The Akron Ohio record store Square Records is a cozy, fun place to buy vinyl and CDs. It’s at 824 W. Market in Akron and when I stopped there on the Ohio leg of Vinyl Road Rage, I had one thing on my mind–a copy of the new DEVO album, Something For Everyone.

Naturally, that’s not ALL I got, but it was a MUST. Visit an Akron indie record shop and NOT buy DEVO? That’s crazy talk.

There is plenty to love about Square Records. There is vinyl aplenty there–I scored some reggae on the Pressure Sounds label, an amusing bit of strangeness by one Saucy Silvia, and for only a dollar, a Space 1999 LP. Oh yes, I do love me some weirdness on vinyl and especially stuff I can throw into a live Paisley Babylon show to mash up with Coil, Aphex Twin and other space travelers.

You can’t see it from the photo here, but against the far back wall is a small performance space, so Square Records is definitely a place that supports the indie musician beyond just tossing the tunes on the rack. Did I mention this is an art space and not just a performance space? One of the reasons they have survived since 2003, no doubt in my mind.

I enjoyed the visit at this Akron Ohio record store and plan on making a return visit. Honestly, I’d love to arrange a Paisley Babylon live vinyl mashup performance there one of these days…no matter what, if you’re in the area you owe yourself a visit to Square Records. I’m loving this one. Indie rock, dub and reggae, the vinyl oddities I love, and yeah, DEVO love. This is one awesome shop. RECOMMENDED.

–Joe Wallace