Aboveground Records

Pros: Aboveground Records changed my life. And not just because they had the Infinite. Also, that scanner by the door was just for show and I stole like 500 cd’s from this place!
Cons: the bathroom door is a bit tight for the ample gentleman.

Mike Barns has encyclopedic knowledge of all that is music! Super friendly guy and great spot to check out while on the Vineyard.

I was visiting on the Vineyard, did a Unilocal search and was excited to find this place. I plugged the given location into my GPS, but it found no such address. Hmm. On to Plan B. Using the Unilocal map got me close, and after a helpful phone conversation with Mike, I arrived. (fyi: For GPS users, Mike gave this address to use: 241 Edgartown-​Vineyard Haven Road, Edgartown MA 2 539. He noted that he has been trying to get Unilocal to update their info. Unilocal,you listening? ;)
As for AGR itself, it is a modest, but well-​stocked shop. Yes, there is a lot of indie and new vinyl, but I was interested in the vintage stuff. (70’s, 80’s rock, new wave, etc) I keep a running list of vinyl I’m on the hunt for, and Mike was extremely helpful and knew pretty well what he had available. (I was able to scratch four albums off my search list!) His prices are fair and reasonable, and the vinyl I bought was in excellent shape. He also offered to keep an eye out for others on my list, and asked that I email him in a week to check in.
Lastly, as I was checking out, he offered to put my albums into a shipping box, to help shield them (from this current heat wave) while they were in my car. Thanks Mike!
I absolutely recommend Aboveground Records if you’re into vinyl. Just remember, until Unilocal gets their act together, to use the correct address! ;)

big fan of @boveground! big fan of mike barns!

Thank goodness we have so many unique places on MV that stay open year round, support the local talent, welcome anyone with a smile and give free advice when you need some new tunes for your iPod. Got any questions about the music scene on MV? They will be answered here.
Aboveground Records is the perfect music store and if you are visiting the Vineyard, enjoy good tunes and feel like battling the traffic towards Edgartown, this amazing musical heaven awaits you. Vinyl collectors, musicians, fans and singers, you’ll find just what you need. I never regret a visit to Aboveground Records.

One of the best, and last, true Indie record stores. Full of awesome vinyl and crazy crap on the walls. Say hi to Mike and legally purchase some music.

this record store is diverse and stocks a lot for such a small space. there’s not a lot of indie culture on this island, but i think Aboveground is it’s nexus. sometimes there are rad in-​stores where local or touring musicians play.

Last summer the New York Times said the secret handshake that told everyone you were the in the inner in on the Vineyard was the Aboveground records Tshirt, or in a pinch, the little sticker on your car. Yes, the logo is very cool, but the bottom line is that this is a rockin’ hot music shop. Mike cares. They get in the newest indie stuff, and they are happy to stop and chat until you find what you need. Who would have thought that my fav place to seek out music on plastic woud be on the Vineyard?