Amoeba Music
Thursday, April 27, 2006
What? You haven't heard the latest hip-hop album to come out of France? Okay, me either, so I headed up to my new favorite record store of all time, Amoeba Music, on Sunset. With everything in stock, from Britney Spears to Brit Pop, you will always find what you want, and my guess is, probably walk out with more than you planned on.
If you can't find your favorite, for some reason, their amazing staff will immediately come to your rescue. The loudspeaker can often be heard asking for help on finding things-- "Japanese Techno-Bluegrass from the late '70s anybody got a clue??" The staff, sprinkled throughout the store, hard at work, really care about music, and they care even more that your experience with music is all it can be, whatever your tastes. Don't be intimidated by something you're not sure about and want to try, the vibe here is so non-pretentious and welcoming that you'll leave feeling cooler than you walked in, regardless of what's in your bright yellow shopping bag.
Amoeba opened its first store in Berkeley in 1990, inspired by independent record stores of yesteryear. Now with huge additions in San Francisco and Hollywood, they maintain that small specialty store vibe despite the towering walls covered in vintage concert posters and old LP covers, the second floor of DVDs and soundtracks galore, and the friendly security bag check in front.
Low on funds this month? Remember that 'NSync CD you bought to listen to in college before you went out for a night on the town? Yes, yes, treasured memories, but they're worth money, to someone out there, and you can sell them to Amoeba for cash, or a few dollars more of credit. They'll even take your old DVDs, LPs, and VHS tapes. Not sure what to do with that cash? Amoeba's helpful staff is once again to the rescue. They put out a self made paper 'zine of their favorite staff picks called "MUSIC WE LIKE" and it's free, so you've no excuse.
They're also known for their free concerts held on the store's stage for those in the know, so for more details, directions and dish, head to the store immediately or check out their site. This is a definite treasure trove worth digging around in. Bring a protein bar, you might end up there all day...
Amoeba Music
6400 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood CA
323-245-6400