I bought a WalMart record

[@BILLONEE]

Hi Frank. I used to work at Walmart & I was the one that put the CD's & vinyl out. Unfortunately, I was the only associate who had any interest in the music area so managers would leave cases of new releases in the back room until I came in (Sometimes a day or two later). When I stocked the racks, I treated it as if it were my record store by putting them in neat & putting the excess copies on the bottom shelf to replenish what was sold. I no longer work at Walmart & every time I go to any Walmart in my area, the LP's are crammed & out of order. I consider this a missed opportunity on Walmart's part. My opinion. Take care. --- Bill (From Mt. Holly)

[@DukeCityExplorer]

Give me a "Squiggly!" 🙂

[@Herestravy420]

Not being an asshole.... But from my experience, and not talking about you.. Most walmart employees are sort of lazy and dumb and really could care less about quality of work.. They show up and go home.. Many times you cant get any answers from emloyees.. I once was told that I could not buy a game because the girl in the eletronics department with the key was on an hour lunch break and no one else could open the case.. What kind of shit is that? Cant give someone else the key when shes on lunch!?.. Most walmart employees just dont care... I avoid going in walmart as much as I can. I use pickup only for cheap groceries, even then orders get messed up

[@vinylordie1301]

Someone who cared!

[@dranet47]

I currently work at Walmart and I take care of the records and CDs. They're impossible to keep in order. We don't have the best bins, and even though we have the separators and I put them in alphabetical order, people move them all over the place. They're perfect on Monday, and by Wednesday they're a mess.

[@slasherdope8065]

Sadly. That's most Walmarts. I shop my local one weekly and I am constantly fixing up the music area just because I am such a music lover

[@SpeedyMcGhee]

My biggest complaint about records sold at Walmart is about how they are stored and displayed. During the Black Friday $15 sale I went to about 6 different stores and the records were jammed in the shelves and in some cases falling out because the weight broke the shelves. Some albums I wouldn't even buy for $15 because they were banged up bad. Pressings have been fine for the most part.

[@BillAdams-fb3jm]

I appreciate what you're saying, but let's be honest -- working at a record store, you have interest in music, when you're working at Walmart, you're trying to clear a pay cheque. So if their sections are disorganized, it's likely the result of having several jobs to do in several sections, and your possible interest in vinyl records comes second to doing what you're asked to do at work.

[@KOSMICKEN09]

Right they should display em like they do at record stores - And like I've mentioned - they need a bigger CD selection too I buy both - always have.

[@verdeazul333]

I'm not surprised. Mirrors and ceramic materials actually break when backroom employees stack them carelessly on pallets, burying them under heavier merchandise. You should see what happens in the backroom. Believe me; I'm an insider.

[@VintageGearMan]

Rodney Dangerfield,,,"I tell Ya,,No respect"! Walked into a store,,the records were everywhere! Even on the ceiling! Yeah, so I made up the last part but he could have said that!

[@eddiedillon9036]

I have bought several albums from Walmart. It's the only place near me to buy them at and I've had no issues. They have all sounded great and at good prices!!

[@SRX2004]

Same for me. No issues. Got Rod Stewarts greatest hits on pink vinyl for $20. Sounds amazing.

[@jigensylvain6833]

I've bought a copy of Toxicity, Awaken, My Love!, And Justice For All..., and Rumours from Walmart, and, there's been no problem at all with sound quality or anything.

[@LPS-R-US]

I'm always amused that people mock walmart records thinking they have their own pressing plants. BTW, the pink floyd pressings at walmart are official pf releases and sound super

[@seed_drill7135]

They have special proprietary colors, and sometimes colored vinyl can have a slightly higher noise floor due to the lack of carbon black, but that’s going to be the case with any colored vinyl.

[@qroadside]

Do you think it will be worth collecting with the intent to sell unopened in another 50 years? DSOTM

[@Jaden-eh6rh]

If it's a good pressing and not a flimsy light record then yes remember a new record in mint condition that plays is better than an original pressing that is damaged beyond playability ​@@qroadside

[@Jaden-eh6rh]

​@@qroadsidea new record will usually sound better than a 30 year old one due to less wear and dirt and debris assuming everything else is the same

[@fvalle14]

This "Love Supreme" walmart exclusive used the same master as Acoustic Sounds reissue from 2020, probably the best modern version of this record. When I saw your video's title, I was hoping that this was the record you got.

[@Channel33RPM]

I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.

[@lucalone]

@@Channel33RPM If there is RKS STERLING in the dead wax than you got lucky^

[@blindsoup]

i don’t understand - walmart doesn’t press their own albums.

[@boppinsblog]

@dan slay I bet Walmart has the ability to go to numerous pressing plants and low ball them since they will be pressing millions of albums. Then go with the lowest bidder. They probably found this was cheaper than having their own plant.

[@lollollolskeet]

​@@blindsoup they technically do. The Walmart exclusive ones are pressed specifically for Walmart which means different master recordings along with different pressing plants!!!

[@jasfrt6384]

I've bought probably 10-12 albums from WM and honestly, they've all been perfect. Great sound, no dumb QC issues.

