Going to a new record store for the first time is always an exciting experience because you don’t know what to expect.
How will the records be organized? What sort of music will be playing in the store? Will there be any sales? Is there a local section? What sort of treasures are there to discover in and out of the bins? Those are just a few of the questions that raced through my mind when I visited the newest record shop in the Seattle area, Musicology Co.
Located on 5th Ave in Edmonds, just a few miles away from Main Street and the ferry docks, this small boutique shop opened in February. They specialize in used vinyl records and CDs and have a growing section of offerings from local musicians. Upon entering the first thing you’ll notice is how small the shop looks and how open and inviting the small space feels. It’s a very charming interior with artwork representing various genres of music (some of which is done by store manager Ryan Fisher and is for sale) and a wall with a colorful mural displaying the shop’s name and logo.
There are roughly 10 bins to dig through and several stacks of specially selected vinyl out on display to dig through, so if you’re looking for a massive warehouse of a shop this isn’t the place for you. However, the smaller inventory allows for a nice casual shopping experience and also means you can dig through the bins twice to make sure you don’t miss anything without taking much time.
Like most used shops, the store’s bread and butter is classic rock. However, you will find sections for prog, metal, alternative, indie and other subgenres that fall under the rock umbrella. There are also sections for soul, disco, funk, hip-hop and other genres. There are a few fun sections too including one labeled “Kennys,” which is all Loggins and Rogers. Sadly there were no G or Wayne Shepherd LPs when I visited.
Of note is the locals corner at the back of the store. There’s a wall of photos featuring local artists who live in the area including Matt Cameron, Roger Fisher, David Bazan and others. Also, the profits from all of the records sold in the locals section go directly to the artists, which is a nice way for a small record store to support local artists.
As for the hidden treasures inside the bins, what did I find? I walked out with a quality selection of LPs including a bootleg Cure live record, Rod Stewart’s classic “Every Picture Tells A Story,” Joe Cocker’s “With A Little Help From My Friends,” the Sub Pop reissue of Hot Hot Heat’s debut, The War On Drugs’ “Live Drugs” and an Os Mutantes greatest hits LP.
The shop owner buys collections regularly, so the stock is always changing, which makes each visit a fun treasure hunt. And it isn’t all used wax in the shop. All used CDs cost $5 and there’s a good amount of new vinyl as well, so if you’re looking for a Taylor Swift record or a new copy of “Rumors” you’ll find it there. And if there’s something you’re looking for that the shop doesn’t have in stock there’s a good chance it can be ordered for you, or an employee can take your name and number and will get in touch if a copy of what you’re looking for comes into the store.
Overall, Musicology Co’s quaint boutique vibe fits downtown Edmonds and is also a welcome counterpoint to the often loud and sometimes overwhelming shops in Seattle. With a space for live music and constantly changing inventory, hopefully Musicology and the community it is creating will stick around for a very long time.
Musicology Co. is located at 420 5th Ave in Edmonds and is open Tues-Th 12-5, Fri & Sat 11-6 and Sunday 12-5.
