where do you buy your music?

name your favourite music store...commercial, used, independent, anything. cool nifty decor, friendly staff, good selection and prices...anything. i'm sure every good city has a great record store...and if you live in the middle of no where, it's ok to admit you buy your cds at walmart or something. only thing is, the internet doesn't count. cdnow.com is not a record store.

I buy my CDs at my own store in Tampa. The one I work at and manage. However, I don't buy CD's that much.

Shit, so many...well, my two favorites (Manifest and Spinning Mule, both in Clemson) went under within a year of each other, so that leaves me with the following (ranked according to preference):

1. Circuit City, Anderson SC: I've found some pretty rare stuff here, so my first place to look is usually here.

2. Melodious Monk, Clemson SC: A mom-and-pop joint, minimal on decor but more than worth it in great deals (i.e. stuff that cost too much at C.C., like the deluxe "My Generation"). Essential for the used bin, where I found a great XTC live cd among other things.

3. Rainbow Records, Anderson SC: Part of a larger chain in the upstate, they had to stop selling bootlegs after the Feds moved in (shouldn't they be after terrorists instead?), but good selection remains.

4. Yesterdaze, Clemson SC: For serious vinyl junkies with money to burn (I don't have money to burn). The hippie guy who runs it always has incense buring, so if you spend more than 5 minutes in the store you smell like it all day. Some okay used stuff, but after the fucked-up NO live cd I got I wouldn't recommend the bootlegs ('buy-at-your-own-risk')

5. Black Dog Records: Scrapping the bottom of the barrel. If you love the poppy shit, this is your store. Me, I go to ogle the cheap-ass vinyl (This is where I got Blue Monday), but otherwise a total waste of time. nevertheless, I keep going in the hope of stumbling across a Jonathan Richman or Lou Reed lp in the vinyl bin. Not as bad as when it started out, but still a "only if you're desperate" kind of deal.

Oh, and in a pinch: The Mall/Walmart/K-Mart/any other generic "mart" with a music section. Sometimes I've been pleasantly surprised.

when i lived in denver, i always shopped at wax trax records (i don't know if it's related to the label or not). it takes up both sides of practically an entire block and has several different stores. one is for new records, one for used and one for t-shirts, posters, etc. great store!

in NYC, most of the good record stores are in the village, too many to name. bleeker bob's is the best known.

in edinburgh, i buy at fowad (i think that's the name?) on cockburn st.

in boston, planet records, definitely. really cheap, and you can find some great deals.

in london, there's one in islington (can't remember it's name anymore, just know the location on the high street!) that i used to frequent.

haven't found one here in orlando...but then again, haven't really looked.

and for cheap CDs, there's always best buy!

hmv is where i get half of my cds. living in the suburbs with no access downtown...hmv was the only store that had what i was looking for, in the highest prices ever!

but next would be sam the record man...the last one that's still around.:( what has become of the great canadian chain?! well, i'm very glad it did not go down...and their prices are quite reasonable. especially on the older stuff...the NO/JD back catalogue is cheap there! i got technique for about 15 dollars there!

penguin music in toronto is also another good store. nice cozy red walls and friendly staff. a good mix of new and used cds...great place.

rotate this is another well-known indie record store in toronto. they don't sell used cds, but their prices don't sky-rocket like HMV does. plus, if you ever wanted to see a good gig in toronto, you'd head over to rotate this for your tickets. nice relaxing bluish-purple walls, knowledgable staff...good selection of cds and used vinyl.

Originally posted by The Village Idiot buy??? buy CDs???you must steal them...actually, most of my recent shopping has been done at amazon's UK site... Bill's is always good to look through...Bill has been stocking hard to find music for as long as I can remember, but his prices vary, depending on if he fancies you or not...oh well...

Steal 'em? Surely not from your place of employment though, right?

Gotta drive an hour to get the good stuff in person; House of Records in Eugene, or in Portland, that'd be Ozone, Ozone UK, Second Avenue, or Jackpot.

I avoid all mall record stores, unless I wanna torture the clerks by asking 'em if they have something like the Go-Betweens or Cabaret Voltaire reissues. It's too easy to get them to resort to the old line But we can order it for you..........

Originally posted by Green I avoid all mall record stores, unless I wanna torture the clerks by asking 'em if they have something like the Go-Betweens or Cabaret Voltaire reissues. It's too easy to get them to resort to the old line But we can order it for you..........

ooh, mall record stores! i love going up to the clerks and asking them about a band that's not on MTV or country music television just to watch their faces go blank....

