Nestled in what has become LA’s record mecca (with Gimme Gimme, Mount Analog, Wombelton, Permanent and soon Artform studio all seemingly within walking distance of each other either on York of Figueroa), you’ll find possibly the best store in the whole city, Avalon Vintage. Rodney Klein is the man behind the records, which are really exceptional, tending towards the rare, eccentric and obscure, though there are plenty of “solid” classics available as well. Every time I come to Avalon I find something that I’ve either always been looking for or that I’ve simply never heard before. But Avalon is so much more than “just” a record store. It also is a vintage clothing and memorabilia mecca. The woman behind the clothes is Carmen Hawk, who has an eye for great pieces to match her impeccable style. Carmen & Rodney are partners in business and love, and which ever is there are the story, there’s always a good time to be had and many a story to be told. More than any store down here in LA, if someone asks, “where should I go for records,” Avalon is the #1 place I send them. There really isn’t any other place like it.
Respect