And your ears shall hear…

Every once in a while, you stumble onto a record store that feels like a hidden treasure. That was exactly my experience in Petoskey, Michigan—finding Hexagon Records felt like striking gold, though it wasn’t easy to find. There’s almost no street signage—just a tiny, easily missed pointer upstairs. Blink, and you’ll pass it by. But trust me—the climb up those steps is worth every moment.

Inside, the shop is small but powerful: carefully curated bins, unbeatable deals, and a welcoming, no-pretentious atmosphere that makes crate-digging feel like a rediscovery of music itself. The owner couldn’t have been more accommodating. As I flipped through the records, he shared stories—especially brightening up when I pulled out a 2023 remastered copy of Aesop Rock’s Bazooka Tooth. He explained that all of the Aesop vinyl was in pristine condition and he knew it’d be gone fast. I felt like I’d uncovered buried treasure—and maybe I had.

Then, tucked among the vinyl, was a mint-used copy of Wings’ Venus and Mars, complete with all original inserts. Sliding that record from its sleeve, I was transported to 1975—it looked and felt timeless.

To top it off, I also grabbed a CD copy of Too Short’s 17th album, Get Off the Stage—a funky, sharp reminder of his late-career wit—and a Twilight Singers EP, A Stitch in Time, dripping with Greg Dulli’s moody, late-night soul.

Also of note were two Donald Fagen solo discs that I had never heard, a Wild Beasts’ Present Tense CD, a vinyl copy of The Doobie Brothers’ Takin’ It To The Streets. and a George Harrison Best Of Dark Horse compilation. Seven wildly diverse finds that perfectly reflect the eclecticism of this tiny shop.

Walking out with my haul, I felt that quiet thrill only music lovers know—the weight of vinyl in your hands, the joy of discovery, and stories woven into each record.

If you’re ever in Petoskey, don’t miss this gem. And remember: keep your eyes peeled for the tiny sign pointing upstairs—it’s easy to overlook, but what’s inside is absolutely worth the hunt.