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Memphis Record Shopping Double-Up

Memphis and Elvis: they go together like bananas and peanut butter. In a city renowned for music tourism, you'd think it all revolves around Presley. But there's another side to Tennessee's second city.

Memphis has (or had; he moved to North Carolina) another king: Greg Cartwright. The local legend, Reigning Sound rocker and garage superproducer is an icon here. He's not the only player in Memphis's modern rock 'n' roll history, but his name is surely synonymous--at least to those in the know--with it. Basically, if you're looking for the "indie" rock, you'll be experiencing Greg's Memphis (as opposed to Elvis's).

There's certainly no escaping his recordings (with the Reigning Sound, Oblivians and Compulsive Gamblers, to name a few, plus those he's produced) at stores like Goner Records and Shangri-La Records.

The former, located in Cooper-Young, even put out a live album of Cartwright's, appropriately titled Live at Goner Records, that was recorded in the store. Goner's a gem that has been around for about three years. The selection is roughly half vinyl and half CD, with the requisite local music section up front (in fact, it's the first thing you'll see upon entering the store).

Shangri-La puts out its own Memphis rock compilations, and, of course, carries all the Cartwright records you'll ever need; there's also a healthy mix of vinyl and compact discs here. Come by on Fridays at 5 p.m. for the beginning of "happy hour" for discounts and live performances. The store is just blocks away from Memphis's legendary Ardent Studios, meaning the additional 3-minute pilgrimage is compulsory if you actually dig music.

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