The Record Connection

I have been coming to the Record Connection since it opened in 1981. What can I say… this place molded my taste in music: Velvet Underground, ska, reggae, and Blue Note jazz; I discovered them all here. The only change to the place in all that time is that they added CDs and books and expanded upstairs. I left Maine in 1985, but always come back here when I am in the area. I always add to my vinyl collection, and the owner Bob Richards always remembers me with a smile and a handshake.
And oooo, the vinyl! So much there that if I don’t focus on what I want before I enter the shop I will be lost for several hours. Still a phenomenal selection of 1950s and 1960s music, jazz, international, R&B, Cajun, and anything else that strikes your fancy. If you are a vinyl freak and are within 200 miles of this place it is well worth the effort to get up tomorrow morning and get over there!

Best vinyl store in Maine. Bob has been doing it at this location for more than 25 years. He changes with the times but never forgets his roots. There is seriously some of the best vinyl records I have found. Bob makes it fun as well with great conversation

Came in shortly after my dad passed away. I’m born and raised in the Waterville area but have lived in Austin, TX for the past 7 years. I can’t believe I never went in this shop until recently. My dad was my best friend and we enjoyed collecting vinyl. I was in the process of buying protective sleeves to prepare my dad’s collection for the big pack and ship to Texas. I shared my story with Bob and he gave me some boxes at no cost and was kind enough to talk music with me for a bit. I owe all my music knowledge to my dad. As I was leaving Bob stopped me and said «I think your dad would have wanted you to have this». He gave me a 45 sleeve of the Beatles She Loves you on Swan records. I was incredibly moved by this gesture. What he didn’t know was that I gave that 45 to my dad as a gift on his birthday awhile back but was missing the sleeve. It was one most amazing moments in my life and I felt like my dad was with me in that shop. I can’t thank you enough for the memory and peace you gave me that day. I will never forget that day. Thank you.

As far as I know, Record Connection doesn’t have its name posted outside. It does declare boldly on a hand-​painted, colors of the 60s sign: USED BOOKS, RECORDS. And the sign says it all. Good books, good records, good value, good service, and the thing that really sets it apart — good history. By that I mean its not all that unlikely to stumble upon an a well kept archival treasure, an original print of a Teddy Roosevelt diary, a healthy copy of an old Kinks record, or a reeky copy of an old Louis L’Amour novel. It’s also got its fair-​share of fun, kitschy stuff — I’ve made many an impulse buy on far too many a Barbara Streisand album (still worth a buck for a laugh)
For those less into collecting, there’s new prints of records, and a hand-​picked selection of CDs.
The glue that holds it all together, though — Bob. The store’s owner, when you first walk in, he looks more like the store’s most faithful patron. He’s got a burly beard, a friendly smile and he loves talking shop.
Any and all of your purchases come with your choice of conversation: an extended exchange or a rapid-​fire repartee. Your choice.
Oh, and by the way, don’t make the same mistake I have. This isn’t Virgin Records, bring cash. Your money’s not the same on plastic.

Every year I drive from Florida to Nova Scotia twice and a stop here is a must and a highlight of the journey. Bob knows his stuff, his selection of vinyl is great, and the prices are great. And the selection of antiquarian books is great too. See ya soon Bob.

bob is indeed the man. he changed my life with his musical recommendations. any kid with brains should hunt him down and ask him what to listen to.

Record Connection is the best place for vinyl in Maine. Bob is the man! He is a great guy with a deep knowledge and love for music. He also has a great selection of books and not to mention great prices. Stop by and check this place out.