[@TheVinylPlayground]

As someone that has about 50 Walmarts and Targets within a 10-15m radius… I typically find what you just discussed. Great quality, a scarce few goodies hidden within a ton of different generic albums, and usually when the quality is an issue, it’s because of the shipping/storage conditions!

[@raythackston1960]

AS a life long musician and a former record store chain employee, I find it so weird that vinyl records (33RPM) have become so expensive. They used to be the cheapest formate to make from the top down. In 1993 when I was working fro Turtle's Records and Tapes, 33's were $6.99 to $8.99 for a single disc. I guess times change everything. I saw records at my local Walmart and the section looked worse than the one you showed. Enjoyed the video.

[@Lendorien]

That's because records went from being a more basic consumer item to being a luxury item. Also there isn't the scale of production that there once was meaning that high demand and limited production capacity has led to higher pricing.

[@jacobpearson3916]

I have records from Walmart and they sound good

[@georgesikorski9891]

Besides inflation, you have yo account for the fact that records aren't the main format anymore. Which means there are far less facilities for recording, pressing, etc. The cost to make them has increased drastically. Not to mention corporate greed driving the prices of more popular records ($50 for a new The Wall!)

[@BrandonGates]

Yeah I was thinking of starting to buy records but almost 30 bucks for a new copy of Nevermind is just ridiculous. The turntable is about the same price as a single record.

[@gobigrey9352]

Theyre trendy now. Like a fashion item. Like the Yeti of the audio world. I like music, not Yeti coolers. I'll listen in lossless digital and use my coleman like a smart person.

[@zachary_attackery]

For Walmarts black friday last year every single vinyl was on sale for $15 regardless of it was a boxset or how expensive it normally was. I got the Number of the Beast box set, Holy Diver deluxe edition, Senjetsu, Creatures of the Night half speed, and a ton more for $15 each. They even had a giant Garth Brooks vinyl box set for $15

[@studydude]

I got both the Numbers/Hammersmith set and the Garth Box, Sending the Garth to my Dad for his birthday in June.

[@Channel33RPM]

Great haul! I would have picked all those up as well.

[@studydude]

@@Channel33RPM There were guys that literally got 100s of records in that haul flashing it all on youtube, no matter how good you think you're doin, someone else is doing better lol. Thanks for covering all the diverse topics of record collecting Frank.

[@zachary_attackery]

@@studydude I got multiple copies of everything and traded them with other people that had other ones I wanted and couldn't find. I had to go to like 20 Walmarts to find some of them

[@garysvinyldungeon2764]

I purchased 18 that day no problems with any of them.

[@phen277]

I’ve been buying from Target and what I’ve been purchasing (mainstream older titles- Paul McCartney, Queen, Bowie, etc.) have been priced right about the $21-$26 mark. You can even find a good selection of records lower than $20 if you look. All have been off very high quality as well. Love this channel, btw.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Patrick.

[@ToddGuyTheThrashingZombie]

I've bought quite a few records from Walmart. Never had any issues with them. It's not like Walmart has their own plants like you said. The two Stone Temple Pilots albums I bought sound great. I only have 2 record stores in my area. One is more of a pop culture store, sells Funko's, body jewelry, comic books and other such stuff along with vinyl, CDs and movies. They don't sell or buy used vinyl any more. The other place always seems overpriced and doesn't usually have what I'm looking for plus they don't sell new vinyl. To get a mix of new and used vinyl I have to travel an hour away. Walmart is good for the younger crowd getting into vinyl though if they don't have another option.

[@danieldaniels7571]

I recently bought Core at Walmart and am very happy with it.

[@jem550]

Although I was skeptical to buy from Walmart initially, I have found many records that were perfectly fine, sounded great and I was overall pleased with my purchases. But the Black Friday deals cannot be beat. I would take a chance on nearly anything that I don't normally seek out for prices. Needless to say every time our family does the Walmart shopping trip I always spend a few minutes in the Vinyl aisle.

[@ddy3smptr]

I buy records anywhere, whether for necessity or convenience but do try to give my local shops most of my business. The quality of the pressing is what makes the difference and I’ve gotten great sounding records from the box stores and some bad ones from record stores.

[@danpetitpas]

Don't they give you store credit? I can't believe they wouldn't take back something that was defective. Did they think you were scamming them?

[@jeremyh5404]

Orange Records is a great record shop! Prices are fair and Matt is always eager to talk music, help you find what you are looking for, and make recommendations. I don’t think that Wal Mart pressings are inferior, but prefer to support my local indie stores. With that said, I couldn’t resist picking up a couple titles on the $15 Black Friday sale. They were ones that I might not have ended up buying, if not for the unbeatable price.

