I bought a WalMart record

I've heard a lot of debate about Walmart exclusive records. When I was in the U.S. recently, I figured I would check 'em out myself. Also, shoutout to Matt at Orange Records in Fargo, ND, for some great records I picked up there as well.
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#vinyl #walmart #target

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Frank Landry
PO BOX 99900 RE 899 513
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WINNIPEG MB R2V 5A2
Canada

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ABOUT Channel33rpm: Your channel for #vinyl, gear and more, where I try to put the fun back in record collecting.

ABOUT ME: My goal is to inspire you to grow your music collection, improve your listening experience, discover new music and support artists (and have fun while doing it).
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Videos shot live on location near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

[BILLONEE]

Hi Frank. I used to work at Walmart & I was the one that put the CD's & vinyl out. Unfortunately, I was the only associate who had any interest in the music area so managers would leave cases of new releases in the back room until I came in (Sometimes a day or two later). When I stocked the racks, I treated it as if it were my record store by putting them in neat & putting the excess copies on the bottom shelf to replenish what was sold. I no longer work at Walmart & every time I go to any Walmart in my area, the LP's are crammed & out of order. I consider this a missed opportunity on Walmart's part. My opinion. Take care. --- Bill (From Mt. Holly)

[SpeedyMcGhee]

My biggest complaint about records sold at Walmart is about how they are stored and displayed. During the Black Friday $15 sale I went to about 6 different stores and the records were jammed in the shelves and in some cases falling out because the weight broke the shelves. Some albums I wouldn't even buy for $15 because they were banged up bad. Pressings have been fine for the most part.

[eddiedillon]

I have bought several albums from Walmart. It's the only place near me to buy them at and I've had no issues. They have all sounded great and at good prices!!

[jasfrt]

I've bought probably 10-12 albums from WM and honestly, they've all been perfect. Great sound, no dumb QC issues.

[LPS-R-US]

I'm always amused that people mock walmart records thinking they have their own pressing plants. BTW, the pink floyd pressings at walmart are official pf releases and sound super

[TheVinylPlayground]

As someone that has about 50 Walmarts and Targets within a 10-15m radius… I typically find what you just discussed. Great quality, a scarce few goodies hidden within a ton of different generic albums, and usually when the quality is an issue, it’s because of the shipping/storage conditions!

[fvalle]

This "Love Supreme" walmart exclusive used the same master as Acoustic Sounds reissue from 2020, probably the best modern version of this record. When I saw your video's title, I was hoping that this was the record you got.

[jem]

Although I was skeptical to buy from Walmart initially, I have found many records that were perfectly fine, sounded great and I was overall pleased with my purchases. But the Black Friday deals cannot be beat. I would take a chance on nearly anything that I don't normally seek out for prices. Needless to say every time our family does the Walmart shopping trip I always spend a few minutes in the Vinyl aisle.

[raythackston]

AS a life long musician and a former record store chain employee, I find it so weird that vinyl records (33RPM) have become so expensive. They used to be the cheapest formate to make from the top down. In 1993 when I was working fro Turtle's Records and Tapes, 33's were $6.99 to $8.99 for a single disc. I guess times change everything. I saw records at my local Walmart and the section looked worse than the one you showed. Enjoyed the video.

[ToddGuyTheThrashingZombie]

I've bought quite a few records from Walmart. Never had any issues with them. It's not like Walmart has their own plants like you said. The two Stone Temple Pilots albums I bought sound great. I only have 2 record stores in my area. One is more of a pop culture store, sells Funko's, body jewelry, comic books and other such stuff along with vinyl, CDs and movies. They don't sell or buy used vinyl any more. The other place always seems overpriced and doesn't usually have what I'm looking for plus they don't sell new vinyl. To get a mix of new and used vinyl I have to travel an hour away. Walmart is good for the younger crowd getting into vinyl though if they don't have another option.

[harpermotorsports]

My Walmart has a ton of Adele too! LOL. As for the records, I've never had ANY issues with them. I used to buy records from my local indie store, until this past Black Friday when they went to Walmart, picked up all the good albums for $15, peeled off the part of the label that says "Walmart Exclusive", and marked the records up to $35 or more!!!! They must be too ignorant to realize that people know the Walmart vinyl label. So screw them I don't feel bad supporting Walmart and NOT my local record store!

[johnbrentford]

So, people think the record companies have pressed a separate and lower quality run of records for Wal -Mart? That would not be cost effective anyway the record pressing company would have to put just as much labor and time into it no matter the quality of the music on the record. I don't think the pressing companies would even offer such a service that would actually hurt their business. Wal-Mart buys everything in bulk including records any cheaper price they would offer would be because of their bulk discount. Think about it your local record store might order fifty copies of an album Wal-Mart orders millions.

[zachary_attackery]

For Walmarts black friday last year every single vinyl was on sale for $15 regardless of it was a boxset or how expensive it normally was. I got the Number of the Beast box set, Holy Diver deluxe edition, Senjetsu, Creatures of the Night half speed, and a ton more for $15 each. They even had a giant Garth Brooks vinyl box set for $15

[ddysmptr]

I buy records anywhere, whether for necessity or convenience but do try to give my local shops most of my business. The quality of the pressing is what makes the difference and I’ve gotten great sounding records from the box stores and some bad ones from record stores.

[phen]

I’ve been buying from Target and what I’ve been purchasing (mainstream older titles- Paul McCartney, Queen, Bowie, etc.) have been priced right about the $21-$26 mark. You can even find a good selection of records lower than $20 if you look. All have been off very high quality as well. Love this channel, btw.

[jeremyh]

Orange Records is a great record shop! Prices are fair and Matt is always eager to talk music, help you find what you are looking for, and make recommendations.

I don’t think that Wal Mart pressings are inferior, but prefer to support my local indie stores. With that said, I couldn’t resist picking up a couple titles on the $15 Black Friday sale. They were ones that I might not have ended up buying, if not for the unbeatable price.

[MSclqx]

I also have a few records from Walmart, including Princes' greatest hits, volume 1 and 2. I did check a twisted sister record with a copy I have, same pressing just the hype sticker was different, Friday's music vs. walmart. I think one of the biggest advantages is that walmart/ Target is helping to bring some decent priced vinyl to folks who either couldn't afford to pay higher prices or have limited availability and would have to pay high shipping costs. So maybe they are providing a valuable service?

[therudeawakening]

I have become a fan of your channel for sure. I can say, I have bought a lot of vinyls from walmart and have been happy with the sound quality every time. Maybe I have just been lucky but I have gotten many albums that before I may have not been able to get on vinyl. Also, thankns for showing that Superfly record haha just ordered a copy now thanks to you.

[lenwennerberg]

Another good one Frank. In my own experience Target's CD prices are decent but their record prices are wicked expensive. Orange Records looks amazing! And I saw Gary Clark Jr. on stage with The Stones back in 2013. 👍

EDIT: I've purchased exactly ONE vinyl record at Target. The Target smoke vinyl exclusive of John Coltrane's A Love Supreme. It was a total impulse buy, and it was very pricey, but the vinyl sounds really really good, especially for colored vinyl.

[Hooksongs]

I have the Blue Coltrane album and I agree. Sounds great. The only issue I've ever had with Walmart was when I bought goodbye yellow brick road picture desk exclusive. The 1st copy had blisters and sounded like crap but I returned it and got a second copy that was perfect. I have no problems with Walmart records.