Easy Street Records

Founded in the late 1980s by Matt Vaughan, Easy Street Records is an independent record store in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle.

The store’s model is straightforward and it works: vinyl, CDs, and cassette tapes share space with books, t-shirts, caps, stickers, and exclusive items, all surrounded by photographs and posters covering the walls from floor to ceiling. There is also a bar and a small stage where both independent artists and major rock names have performed. The schedule is on Instagram at @easystreetrecords.

It is the kind of store that exists to be returned to, not just visited once. And over the years, it has built a relationship with the Seattle scene that goes well beyond retail.

Chris Cornell and Mother Love Bone Murals

On the outside of the building, two works of art give the store a weight that makes the visit worthwhile on their own.

The first is a mural honoring Chris Cornell, created by artist Son Duong. The second is a mural dedicated to Mother Love Bone, painted by Jeff Ament — former member of that band and bassist of Pearl Jam.

As a side note: before eventually leaving Seattle for good, Chris Cornell lived in this neighborhood. Walking the streets around Easy Street is also a way of absorbing something of the daily life that was once part of his world.

Pearl Jam at Easy Street

On April 29, 2005, Pearl Jam played a surprise show at the store. The set ran to 16 songs, mixing original compositions with covers. Part of that performance was released the following year on the EP Live at Easy Street, and later reissued on vinyl for Record Store Day 2019.

But the band’s relationship with Easy Street Records goes beyond that one show. Over the years, Pearl Jam members have continued to show up here for events like Record Store Day, or simply for unannounced visits.

The involvement is consistent and the intention is clear: to support record stores as genuine gathering places for music lovers — not just points of sale.