Mississippi Records

I just discovered Mississippi Home Stereo (located inside Mississippi Records), and I feel like I have found a real hidden GEM. I spent my first 1/2 hour looking at all the amazing rare HI FI equipment, some of which is extremely hard to find! The owner Aaron is extremely knowledgable about everything to do with home music equipment, and audio in general! He was able to help me upgrade my turntable in just 2 visits! super honest and easy to work with! If you love and respect hi quality, vintage and/or rare audio equipment, you will LOVE THIS PLACE!

I’ve been looking for new speakers to pair with my vintage receiver and visited a number of shops around Portland. This was my last stop and by far the most helpful, as Aaron took time to understand what equipment I had, recommend speakers based on the sound qualities I wanted and even plug up 5-6 different speaker sets so I could get a good feel for each before I made a purchase. It’s not a quick place to shop by any means but easily the most helpful staff and diverse selection of vintage audio equipment in Portland.

Really great experience. Drove a ling way to be there. One of the last places tgat really does feel like the record store in my dreams. Very humble, interesting and esoteric. Not pushy, glitzy or trying too hard. Just a real deal great place.

Right next to Mississippi Records, there is a small store called "Mississippi Home Stereo" that is owned and managed by Eric (or is his name Aaron? I don't know). It's filled with, of course, home stereo equipment - receivers, amplifiers, speakers of all shapes and sizes, record players, a few radios, and parts/components. Just about anything you can think of. The prices may seem a little on the high side, but that said this is a small, local business running on sales income - and I fully support that. And unlike eBay or online marketplaces for buying used audio equipment, you have the privilege of testing the equipment (or asking Eric to do it for you) and making sure it works - and works properly. When it comes to buying items, you usually pay cash (I don't think he takes credit or debit cards... haven't tried), but if it's an easy sell or returning something you bought from here, you can get away with exchanging a piece of equipment and pay less for the gear you want. As for repairs, you might as well hobble over to Jamac Audio for speakers unless it's a simple fix, or if it's a record player. Eric's repair team is short-staffed and so he has way too many projects going on right now. You might be able to get a job opportunity there if you're handy with servicing audio gear. As for selling, I haven't sold many pieces of gear, only speakers. So I can't really say anything about record players or receivers/amps. That said, Eric is interested in decent speakers - ideally with real wood veneer or walnut, not vinyl, if it needs work. If it doesn't need work, I'm sure he'll take most any speakers. Just don't expect to get much cash for it.

In the town where I grew up, through my teens and twenties there were a couple record stores- places you could buy LPs and tapes and eventually CDs. I worked in one for a while. Sometimes it seems like a lost type of place. I went to go get some records for a friend of mine at this place. There were people hanging out listening to music and talking about music and there were local records and famous records and there was a dollar bin and it was small and tight and I spent an hour flipping through disc after disc after the 45 seconds it took me to find what I was looking for. Man, I coulda hung out all day, but I got shit to do. Super cool. Would recommend for all kinds of reasons.

This place is rippin'! Especially the Hi-Fi shop. Vintage amps and speakers, turntables and headphones and blank cassette tables. Cords for days! My kind of place. Like a bratty kid, I didn't want to leave. They had to take me out tantrum style. (Joking. But you get the idea) A+

Great selection of genres, especially their international genre!!found this shop to be very helpful!!Eric is an amazing cat who knows his music. They don't charge as high as most record shops do. If you are ever in the northern Portland area and looking for world music, this would definitely be the first place to check out first. Thanks Eric

I happened to come here when they just got a collection of my favorite stuff - old time, country blues, folkways and arhoolie and etc.. They let me look through all the boxes since everything was priced, so I got to be the first customer to look at it. Go to Mississippi Records ASAP and spend a lot of money

I just discovered Mississippi Home Stereo (located inside Mississippi Records), and I feel like I have found a real hidden GEM. I spent my first 1/2 hour looking at all the amazing rare HI FI equipment, some of which is extremely hard to find! The owner Aaron is extremely knowledgable about everything to do with home music equipment, and audio in general! He was able to help me upgrade my turntable in just 2 visits! super honest and easy to work with! If you love and respect hi quality, vintage and/or rare audio equipment, you will LOVE THIS PLACE!

