Best Vinyl Shops - SoCal Edition

There was a Nomad and Thorens for sale yesterday, along with the Kenwood that was previously posted, in Brooks Berdan. Not sure if it's still there, but anyone looking to start vinyl for Surat should grab the Kenwood, it's a steal at $250.

 

I didn't go to stores yesterday, but I did hit up Port of Sound out in Costa Mesa after work on Friday. Since I have little experience with record stores, I don't really have much to say. Did have a decent rock area, but other genres weren't too large. There was a large area of albums outside the store, which I did not look at. I did glance that these were the $3 or so specials of misc albums that you'd probably be hit or miss with. I picked up the Coltrane set that @shaizada had recc'd earlier. Guess when I have more time and more awareness, I'll do better in bin jumping.

 

Not really on topic but I was a manager of a record store (we sold cassettes too) back when I was in college in San Diego. In fact, our store (Assorted Vinyl) was 1 of only a handful of on campus record stores in the nation. During my 4 years as manager I met some awesome artist such as Jeff Buckley, Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendencies), Cypress Hill, Trashcan Sinatras, No Doubt, Social Distortion, and my personal fav Johnny Rotten.

Unfortunately a Tower Records opened up nearby and that was the beginning of the end. We started to transition to CD but by 1 year after I graduated our store was converted to a Jamba Juice! I miss those days and that job remains by far the best job I've ever had even though I think I was only making $10-12 an hour.

 

I love Mike Hobsons High Fidelity LA in Los Feliz (Mike was the Founder of Classic Records)

 

If anyone wants to battle the crowds this weekend @insidious meme @shaizada. https://www.facebook.com/events/822745294536780/

 

There is a relatively new store on Newport Ave. in Tustin, next to Floyd's Barber Shop. Anyone checked it out?

 

Yup! U just mentioned one of my secret stashed stores! He gets good stuff in time to time

 

Anybody remember Aaron's or Second Time around on Melrose? Bought my first LPs at Aaron's when I was 13 or 14; Missing Persons EP (Dale Bozzio had the best plexiglass bras back then), Combat Rock, and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.

 

I bought most of my Residents collection at Aaron's, but on CD.

They were wiped out when Amoeba Hollywood opened. Too close in proximity and couldn't match the Amoeba's warehouse of goods, nor could they match on price IIRC.

 

I remember Aaron's multiple floors, and spending a whole day in the store.

 

Yeah, Aaron's was my favorite in L.A.

 

That was a great store! Before Melrose became popular, there was Aaron's, The Golden Apple and Poseur with Second Time Around across the street...
Amoeba simply overwhelmed me. Aaron's was far more manageable...

 

I always preferred the Golden Apple on Pico over the one on Melrose. It was smaller but that just made it feel more packed with goodies.

 

Hah, I didn't even know they had one there...

I did work at Tower Records in Northridge, a real oasis in that area of the Valley...

 

I liked Record Surplus back when it was two floors on Pico. The current one, next to George Meyer doesnt have the same depth.

 

Agreed, the old Record Surplus was kickass. The new one is too cramped, not enough selection, and the prices always felt a bit high to me, although probably not as high as all the boutique vinyl shops in Silverlake/Highland Park.

 

Great article on the LA Record shops: http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-20-best-record-stores-in-los-angeles-and-beyond-7260759

 

OH SHIT.... Aaron's died in vain. RIP this decade Amoeba Hollywood.


http://www.factmag.com/2016/09/13/iconic-la-record-store-amoeba-music-sold/