Satellite Records

Just like everything else in downtown Kzoo, Satelitte is old and adorable.
This place is a typical college town record store.
There’s a large selection of older vinyl at very good prices and a smaller selection of newer titles at run-​of-​the-​mill prices.
If you’re coming here to find more popular older titles, you might be out of luck. While Satellite certainly stocks selections from well known artists, those better known titles still seem to be missing. Nonetheless, there are some great finds here.
The prices are very good too. Sure, this place is in the middle of Michigan and the competition isn’t fierce for record stores, I frequent many and was surprised by the low prices of both the new and used titles.
As mentioned previously, Satellite does carry some newer titles but this isn’t their forte. If new records are exclusively what you’re looking for, this place may be a disappointment.
And the vibes. It’s a college town record store. Doesn’t get much better than that!
I don’t live in Kzoo and you probably don’t either but if you’re driving through, give Satellite a visit!
I stop

Prepare to spend the hard-​earned money you’ve been saving up. Satellite Record’s selection is astounding, and it always changes. Their classical and jazz selections are especially expansive, but scour through their recent indie or old classic rock records and you’ll be impressed with what you might find. I’ve bought all my favorite records from this store: original pressings by the Rolling Stones, Hendrix, in addition to a few Miles Davis and Modern Jazz Quartet records.
They used to be called Corner Records, which was on West Main, and they’ve since moved to a better location right in the heart of the student neighborhood.
They’ll helpfully answer any of your music questions – from knowing the producer of a Moody Blues album to recommending audio equipment – they also host shows. Psych-​rockers Oneida stopped in to play a set, but the venue also serves as a platform for locals as well as out-​of-​towners. Satellite Records is next door to Fourth Coast Café and a Bagel Beanery. So, if you’re ever bored during a Kalamazoo afternoon, go grab a coffee, buy a used book down the street (be sure to haggle!), and listen to some records.

Exactly what you want from a record shop: knowledgeable (without being snobby) employees, and an excellent selection to dig through. One of the things that makes smaller-​town record shopping great is that it’s just not as picked through, like places in Chicago might be. Follow them on Facebook to get occasional updates of new-​used arrivals and if you can’t make it in right away to pick something up that you just plain must have, they’ll hold it for you! The only downside is usually in regard to my bank account as I almost assuredly can’t leave without buying something. Oh and the new location is absolutely fantastic!