This place is really nice! The vibe is there and you can fond some really cool stuff with a wide selection. The customer service is really good and everybody is really nice.

I was just here not too long ago and back again for more great finds. My collection is growing because of this place. The vinyls were fairly priced. Staff were friendly and super helpful. Definitely coming back!

Mississippi Records is a widely respected reissue label, known for shining on a light on a wide range of worldly music, and the store shows that same quality incarnate. It is very well stocked with their own titles, as well as a top selection of reissues of all genres - seriously no gaps in selection. Price-point for sealed records was well below what you would pay online, even before shipping. It's worth noting that 80-90% of the stock was new, so this is not an ideal shop for those who seek specifically vintage/used (though there were some mixed in, plus a hundred of so mixed new/used 7"s). But it made for a fun dig, and locals/visitors should look no further for an amazing selection of titles both obscure and familiar.

I came in on a Saturday, and they were playing some really good music--nothing I had heard before. The music was quirky yet sophisticated. It made browsing fun. While most of the records are too pricey for me to invest in, I did find some older ones that I had to buy. They were a couple of buck each. I could listen to them to make sure they were scratched. Great place to visit.

Human beings offering service and music. I went in looking for a used turntable, and I got a lesson in what I didn't know (in a good way). Some beautiful old equipment with plenty of life left, and a staff that is genuinely excited about what they have to offer. Not at all a used car lot feel, and more a collectors club of curated delights. Record selection was modest but fun. Love the international selections. I found easily 4 or 5 records I wanted to take home with me, and for the small size of the shop, that's really impressive. Go have fun.

The exact opposite of a snobby record store. They always update their inventory. Anyone from the staff can help recommend records for every genre. If you only visit one record in Portland, this is the one.

This place is a fabulous place that is well organized with plenty room and a more than helpful and knowledgeable staff. The prices are by far some of the lowest I've seen for vintage and new records. If in Portland please go, you will not be disappointed

Aaron rocks! Knowledgeable, helpful and he got my tunes playing again when I thought my turntable was tits up. Thanks Aaron! I'll be back for guidance when I upgrade!!

The best little record shop in all of Portland. Truly. Eric is friendly and knowledgeable with a great selection of soul, jazz, folk, country, punk, hip hop, and all the special gems in between on the Mississippi label.

So grateful for their help! This is THE place to come to have your record player fixed. Knowledgeable, kind, and welcoming. We will be back :)

I like coming here to pick up new Jazz records. Friendly staff. Good selection and not just jazz. Fair prices. You might pay 1-2 bucks more for a new record, but you're supporting local and you'd more than likely have to pay shipping anyways. If you love record shopping, make sure to stop in.

I brought in my vinyl collection from the 69's and 70's and got an immediate assessment and purchase at a fair price. I trust those cherished memories will please a new owner. And Karen (or was it Kathy?) was a delight with whom to do business and banter.

Quaint little shop. Easy parking in neighborhood. Great selection of hard to find vinyls.

Have cash in your wallet for purchasing vinyl Cause there's no ATM and decisions are final. If you double think things, you'll meet one of two fates: You'll leave empty-handed, or carrying crates. That's due to curation by some kind of hero. The world's favorite record store. Hyperbole? Zero.

Portland has many music stores that sell records, CDs, and even cassettes. I decided to check out this record store since it was within walking distance from the house I was staying in. They have a huge selection of vinyl, international records, hip-hop, punk, blues, etc. They also sell used turntables/record players. I found an Otis Redding record and a $2 copy of Sinatra's Swing Music for Lovers. This shop is worth checking out! Don't forget to bring cash!

Very charming little record shop with a clean, well-organized look- all the vinyl, including some that is difficult to find, is beautifully displayed on wood shelving and in wood cases. Above a vintage card catalogue they also have a tiny selection of interesting and oddball books. The selection of blues is good, and everything they have seems nicely curated. My only complaint is that they are cash only, which I did not realize ahead of time.

