Sound, is very helpful and has great music taste! He will always recommend titles to you as well for the ultimate Wall of Sound shopping experience.