[@billscherer207]

Hi Frank, I grew up in Grand Forks and lived in Fargo for quite a long time. I was a musician, well still Adam but I started my days in Grand Forks and moved to Fargo and now I live in the Twin Cities. Glad to see there’s some record stores up there still. 6:08

[@tonihernandez6862]

i'm 62, so i guess i'm a crotchety old fart. i really cant justify spending that much on vinyl. also, some music i've bought over and over and over again on new media, with the promise of the sound quality being better. i have sgt pepper on original vinyl - mono and stereo, foreign imports, cassette, metal cassette, 8-track, reel to reel, ipod, CD, half-speed remastered vinyl, virgin vinyl, itunes - ha, i cant do it anymore. so i am glad to read your posts - they're interesting. enjoy your buying new vinyl experience, and keep vinyl alive. 🙂

[@IDBARTLETT]

In the UK, comparing vinyl prices today and those when I bought my first in 1970. Taking average salaries into consideration, it works out just about the same. Although I wouldn't buy any vinyl from Wallmarts.

[@MScl5qx]

I also have a few records from Walmart, including Princes' greatest hits, volume 1 and 2. I did check a twisted sister record with a copy I have, same pressing just the hype sticker was different, Friday's music vs. walmart. I think one of the biggest advantages is that walmart/ Target is helping to bring some decent priced vinyl to folks who either couldn't afford to pay higher prices or have limited availability and would have to pay high shipping costs. So maybe they are providing a valuable service?

[@Channel33RPM]

Good point, Mike! Nothing wrong with getting records into the hands of more people.

[@DC-xx4kv]

Oh Frank, I am doubting people complaining about Walmart records. They’re going to be those so prejudiced they will condemn Walmart and those who buy their records. I’m sure many have never even heard one. I never doubt the lowness people go to. ☮️

[@Channel33RPM]

Yes, for sure. I was so curious to check out a couple, and I'm pretty happy I did.

[@DC-xx4kv]

@@Channel33RPM you did well. Enjoy.

[@JrGoonior]

It's just like "The old days" of record shopping, they all get them from the same place. I recently found Dark Side of the Moon (2016) remaster and the 40th (I feel old now) Anniversary Thriller at WalMart and both sound fantastic. The beginning of the track "Time" sounds like the clocks are in the room!

[@rogerdopp6848]

I bought a few, on Black Friday they had some priced at $5. Didn't have any problems with the ones that I bought that day.

[@phil-hunt]

Orange Records is my home base for record hunting and is such a great place to have in Fargo! Glad you had a chance to hit it up after a while

[@ChadInOKC]

I bought two Journey greatest hits records, one from Walmart and another from Amazon. The Walmart one was so warped and full of skips, I returned it (they put it back on the shelf even though I told them it was defective). The Amazon record was warped too, but not as bad. I also purchased an ELO Very Best Hits album from Walmart and it sounds AMAZING!

[@therudeawakening559]

I have become a fan of your channel for sure. I can say, I have bought a lot of vinyls from walmart and have been happy with the sound quality every time. Maybe I have just been lucky but I have gotten many albums that before I may have not been able to get on vinyl. Also, thankns for showing that Superfly record haha just ordered a copy now thanks to you.

[@lucasfrieze8569]

I buy them at Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and my local shops.

[@lenwennerberg1631]

Another good one Frank. In my own experience Target's CD prices are decent but their record prices are wicked expensive. Orange Records looks amazing! And I saw Gary Clark Jr. on stage with The Stones back in 2013. 👍 EDIT: I've purchased exactly ONE vinyl record at Target. The Target smoke vinyl exclusive of John Coltrane's A Love Supreme. It was a total impulse buy, and it was very pricey, but the vinyl sounds really really good, especially for colored vinyl.

[@Basspayne]

Orange Records is a great shop! Best prices in the area and a great atmosphere!

[@WillowRedDog]

Target’s vinyl prices aren’t any really more expensive than Walmart’s. In fact, many times, if Target has an exclusive pressing, they are often cheaper than pressings everywhere else. Also, Target often has Clearance sales on their vinyl. I’ve picked up a lot of titles really cheap from them that way.

[@lenwennerberg1631]

@@WillowRedDog The last time I was in my local Target I saw several newer pressings (not Target exclusives) of common titles (can't remember now what they were) going between $40-$50 each. That to me is expensive. YMMV.

[@WillowRedDog]

@@lenwennerberg1631 - That’s Universal Music’s fault, though, not Target’s. Universal raised their prices on a lot of their catalog last year. They are higher no matter where you buy from.

[@lenwennerberg1631]

@@WillowRedDog Hmmmm.... Too rich for my blood. Give me the CD counterpart for $12-$13 any day of the week, please!

[@jimandmarysearch662]

Hi Frank, Love your channel. I’m 57 years old and have been collecting records since the mid-70s. And I have to say I love the Walmart selection and all the colored vinyl! I’ve probably bought at least 20 lp’s and only had an issue with the Journey Escape lp skipping on one song. Took it back, they exchanged it for me no problem. Overall I find the vinyl quality of what’s being put out is very good compared to what was being put out in the late 70s & 80s before CD’s.

[@miss80smoviesandmusic]

I love collecting the WM's exclusive soundtrack pressings and have compared them to OG's and more often than not they sound better. But I am definitely not an audiophile, but I know what sounds good to my ears!

[@jackedkerouac4414]

I look at them as impulse buys like getting candy, batteries or an energy drink. It's something I rarely do but when I get home I'm happy I got it.

