MUSIC: Goner Records, Memphis' Own Independent Store & Label

Off to Memphis, strange place for a yankee / ex-patriot. The food will blow you away and there is a little corner store that will make your world all come into focus. That would be Goner Records, a shop that is also a record label. They produce some of the most stripped-down garage punk bands in the land. The late Jay Reatard was one of the label’s stars.

This is the kinda store that America keeps closing, but not these guys—Eric Friedl and Zac Ives. D.I.Y. will never die. This store has all you need—zines, T-shirts, and of course, Vinyl.

What also makes the place great as the old Wax Trax store in Chicago is that people hang out and dig or chat or stare. I can dig through crates for hours looking for that cheap hidden gem, or pull something out and tell my brother, “Dude you gotta have this.” Plus there’s a table of free shit to take.

Also, please take a moment of silence and bow to the Elvis shrine.

So put this on your list when you’re done with the Sun Studio tour. Rock and Roll will never Die in this town.

Goner Records
2152 Young Avenue, in Memphis, TN 38104
901.722.0095