Lo & Behold! Records & Books

This is the most wonderful place on the planet! Today Unilocal sent out this email about the best record shops in Detroit and didn’t list Lo & Behold, even on the extended results. Part of me is happy because maybe less people will cram in to experience the magical evenings at Folk Blues Night or maybe there will remain room for all the spins and slides of the all-​night northern soul dance parties. Or, it will keep the vintage clothing less picked over so I don’t have to make it in as often. The other part of me is sad because some of the music that is coming out of this shop is so incredible that you want the whole world to have it at their fingertips — Unilocal style, even — to play over and over and over again. Remnose, Connor Dodson, Folk Blues Night… The record selection and Richie are both obscure and wonderful and you’ll like them BUT the music that Lo & Behold is putting out really shouldn’t be missed by anyone.

One Night at Lo! and Behold…
reminds me of a movie title. You feel like you have walked onto a movie set in this unique shop — but one where you have a part in the play. The crew is not going to scorn your sorry behind ‘outa there… very inclusive, welcoming, hip, not stuffy, easy, breezy… Connection; connecting… Belonging. Not to mention the great selection of esoterica in books, records, vintage, mags, accessories. They will leave you alone if that’s your thing.
Do your best to support this establishment, please! Go there! Buy stuff! Have your own fun party-​time with Ritchie or his customers/​friends while you support what he is doing.
I know I will be back. I’ll be looking for my fresh copy of Archie & Mehitabel poems… or a STROKER… or some other gem that Ritchie turns me onto. Irving Stettner would be very proud and probably want to adopt this guy. You will want to as well.

This is the best place.
Richie, the owner, is not only the most knowledgeable dude, but he is super friendly. He loves to share his massive amount of wisdom, listen to good records, and get excited about things happening around him. He is often seen playing chess with customers or expounding about the latest 78’s he has bought. He was described by Hour Detroit as a «beardier Ryan Gosling.»
He has an esoteric collection of records and books. Don’t know what you are looking for? He will pull out something interesting for you, put it on his turntable and tell you the parts he likes about it.
I’ve gotten countless recommendations from him, and they’ve all been spot on. His selection is a bit different than you’ll find at threads and the record graveyard as well. If you’re lucky, there will be a performance happening in the shop or in the lot next to the shop, from local and non-​local bands as well. If you’re in Hamtramck for any reason, stop by! You’re bound to find something you like.

I love this place! It’s a small little gem in Hamtown that’s completely over-​filled with records, books and other vintage items. I could, and have, spend hours browsing the old, antique books. Richie, the owner, is a super cool guy and a music/​record savant! Definitely check it out — great place to find a unique gift for someone.

Great atmosphere. Richie, the owner, is a music encyclopedia, and knows everything he has on hand. The prices are good, and he always cuts you a great deal. The book selection is varied with emphasis on the unusual and rare. Often in the evening, there are in-​house performances by great local musicians and DJs. I always feel welcome at Lo and Behold!

Great shop with tremendous depth and scope and extraordinarily knowledgeable and friendly proprietor. Gave us a great education and a super deal on some rare vinyl records we were seeking out for a friend. Interesting range in the book collection, too. Very cool and bohemian atmosphere, worth the visit even if you’re not looking for something in particular.