New book chronicles the history of Atlanta’s record stores

In the history of comebacks, vinyl records might just reign supreme. Nearly extinct in the 90s and early aughts, vinyl has reemerged as the music buyer’s format of choice.

In 2022, vinyl records outsold CDs for the first time since 1987. In the age of Spotify and Apple, millions of music lovers decided that there is still something to be said for holding a physical copy of your favorite album.

Vinyl collector and writer Chad Radford tapped into the re-embrace of records in a new book just out from The History Press called “Atlanta Record Stores: An Oral History.”

Vinyl collector and writer Chad Radford tapped into the re-embrace of records in a new book just out from The History Press called “Atlanta Record Stores: An Oral History.” (Photo provided by Chad Radford)

Radford narrowed his focus to record stores that you can still visit today.

Wax ‘n’ Facts in Little Five Points, Wuxtry in Decatur, and Fantasyland in Buckhead have all been in business for nearly 50 years.

“Those three stores are the kings,” Radford said. “Wax ‘n’ Facts pre-dates New Wave and Punk as phenomenon’s. They have witnessed a lot at that store.”

Criminal Records, Ella Guru, relative newcomer Disorder Vinyl, and an ode to the much-missed Eat More Records are also included in the book.

Rather than a straight narrative, Radford let the owners, employees past and present, musicians, and shoppers tell the stories of the record stores in a series of oral histories. It’s a breezy, funny, nostalgic read.