Charlemagne Record Exchange

This is a gem hidden in five points! As you walk up the stairs you feel like you are going to a secret shop in NYC that you need to know someone to finds out about. I walked it to them playing Carly Simon and I knew I had found a place that was going to kick ass.
They have such a great selection of new, used, and rare vinyl. Everything is in different categories and every artists I looked for was pretty easy to find. I have been on a 60s female artist kick and went in there looking for Nancy Sinatra. Not only did that have her, THEY HAD THE ALBUM I WANTED. It was also a decent price. The woman working was SUPER helpful. In the sea of vinyl she knew exactly were someone else had filed it days ago. It’s was wonderful.
Grab a coffee at Starbucks across the street, drop some extra change in the meter (there is only street parking) and walk up the stairs to a different time. Where the records are spinning and you can get lost in good music!

After finding a parking spot directly in front of the store, we moseyed up the stairs into vinyl paradise. It should go without saying, but you know you’re in for a treat when the record store plays «good» music. From Allman Brothers Band to obscure, crunchy guitar-​driven tracks, Charlemagne kicked out the jams.
The store was easy to guide through. Charlemagne housed a definitive new release section, local Alabama section, blues, reggae, rock, and new and used vinyl sections. Now this wasn’t a normal record store sifting experience for me, because I found the record I wanted to purchase after a few short minutes. A day before B.B. King passed away, and it simply felt wrong not to buy one of his albums. Courtesy of Stardust Records, the compilation of studio and live tracks (after listening to it this morning) hits home.
(Pun intended) The thrill of buying records is not gone. And it’s because of places like Charlemagne. I asked the owner how long the store has been around for and she told me 38 years. I proceeded to ask her how long she had been managing the store and she told me 38 years.
Charlemagne is an authentic Birmingham relic. I could have spent a dangerous amount of money here. Mark my words, I will be back!

What is not to love! I love exploring this place to see what different kinds of music I can run across. There are not many places like this left anywhere… so we are very lucky to have this one here!

I’ve been coming here since 1998, and it’s so wonderful to have a local place that never goes away or changes. It’s like stepping back in time. I could get lost for hours browsing through their HUGE collection of stock. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Any time I haven’t been able to find a rare or out of press album, they were always able to order it for me, with fast shipping and no crazy upcharges or fees. Charlemagne is a rare gem in this city, and I hope it sees another successful 40 years and more.

If you are looking for a particular vinyl record, chances are you will find it here. There are plenty of racks and bins to browse. I could have spent a lot more time and money there. I found 5 albums I did not have in my collection and paid between 3 and 10 dollars for each. Friendly staff, great music playing while you shop. I will definitely come back on a return visit to Birmingham.

I’m biased; this is my hometown record shop. Open since ’77, it is a real record store, with piles of vinyl from the most common to fairly esoteric, from well-​played to near mint. Videos, cd’s, cassettes, books, posters, etc. Friendly characters and street people mixed in with young people digging the definite 70’s vibe. Most remotely collectible albums are over-​priced. Lots of consignment inventory. If it weren’t in my town I’d just give the «A-​OK» 3 star rating.

I could spend a lot of time and money in here. Friendly staff. Tons of records for collectors and crate diggers out there to go through. You will find a gem here if you keep searching. Prices are fair. Be sure to take the record out and inspect it before you buy it. Have fun!

Love the atmosphere. Great, friendly, happy people working. Always leave with something. I love this place.

This store by far has the highest prices for the worst quality used records I’ve seen yet and I’ve been coast to coast. If u see something u want here, make sure it’s in good condition and the price is fair. I would recommend comparing the price with an online database. You’ve been warned.

I’ve only been to Charlemagne Records twice but have enjoyed both of my visits there. Charlemagne is a very quaint store with a large selection of records, dvds, cds, cassette tapes, posters and much more. Although, the store is quite small and somewhat cramped, I feel as if this just adds to the character of it. Also, they are usually playing some really fun music whenever I’ve been.

Lots of rare goodies to be found. Prices of more common titles seem a little on the high end to me. But I found a few LPs and 45s I have been searching for foe a long time, and the prices of those more rare finds were fair. Helpful staff, too!

Cool store, great selection of LP’s, CD’s, Movies, etc. Friendly staff, very chill atmosphere.

In the dying age of locally owned Record stores Charlemagne has managed to shine through. They are first and foremost a used record store with tons of records that the musicphile will love just sorting through to try and find that gem you’ve been looking for.
You can also sell your records there.
They also carry new records of current bands and will order anything for you if not in store.
They are a certified Record Store Day store so if you read this and you haven’t missed it head over and support a local business.

Very cool little shop; when I moved back to the Southeast, my (now) Boyfriend took me here on a sort-​of first date, and man did he know the way to my heart. After the semi-​nervous climb up the narrow, vintage stairway, I spent the better part of two hours digging through old vinyls and reveling in excitement over the selection they have here. Music lovers, this is a place you must frequent. And music lover lovers, well, this is a place you should at least visit.

Pricing above list on what few current releases, they actually carry. Insulting trade-​in value. Indifference to special-​order inquiries.
These are not things that make an awesome shop. Sure it’s in a cool spot and has lots of kitsch but there’s only so many times you can browse through the same collection of albums before feeling the need for something new.
Go hit up Oz Music in Tuscaloosa, even if you disregard everything else they at least price at list for new releases.

Really loved this place. Was the highlight of my trip. Got myself the Alabama Shakes Album on vinyl here. Lots to choose from and good «shop talk» from the old timers who hang out there. Go. Find ya some tunes.

If you’re a music lover from out of town you MUST stop by this place. I bought all of my CDs here as a kid and still pop in from time to time to buy a t-​shirt or gift cards.
Against all odds, Charlemagne has stayed in business while all other music shops in the city of Birmingham have collapsed (Laser’s Edge, Slip Disc, etc). I think it’s a testament to the unique quality of the shop (and its loyal patrons) that Charlemagne can compete with digital music sales.
This is the sort of business Birmingham desperately needs to preserve.

This is a cool shop. Going upstairs is an experience in itself. The walk feels like you’re going to watch some cool jazz band in another age.
Once inside, the people were as sweet as Alabama tea. There are mainly older records in their vinyl section.
Most mesmerizing to me was the country section. I dug up some great finds and was even hit with a discount at the register. Oh happy day!

This is what record store should be like. I want to hear the music before I buy it. AND if they dont have something I want, they will get it and then call you to let you know it in! What great customer service.

Charlemagne holds the throne as the oldest record store in Birmingham. I’m not entirely sure how long it’s been around, but I know it’s at least 30 years-​old and one of the classic staples of 5-​Points. As far as selection goes, this is pretty much the place to go for used classic rock records. To hardcore record collecting geeks such as myself, the selection can be frustratingly mundane (think lots of Yes and solo Paul McCartney records), but you can occasionally luck up on something interesting if you’re willing to take the time to dig around. There’s also a fair selection of used CDs which can be hit-​and-​miss, but I’ve come across several surprises here and there. The prices are usually quite reasonable too. Sadly, they deal with very little new vinyl, so the hip place for new indie releases this is not. Still though, if you’re looking to fill some holes in your classic rock LP collection, this is the place to go.