Streetlight Records is a Santa Cruz treasure, and one of the last of its kind. This local music store in downtown has won the Good Times Best Record Store award for the past two years. Streetlight Records represents local unsigned artists through consignments and in-store performances. The laid-back atmosphere is a fun stop for customers strolling through downtown. The store specializes in rare items, including items that are out of print. Some of the things sold here include vinyl records, CDs, movies and television shows on VHS and DVD, T-shirts, posters and video games. For music lovers, Streetlight houses a very extensive collection of styles and genres.
Founded in 1988 and now owned by Four Winds West, an organization supporting at-risk young adults, Bedrock Music & Video is your local resource for purchasing all types of music and renting DVDs. It has a good selection of new and used music and makes special orders twice a week if there's ever a title you're looking for that they don't already have in stock. Bedrock Music & Video has hosted live music events, including a performance by Michael Franti, and is hoping to have more events like this in the future. For DVD rentals, new releases are $4 for two nights, and stock titles are $3 for 5 nights (prices as of 2011). To learn more about Bedrock Music & Video, please visit their website or stop in to check it out in person.
Located across from DD's Discount, Yuri's Records is a music shop that sells a variety of music, ranging from rock to rap. The store also sells skate apparel, skateboards, stickers, vinyls, shoes, glass pipes and music posters. The shop specializes in punk and skate culture, offering DVDs, clothing, music and equipment dominant in that genre. The friendly staff can help customers with any skate and music needs. The store's serene atmosphere and organized space makes for easy browsing. It is open every day, with ample street parking available.
CD Trader is a music and video retailer of vinyl records, CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray discs. The independent store first opened in Thousand Oaks and expanded to Tarzana about 10 ago. New and used products are available. It also buys old CDs and DVDs.
Armadillo Music, located across from Posh Bagel on F St., is a locally-owned music shop that provides its customers with an eclectic selection of all genres of music. The shop isn't large, but makes the most of its available space, often with an outdoor display, weather permitting. Armadillo has vinyl and cds, with a selection of DVDs as well; most of the DVDs are used. Not only does Armadillo Music sell its wares, but it is open to buying/trading used material from the public as well; they only ask that you bring your ID when you do so. The store also sells its own shirts!
Founded in 1956 by Leonard Gordon, Canterbury Records provides products to several different market sectors that include the general public, public libraries, schools and dealers. The retail store features hundreds of thousands of titles in a wide range of genres, including big band, vocal, show, blues, theatre organ, country, world music, jazz and current hits.
Freakbeat Records is an old school record store in Sherman Oaks, located right on Ventura Boulevard in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Specializing in new and used CDs, vinyl, DVDs and VHS movies, Freakbeat offers a comfortable atmosphere for serious music lovers and collectors. This family-owned record shop holds private events, and will buy, sell and trade items. Also note, Freakbeat has a 99 cent room for bargain hunters, turntables to sample vinyl records for sale, and they accept the KCRW Fringe Benefits card.
The Record Man's inventory of LPs, 45s, and 78s is practically unmatched by any store in the nation. DJ's and collectors will delight in this vast collection of music, sheet music, and music memorabilia. The selection of used CDs and tapes is also extensive and constantly growing. Something of a library and music archive, consider the record man a reservoir of knowledge.
Check out Cow Records' feature in the San Diego episode of Parachute's Sounds Local web series. Click the image for more:
Founded in 1980, Lou's Records is an independent record store located on North Coast Highway 101. The shop carries a wide selection of new and used CDs, vinyl, DVDs, cassette tapes, turntable styluses and needles, laserdiscs and VHS tapes. It also hosts in-store musical performances and record release parties. Lou's also offers DRM-free, paid music downloads on its website, featuring exclusive releases. Also available on the website is a schedule of upcoming in-store events.
The feel of this store is a relaxed mix of functionality and disregard for flashy and aggressive presentation. In a time where CDs are struggling in competition with downloads, old-fashioned records can still hold a niche in the music world. The premier place in San Mateo to sell or buy LPs is Vinyl Solution Records, and it is located between other locally operated stores. The owner, who just goes by the name Toonz, founded this business in 1984; it has been in its current location since 1990. His devotion to music is reflected by the variety of products and services, like his enthusiasm to hunt for out of print items.
Red Devil Records, which sells a wide variety of CDs and vinyl, started in 1998 in Petaluma and then moved to San Rafael in 2004. You'll find owner Barry Lazarus to be very knowledgeable about music. The store's mascot, Herbie the Black Lab, may also greet you too.
You'll find Red Devil Records in downtown San Rafael on the corner of Fourth Street and Lootens Place
After 20 years in Berkeley, Mod Lang recently moved to this El Cerrito. The record store carries everything from indie to '60s and '70s reissues, modern rock and folk rock. There is also a sizable $1 record bin. The shop is tucked away in a clean and safe alleyway off Fairmount street. Many items can be special ordered by request.