The Sound of 66

Music on Albuquerque’s Route, Then and Now

Where to shop for vinyl in Albuquerque. | Route 66 Centennial Playlist

In 1887, Thomas Edison invented the earliest commercially recorded music transposed onto shellac cylinders called “phonograph cylinders.” With the advent of synthetic materials in the early 1900s, a type of plastic called “polyvinyl chloride” (or PVC) was developed. “Polyvinyl” would become known shorthand as “vinyl” with the invention of the phonograph record — or the flat, black, disc-shaped “vinyl” we know and spin today. But these records were small, able to play only one or two tracks at a time. After World War II, Columbia Records introduced the 33⅓ speed plate — 12 inches across with a 21-minute playtime on either side. Thus, the full-length album was born.

Singles still drive music sales and careers. In the age of convenience, streaming services now dominate the music industry, preceded by the advent of digital recording. Yet, vinyl records have witnessed a resurgence, seemingly against all logic. People crave tangible objects, the sentimentality of physical music and the nostalgia of preparing a listening experience.

The feeling of Route 66 as we know it in the 21st century is rooted in sound. Popular music cemented the highway’s national legacy, beginning with Nat King Cole’s rhythm-and-blues rendition of Bobby Troup's “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” pressed on a 10-inch shellac record and transmitted through radio waves everywhere in 1946.

In the sunny postwar optimism, Cole’s hit song inspired many automobile owners to hit the Mother Road. The musical travelog would be reimagined infinitely by an array of performers across genres, including Chuck Berry (1961), the Rolling Stones (1964), Depeche Mode (1987) and even John Mayer for Disney’s Cars (2006), forever cementing Bobby Troup’s lyrics and “Gallup, New Mexico!” into the Great American Songbook. Cynthia Troup, Bobby's wife at the time, went on record to say: "What I really can't believe is that he doesn't have Albuquerque in the song."

Photo courtesy of Walking Barelas and Ren’s Den.

Albuquerque has a music history that converges on Route 66 in Barelas, the home of the Duke City’s thriving Spanish-language music scene in the 1970s and 80s. A small recording space at 900 4th Street SW was founded by Dale Porter in 1966, dealing in the business of local Spanish-language record labels: Hurricane Records, Del Norte Records and Cristy Records. Acts such as Al Hurricane, Tiny Morrie, Freddie Brown and Nena Garcia recorded at this historic site. Today, the historic building hosts Albuquerque’s do-it-yourself music scene as a family-operated venue, Ren’s Den.

The Albuquerque Tribune, March 5, 2001, page 27.

In the 1960s, Albuquerque was a hotspot for the global garage rock boom. Albuquerque-based Lavette Records hosted local acts such as Lindy & the LaVells, The Chob, Viscount V and The Striders. Some of these bands rose to national prominence, like The Striders debuting on Columbia Records. Lindy & the LaVells were renowned throughout the Southwest, though few remember them today. Their hit single, “Wine Wine Wine” went #1 on KQEO Radio Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Tribune, Lindy Blaskey with the LaVells recording in John Wagner’s studio, July 6th 1966, page 15.

Check out our official playlist for the Route 66 Centennial, featuring locals of yesteryear and today, lowrider oldies, country classics and contemporary alternative.

Now Spinning in the 21st-Century

Albuquerque’s Route 66 boasts a variety of record shops to score the soundtrack of your timeless trip, merging worlds of beloved local favorites and music around the globe. Get into the groove at these locations on Central Avenue, 4th Street and nearby streets.

Nob Hill Music – 3904 Central Ave. SE, Suite B

Music aficionado Stephen Schroeder opened Nob Hill Music in 2009, after 24 years working at various record stores in Albuquerque. Nob Hill Music offers everything from vocal jazz, soul and psychedelic rock to modern pop and countless deep cuts. Every selection is carefully curated by Schroeder.

Image courtesy of Nob Hill Main Street.

We Buy Music – 4013 Central Ave. NE

Across the street from Nob Hill Music is We Buy Music, founded in Berkeley, California, in 1985 and established in New Mexico in 1994. Their expansive collection of records, CDs, cassettes, movies and books is a music enthusiast’s haven.

SloLow Vinyl Records – 4710 Central Ave. SE

Inside Nob Hill’s large thrift market, Antiques & Things, weave your way through to SloLow Vinyl Records’ booth for an eccentric exhibition of rock, metal, punk, oldies, soundtracks, folk music and everything in between.

LongHair Records – 1315 San Mateo Blvd. NE

Enter the bizarre wonderland of LongHair Records, just off the beaten path of Route 66. LongHair Records specializes in niche media and esoteric sounds, from VHS tapes of foreign B-movies to rare promotional recordings from your favorite artist. At night, LongHair turns into an intimate venue for local musicians.

Image courtesy LongHair Records on Facebook.

Vinyl Consumption Record Shop – 5017 Lomas Blvd. NE

For lovers of reggae, blues and more, Vinyl Consumption is your high desert oasis for handpicked new and pre-loved records. Vinyl Consumption is tucked away inside Past Present & In Between Indoor Flea Market on Lomas Boulevard.

Image courtesy of Vinyl Consumption Record Shop.

Astro-Zombies – 3100 Central Ave. SE

After your quick detour, return to Route 66 in Nob Hill for Astro-Zombies, an all-in-one shop for comic books old and new, toys and collectibles, and vinyl records. This location was formerly a drugstore and ice cream shop on old Highway 66. Witness the colorful mural on Astro-Zombies’ exterior and their autographed “ceiling of fame,” featuring the scribbles of notable illustrators, pro-skateboarders and more. Even Doyle, of the legendary punk outfit the Misfits, can be spotted above Astro-Zombies' array of alternative records.

Image courtesy of Astro-Zombies on X.

One Long Groove – 400 San Felipe St NW #8, Old Town Albuquerque

Housed in Luna + Luz in San Felipe Plaza, One Long Groove has classics a-plenty and rare global music records. Consume music and delicious cinnamon rolls at Los Ranchos Bakery’s B-Side lounge. One Long Groove shares space with Bookworks in Los Ranchos Bakery and also vends at Luna + Luz in Old Town Albuquerque.

Image courtesy of One Long Groove on Facebook.

Charley’s Records – 7602 Menaul Blvd NE

Charley’s Records is a short ride from Central – a worthwhile detour for the largest record store in Albuquerque. Charley’s has been independently-owned and operated since 1988. You can peruse their selection of vintage clothing, posters, local jewelry and collectibles for a special souvenir to take home.