1. Jack's Records, Sheffield
2. Spin City, Sheffield castle market (as seen in the video to that 'all seeing I' song wrote by Jarvis Cocker)
3. HMV.co.uk
4. or i nick them from other people

Originally posted by Agentwood > Originally posted by Green> > > I avoid all mall record stores, unless I wanna torture the clerks by asking 'em if they have something like the Go-Betweens or Cabaret Voltaire reissues. It's too easy to get them to resort to the old line But we can order it for you..........

ooh, mall record stores! i love going up to the clerks and asking them about a band that's not on MTV or country music television just to watch their faces go blank....

Cruel, isn't it?

Sadly most of the small record stores packed up together with the small bookstores, the independent bakeries and the non UHT cheese. I buy most of my records now from big retailers like Media Markt (It must be said that they did a lot of promotion for "Get Ready"). There is also one independent though relatively big local retailer called "Discos Castello" where the staff is so good that I have seen a friend humming a early eighties "Midnight Oil" tune to the shop assisstant and this man returned 1 minute later with the CD in his hand and said it was the third song. It was.

Atomic Sounds in Shoreham, Rounder Records in Brighton (once used as a location for a Phatt's and Small video), Gibert Joseph and FNAC in Toulouse, CD Warehouse in Sunnyvale (that's near 'Frisco, Agentwood!)

Independent Stores:

Vertigo Eastunes Disc-go-round Radio Kilroy (out of business now) Shulers Bookstore

As far as the big stores go...I find that Barnes & Noble seems to have a good, yet expensive selection. Media Play and Best Buy are also decent as far as chain stores go.

The worst: Sam Goody.

Originally posted by Jason The worst: Sam Goody.

Amen to that. I remember getting some coupon saying "$5 off your next purchase at Sam Goody". When I went to the store, the CDs were $20! Talk about savings! (he said sarcastically) Horrible selection, horrible set-up, and a horrible odor emerging from the employees, I believe.

Originally posted by Taboo # 7 > Originally posted by Jason > The worst: Sam Goody.

Amen to that. I remember getting some coupon saying "$5 off your next purchase at Sam Goody". When I went to the store, the CDs were $20! Talk about savings! (he said sarcastically) Horrible selection, horrible set-up, and a horrible odor emerging from the employees, I believe.

I like it when you have those 'elitist' record-store pricks who have no clue. They're always these pretentious alterna-teens who wear T-shirts with punk bands on them but don't actually listen to the music. They could have just gotten a job at McDonalds but were 'too cool' for that and instead have commited their lives to sneering, rolling their eyes, expensive dark framed glasses, and fashionable clothes.

Originally posted by Jason > Originally posted by Taboo # 7> > > > Originally posted by Jason > > The worst: Sam Goody. >

Amen to that. I remember getting some coupon saying "$5 off your next purchase at Sam Goody". When I went to the store, the CDs were $20! Talk about savings! (he said sarcastically) Horrible selection, horrible set-up, and a horrible odor emerging from the employees, I believe.

I like it when you have those 'elitist' record-store pricks who have no clue. They're always these pretentious alterna-teens who wear T-shirts with punk bands on them but don't actually listen to the music. They could have just gotten a job at McDonalds but were 'too cool' for that and instead have commited their lives to sneering, rolling their eyes, expensive dark framed glasses, and fashionable clothes.

I love the middle-age loser types who are usually the managers of the five-and-dime joints at the mall. It's kinda sad to see them accost a customer sorting through a selection of CDs and try and convince them that the new Harry Potter DVD would make their life complete. The usual "pre-order" spiel amuses me the most, they're just rattling off the info because they had to memorize it according to company policy. I have seen some attractive women working at some of these stores, but they're always grooving to Korn. Ah, what a shame....

Originally posted by Jason > Originally posted by Taboo # 7> > > > Originally posted by Jason > > The worst: Sam Goody. >

Amen to that. I remember getting some coupon saying "$5 off your next purchase at Sam Goody". When I went to the store, the CDs were $20! Talk about savings! (he said sarcastically) Horrible selection, horrible set-up, and a horrible odor emerging from the employees, I believe.

