Houston record stores in the Free Press Houston archive
Record shops appear in the paper as retailers, performance spaces and meeting points. The held ads document Cactus Music at 2110 Portsmouth and Soundwaves at 3509 Montrose. Reporting elsewhere in the archive connects Sound Exchange and Vinal Edge to live shows, listeners and Houston musicians. These are surviving records of particular shops, not a complete directory.
Cactus Music
New and used records, turntables, an in-store performance and a vinyl sale share one January 2009 advertisement.
- The official site says Bud and Don Daily opened Cactus in 1975, and that Record Ranch operates inside Cactus as a vinyl-only store and gallery.
- In November 2007, the Chronicle interviewed managing partner Quinn Bishop as a new Cactus Music storefront at 2110 Portsmouth prepared to open. It described the earlier Cactus Music & Video as having closed about a year and a half before.
Soundwaves
A January 2009 advertisement preserves the Montrose music store’s address and self-description.
- The Houston Chronicle reported that the owners announced the coming closure of their last store, 3509 Montrose, and that the last day was not yet known.
Record stores in Free Press Houston reporting
- Weekend Wrap-Up: Keno Sims and CaribouA 2010 live review documents Keno Sims performing at Cactus.
- Houstonian Tales: Bucky ThuerwachterBucky Thuerwachter recalls working as Soundwaves' indie buyer and connecting with labels.
- John MuzakMuzak identifies a Sound Exchange show with Rotten Piece, Dethkraut and Black Leather Jesus as a turning point.
- Houston Music RoundupChuck Roast discusses moving his shop to 239 W. 19th Street and hosting live music, art and Houston punk-flyer displays.
- Houstonian Tales: John BaldwinBaldwin describes working at Cactus and Domy, then building Deep End Records with Chris Unclebach at Walter's.
- Spot The Local Music Curmudgeon - November 15th EditionRamon Medina’s held show column spotlights two Sound Exchange performances.
- Film Rewind: Metal Summit IV at Sound Exchange 01/22/2010Ramon Medina’s photo report documents fans and performances at Metal Summit IV.
- Free Press Summer Fest News: Bun B added to headliners!A held festival announcement describes in-store performances and a screen-print kickoff at Cactus.