"Who is Pink?" -Pink Floyd "Welcome to the Machine" I usually find a few vinyl gems here when I go. The owner and buyer, Parker, regularly updates his stock with the freshest high quality vinyl. I most recently found a great Robin Kenyatta record at Creme for a couple of bucks. A definite result of Parker's efforts to maintain a diverse and sizable inventory inside and around the shiny Creme Tangerine trailer. Parker is faced with another daunting and near impossible Herculean labor due to the chic trailer storefront he maintains so meticulously. Because Parker stocks the trailer store with hip vinyl, keeps it tidy, and lights the space well, Creme Tangerine is frequently besieged by the vainest, most self absorbed hipsters, wannabe instamodels, superficial adolescent couples, and vain valley girls at heart who want nothing to do with vinyl music and want everything to do with snapping a cool photo of themselves holding a copy of Led Zeppelin's Coda or Fleetwood Mac's Rumors. That said, most of the waves of youth immersed in the online worlds obsessed with the fanciful photo do not even hold, not to mention look at, the bins of clean vinyl Parker has so dutifully curated. When all customers actually concerned with buying records at a record store, Parker, and anyone with a pulse have determined that one of these photo vultures has descended on Creme Tangerine, Parker furtively sticks his leonine blond head into the trailer and politely reminds the vulture(s) that he is running a record store and not a photo booth. The best part of the above encounters between Parker and the flocks of Vultures is seeing the moment when the actual spoken words enter the ears of the vultures, and, for an instant, requires that they acknowledge a reality outside of their desire to scavenge for likes. Words force the photo leeches to think, and this causes them to scatter. Parker is a congenial gentleman who would rather not shoo instamodels from Creme Tangerine; the owner has a business to run and records to play. Perhaps he could include a photo jar, you know, like a swear jar but for selfies, to keep the snapshot junkies at bay? Whatever solution Parker chooses, I know it will be one that ends the Judgment of Paris and continues the tradition of all pro record sales at Creme Tangerine. I award Creme Tangerine one gold apple and 5 stars for good service and good records. Applause sign on. read more

Creme Tangerine - Jams aplenty at Creme Tangerine! - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

For the past 15 years approximately the cream tangerine has been the perfect location to get your favorite vinyl album! Today I went and picked up a Pee-wee Herman candle for Dia de los Matos ! Yeah, excellent prices, European and hard to find records. The owner is the coolest guy here! Good guy that has a passion for whatever music or records are into, and so much more ! read more

Decent selection but if you're looking to trade, make sure Parker is there. The younger dude is a smart ass and low balls to an absurd degree. Parker knows his stuff and will give you a great deal. read more

Parker is the best dude ever! Super nice and very knowledgeable. The store itself is super cool too read more

Went to Crème Tangerine to sell some records. The store is very cool and nicely organized. Parker was so pleasant and kind. I truly appreciated his professionalism and kindness. I left very satisfied with the transaction. read more

This is a super nostalgic spot at The Lab! Old skool vinyl records, cds and cool alter style candles. It's great to see the creativeness of the store and repurposed trailer as a part of the shop. Very hip and retro with a disco ball too! We just had to stop and enjoy all of it! Not even a store front really just the trailer and their items right in front of it. Kinda something you see on the side of the road on some barren road to like Vegas or somewhere-lol. Super cool and fits in great with all that The Lab anti-mall represents. Be sure to check out all the "Saints" candles -trippy and funny or creepy!! You decide?! Lol read more

Creme Tangerine - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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The selection was pretty extensive and the way it was filed was pretty straightforward.

I sent Parker the owner a budget amount through Venmo and said surprise me, and what he sent me were to records that I absolutely love and I'm so excited! Thank you Parker!!! read more

I've been meaning to write this review for a while now so here it is after a few visits that yielded a few fantastic records each time. An old chrome Fleetwood trailer serving as a record store? It's not only a cool concept, it fits the overall vibe of The LAB where it is located. I collect vinyl records and while I don't always "need" more I am drawn to at least browse the Newly Arrived section at any store I enter. In this case it is outside of the trailer. What I enjoy about browsing through the genres here is that not only is everything well curated, the records are clean and screened for severe scratches and defects. Reasonable prices don't hurt either. For example, yesterday I picked up a early original pressing of Motley Crue' s Theater of Pain for $7.99, and plan to ditch the "remastered" reissue because truthfully, the analog originals nearly always sound more dynamic and natural. Other great records can range from $5.99 to more depending on the condition and rarity. They also stock imports and new and reissued vinyl. I absolutely love their jazz and blues sections. For the size of the place, it is better record by record than most other stores. All killer, no filler! Don't forget to buy a pin or two for your jean jackets! Only .99 each at the checkout. read more

