About Me
Extreme Noise Records is a punk record co-operative serving the punk scene of Minneapolis and the Upper Midwest. Founded in 1994, Extreme Noise's staff is all-volunteer. All proceeds are re-invested into the store and other punk music projects.Extreme Noise's main function is as a record store selling records, tapes, CD's, t shirts, spikes and studs, hair dye, books and zines.Our secondary function is as a clearinghouse for music and ideas in the local punk scene. Extreme Noise is an institution made up of volunteer music enthusiasts and is open to anyone who shares this enthusiasm for punk music. Extreme Noise is a place to buy, learn about and enjoy music as well as find out about gigs and network with other punk music lovers.Extreme Noise was founded in 1994 and over the years the collective has tried a lot of different approaches to our mission with varying degrees of success. Our methods of doing things today might seem unusual, but this is a fairly unique institution and it has been decided over the years that some activities are outside our capabilities.For example, some of the most frequently asked questions are "Do you do mail-order?" and "Do you book shows?" Extreme Noise has previously had bands play in the store, primarily on special occasions. However, our current Lake St. location is too small for shows so Extreme Noise is out of the gig business.It was also decided very long ago that mail-order was not an option for Extreme Noise. There are plenty of other punk mail order services who do a fine job of serving those who do not have access to cool local stores. We prefer to leave mail order to them so that Extreme Noise can concentrate on being the best punk record store it can be.What does the store carry?Extreme Noise has one of the world's largest selections of punk music under one roof. Extreme Noise still carries tons of vinyl in an era where the mainstream has shifted to the CD format. Visitors to Extreme Noise will find thousands of new and used LPs, CDs, 10"s, and 7"s. There is also a selection of new cassettes, fanzines, books, and hundreds of T-shirts.From the beginning Extreme Noise has worked hard to support the local scene. Our local section is as large and well stocked as we can make it. Supporting our local bands is what makes this town's music scene one of the best in the world. The bulletin board at Extreme Noise is the best place in town to find out about punk gigs, and other events of interest. It's also the place to post any notice about forming a band, selling your tour van or musical gear or an upcoming political event or rally.While the staff of Extreme Noise represent varying social and political viewpoints the collective is in general supportive of progressive movements for social justice and equality as well as the defense of individual freedom. Extreme Noise will not knowingly carry racist material.Extreme Noise has the lowest prices around on colored hair dye, bleach, spikes and studs, to keep you looking sharp. For those who really want to punk out hard there is a good selection of patches, pins, studded belts and wristbands, and a little piercing jewelry. If you are sleepy or thirsty Extreme Noise always has a cooler full of Ice Cold Jolt Cola for $1 a bottle.Extreme Noise is always buying quality used punk vinyl and CDs. We buy full collections (get in touch if you are interested) as well as individual items. Extreme Noise pays cash for rare punk vinyl and many of the rarest and most sought after punk records have turned up on the "rare wall." That said, everything here is first come, first served. Don't bother calling us and asking us to hang onto the next copy of the Negative Approach 7" that comes in for you. The best records, new and used, don't hang around for long. The key to scoring good stuff at Extreme Noise is to stop by often and keep your eyes open.
