Space Monkey Records

Space Monkey Records in Evansville feels like the kind of store that wants the hunt to matter as much as the purchase. These answers give the page a fuller local profile too: tri-state traffic, classic rock's staying power, the surprise comeback of CDs, and the kind of collection issues that show up in the Ohio Valley.

Interview

You buy just about every format - LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes, even 8-tracks. What's the strangest or best thing that's come in across those?

One of my favorite finds happened in the early years of buying collections. I was going through a batch of records that was really hit or miss when I came across one that had been recorded right here in Evansville. After doing a little research, I realized it was Hickory Wind, an incredibly rare record that collectors are always looking for. It turned out to be the hidden gem of the entire collection. We listed it for sale, and it sold for $1,000 in less than 30 minutes. That's what makes buying collections so exciting; you never know what is in the next box.

Space Monkey is a name with personality. What's the shop like behind it?

Space Monkey is an experience and a time capsule all in one. From the floor to the ceiling, there's always something to catch your eye, whether it's vintage audio gear, music memorabilia, or a record you haven't seen in years. We wanted to create a place where people could go back in time, flip through the bins, and enjoy the hunt. Some customers stop in for one record and end up staying an hour just talking music or sharing stories about concerts or their personal lives. It doesn't matter if it's your first time buying a record or you've been collecting for decades, we want everyone to feel comfortable walking through the door. That's really what Space Monkey is all about: good music, good conversations, and a place people enjoy coming back to.

Floor-to-ceiling records, signs, CDs, and memorabilia inside Space Monkey Records, echoing the owner's description of the shop as an experience and a time capsule.

Your buying leans classic rock, hard rock, metal, jazz, blues, and hip hop, with a little country. Does that match what southern Indiana actually collects?

It really does. Classic rock is still king around here, and it has been incredibly consistent. We also see a strong demand for hard rock and metal, while jazz and blues collectors are always searching for quality pressings. Hip hop has continued to grow, especially with younger collectors getting into vinyl. Country certainly has an audience here too, but it is usually more selective than people might expect. Because we stock both new releases and used records, we get to serve multiple generations of collectors with very different tastes.

Evansville sits down where Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois meet. Who comes through the door?

Being in the tri-state area is one of our biggest advantages. We regularly see customers from Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, along with travelers passing through. Our customers range from little kids to teenagers buying their first turntable and longtime collectors alike. Occasionally, a musician will stop in!

The Space Monkey Records sign outside the Evansville shop, a useful marker for the tri-state travelers mentioned in the interview.

No appointment needed to sell - someone just walks in and you go through it together. What makes a collection an easy yes once it is open?

Condition is always important, but so is variety. A clean, well-cared-for collection with artists people are actively looking for makes the process easy. We appreciate collections that have been stored properly, with minimal water damage, mold, or excessive wear. That said, we're happy to look at just about anything because every collection is different. Sometimes the records someone assumes people have little interest in end up containing great albums!

What condition issues come up most in collections from the Ohio Valley?

Humidity and flooding are probably the biggest challenge we see. Records that have been stored in garages, attics, or basements can develop warping, mildew, mold, or jacket damage. We also see a lot of records that were played for years without being properly cared for. Fortunately, plenty of collections have been stored well, and it is always exciting when someone brings records that look almost untouched after decades.

What's been quietly strong in the bins lately?

We've definitely seen continued growth in the early 2000's rock, metal, and quality reissues when it comes to vinyl. One thing that's surprised people are how CDs have made a comeback. Younger customers are discovering them while longtime collectors are rebuilding their collections. Cassettes have also remained stronger than many expected.

What keeps someone coming back to Space Monkey rather than ordering online?

Nothing replaces being able to flip through the bins and discover something unexpected. Beyond that, customers know they'll get honest advice and good conversations with people who genuinely love music. We enjoy helping someone build a system, recommend an album they've never heard before, or track down a specific title. We also bring people together through listening parties, Record Store Day events, and other in-store experiences. Those personal connections are something the internet just can't replicate.

Vintage audio gear and LP bins at Space Monkey Records, tying directly to the answer about helping customers build systems and discover records in person.

FAQ

What formats do you buy?

Space Monkey buys LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks, and just about anything else music-related.

Do I need an appointment to bring in a collection?

No. Sellers can come in without an appointment and the staff will go through the collection from there.

Are there categories you usually pass on?

Yes. The shop generally does not buy big band or classical collections.

Last updated: 2026-07-28