SF/berkeley record stores

[earl grey]

got any to recommend? i'm heading out there tomorrow. amoeba is already on my list (and has been a highlight of past visits), but i wouldn't mind checking out a new place or two as well.

[maroonwalrus]

As you already know, Amoeba Music in San Francisco (1855 Haight St) and Berkeley (2455 Telegraph Ave) are both phenomenal, although I tend to find more rare goodies at the Haight St location. They are absolutely SPRAWLING -- in fact, the SF one was a bowling alley once upon a time. I'd recommend making a list of what you're looking for before you enter, because you will forget everything really quickly without one. These are, by far, the best record stores around. Check out the one in Los Angeles if you are ever down there, that one is supremely awesome as well. (http://www.amoebamusic.com)

Rasputin Records in Berkeley (2401 Telegraph Ave) is very good too -- but be sure to avoid their other locations in SF, because they are HORRIBLE selection-wise. (http://www.rasputinmusic.com)

Mod Lang is a decent stop in Berkeley (2136 University Ave) as well. Although it does not have a gigantic selection like Amoeba, I've found some really cool stuff there. Lots and lots of seven-inches. Last time I was there, I picked up the "Galactic Zoo Dossier Compendium." (http://www.modlang.com)

Check out Aquarius Records (1055 Valencia St, San Francisco). It is a small store with a carefully staff-chosen selection. The employees are knowledgeable and pretty much know everything about everything music-wise. (http://www.aquariusrecords.org)

Several people have also recommended that I visit Open Mind Music in SF (342 Divisadero St), but I have not had a chance to visit yet. It's probably worth a shot. (http://www.openmindmusic.com)

Hope this helps!

[earl grey]

this is great, thanks. yeah amoeba is amazing, quite possibly the best record store i've ever been to. i've always found great stuff there, and usually pretty cheap too. someone else mentioned aquarius to me, maybe that'll be my new one....