[@harpermotorsports16]

My Walmart has a ton of Adele too! LOL. As for the records, I've never had ANY issues with them. I used to buy records from my local indie store, until this past Black Friday when they went to Walmart, picked up all the good albums for $15, peeled off the part of the label that says "Walmart Exclusive", and marked the records up to $35 or more!!!! They must be too ignorant to realize that people know the Walmart vinyl label. So screw them I don't feel bad supporting Walmart and NOT my local record store!

[@Channel33RPM]

Oh man... yeah, that is pretty bad.

[@harpermotorsports16]

@@Channel33RPM shady AF if you ask me! So now I drive 30 minutes to another town and give THEM my business

[@farrellmcnulty909]

Is that how you found out, by looking at the label?

[@curtmurray6085]

Alot of record shows I go to some vendors will try to pull that crap!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I just had a look at Led Zeppelin III and Presence, two LPs I bought at Wal-Mart in the last year and looked at the labels. I didn't see anything that said "wal-mart" or any indication. The only thing I see on my copies is the hype sticker which I kept...and they each included a sticker replicating a backstage pass of some festival.

[@Hooksongs]

I have the Blue Coltrane album and I agree. Sounds great. The only issue I've ever had with Walmart was when I bought goodbye yellow brick road picture desk exclusive. The 1st copy had blisters and sounded like crap but I returned it and got a second copy that was perfect. I have no problems with Walmart records.

[@RJ-eg2nx]

Frank, I really appreciate your videos they are very informative. I was recently at a used vinyl store, and they were selling wrapped releases from Walmart. They were asking 25 to 35 dollars, so very good to know that they were sold for 15 dollars from Walmart. Fortunately, I just looked but did not buy any of those albums. Keep on spinning!

[@williampeeters7327]

Go ahead, name the store

[@johnster1976]

I found couple metallica records at Walmart and they sound so good. Probably because they are from the Metallica pressing plant but. The sleeves the record came in weren’t damaged at all and it was over all a good experience

[@suemiller2522]

I have purchased vinyl from WalMart, but my town recently got a record store down on Main St again. I have had an excellent time supporting it :)

[@bobsoldrecords1503]

I'm impressed with the coloured vinyl limited Walmart editions. I'm going to have to pick up that Coltrane. Didn't realise it looked that cool

[@LukeWarm05]

They're all pressed from the same stampers. Standard edition, Walmart exclusive, Amazon exclusive, the version the artist will sell on tour, whatever. Usually the only thing that changes is the color. And black vinyl will always sound best.

[@davidbindert]

About 5 years ago Target was having a buy 2 get one free deal on vinyl records. My wife and I picked up Nirvana - Nevermind, Meatloaf - Bat Out Of Hell and Beastie Boys - License to Ill. I think the records were priced around $22-23 each. We still look when we are at Walmart or Target but rarely buy. The selection is poor and prices high but I have no issue with quality of the vinyl itself.

[@wesleyburks5368]

I've purchased several records at my local Walmart's here in central Oklahoma. I've only had one issue with Walmart vinyl and that has been Journey's Escape! I returned it and explained what the issue was and they wanted me to exchange it for another copy and I told them I wanted to try another Walmart because I thought the issue was a bad pressing. Unfortunately, the 2nd copy had the same issue. I recently bought a copy of Boston's 1st lp on blue vinyl for 19.99 USD and sounds very good! I was really impressed how quiet and clean the record sounded! As long as I can find records I like for $22.00 or less I will continue to purchase from Walmart!

[@jayfry-tv]

Nothing against Walmart or new records - but nothing beats finding an old original release - that was at wild parties from the 70s/80s / it has history. I found a classic copy of AC/DC Back in Black - you can actually still smell the cigarettes and booze on the inner sleeve…dare I ever call the number written on the cover? Lol. Great episode! Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the great content. ⚡️🤘⚡️

[@contour157]

call it!! I bet your mom answers...

[@jayfry-tv]

@@contour157 ouch! 😂

[@danielknepper6884]

​@@contour157😂😂😂

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Some are going to complain about anything. It's kinda like the grass might be greener on the other side, but then it might not be. Just as many of these "special" and/or "exclusive" may be deemed as inferior, they shouldn't be. They were pressed by the same companies who press the regular black vinyl records, often at the same time, using the same stampers, but using a different color of vinyl puck. If there is something wrong with the "exclusive" records, it's just a defective pressing, just like can happen with a regular black vinyl pressing. Years ago, in the heyday of record clubs, RCA, Columbia and Capitol were dominant. Maybe one reason was that they had their own pressing plants. At that time, you couldn't get one of the other label's records if that record label had it's own record club. After capitol Record Club went away, RCA and Columbia eventually had each other's and all the different record labels available. It was said that the "club" pressings were inferior as these clubs had their own record pressing plants and pressed their own records. Well, these same record pressing plants pressed records for each other as well as the record clubs. The quality may have differed with which plant pressed the records, not because it was or wasn't a "club" pressing. Capitol used a different numbering system on their record club records, but mostly the only differences were that the record club would be printed on the back of the covers and record labels. The Columbia House club records were often pressed by their Terra Haute plant as that was where their record club was headquartered. Compared to a Columbia, Santa Maria virgin vinyl pressing, yes the T.H. pressings were inferior. But then, the T.H. for the club and those for general distribution were identical in quality.