I like it when you have those 'elitist' record-store pricks who have no clue. They're always these pretentious alterna-teens who wear T-shirts with punk bands on them but don't actually listen to the music. They could have just gotten a job at McDonalds but were 'too cool' for that and instead have commited their lives to sneering, rolling their eyes, expensive dark framed glasses, and fashionable clothes.

yeah, unfortunately at my favourite record store, wax trax in denver (which i mentioned above), a whole slew of them work there. they look at you funny unless you look just like them. well, sorry kids, some of us have jobs where we can't have pink hair...and some of us actually REMEMBER the bands on your t-shirts!

hey lickmodem, got any of these types working for you? if so, FIRE 'EM!

Originally posted by Agentwood > Originally posted by Jason > > > > Originally posted by Taboo # 7> > > > > > > Originally posted by Jason > > > The worst: Sam Goody. > > >

Amen to that. I remember getting some coupon saying "$5 off your next purchase at Sam Goody". When I went to the store, the CDs were $20! Talk about savings! (he said sarcastically) Horrible selection, horrible set-up, and a horrible odor emerging from the employees, I believe.

I like it when you have those 'elitist' record-store pricks who have no clue. They're always these pretentious alterna-teens who wear T-shirts with punk bands on them but don't actually listen to the music. They could have just gotten a job at McDonalds but were 'too cool' for that and instead have commited their lives to sneering, rolling their eyes, expensive dark framed glasses, and fashionable clothes.

yeah, unfortunately at my favourite record store, wax trax in denver (which i mentioned above), a whole slew of them work there. they look at you funny unless you dress like them. well, sorry kids, some of us have jobs where we can't have pink hair...and some of us actually REMEMBER the bands on your t-shirts!

The poor bastards don't realize they're just as conformist as the "preps" they hate so much. So very sad...

As for these "punk" kids wearing Blink 182 shirts, if they don't know who Johnny Rotten is they have no business calling themselves punk. I would love to get a Britney Spears shirt and just write "I Hate" across the top, wear it to the mall. Imagine the looks I'd get. Now that's punk....

Originally posted by Taboo # 7

The poor bastards don't realize they're just as conformist as the "preps" they hate so much. So very sad...

Originally posted by Taboo # 7 > Originally posted by Jason > > > > Originally posted by Taboo # 7> > > > > > > Originally posted by Jason > > > The worst: Sam Goody. > > >

Amen to that. I remember getting some coupon saying "$5 off your next purchase at Sam Goody". When I went to the store, the CDs were $20! Talk about savings! (he said sarcastically) Horrible selection, horrible set-up, and a horrible odor emerging from the employees, I believe.

I like it when you have those 'elitist' record-store pricks who have no clue. They're always these pretentious alterna-teens who wear T-shirts with punk bands on them but don't actually listen to the music. They could have just gotten a job at McDonalds but were 'too cool' for that and instead have commited their lives to sneering, rolling their eyes, expensive dark framed glasses, and fashionable clothes.

I love the middle-age loser types who are usually the managers of the five-and-dime joints at the mall. It's kinda sad to see them accost a customer sorting through a selection of CDs and try and convince them that the new Harry Potter DVD would make their life complete. The usual "pre-order" spiel amuses me the most, they're just rattling off the info because they had to memorize it according to company policy. I have seen some attractive women working at some of these stores, but they're always grooving to Korn. Ah, what a shame....

Kind of like when you call in to a pizza place and they answer "Thank you for calling Papa Mario's where your second large one-topping pizza is half-off with the purchase of a 2 liter of Pepsi and a Family Size order of ultra-super cheese stuffed wacky-bread, can you hold please?!"

Or not so much.

Originally posted by Taboo # 7 > Originally posted by Agentwood> > > > Originally posted by Jason > > > > > > > Originally posted by Taboo # 7> > > > > > > > > > Originally posted by Jason > > > > The worst: Sam Goody. > > > > > >

Amen to that. I remember getting some coupon saying "$5 off your next purchase at Sam Goody". When I went to the store, the CDs were $20! Talk about savings! (he said sarcastically) Horrible selection, horrible set-up, and a horrible odor emerging from the employees, I believe.

I like it when you have those 'elitist' record-store pricks who have no clue. They're always these pretentious alterna-teens who wear T-shirts with punk bands on them but don't actually listen to the music. They could have just gotten a job at McDonalds but were 'too cool' for that and instead have commited their lives to sneering, rolling their eyes, expensive dark framed glasses, and fashionable clothes.

yeah, unfortunately at my favourite record store, wax trax in denver (which i mentioned above), a whole slew of them work there. they look at you funny unless you dress like them. well, sorry kids, some of us have jobs where we can't have pink hair...and some of us actually REMEMBER the bands on your t-shirts!

The poor bastards don't realize they're just as conformist as the "preps" they hate so much. So very sad...