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Discovered this place quickly last weekend. Returned today since I had more time to look around. Really cool little vinyl shop. The guy running it was super friendly. Will be back. My 13 year old has discovered vinyl and starting a collection. Glad to know this location is here. Don't want to be only buying from the big online stores. Support small business! read more

Creme Tangerine - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I haven't cruised around The Lab since the early 2000's. We were in the area and my friend wanted to stop by to hit up the donut shop. I had no idea there was a vinyl place there and as simple as this was, I was excited after the long haul from Covid! The place was super cute. I inquired about a specific Elton John 2 LP release, knowing that it was most likely not available, but I thought it was worth a shot. At first the guy working there was fine, he just answered my question. I don't think I said more than two sentences to him and he quickly became rather snooty like a teenage girl annoyed by my presence. The woman with him, who looked like she may have been his mom was very kind though. She was able to hold the 2 min polite conversation most employees or business owners are capable of. Then I asked if he had any "Rage Against The Machine" and his response was "yeah, in the "R's", but as you can guess that was with a little bit of teenage sass as well. He didn't even have it. Yeah I could have spent time searching through, but my time was limited and I was turned off by the experience. At the time I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up the attitude to the mask, but I'm gonna trust my 40-year-old gut on the one. It is always good to reminded of thing though. I'm happy that the people that work for me don't act like this. I will be avoiding trying to park at The Lab to support a vinyl place. What a disappointment for my first time out since all of this Covid craziness. I suggest supporting a place who's main customer base isn't hipster teenagers. The guy who owns Sound Spectrum in Laguna Beach is really friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Have been here 3 or 4 times over the past 2 years, I try to stop by every time we are in the area. My family likes to go to South Coast plaza frequently which is just up the street from here and this is my stop. This place is analog only so they stick to Vinyl and Cassettes, with some extras like stickers and buttons. I come only for the cassettes. They've got a good sized selection from local indie bands, self-labeled albums, rock, pop, soundtrack, some country, some oldies, and blank tapes. It's definitely worth the 30min commute. I usually always leave with 6 - 9 cassettes at a time. The tapes are all in new - good condition too, never had a problem with any of them -even the older ones. The selection and stock changes over time too, which is good. I've probably been coming here over the past 2 years and I've noticed when they've added new music, and blank tapes because I see the ones that have stayed, and ones I hadn't seen before. I will say it's too bad there are no jazz, blues/soul/mowtown, adult, or christian selections here but they are probably curating their stock for what would sell in the area, which is understandable. I'm mainly there for their indie tapes, and self-labeled albums, but I always keep an eye out for soundtrack, blanks, and other artists I follow. Although I'm probably one of like the only 2 or 3 people that come for their tapes, I still enjoy coming to this place when I can. Highly recommended! read more

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I have frequented this unusual record shop over the years. I have never walked away without a few finds under my arm. Great for finding those missing albums in your collection. Good pricing. Helpful staff. read more

Supper excited to find these ! For sure will be back. A large selection to choose from. read more

Creme Tangerine - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Took my daughter here today and she's a new collector. Person running the shop was very friendly and even told us other record stores we could check out. The store looks amazing and that's an experience in itself. We found several records to take home, more than we found at other shops. When we went to several other shops, this one was still our favorite. Totally recommended. The candles are hilarious too. read more

Creme Tangerine - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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An amazing hole-in-the-wall record shop! Holy crap was I happy with this place! The records are amazingly priced, and the selection is wide reaching! I left this shop with a stack of records and a bag full of pins without leaving a gaping hole in my wallet! The owner was out of this world too! Very knowledgeable on all types of music, and has a clear passion for his business. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area! read more

Creme Tangerine - Inside of the Vinyl Van! - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

