End of An Ear — Local services in Austin

I've been to a lot of record stores across the country-- I've lived in places like Pittsburgh, Richmond, Dallas, and Cleveland, and frankly, nothing comes close to this place. The selection is out of this world good. I'm talking like... walk in, find 5 of your favorite records, and buy them without thinking twice good. I have various musical interests, but deep down, I'm a Warped Tour kid, and obviously one of their buyers is too, because the only problem with this place is walking out without spending over $100 every time you walk in.

Every time I'm there it's something different-- I've found rare pressings of Blink-182 records like Buddha, emo gems like The Academy Is.... "Almost Here", Indie Exclusive pressings from Weezer, Twenty One Pilots, and some lesser-known records that have made me audibly gasp when I see them, like The Promise Ring or Oso Oso.

The staff is also super friendly-- I've asked for recommendations and I've gotten them no problem. They also have an extensive back-room I only just discovered, where they sell gear like turntables and speakers. I needed a cartridge replacement for an old record player, and they helped me pick one out right before the store closed, which I couldn't have been more thankful for.

Before I lived in Austin, I'd make the trip here from Dallas once every few months, and End of an Ear was always on the list of places I HAD to go before leaving. It's one of my favorite record stores in the country, and I'd highly recommend it as a stop for anyone who has an even remotely good...

Love this record store- especially since it is my Neighborhood

I stop by once a week usually

Nice selection - a bit pricey- and I always feel like the real good stuff gets snagged fast by the employees or other connections

A very cool spot in the back where a guy sells and repairs older Steroe Equipment and turntables/speakers etc

But one thing I will say and maybe it's just me- but I get treated terribly when im there by the staff- luckily im not there for the vibes

It's usually 4 people standing around behind the counter not doing much- and having very inside joke conversations that come to an abrupt halt when I approach the counter

And I get a look like "What?" OH you need to buy a record- let me uncomfortably check you out- and not talk at all about my record pics of the day- please whatever you do dont ask about my day😔

Music stores especially record stores used to be filled with music Junkies who love to talk music any chance given

AND make the customers experience enjoyable so that they come back regularly

I walk to the counter and say " Hi how's it going" and usually only get back "would you like a receipt"

Then I walk out happy I have new vinyl- but slightly put off by the staffs energy and non personable vibe

I mean you work at a record store in Austin,TX - maybe try to act like it

I've been buying records in Austin for 37 years- and have been a musician in Austin the same amount of...

They had a good selection, and the artist-sorted racks were set up nicely with used and new records in the same spots, so if you're looking for something specific, it'll be easy to find.

I found some good deals in their 'dollar records' bins, even though everything in there was still $3-$5, and did not appear to be cleaned up at all. Their entire "new arrivals" rack, which they had told me were all used, seemed to be priced $15 and up, and that seemed a little odd.

The strangest thing about the place was the record they were playing over the main speakers the whole time I was in there. It was some sort of really, really dark experimental stuff that made the atmosphere in there very uncomfortable. I listen to my fair share of metal and experimental rock, but something so unnerving seemed an odd choice for a store that (I assume) wants customers to browse their selection for a while and find stuff they want to buy.

Overall it's a nice shop with a lot of records, and they seemed to have a lot of rarer stuff that will appeal to a lot of collectors, but to be honest, the uncomfortable atmosphere in the place made me not want to go back. The minute I stepped outside the store, the world seemed like a happier place. I'm sure I just picked the...