The Ghost of Eastside Records Opens Friday

Benjamin Leatherman

The vinyl frontier awaits at The Ghost of Eastside Records in Tempe.

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The Ghost of Eastside Records, the pop-up reincarnation of the now-defunct vinyl shop that was located at University Drive and Ash Avenue for more than 20 years, is opening to the public.

Owner Michael Pawlicki, who was one of the cats behind the original Eastside that closed last December, has been busy over the past two weeks unpacking hundreds upon hundreds of records inside a windowless bunker-like room a few doors down from Yucca Tap Room at Dannelle Plaza in Tempe. (Be on the lookout for a pair of colorful and large sandwich-board sign heralding its location).

While The Ghost of Eastside Records will reportedly only be open for six months or so (since Pawlicki abhors summertime in the Valley), he's bringing back everything y'all dug about the old Eastside. Bins and shelves are filled with tons of used vinyl (including out-of-print rarities, obscura, and oddities), punk shows are in the process of being booked, and enlivened discussions about all things music related are already taking place.

Here's hoping Friday's a payday, yo.

Here's a glimpse at one of the many rock and punk shows that took place at the old Eastside Records over the years.

The Ghost of Eastside Records, 49 West Southern Avenue in Tempe, opens on Friday. Daily hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday; and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. Call 480-921-4208.