When an indie record store gets high-profile support from one of the planet’s biggest pop stars, that’s proof it’s something special. That’s what happened when Taylor Swift donated money to help Grimey’s out when the East Trinity Lane shop was forced to close due to the pandemic. As a longtime fan who remembers when Grimey’s New and Preloved Music was located in a house near 100 Oaks Mall, I’ve taken joy in watching the store’s growth over the years. After a couple of moves, it’s evolved into not only a site for all types of great recordings, but also a source for books and hard-to-find music magazines. Grimey’s is among the last of its kind anywhere in the nation — a full-service record store staffed by people who not only know but love music and can answer questions about what’s new or coming. There are a few protocols that Grimey’s has enacted to keep everything safe, but they don’t really dampen the experience. If music is what you crave, there’s no better place to find it locally than Grimey’s. RON WYNN
Best Locally Owned Record Store
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