As for these "punk" kids wearing Blink 182 shirts, if they don't know who Johnny Rotten is they have no business calling themselves punk. I would love to get a Britney Spears shirt and just write "I Hate" across the top, wear it to the mall. Imagine the looks I'd get. Now that's punk....

I went through a phase where I was attracted to women like that. Somehow, I came to believe that interesting clothes meant interesting personality. Most of the time, this was not the case. There was this one girl who would seriously yell at me when I didn't play pool correctly. It really pissed her off that I wasn't a professional billiard guy. On top of that, she once had a live Dave Mathews un-plugged CD on repeat from about 2am to noon the next day. She had told me leave it on because it helps her sleep, or something. Yeah, I've seen hell.

did you see jimmy fallon imitate dave matthews on the mtv video music awards this year? classic!

i think dave is pretty hot, but his music...*shiver*. and amongst people in my age group (mid-late 20s) he seems to be EVERYWHERE! :\puke:

Originally posted by Taboo # 7 As for these "punk" kids wearing Blink 182 shirts, if they don't know who Johnny Rotten is they have no business calling themselves punk. I would love to get a Britney Spears shirt and just write "I Hate" across the top, wear it to the mall. Imagine the looks I'd get. Now that's punk....

yeah, those are such posers. punk is more than spiked hair and neat t-shirts. though i did meet a girl who wore a britney t-shirt to a le tigre show...as she said...irony rocks.

i'll let you know that i never wear a t-shirt with a band i don't listen to...that means my selection of rock t's are quite small.:(

seattle has several really good independent record stores...some of my favorites:

Wall of Sound in Belltown Tone, Zions Gate, Disc Go Round + Orpheum on Capitol Hill Jive Time + Sonic Boom in Fremont Nanoo's on the Ave....really good shops but most staffed by same poseurs in black rimmed glasses, ironic rock tee and highwaters....must kill indie kids....irritating fucks...

I loved Berwick street in london for music shopping. Rough Trade in Covent Garden, too many to mention. London is the best for record shopping although i'd love a trip to Tokyo. Portland has a lot of good independent shops too. Ohzone made me shake. I could have walked out with over $300 bucks worth of music just with what i saw on the outside rows without even flipping through the discs. I actually hated that store for that reason. So many CD's i had never seen but wanted REALLY bad. Shit i gotta go back.

i shop for music every day. i'm an addict.

Originally posted by Biznotic Love Trapazoid Portland has a lot of good independent shops too. Ohzone made me shake. I could have walked out with over $300 bucks worth of music just with what i saw on the outside rows without even flipping through the discs. I actually hated that store for that reason. So many CD's i had never seen but wanted REALLY bad. Shit i gotta go back.

Which Ozone BLT? Ozone UK by Powell's books on the westside, or Ozone on the east (both are on Burnside)? Glad to hear the kind words about one of my very fave stores of all time at any rate, I've been buying from them forever, even when it was called Ooze back in the mid-80s. It was formed by the guy who now runs Soleilmoon Records.

to answer the original question about the music store, I guess the main place I find good cds is CD Exchange. They sell used/new cds. Pretty good for a chain, not sure if they go outside of Tejas or not. But they're in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Also Best Buy, they get good imports. Circuit City is cheap/good selection. And I go to Houston sometimes (Soundwaves, they actually have a gothic/industrial section, yes I like both). Austin has the best stores as well. as far as people who work in stores, I absolutely agree with everything that has been said previously. But I have to admit, sometimes I wish I could have a job with pink hair and wearing Bauhaus t-shirts. Maybe we're just jealous sometimes??

Originally posted by Green > Originally posted by Biznotic Love Trapazoid> Portland has a lot of good independent shops too. Ohzone made me shake. I could have walked out with over $300 bucks worth of music just with what i saw on the outside rows without even flipping through the discs. I actually hated that store for that reason. So many CD's i had never seen but wanted REALLY bad. Shit i gotta go back.>

not the one near Powell Books. I heard the story of the people who originally ran the one store named ozone...they split and now have seperate stores that are very similar...the ozone on the east side has so much good stuff while the other seems to be struggling. i definitely will make a special trip just for that store.

Which Ozone BLT? Ozone UK by Powell's books on the westside, or Ozone on the east (both are on Burnside)? Glad to hear the kind words about one of my very fave stores of all time at any rate, I've been buying from them forever, even when it was called Ooze back in the mid-80s. It was formed by the guy who now runs Soleilmoon Records.