A sealed Bud Shank album for $4.99? A hard-to-find Gerald Wilson album for $4.99? And clean??? That's exactly what I found this weekend at the only record store I've been to inside an airstream driver. Amazing quantity, quality and pricing of records to be had. I wish I lived nearby as Creme Tangerine would be a regular go-to for me. read more

Great place for vinyl !!! This shop is housed in an airstream trailer. It has some great vinyl inside and excellent bargain bins surrounding the trailer outside. Highly Recommended !!! read more

Of all places, I learned of Creme Tangerine in the AAA Magazine that showed up in my mailbox. I'm going to have to stop tossing that aside. I stopped in and met Parker, a really nice guy who makes you feel at home. I love this place, in fact, I wish I could show up with a trailer hitch - attach it to my car, and take it home. Reasonable prices, with bargain bins at a buck can't be beat. I love the organization, and the obvious passion behind the business. I got a Jackson 5 greatest hits to introduce to my middle school daughters, and some Joni Mitchell. This was my first fly-by, so I intend to spend MUCH more time in this little trailer adding to my vinyl collection. My vinyl loving son who is in college out of state will be here next week....so I'll be back then, for sure. As far as the way it looks - adorable and charming meets hip and cool. read more

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Parker is awesome. First time here after reading the reviews and I'm glad I stopped by. Very knowledgeable and friendly. If you're looking for an album, stop by and see him. Very reasonable prices and will be back. Thank you Parker for being such a cool dude. read more

A trailer turned into a free standing record store. Really cool concept, very cool location (located outside urban outfitters in Anti-mall in Costa Mesa). There is quite a lot of rock records-- to be honest not really my forte but that has nothing to do with my rating. The prices are reasonable-- about 2-3 for tapes and some generic vinyl 12 inch records. I just wish that there was more hip hop and 80s funk. Other than that it is a really cool spot to go looking for records and they have quite a lot of cassette tapes. The only thing I can suggest is to bring a tape deck with you so can you listen to cassettes that you are considering purchasing-- there was one tape I bought and it was completely warped so I had to throw it away. Also, some of the vinyl had some scratches on it-- so just examine them carefully. However, this is the case for all record stores in general-- you have to know that what you are purchasing are items that have been carried and spun by many different people so every now and then they get scratched. Anyways, This place is very cool and the staff was very helpful-- but for me it would be nice to see more hip hop and rnb, 80s funk etc. Also, be sure to bring headphones, some times they have rock music on very loud in the trailer so it is hard to listen to your phone ( I use my phone when record shopping to hear what songs sound like on youtube so I know what I am buying). read more

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I have been told for years to go to Creme Tangerine. The owner, Parker, is my life long best friend's cousin, so i figured she kept telling me to go just to meet Parker and maybe swap vinyl stories. Boy was i wrong. She was telling me to go, cause Creme Tangerine had an amazing selection of new and used records. Now, i need to start off by saying, im a vinyl collector. Been collecting for about 15 years. I learned the love of records from my dad, who has over 10,000 records. We bond over flipping through bins at record stores or swap meets whenever my pops is in town from mammoth. So, my pops and I were in the OC area for a family reunion and I figured what a better time to scoot over to CT, meet Parker, and see what we could find. It's been a very long time since I've had so many records I wanted to buy, that i had to put some back. Even my dad had the same problem. The selection from Rock to Blues to country to Obscure was out of sight. And the prices were more than fare. I found a Count Five psychotic reaction, mint condition record, for $24 bucks! I had almost bought this same record at a different shop months ago for $60! All these awesome records wrapped up into a little shop that is in an old Air Stream trailer. I'm still grinning from ear to ear from our experience at Creme Tangerine. Also, Parker seemed to know about every record in that shop. He's a lover of music and it showed. So, I'll wrap up this review by saying, if you love music, if you love vinyl (or cassette tapes), and you love shops that are ran by a completely awesome lover of all music, then get your butt down to this spot. I'm now planning more trips to the OC just to go to Creme Tangerine. read more

Creme Tangerine - Out front of Creme Tangerine records - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I've been here several times and always come away with "finds". Located in the LAB Anti-Mall, many businesses are in old Airstream trailers, as is Cream Tangerine. While not a large inventory, I always find one or two good records. The rest of the mall is a fun place with food and unique shopping. read more

