Cactus Music

Update: I happened to be surrounded by the Houston urban experience on Saturday, 7/13 day, our July day of 2024, scoping out the Warehouse Live Midtown location out on Travis and Dennis. And guess what store came to mind, next, while out and about. Yeah, it's the Houston wonder, the Cactus music store, although I l I ike the name, Cactus Records wAyyy better!... Like it was in the era of our great independent record stores and FM radio stations of the 70s &80s and 90s!!!

Today's visit was interesting because it was during the weekend following Hurricane Beryl. And they were actually opened, well sort of. The lights and a/c were off. And plastic tarp was out over some vinyl section in the back where their roof was having issues. The front store glass was smashed in by an impact by flying storm debris. No, it wasn't the toppled port o' John across the storefront Portsmouth Street. How odd and funny to see what they all had to endure as my favorite record store standing, takes another setback, and keeps on ticking!! Somehow, they came up with a way to have a card machine running to be open in business. They really need more used vinyl, though, so sell your collections to them. It is thinning out fast H town!!!

It's my favorite record store for the last two decades in Houston. There is always something I find interesting here that I consider unique and unusual in vinyl or movie related. This latest score is by my favorite genre, hard rock, and it was traded in as used vinyl, from mostly Venezuela of all places.

Cactus Music is a great place for beginners and advanced record collectors and music lovers.

This is the exact mental image of what a record store is to most people. Usually, there will be someone DJing something interesting, whether they are an employee or someone hired to come in a creative the ambiance.

They sell new and used records which to me is very cool. In my experience, part of the allure to record stores is to get the gift of an older music lovers collection that they pass down to someone else, and you get the thrill of finding it in the wild!

Record store day is big here, so if you plan on grabbing a release from it, get there super early if it’s a really anticipated title. If you don’t, the line will be super long and you’ll miss it.

This day and age where digital platforms and the widely available nature of the internet rule the day, places like this cannot be allowed to become a relic of the past. The reason they are neccesary is for a sense of community, discussing music with a stranger and possibly finding a friend, and most of all enjoying the nostalgia of a physical copy, the artwork, the media, and the smell of vintage or brand new printed paper.

So go out there and support your local record store in whatever capacity you can!

This legendary record store in Houston is a must stop for music lovers. An extensive selection of music that is well organized, you will find yourself loosing track of time with a fat stack of wax under your arm. Cactus not only offers vinyl, but CD’s, cassettes, t-shirts, art, novelties and more. I can’t recommend this music hot spot more!

Best Vinyl shop I’ve been to! A must visit , great selection of vinyls , cd’s , cassettes and merch! Plus Leila & Daisy are the coolest! A definite must visit , legend!

Went here for the first time yesterday and it was a really amazing store. Not only do they have records and CDs, they have movies, books, clothes, and all kinds of music-related merch. The people are really nice, too. I bought a "Yellow Submarine" DVD and one of the people behind the counter noticed and offered me a free Beatles poster. I was so surprised that I stammered out a "no, thank you", but I was really touched by his generosity.

They're so awesome here. Welcoming, friendly. Bought some of my CDs cash. They're buying cassettes now too. Have some fun merch as well. Great place & people. 💗🎵💿📼⏺

While on vacation we found this record store. Their selection was amazing. We found signed cds and vinyls from my favorite artists. I 100% recommend this store if you’re going to Houston. The vibe was great and it was a very calming environment. They even had NFR!

cool place, big variety of music for all kinds of people

I will always support cactus and everything that their staff does. As a CD boy, exploring for my wishlist items here is a treat.

Always a great time here. I attended the recent Lana Del Rey listening party and pre-ordered my album at the event. Had a great time with free drinks and amazing staff. There are also a ton of cool signed items to browse through. With such reasonable prices and amazing selection, I’ll definitely be attending more listening events and if I ever need a physical album, this is the place I’ll go!!

This is the quintessential music place in Houston! It’s your stop for vinyl, record players, cds, shirts by your favorite band, enamel pins, quirky funny gifts for those you care about. The staff is the best in all of Houston, very knowledgeable and friendly! They offer live music performances on weekends and have St Arnold beer for you to enjoy the sounds whilst you shop. Best. Record. Store. Ever. Should be labeled as a landmark in Houston! I’ve been coming here for years and will continue to go for years to come. And I have introduced this place to my younger family members and multiple friends to keep this place alive and popping!

They have just about everything here. The bargain bins and special buys are really great and allow more people to access good music in a vinyl record format.

This store feels like a time capsule! There are multiple autographed posters and other memorabilia such as Bootsy Collins' gold record! There is something about physically touching music that is comfortably reassuring in our virtual age. There are many nostalgic and novelty gifts from Fraggle Rock enamel pins to profanity-laced socks to an inflatable mounted moose head. The young lady (unfortunately I have forgotten her name but not her neat blue hair?) behind the counter was genuinely welcoming and knowledgeable. I plan to visit again to get that Linkin Park button and perhaps a pair of cursing- cat socks!

Great selection of music! Staff is friendly and inviting! Lots more music then you'd think! CDs, Vinyls, Cassettes, 45s, hell they even have DVDs!! They have merch too! Buttons, pins, posters, hats, the works! Always a good vibe at Cactus, a true staple for any HTX native or even tourists who enjoy all things music.

Maybe the largest record store in Houston and across the street from one of the coolest eldest music stores, Rockin Robin. I've been to many live record release performances parties here. It's not the only game in town but certainly one of the most well trod.

My only regret is it took me 2 years to find this place. Outstanding vinyl, print and novelty selection.

I just love going to cactus on a Saturday morning and spending g a couple of hours or 3 just looking around and always leaving with something special. Go and have a visit. You will not be disappointed. The staff is most helpful and extremely friendly!

Awesome Record Store, did my 3rd RSD this year , plenty of vinyl selections and good prices

Large selection of music and the employees are always friendly. They have live events and are always playing a few records throughout the store. They also carry books, Tees, pins etc.

Very nice personnel, really cool environment positive vibes! Even just to look I'd go!