Music Town

Music Town has been part of Houston record buying since 1979, with Brent and Kristen now carrying it forward. The shop buys across formats and genres, but its strongest demand follows the people walking in: rock, pop, hip-hop, R&B, country, CDs, LPs, and daily new arrivals.

Interview with Music Town

Music Town buys all genres and formats, 78s included. How did the shop come together, Brent?

We buy all formats and genres, except VHS and 78s.

The store was opened in 1979 by a guy called James straight out of high school. I started working here in the '90s. When James was looking to retire, my wife, Kristen, and I bought it. We've owned it now for around five years.

You pay the most for post-British Invasion rock and pop, hip hop, R&B, and outlaw/80s/90s country. How did that pricing focus take shape?

It's all driven by the clientele. We try to create a third place for people to shop, hang out, and meet others. Naturally, conversations happen and that's what leads us to stock what we do, whether new or used. We're just trying to give the people what they want.

You ask sellers to bring bigger collections on Mondays or Tuesdays — your slowest days — so you can look in the moment. How does that keep things smooth?

Having specific buying days and times ensures we're able to give people a fair offer after a thorough examination. By asking folks to come by on our slowest days, or when we're overstaffed, it allows us to focus on grading the collection appropriately so that all parties leave happy.

You'll also come to a seller on a Wednesday if that's easier. How often do you do house calls?

We make house calls two or three times a month. It really depends on the demand.

What do your Houston customers reach for most?

On CD, it's mostly '90s / early '00s rock, like Deftones, Radiohead, and The Strokes. We also sell quite a bit of dream pop, like Clairo and Pheobe Bridgers, and metal, like Megadeth and Sepultura.

On vinyl, it's mostly classic rock, like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, classic R&B, like Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye, or new hip hop, like Tyler, The Creator and A$AP Rocky.

What comes through in Houston collections that still surprises you?

It's not really the what, but the how. Every collection we go through has some surprises, like a random metal title between a bunch of classical albums. When we ask about these oddball records, the stories people tell about how they acquired the record(s) is typically fascinating.

One example that comes to mind is when this elderly gentleman came in looking to sell one LP. Much to our surprise, it was a rare press of a CCCP's "American-Soviets" single. When we asked where he got it, he told us this fascinating story about his time as a club kid in the Montrose area in the early-'80s. Definitely not something we expected to hear out in the suburbs!

Houston humidity is rough on records. What condition issues do you see most?

Unfortunately, water damage is pretty common, especially after Harvey. Since we only buy items in good+ condition, we have to turn away many titles / collections. That said, we're fortunate enough to have a 75% offer rate on buys.

First visit to Music Town — what should someone dig through first?

Start with the new arrival used CDs and / or LPs. We get stuff in daily so both boxes are replenished frequently. You'll typically find some gems that you didn't even know you were looking for!

If you're feeling chatty, ask the person behind the counter what they're excited about. We love giving recommendations and receiving them too!

FAQ

When should sellers bring larger collections to Music Town?

Music Town prefers larger collections on Mondays or Tuesdays, its slower days, so staff can review them properly.

Does Music Town make house calls?

Yes. Brent says the shop makes house calls two or three times a month depending on demand.

Last updated: 2026-08-14

Store owners

Add a VinylPackman badge

Use this small badge on a Press, About, Links, or News page to point visitors back to the feature.

Show badge code

Need to fix store details?

Owner or staff? Send a correction for review.

Correct this listing