Every week I pop open my laptop and write some code from my favorite local record store: Square Cat Vinyl. Working somewhere fresh and lively is a great way to stay motivated and refreshed, but also because the shop puts out all of their just-in used vinyl on Wednesdays around 2pm. This has been my tradition for nearly a year and I’ve flipped through thousands of records: $500 original Led Zep pressings, evangelist sermon records that look metal as hell, rare hip-hop, and enough $2 Barbara Streissand albums to make you lose all hope. I love it.
From my experience, here’s a curated selection of my favorite records that I find:
a) fairly often and b) pretty cheap.
Gratitude
Earth, Wind, & Fire
Funk/Soul - 1975
Why you need it in your collection:
It’s a double LP live album by one of funk’s most beloved artists. Don’t let the sparse white typically-yellowing album cover dissuade you, this one bumps. The live version of Shining Star might be better than the original. You can find Earth, Wind, & Fire’s whole discography cheap + used, and it’s all pretty solid.
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Average price: $5
Elegant Gypsy
Al Di Meola
Fusion/Jazz-Rock - 1977
Why you need it in your collection:
It’s one of the most fun and impressive guitar records ever. Speedy, flamenco runs transport you to sunny Spain on one track, while sinister and overdriven soloing soundtracks a chase scene in the back alleys of Barcelona on the next. The fusion of genres on this album are wild.
Average price: $7
Songs In The Key of Life
Stevie Wonder
Funk/Soul - 1976
Why you need it in your collection:
This one is by no means a hidden gem, but a true classic that you can routinely find used. The best Stevie album and one of the greatest of the 70’s. It’s typically a bit pricier, but that’s because it packs 21 songs across 2 LPs. You can put this record on for anyone, anywhere.
Grandparents visiting? Spin it.
Dinner party with your buds? Spin it.
Trying to teach a robot the emotions of joy? Spin it.
Average price: $20
Osibisa
Osibisa
Afrobeat/Rock/Funk - 1971
Why you need it in your collection:
You’ve gotta have a percussion-driven record in your collection, and if you haven’t delved into Afro-Rock, this is a pretty good entry point. These Ghanaian dudes were pivotal in getting “world music” established as a genre, so their first album is historic too. The saxophone solos on this one rip too.
Average price: $7
Chain Reaction
The Crusaders
Jazz-Funk - 1975
Why you need it in your collection:
Instrumental grooves for days. Funky bass lines, riffing electric pianos, jazzy sax and guitar solos. And there’s a ton of used Crusaders out there in bargain bins. Maybe they aren’t as critically-acclaimed as some of their peers in the jazz-funk genre? Sure, Herbie Hancock, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Gil-Scott Heron are better, but far less affordable. I got this one for like two bucks and really enjoy it.
Average price: $3
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Funk/Soul/Disco - 1979
Why you need it in your collection:
It’s a disco album that holds up super well. Four sisters from Philly and funk mastermind Nile Rodgers crafted this infinitely danceable 70’s record. It’s also a must for hip-hop fans, with samples powering hits like Will Smith’s Gettin’ Jiggy With It and KAYTRANADA/Anderson .Paak’s Twin Flame.
Average price: $11
But Wait, There’s More:
- You can’t go wrong with the majority of ‘70s funk bands: The Isley Brothers and Chic are both winners, and I have most of their discographies
- Ya like jazz? I’ll pick up anything by Wes Montgomery or early George Benson for some chill, classic jazz guitar
- The 1970’s releases by Carlos Santana are great too, like Abraxas, Santana I, or his Greatest Hits album
Digging for used records has uncovered so many genres and artists for me. It’s the best. And I hope this inspires you to do the same. Hit up your local record stores (they’ll always have the best stuff), and explore vintage + antique stores if you want to try your luck. Learn about what you like in genres from the 60’s - 80’s and start hunting!