[@slasherdope8065]

I'm kool. I got a remastered Metallica Black Album CD at Walmart for 1 dollar. Record prices are outrageous but plenty other things aren't, especially at Walmart

[@thetubesrock]

Great video Frank. Walmart has it's place just like all of the other options out there. Limited variety but when they have their sales going I splurge a bit on records out of my wheelhouse. Keep on spin'n!

[@KOSMICKEN09]

Frankly I miss seeing a larger CD selection at Walmart - I buy records there on occasion but I also have over 4000 CDs I'm not going to re~ replace my collection lol - sure I'm a sucker for vinyl exclusives there - got a great one of Kiss Love Gun there

[@MegaMoviesrock]

On Black Friday several years ago, I managed to weave through the crowd to the record section. Even though the store was packed, nobody cared about the records. I picked up a double LP copy of Tom Petty's Greatest Hits for half price. It sounds great and I love it!

[@jailhouserockconfidential8620]

Nice coverage about your trip to a Walmart to look for vinyl. I love your channel. One of my three favorite on you tube!

[@Channel33RPM]

Much appreciated - thank you!

[@revrendsunshine]

I have found that vinyl at Walmart is actually really well made. Sound and Quality wise they really do a great job.

[@haydendoan7691]

I've been pleased with my record purchases at Walmart and I have a very decent system to be able to appreciate the sound quality. My complaint though is their return policy. They will only replace and not refund. Unfortunately, many records do not get frequently restocked. And therefore, I got stuck with not being able to return my ELO Greatest Hits for less than stellar clicks & pops on a few of my favorite tracks.

[@lollollolskeet]

My friend who works at the record store i regular said that the new Walmart pressings (limited edition ones) are really good and are usually pressed in Germany if I remember correctly. I agree with him because I've noticed a higher quality of sound from the Walmart exclusives. One that I noticed a fairly large difference is the regular clear press of the Rolling Stones Hot Rocks and Walmart gold press of Hot Rocks. Its kinda surprising ngl

[@dawnpatrol700]

I support anywhere that carries vinyl. I never saw a David Lee Roth 2003 Diamond Dave vinyl issue anywhere BUT Walmart. I spent $500 and 3 days going to 30 different Wal-Mart's for the $15 sale. I got the brand new Springsteen, Top Gun sntk and Elvis sntk (all just released that week) and got a $50 plus metallica Garage Inc for $15. I love my local indie shops too

[@tomfurgas2844]

Back when I was a youngster I would buy records from big retailers (Sears, K Mart, etc.) small independent record stores (Underdog Records, White Wing Records), and specialty record shops like NRM, Oasis, and Camelot. The quality was all the same regardless of where I bought them. Colored vinyl has the distinct advantage of always being on virgin vinyl. Black vinyl can sometimes be pressed on "regrind", records that have been recycled and ground up to be repurposed to press new records. Problem with regrind is that they have to grind up the labels too, which contaminate the vinyl. But I imagine that practice is not a prevalent as it used to be since there are far fewer records being pressed these days and thus fewer records available to be recycled.

[@Channel33RPM]

I also remember buying records from all sorts of places as a kid. Even a national chain here called Canadian Tire sold records back then (my dad would go browse the tools, and leave me in the record section... it was great!).

[@tomfurgas2844]

@@Channel33RPM In the 1960's just about everyone carried at least a small selection of records. Drug stores, convenience stores, even a pet store I went to had a rack of Top 10 records. So naturally wherever the family went shopping I'd have to check out the records. My dad hated my obsession with records and always got disgusted with me wanting to at least pick up a 45 RPM single.

[@idrink2muchbeer373]

Love that this title is given and then takes half of the just over 10 minute video (shocker) to actually start talking about Walmart vinyl.

[@tonystephens6858]

Hate to say it, but I've received a number of Wal-Mart albums from family members for birthdays and Christmas. They have all sounded just as good if not better than some of the originals that I still own. For the super rare stuff, I order from Discogs. Most flea markets around here are so overpriced I don't go anymore.

[@boogiewoogie9770]

That Superfly looks identical to my original. An essential album imo!

[@brucegrossman3531]

When they did a deluxe on CD years ago it had the exact cut out part like the vinyl.

[@ChrisDons_TheLounge]

I became a fan of Gary Clark Jr back in 2015! Didn’t know him at the time and he opened for The Rolling Stones in San Diego / Petco Park. I was sitting in stands listening to opener and that guitar playing hooked me! He’s now one of my favorite current artists!

[@charlielaunder4520]

Yup Gary is badass live, caught him a few times. Last time I saw him the fellow behind me asked the stranger beside me to sit down, He more or less said to the guy this Gary "fookin" Clarke I didn't come here to sit, I smiled and stood up too!