By far my favorite record store in Portland. They have a great selection of Blues, Jazz and Funk (my personal favorites). Plus, it's right next door to the sweetest little breakfast joint you ever will see, called Sweedeedee. Both, are filled with warmth and charm. Tip: Be sure to bring cash to the record store, as they are a cash only location. If you are anything like me, you never travel with cash.

Hello adorable and well stocked record store! This is also a gem of a location for old electronics. Only had a few minutes to spare when i went into this place but I will be back to spend more time later.

Mississippi sets the bar pretty high here in Portland. They are an independent record label & shop endorsed by the likes of Jamie xx. The owner Aaron is a very genuine guy, who will always gives me the time of day even if he is being bombarded by customers. Some people have complained about the fact that it is basically a house, or the lack of "friendliness" upon walking in. Personally, I find that most people go to record stores to check out from the world for a bit. To absorb themselves in the music they are passionate about. The last thing I want is an overly friendly person up in my business when I'm trying to browse. At Mississippi there's a bit of something for everyone. From Jazz, to blues, punk, to metal, even country (if you're into that.) I always enjoy digging through some stuff you don't see everyday. I very rarely leave empty handed. Please remember this one is cash only. If you don't like crowds or sweating avoid weekends.

Mississippi Records is a very charming neighborhood record store that's been around forever as far as I can tell. The curated mixtapes they sell there are straight up legendary and the record label they put stuff out on has a really great selectiin, just remember the store policy is CASH ONLY!!! And afterwards you can cruise across the street and go kava bar and my favorite brunch spot is Sweedeedees is just around the corner

Best prices in Portland. Great selection despite the size of the store. If you're a serious collector, you have to go here!

Loved this record store. Super organized, reasonably priced records. Found some good stuff. Only downside? It was cold outside and they had all the windows open and fans going on like it was a summer heatwave. Good thing I had my jacket on. If you love record shopping. You'll love this place.

The first time I came here I was underwhelmed. I didn't find anything I was looking for, the store was small and they're one of those last remaining cash-only businesses that seem to thrive on inconveniencing the customer. But after multiple visits and buying random things I'd never heard of before, I've started to realize what a great shop this is. It's the kind of record store where you don't look to find records but instead the records find you. If you come here looking for something in particular they probably won't have it (unless it's early-mid 1900's obscure blues/folk), but if you come here with an open mind and just want to flip through and hope an interesting or unique cover will grab your attention then this is the perfect spot. I've gotten into so many new types of music coming to this place, mostly old blues and soul, a lot of stuff from the Numero Group is stocked here which is great. The customer service is really good and employees are helpful anytime I've had a question. It's a very laid back store with a great vibe. It's the kind of store that really makes me proud to be a music lover, if that makes sense. Every time I come here I feel inspired to seek out new artists and genres that are unknown to me. I wouldn't say it's Portlands best record store, but it's one of my favorites. It has an inviting feel to it, and the selection may be on the smaller side (though still plenty of records are carried) but what they do carry is all well curated and worth your money. The prices are very good too, especially compared to other shops in town. Overall I highly recommend this place, although I really do wish they would do away with the antiquated cash-only policy. If you show up with a card they'll direct you to the ATM across the street. At the very least, Mississippi Records should take $3 off any purchase to cover the ATM service fee. Why should the customer be fined for wanting to support your business?

Records were the first sound reproduction ever invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. Just think of all the cool speeches and talks by people we think of as famous, going back into history, that were never recorded! Since we have had wire recorders, reel, 8-track and cassette tape, DAT, minidisks, CD's, MP3-digital, torrents, iTunes, Spotify-Pandora, Soundcloud and more. What Google teaches is that what is important is not collecting, but finding. Mississippi records are the best curators in Portland in their specialized genres. That's international, early blues, ethnographic recordings, and a few others. They have a huge collection of 7". Very obscure stuff like Daniel Johnston and CAN box sets. Moondog 10". They have their own line of releases, including working with Sahel Sounds. They have a series of their own cassette tape compilations. There is also a home made mixtape trading spot. Bring one, take one. They have a steady supply of vintage turntables, speakers and receivers mid priced. And of course they have vinyl listening stations. While your interests and theirs may or may not overlap, you can rest assured that where they do, Mississippi Records has found the best and most unusual releases.

