Shake It Records is a top pick for music lovers around the country

Shake It Records in Northside was recently featured on two podcasts — The Distiller and Goldmine — for its vast collection of Cincinnati and American roots, blues, soul, R&B, and funk music, which creates an experience that can’t easily be duplicated in other stores.

Darren Blase and his brother, Jim, are unintentional “music historians,” and their store features about 20,000 CDs and somewhere close to 50,000 vinyl albums in stock. On top of that, they’re still an active record label, churning out albums for local musicians, and their in-store performances consistently pack the venue.

As noted, “the store is a true cultural hub in one of Cincinnati’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods.”