[@surf01er66]

I've bought a lot from Walmart in the past couple of years. Free shipping, easy returns. I still buy acoustic sounds, MoFi etc but have found some really good sales at Walmart. My local record stores are expensive, long drive. Great vlog....Aloha

[@LgnShorty]

Frank in my town Walmart is the only place that has records for sale . Otherwise it's online places like music stack, discogs , ebay , etc. I take what I can get and have had decent luck 😊

[@BessieBopOrBach]

If you're in Winnipeg, I feel like the closest equivalent to Walmart vinyl is the records at London Drugs. They have an astonishingly big selection of music for a store called London Drugs!

[@kanye_north11]

I found a Shrek record at Walmart. Bought it. 10/10.

[@Kane26510]

I have not purchased any records at Walmart. It's not that I wouldn't, but I don't go to a Supercenter all that often. I did buy an LP at Target last Christmas - they had Vince Guaraldi's A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS on sale, and since I didn't own the album (only about 6 CDs and a cassette), I figured I'd complete the trifecta. Haven't opened it yet.

[@moonytheloony6516]

I have 3 records from Walmart in which two of them are colored vinyl. They all sound fantastic. I suspect a bit of snobbery is afoot with some of the opinions out there regarding records purchased from Walmart or Target. I stopped buying records 12 months ago and instead migrated back to CD's which make up the vast majority of the music that I possess. Record prices are nothing short of ridiculous and as a result, I've zero intention of participating for the foreseeable future. I'm enjoying the records that I have (as well as my CD's) and that's perfectly fine for me. Great video as usual!

[@Channel33RPM]

It is getting very expensive.

[@TheShospitali]

I think it depends if you got a really good turntable & sound system to play them on makes all the difference in vinyl & your stylus & cartridge.

[@ThriftyAV]

The first time I listened to Super Fly was while exploring my mother's 8-tracks as a child. When I was released on CD in the late 1980s, I snatched it up, then later picked up the Rhino Deluxe 2 CD 25th Anniversary edition. However, I have never had the pleasure of owning this title on vinyl, and the colored vinyl on this one looks nice. There are a few titles worthy of owning on multiple formats, and this is certainly one of them. I'll see if my local Walmart has it in stock.

[@ssbtd00m]

Frank, I''m about five years older than you and we bought our music (on vinyl or cassette) at one of two places: chain record stores (in the mall or standalone), or a "mart" like Kmart or Woolworth. I lived in a small town right between Detroit and Toledo and there were NO independent records to be found. They were either the chains or the discount department stores. (Yeah, there was Columbia house, but that's not relevant here.) Music buying was at the whim of big business putting out what they thought we wanted. Sure there WERE independents but few and far between and a LONG ways from me. College towns usually had one or two and really big cities had one or two. Amazon and WalMart came along and killed both the record store chains AND the Discount "mart" stores, in different ways. My brief foray back into vinyl record buying in the modern age has shown it to have brought a lot of mom-and-pops out of the wood work and I love it. But Wal Mart and Target of course want a piece of the pie, and based on record buying history, why not? They did it before records died out, and they may very well be helping bring them back. They certainly won't drive M&Ps out of business if the M&Ps have good business sense and capitalize on the used market, special orders and RSDs. It's all good, man. And I want that Def Leppard Pyromania disc in blaze yellow and orange flames!

[@studydude]

Keep in mind, 15 dollars a record is at or below wholesale, especially on the higher priced albums, if you dug into the action that particular week, you are buying below the cost of Record stores that stock new records. Legendary.

[@ab3000x]

Many independent record shop owners scored some nice stuff to sell in their shops. I picked up two Iron Maiden albums for $30 total - retail price is $110 total.

[@charliebonacci3912]

I planning on getting the colored vinyl for the originals I already have. I haven't had any issues with albums that I get from Walmart. Haven't checked out Target at all. Probably because I get 10% off the price since my wife has retired from there.

[@ericwong6531]

Hey Frank! I am living in Ontario Canada so I cannot comment on Walmart Records since like you said Walmart Canada does not sell Records but I love what you picked up at Walmart when you were in the United States. I especially love the John Coltrane A Love Supreme. This is one of my favorite John Coltrane albums. My only copy is the Acoustic Sounds/ Analogue Productions pressing from QRP.

[@jacobrajala8361]

One I got from Walmart was matchbox 20 exile on mainstream reissue as it was expensive for an original.

[@MusicAnthropology]

I’ve gotten a few records from Walmart. I’ve never noticed a quality issue. There are some independent records stores I frequent in the Birmingham area. Renaissance Records and What’s on 2nd are 2 in Birmingham’s south side.

[@lawrencetomczyk9677]

The Walmart Jimi Hendrix colored LPs I got were pressed by QRP (think Acoustic Sounds). I got all the Walmart exclusive Metallica LPs…no issues. However, the Walmart Van Halen exclusives are a bit noisy, so, it probably has to do with those being pressed by GZ in the Chec Republic. Overall, i believe Walmart vinyl to be a “good buy”

[@Channel33RPM]

Good info about the VH released, thanks ... I almost picked up Fair Warning out of curosity (and to compare to my original press).

[@jamescarter3196]

Glad to see so many people saying the stuff they bought at Walmart was ok, because I've seen quite a few reviews of records from Target (about a year or two ago) saying they had what seemed to be pressing errors.