Wow! Great service and info on my record player in need of a new needle. It was installed quickly and they even shined up my plastic cover on my 80s era Sony turntable. I was also please to learn how to install a new needle, adjust the balance and the appropriate worth of my rad machine. Thanks Mississippi Records! You've made a lifetime customer out of me.

Definitely an unique selection of records. The bad review complaining about how they're not satisfied with the genres is kind of silly imo. Like come on girl, just go to urban outfitters to get that Taylor Swift record and call it a day. The selection is great, found a Japanese showa-era pop vinyl, something I will probably not find anywhere else. The employees are nice and there's an ATM near. It's worth checking out if you're into collecting rare and very different records.

Nice, quirky, small but well stocked cash only record store. They do have a lot of great jazz, classical, and international records here mixed in with the usual alternative stuff. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and it doesn't feel like an intimidating place the way these well curated smaller spots can sometimes be.

Walked in and the two owners (?) were drinking a beer, and she was talking about how tipsy she is. Don't you have to run a store? About four of their friends were sitting around-felt like I was interrupting their party.

Amazing record store!! They have a great jazz selection, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Art Blakey and more. It's the essentials to any jazz enthusiast, I mean it doesn't get more famous than Miles Davis, definitely not obscure. They also have a local section for everyone who enjoys supporting Portland artists. This place is one of those establishments remaining of what Portland was before the micro over priced condos and transplants took over. It has it's charm.

A little out of the way, but Mississippi is definitely worth checking out. They have a huge selection of jazz and blues, but also well-curated rock, indie, etc. sections. For the rock and indie sections, I noticed a lot of the records were reissues. However, they seemed to be harder to find reissues from Europe. Their 7" section is in a nice case that is super easy to browse. I wasn't able to find anything first time around but I'm sure I could find stuff here on a regular basis if I lived in Portland.

There aren't words that can describe how much I love and appreciate this place after it giving me my first and possibly the most wonderful Portland experience I could have had. A special thank you to two locals who brought me here. From my understanding the man who owns it also has his own record label and called many artists from years and years ago who weren't signed artists and he signed them. Their records line the top parts of the walls around the shop. They allow up and coming artists to play and collect donations to help the musicians travel or get insurance, etc. I was more than happy to give a donation. They served cookies, cheetos, some box wine, and I think some beer for donations too. And what is most amazing is that Word-Of-Mouth brings in so many people of all ages that are willing to stand, shoulder to shoulder in this dimly lit, one of a kind shop all the way to the very back to hear some live music. They had some seating and were kind enough to ask people to save those seats for people with children. The selection of records was great also. Aaaaannnnddddd I heard that Neil Young goes here too!

First off the label, that is run out of the store. Brilliant releases from folks doing it the right way. They pay the artists for their work. And they never charge more than $10-15 per release. Absolutely stellar model of folks putting out music they love in a respectful way to the artists and consumers. The store is divided up into sections: jazz, gospel, blues, folk, soul, reggae/dub, rock, indie/punk, metal, hip hop, world (and then by country/region), and other smaller categories. This store really excels at World, Blues, and Soul. The rock/indie section is on par with anyone else in town as well. The amount of quality used product that roles through this place is a direct result of them acting as a part of their neighborhood and community. And that they pay well for good LPs. It's really a special place. Totally laid back atmosphere with neighborhood folks hanging out all day. Record shops like this just don't exist anymore. There's an overall feeling of existing rather than selling product; while at the same time having a jaw dropping collection of rare LPs staring down at you from the walls. It would be my #1 pick for anyone visiting as a destination for vinyl lovers. Just keep in mind that they excel at the world, blues, dub, soul more than the rock (and the rock section is not bad at all.) Oh, and it's CHEAp + has listening station for all used, and most of the new reissues as well.

