THE MUSIC SECTION AT ECHO PARK BOOKSTORE STORIES IS THE LITERARY EQUIVALENT OF A REALLY STELLAR VINYL COLLECTION – DEEP, SURPRISING, LOVINGLY SELECTED AND ASSURED TO MAKE YOU SMARTER.
Here, shoppers will find music bios, criticism, scene histories, zines and other reading matter that’s sure to expand your musical acumen. This section in fact demonstrates the music-loving nature of the store itself. Stories was founded by one of the owners of The Echo, located one block west, and maintains a vibe both proudly independent and musically adventurous. The in-store soundtrack is highly Shazamable, ranging between Ethiopian jazz to beloved local acts like the Allah-Las. Even the wifi code – “jamesbrownspants” – suggests a strong affinity for the greats.
Stories deals primarily in the printed word, of course, with new and used titles populating ceiling-height shelves devoted to fiction, comics, biographies, esoteric studies, gardening and LA itself. With a small but impeccably selected collection of greetings cards, incense, candles and more, the place is intensely browsable, and a nice spot just to take a spin through while in the neighbourhood. The café occupying the back section of the store is a cosy place to settle in for a work session, a quick cup of coffee – it’s brewed strong – or, of course, for a long sit-down with a good book. This café extends into the back patio, which is also where Stories hosts many of its events – readings, lectures, conversations, DJ sets and magic shows among them – with a strong focus on emerging and local authors.