[@andrewbrown3070]

I have bought some records from Wal-Mart. What I noticed is like what you said there is good and bad. I usually support my independent stores and that is where I'm able to find more sought after/higher quality pressings. I have however scored a few Craft recording records from Wal-Mart that I'm very happy with. Thanks for all you do Frank.

[@Channel33RPM]

Craft at Walmart... score!

[@dwf150101]

Agree with the good and bad. I’ve had mixed results. One of the worst sounding new records I ever bought came from Walmart. (Led Zeppelin Coda). I have an Ellington/Coltrane that sounds great. ZZ Top Raw sounds great. I’ll definitely take my chances on those $15 sales.

[@drunkenskelator]

For VC content provider I was a little surprised when reviewing the WalMart LP’s you did not look at/discuss what the dead wax would tell you about them. A good indicator of the quality of a pressing often is who did the mastering and where it was pressed. This info can often be obtained in the dead wax as I am sure you know. In the case of the Coltrane LP the mastering was done by Ryan K Smith/Sterling Sounds who also did the mastering for the highly regarded Acoustic Sounds reissue of this title. The Wal-Mart version most likely used the same master or possibly the same metal work as the Acoustic Sounds release but it was pressed by GZ Media (most likely at Memphis Records) not QRP. I have heard that other WalMart titles may have similar backgrounds which is why some of them should sound great. It does appear though that WalMart does not(cannot?) include any info on the hype sticker about the source of the mastering so unless you do more research you will not know which titles there might be your best bet.

[@daveshredmonster2171]

Several albums I bought several from Walmart and I couldn't tell the difference they sounded great. But as you were saying it depends on the pressing. Every once in a while you'll get a lemon but not that often

[@toddmcdonald5365]

I love Orange Records! Matt runs a great shop. Glad you have had a chance to see it.

[@llewellyn56]

All my vinyl form UK. Walmart I bought 80s /90s inexpensive vinyl last year very happy sounds great

[@erikmolnar6585]

They sound good to me, though I don't play records for perfection. I figure anyone selling records is bringing the near gone format back to the stores, and it's always fun

[@wcoleman99]

i know there's a place in Memphis, Tennessee called Memphis record pressing. as the name suggests they make vinyl records. I need to go to see if they do tours and hopefully they'll have a little shop to go with it. if you're ever down that way you may want to check it out.

[@rzrbckmz23]

I just started getting back into vinyl so yesterday I went to our local used and new record store and was shocked how much new records cost. I found a few used ones I did not have and bought those but as a person who loves most 70s and 80s melodic rock I'd much rather find a used gem for 5 or 10 bucks vs paying 25 for a new copy. Plus most of the artists that are my favorites (Elton, Billy Joel, Rick Springfield, Hall and Oates, etc.) I have all their albums already or they are harder to find. I converted over to CDs starting in 1986 so now I feel I'm reversing course and looking for great albums on vinyl that I already own on CD.

[@DingleBerry88]

Target and Walmart exclusives usually just use the same metal work as whatever other recent reissues have come out. With coltranes love supreme they used the acoustic sounds verve cut. I’m sure some of them suck but if you do your research you can get audiophile pressings for half price.

[@VinylandKicks86]

only time i buy from walmart or target is when they have a heavily discounted sale on records otherwise i'm shopping with a indie record shop.

[@klaire_kay]

Hi Frank! Over the past couple of years I've picked up a couple of records from our local Walmart in central Kansas. DSOTM and led zeppelin IV and both of them sound fantastic. I have noticed that both of them were pressed in Germany but that wouldn't do anything to make them inferior to any other pressing. My personal opinion is that the complaints against Walmart records are made by those who are normally opposed to Walmart for other reasons. As for me, I'm going to keep on spinnin (Walmart records).

[@ubtrippin9980]

Thanks for mentioning Orange Records. Will check it out next visit to Fargo.

[@zacharyfinigan227]

Another thing the Pearl jam albums. I had in the '90s even though they were pressed thinner and a grooves weren't as deep they sounded better than they do now. because I had all three albums Pearl jam Ten , VS and vitalogy and there are chimes and stuff you don't hear on the rerelease on the high end.

[@n84434]

I bought the Hendrix Greatest Hits album at Walmart.. Wasn't the best sounding LP I've heard, but some of the cuts sounded better than others. Many of the tracks were very dull and muffled sounding.

[@arkansawyer73]

I bought Metallica master of puppets and AC/DC highway to hell both records skipped into the first song on both sides. Other than that they played fine that being said I took them back didn’t have a receipt so I couldn’t return them. I sold them in a flea market and decided I will only buy vinyl from my local records store, or when possible directly from the artist

[@60sStyling]

I've never purchased an album at WM, just haven't seen anything that grabbed me....but - I'd definitely buy one to see if the quality was up to par (and I think after your video, they probably are).