This "store" is located inside of a trailer slightly larger than my bathroom, yet they manage to have such a varied, diverse selection it's almost embarrassing for some of the major shops. And the prices are absolutely fair and wallet friendly. I don't know how they are able to stock so much great stuff, or how any of it manages to actually be there when I arrive, but only one visit was enough to prove this is a place worth repeat trips. The guy working was playing some hilariously bad recordings of Broadway tunes as sung by some old grandmother. After it ended, he threw one of the LPs I was planning to purchase on so I could hear it. It's tight in here. You can't fit more than a half dozen people or so inside before things start to get a little too close for comfort. Luckily, they've also got a nice selection outside of $5 and under titles, with more than just the usual cheap-o crap other stores dump into their discount bins. Finally, on a personal and highly nerdy/OCD note I'd like to say they use fantastic price stickers here. They come off very easily, with no residue or unwanted shit left behind on the record jacket. It's alarming how few record stores get this. read more

Pretty good. (When your 16 year old posts a review. Lol) they've got fun different stuff, love their candles and they've still got cassette tapes! Fun spot, will be back. read more

Absolutely adorable. I'm not sure I would call Creme Tangerine a "store" but whatever it is... is pretty neat. Creme Tangerine is essentially a dinky airstream plopped in the middle of The Lab, an outdoor mall l. It's hard to miss if you're at The Lab but impossible to spot if you aren't in The Lab. The prices are excellent. Even for Orange County stores, I've been able to snag a few records that are cheaper than other nearby shops. One thing I love about Creme Tangerine is that for some reason the place all seems to hold down a steady stream of weirdness that I haven't quite captured at other stores. There are always some completely absurd selections there that I have never seen at other shops- and they're always cheap, so it doesn't seem like a big risk. As other posters have said, CT has a great selection of solid everyday records for an outpost that boasts such a tiny size. The service here is great. It doesn't feel much like a store. I believe the owner's name is Parker. He's super friendly. Be forewarned, if you aren't familar with the lab, parking is a nightmare. Now you know. read more

Best little trailer boasting a good selection of vinyl. The owner is rad too. Just a relaxed long hair chill guy who is not some pretentious hipster or snob. I love it when they have record deals here too. i have scored many times here on some great pieces like my "Tones on Tails" album or The Association.. Everything is reasonably priced and he not only has used but there are also some new stuff like The Black Keys etc etc... It's tiny, if you're expecting some massive record shop then you may be disappointed but it's got a great selection for as tiny as it is. If you are tall watch your head walking in because you will knock your noggin. read more

Great pop up record shop in Costa Mesa. It's small- but don't be discouraged- the limited space makes for a unique collection rather than a limited selection. Massive record stores can feel more like stagnant ponds and this airstream esque trailer is more like a flowing river. Like a good butcher, Parker trims off the fat to deliver a prime cut. Parker is the long haired record guru who runs the show. The cool part about talking with him is that it feels more like a casual conversation than a business transaction. If that's not enough, it's probably worth mentioning that this place is well priced, which may come as a surprise considering that it's smack dab in the center of the Lab. All in all, this is a great place to find solid jamz and quality conversation without feeling like your new friend pillaged your pocketbook. read more

Very good prices and selections on records. Tiny little store but we always manage to find some serious gems that are priced way higher at other stores. Staff always has good recommendations if you are looking for random records. Be sure to check out their just in section as well. read more

Heard about Creme Tangerine when OC Weekly ran a cover story about the resurgence of record stores in the OC a few weeks ago (you can find it on-line if you haven't read it). Was in the area today so dropped by to check it out. Creme Tangerine is in The Lab. The "store" is an old trailer filled with a very good selection of vinyl. Ended up buying a Leon Redbone LP and a Mary Hopkins LP. Most of the LPs are in the $1-$5 range, although the rare LPs can be pricy. Wish I had more time to look through the bins. Staff asked me if I had any questions or needed help, very friendly. Will definitely be going back! If you're looking to start a vinyl collection or to fill gaps in the collection you already have, this is a good place to start your quest. They do take cash or credit cards. read more

