Elk City Records

When jazz singer Mary McHugh’s relatives walked into Elk City Records, they did not know they were stepping into a special place. Their “Aunt Mary”, as she was known, had sung in Johnny Hodges band back in the 1930s on songs which included “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart” and “If You Were in My Place” for Vocalion Records. When they mentioned this to Phil Melick, the store owner, he smiled.

“They left with most of Aunt Mary’s complete output,” he said.

And that’s what happens at Elk City Records. You won’t find them selling online because they want to be a shop you walk into. They want to get to know their customers and what they like. They also want to be a part of their neighborhood’s revitalization. When asked what he is most proud of, Mr. Melick replied, “The reputation we’ve earned with our loyal customers, both area residents and visitors from around the country and world. This has helped generate awareness and enthusiasm for our neighborhood, Charleston, and West Virginia as nice places to visit, live, work, and play.”

Before opening its doors in 2017, after 15 months of renovation, the space has hosted many tenants, such as a bakery, bar, and drugstore. Nestled between a CBD store and an office supply shop, Elk City Records proudly displays its logo – a record framed by elk antlers. The shelves themselves are stocked with records rescued from flea markets, thrift shops, and cut-out bins for over forty years. You’ll find the usual offerings of punk and alternative rock, and Elk City prides itself on its jazz selection. You’ll encounter the unexpected here, as Mary McHugh’s relatives were surprised to discover.

Mr. Melick’s advice to those new to vinyl is simple, as the best philosophies usually are. “You don’t need to spend thousands on a sound system,” he says. “But find a good stylus, cartridge, and turntable. You won’t regret it.” And when it comes to discovering new music, he has some words to live by – “Explore genres and artists–there are hundreds of great records you’ve never heard of, and many will only set you back a few bucks.”

At Elk City Records, they price the music to sell. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than an over-priced record waiting years for a home. Records are meant to be heard. As it says on the store’s website, they believe a good shop “Lets guests hear the records.”