[@TheAmericanDragn]

I've always had mixed results with the Wal-Mart exclusive versions of records. The Led Zeppelin ones I bought don't sound that great, but the Van Halen and Green Day ones I had sound pretty good and the MCR ones I have were okay

[@WithTheGrain]

Just saw this and saw my hometown, awesome to see orange records get some love. On the other end of that block is Vinyl Giant which also carries some great stuff that orange records doesn't.

[@WyliesLiveMusicCorner]

Subscribed once I heard "Winnipeg" 😏 (Here's to bumping into ya at Argy's, Into The Music, Vintage Vinyl and/or WPG Record and Tape during my annual August trip out that way!)

[@tylerschweigert1940]

Lol I’m from Fargo so this was a shock. I love oranges records downtown! Incredible store and employees

[@havingoodtime]

I have bought a lot of records from Walmart the only issue I have had was a badly warped WU-Tang Clan record, also got ll of the Metallica colored vinyl exclusives

[@easttexasnomad5981]

I've bought 2 records from Walmart with mixed results. My Miles Davis repress of Kind of Blue sounds great. Also bought Stevie Nicks greatest hits and returned it after the first play because the second record was warped. For $38 I expect it to be in better condition.

[@waltercannon4700]

The best thing about the records for sale at Walmart or Target is that the store just sees the records as product. So when new albums come out, older titles are put on clearance to free up shelf space. I’ve bought many titles for 50 to 75 percent off, good deal!

[@Channel33RPM]

50-75% off... wow!

[@purpleghost4083]

Just as product is right. Several years ago when one of the main grocers in Canada, (Real Canadian) Superstore, got rid of their music/video/vid. games/electronics, etc. section but still had some CDs & DVDs remaining in a bin, I was able to pick up some CDs that they marked down to only $1. Almost giving them away! That was a good day for me.

[@zariamultimedia]

Bought a 12" Vinyl record from Walmart yesterday, it was the best of the Eagles. The record skipped right out of the package. My other 2 vinyl records that I bought from other stores the same day played perfectly. Upon closer inspection, the Eagles record had small scratches on it and there is no way I did that because I was way too careful on my 1st play. Anyway, returned the record today. Kind of hesitant to buy vinyl from Walmart again.

[@did_that_hurt8387]

oh wow a fellow Winnipeger started collecting again after a lot of years and yours was first channel I subbed to

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ignatzmuskrat3000]

Bought the same Train and Curtis records. No issues. I have two Queen half speed masters on colored vinyl. I found red slivers of vinyl on the record. You gotta clean them b4 playing!! 180gram is not a guarantee of anything but heft. My Animals reissue from another vendor crackles too much even after cleaning! So....

[@johnbrentford5513]

So, people think the record companies have pressed a separate and lower quality run of records for Wal -Mart? That would not be cost effective anyway the record pressing company would have to put just as much labor and time into it no matter the quality of the music on the record. I don't think the pressing companies would even offer such a service that would actually hurt their business. Wal-Mart buys everything in bulk including records any cheaper price they would offer would be because of their bulk discount. Think about it your local record store might order fifty copies of an album Wal-Mart orders millions.

[@edguyrocks5865]

I’ve bought 3 vinyls at Walmart in FL cuz the record stores by me were priced outrageous. AIC Dirt, Diary of a Madman by Ozzy, and STP Core. Core sounds not too good, but that’s all the 2017 reissues of that record. Had black and then the Walmart red splatter. Dirt sounds pretty good. Not sure how it compares to just any othe 2LP? This one is red. I have heard the MOV pressing sounds great. Diary on blue vinyl sounds excellent though. Really liked that pressing.

[@edguyrocks5865]

Some of these bastards though trash the record part and bend the crap outta them. So watch out.

[@BoboMcBooboy]

Hi Frank! First time stumbling across your channel! Earned a sub once you talked about going to Fargo and living an hour away from the border... Figured you have to be from Winnipeg... But quickly checking your channel I was surprised to see a mailing address!! Love from your new sub here across the river here in NK! 😅

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks man! I'm glad you dug the vid.

[@stevengaddis1362]

The quality of the vinyl pressings sold at Target and Walmart varies. But there is a key to picking the good ones before you hear them. It boils down to who is pressing the records. If Walmart or Target is pressing a run of a title that will be available exclusively in their store, don't expect high-quality. An example is some of the soundtracks like Ghostbusters or Top Gun. Neither got a general reissue outside of the retailer. The mastering is sub-par to CD and the noise floor tends to be high. On the other hand, if the pressing is part of a larger run, and the retailer is only offering exclusivity in terms of colored vinyl or an exclusive insert, then the pressing comes from the same plates as the rest of the run available elsewhere. So these records were released under the supervision of their respective lables, and more care is generally given to the mastering and pressing. Examples would be Walmart's colored vinyl releases of Billy Joel's catalog that is also being released on black vinyl everywhere else.

[@SaintMartins]

LOL, Strange people think Walmart has there own vinyl pressing plant. They DON'T it's the same pressing as any other retail store has from the record company. All Walmart does is request the "record label' to press a specific vinyl colour or add a bonus track so they can slap a hype sticker on it to make it a "exclusive Walmart release"

[@Channel33RPM]

Yeah, I'm not sure where that comes from, but it seems to be a widely(?) held opinion.