Colorado Record Store Named One of America’s 21 Best

If you’re still laboring under the misconception that digital is the future of music, open your eyes. Physical formats – cassettes and records especially – are everywhere, and record stores, once predicted to be the ill-fated Neanderthal of the music-buying world, are thriving and even spawning in some places. Hell, there’s an aisle full of turntables at Target and every bookstore seems to have a sprawling display of reissued vinyl.

It’s into that environment that the Thrillist waded to round up a list of the 21 best record stores in America. It’s a tall order with some stiff competition but one local shop made the list – and it’s probably not who you’d think.

Chain Reaction Records, a punk/metal-centric store in Lakewood came in pretty high on the list, which includes some seriously hard hitters in the record store world. Justin Lent, who co-owns the store with his brother Josh, says he’s ecstatic to be included among the best.

“I’m honestly floored to be included in a list with Amoeba and A-1 and Aquarius.” says Lent.

As far as Denver stores go he says he would have expected Wax Trax, Twist and Shout or Black and Read to make the list. But the website’s criteria wasn’t simply based on who has the widest selection or the largest shop space. Service to the intended audience — namely discerning, curious metalheads — is what seems to have put Chain Reaction up with the big boys.

Check out the complete list to see if any of your other favorites were ranked.