Wowsa! I had a really great experience here. Friendly and knowledgeable staff who didn't make you feel like a doof for not being able to wax (get it?) philosophical about German Imports of an Awesome British Invasion era band. I am not very smooth in record stores and the staff made me feel appreciated and...dare I say cool? This sadly seems to be the only independent record store servicing the NoPo area, but they are doing it well. there are tons of rare titles and imports alike. Yes, you will pay $20 for them, but tell me where AREN'T you going to pay $20 for gems? No really...Tell me, I'd like to know. Bring cash and a childlike sense of wonder.

If i lived nearer to Mississippi Records I would easily fall into the black hole that is their record selection and never be heard from by any of my friends again. At first they'd be sad, but eventually when I died they'd be really excited that I willed them such amazing records. But I'm only 26, so they'd have a while to wait. Best records in town, killer staff, in a very appealing store, chalk full of awesome things that i want to acquire. They have everything and anything, including some cool equipment. p.s. pro cash!

Mississippi Records is my favorite record store in Portland. They have a nice selection of jazz and blues. They have other genres as well, but jazz and blues is what I know about, so I'll let others fill in the other stuff. You won't find original hard-bop, Blue Note or Prestige stuff here, but you'll find some pretty nice reissues. I have, however, found some nice old original releases on Riverside, Verve and Columbia. Most of the vinyl is clean and playable. I usually forget that they don't take plastic and proceed to check-out with an armful of records and my debit card - identifying myself as a rube tourist from east county - and have to run around Mississippi looking for an ATM. So bring cash.

If you find yourself on Mississippi then drift into Mississippi Records. It is a small but great shop. I found a Jacques Brel album here for only $6 and a Free Design album as well! Tons of great records here from Jazz to French Pop to Indie, Folk, etc etc. Prices are super reasonable here. plus the tax free shopping is ultra rad! The staff are so sweet in here and so is the large cat that owns the shop! I forgot his name but if I wasn't allergic I would of played with him a bit. Anyhoo, we scored on records here and aside of this gem there are so many other great small shops on this street. More boutiques a little more higher in price but it's all great stuff. For more vintage hit up the Hawthorne District.

Glowing reviews on Yelp, but I just don't get it. It's tiny, has a small selection, and is cash only. I suppose if you are looking for local Portland records, obscure Jazz/blues/folk, then this place might be right for you. The employees seemed really nice.

Big up, Mississippi Records. * Woops outside your head Crucial and red When the sun goes down Me little moonshine darling And your in the mood for love And you feel like dancing Rub it up Rub it up Boogie to some music (repeat) CHORUS ------ Come mek we go deh In a rub a dub (stylee) A dis ya ridim drive Drive the whole world (wile) Come mek we go deh In bang diddly bang (stylee) I wanna know how you're feeling (irie) Sounds call ravers Got you craving for more CHORUS ------ Come mek we go deh In a rub a dub (stylee) Reggae bandwagon Is The fashion that's going around Dub masters back in town With the fashion that's going around Didn't you hear Woops outside your head Crucial and red Disco blaring through the window Ravers sounds got full control A new day is dawning Arrives without warning Chart busting sounds To rock down the house say Boogie to ze muzik (repeat) Reggae bandwagon is The fashion that's going around Reggae bandwagon is The fashion that's going around So when the sun goes down Me little moonshine darling And you in the mood for love And you feel like dancing Rub it up rub it up Sounds call ravers Got you craving for more CHORUS ------ Come mek we go deh In a rub a dub (stylee) Woops outside your head Crucial and red Come mek we go deh In a earthman (stylee) Come mek we go deh In bang diddly bang (stylee) Got you craving for more

Here is the dig folksies, here is the music store 'gold standard': Other Music (NYC), Aquarius Records (SF), and Amoeba (LA)--each for their own reasons. Anyhoo, I read the Aquarius bi-weekly music newsletter like damned scripture. About a month back, they creamed over a CD-R by a PDX act named TUNNELS (a side project of one of the cats from Eternal Tapestry). I couldn't find it anywhere--turns out the dude only gave copies in PDX to Mississippi. I showed up to a vinyl wonderhaven. Not only did I score two platters I've been hunting for a while, but the TUNNELS fellow (Nick) walked to his home to get me a CD-R and comp'd it to me!!! Brilliant. I will be back again and again. Heed the old skool warning: CASH and CARRY. (Note: Probably the tightest selection of roots reggae I have even seen in person.)