The Black Friday sale was a pretty good one. I bought all the following vinyls: 1) The Best of Blondie 2)Cher Greatest Hits 3)The Best of Sonny and Cher 4)More of the Monkees 5)Aerosmith Toys in the Attic 6)The Association Greatest Hits 7) The Pretenders and a casette: 8) Buddy Holly lives on All for the price of $12.50!!! The place is pretty rad! It's a really small trailer next to Urban Outfitters. The owner was super nice, and gave me an additional discount "because we're friends." That made me laugh. He was really cool, and knows so much about music. I definitely recommend this place to everyone. There are some places you just can't go to because people are so rude, and pretentious, but this place is really chill, and so inexpensive!! There are Doors vinyls, David Bowie, and others that are prices at $7 to $10. 1,2,3, Go!!!! read more

Called today (Small Business Saturday) to look for my first vinyl since the late 70's. Parker answered and quickly helped me out. He let me know that the item I wanted was in stock and told me the price. I quickly got ready and headed to his store located in The Lab (outdoor mall in Costa Mesa.) I met him there and he showed me to my record and I purchased it! Simple enough, but wait there's more.... My 12 year old son and 8 year old daughter had NO clue as to what a record/vinyl was so Parker showed them a record player and played some vinyl. They were excited to see what their dad used to listen to when he was their age. Not only a great LOCAL store but an owner who is attentive and very helpful. Thank you Parker and Creme Tangerine. read more

I have to agree w/ many of the other reviewers here. This shop is small but does have great records within (and outside). I always walk away with 2-3 great quality records I've been looking for that are priced well below what other area stores charge. You also get friendly, no attitude service here as well. What more could you want?! read more

Now if only the place were bigger...and open later... It took some effort to find the place, as it sits in the middle of an outdoor mall (and on its own really has no signage). This mall is also jumping with insufficient parking for all the stores it serves, so lucky enough after some persistence I finally got a spot. Parking on the street is a no-go, and parking in the neighboring Pep Boys parking lot (per a sign the mall put up) is grounds for getting a tow. "We love you, Pep Boys tows you", or something to that effect. I decided to play it safe after I'd already parked and move the car, and low and behold, got the last spot seconds before the next in line. As pointed out in other reviews, the store is like a mini Airstream, which when they close must get packed to the ceiling, cause there's standing room only inside once all the stands are outside. I got a ton of stuff and all for decent prices. All the while I was there (about an hour, until they closed), there were a group of guys chatting it up, shooting the breeze, not bothering anybody unless asked a question. Sometimes with these exciting conversations, you can't tell who actually works there and if they would mind having their great debates interrupted long enough to answer a question. 3 Eurythmics, an All in the Family (hadn't seen it anywhere prior), two albums in great shape from The Band, and a bunch of other 70's/80's classic rock. Leaving with a nice stack for under $50 is always a good thing. Lots of very inexpensive options outside, with moderately priced goodies inside. Not sure how often they get new stock, but they have a huge variety, so just going back a couple times would result in new finds even if nothing had changed. Highly recommended, and worth the effort to get there. read more

What a cute place to browse for records! I've been multiple times and love his selection and variety of genres. He has new records (never been opened) as well as vintage ones. He opens around noon but worth the wait to Bride records in a vintage airstream! read more

This is a cool little vendor for LPs and the like. Whenever I'm at the Lab, I have to stop by to thumb through some records. They have a decent selection from a variety of genres. I've found some gems hunting through the dollar bins. You can really tell that the guy who owns and runs it cares about his business. I wish this place continued success. read more

Workers were to busy organizing records to let me even look at them.. asked me to move out of the way twice, interesting sales tactic

Awesome record store!!! I was really surprised on what I have found there because the way the store looks I've never been to a record store that is a camping trailer all their prices are really fair and they are not trying to price gouge you. I found three really cool jazz records today and one of them I've been trying to buy for a very long time and it was a really good price! I will be back here again for sure!!! This dude named Chris worked there and he was very helpful. read more

Creme Tangerine - Vinyl Records Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Came here on a weekday afternoon. Not super crowded in the plaza. Very cute storefront. They have a lot of discount records that are gems in my opinion. The 45's I bought were crispy quality and less than $2 each. Staff is friendly too. read more

Creme Tangerine is my favorite record shop in Orange County. You will not find better prices anywhere in the area. The guys are extremely nice and service oriented. If you have a question about a scratch or a mark, they will play the record for you on the spot and let you decide for yourself. I appreciate their business and will continue to buy records here for years to come! read more