Mama loves her dub reggae and Mississippi records has got what I needs! I can also find my crazy, old- school R&B, Punk and Jazz. It's as if this store has a portal to the 70's in the back. Case in point: I bought Barry White's "Hot Buttered Soul" on vinyl here for $4. Now that's Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic!

I know some reviews complain about the cash only policy and I might be an 'old' but if you're an independent store you can do things independent of mainstream and it doesn't effect my opinion of your operations. Anyway- on to the review- shop is small but the selection is fun covering many genres. The peeps working were friendly but not overly so- (that's a good thing) we were able to browse and enjoy the music at the listening station. Fun selection of used 1$ records as well as new re-releases and originals. Definitely worth a visit if you're into vinyl and you have cash.

Favorite record store on the planet. Small and cozy but full of everything I actually want (but never knew I wanted until I saw it). Here there's no sorting through the bullshit, with anything-- be it records, tapes or audio equipment. Even the mix tapes have hit after hit of songs I'd never hear otherwise. My favorite lazy day is finding three bucks somewhere in my room, walking down Mississippi, and purchasing a tape full of random new jams.

With every thorn (Everyday Music) there is a Rose (Miss Records.) LOVE this place. All vinyl with FAIR prices and good selection. We go here for all our Brazilian records. They have connection and just keep hooking us up with Caetano Veloso records. Pretty much rad for all things music. Even got a good deal and record player and the staff is nice. Bad news is that it's cash only. That might be a good thing 'cause Beth Willie could go crazy in this joint. If you have music friends from out of town, go here and they'll score something.

One of the best record stores I've visited in my short life. Cool neighborhood with a cool record store. I dropped $50 in my 30 minute visit and I'll probably do it again next time I'm in Portland .

One of the few independent record stores in North Portland, Mississippi Records is conveniently located right next to the Fresh Pot. First grab a cup of good coffee, and then come here to browse the massive amounts of good music from a wide variety of genres. Their selections leans heavy on the vinyl side, but they have a couple of tapes, too.

Stopped in here on my way to Mississippi, and this is a nice little place to check out on a lazy afternoon. A bit musty and dusty on the inside, but it reminds me of the days when my parents would take me to record stores looking for fresh vinyl. I dig their selection, and there is a large emphasis on punk and rock. There seems to be too many record stores in Portland that focus on softer stuff, and I love to find a store that has a decent selection of harder stuff. Ended up picking up the remastered version of Joy Division's "Unknown Pleasures", which is one of my favorite albums that I had yet to purchase on vinyl. Prices are about right for a typical record store, and they only accept cash so make sure to get some before coming here. They have a decent dollar bin, and it's fun to dig through looking for treasure.

The record store that all other stores want to grow up to be. The store that the second I walk in the door I feel at home, warm, pleased, comfortable. It's worn in like an old leather jacket. The LPs section is always great. Bring Cash and tons of it, you are going to need it. One of the best stores in the world and it's just a few hours away from Seattle. Portland has many great record stores, but this is the first stop.

Recently went for a trip to Portland and my wife and I spent a day checking out many record stores, with Mississippi being the first. This is also the only record store I'll be writing a review about. From the second we walked in the employees were inviting, friendly, and eager to help us find what we were looking for, with the woman behind the counter even going out of her way to help us and give us a rundown of shops in Portland. Super inviting place! The prices of vinyl here is UNREAL in the best way. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price tag on most of the stuff I picked up. I bought an album for $12 that is $25-30 everywhere else I've looked and it was in mint condition. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan and I will be a customer every time I'm in town. I wish I would have just spent more time there!