Cds Record Stores

The world's largest independent record store, with massive locations in Hollywood, San Francisco, and Berkeley. Each store features over 100,000 items spanning new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and more. Amoeba is known for its extensive collection across all genres, rare finds, and in-store performances from artists like Paul McCartney and the Flaming Lips. The Hollywood location serves as a cultural landmark with its massive 25,000 square-foot space full of musical treasures.

Named after Austin's original name, Waterloo Records has been the Texas capital's premier music destination since 1982. The store stocks a wide variety of new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes with knowledgeable staff and dedicated listening stations. A highlight is their 'Texas Music' section featuring local artists. The store is famous for hosting in-store performances, particularly during SXSW when multiple bands perform daily. Visit on Tuesdays for 'Vinyl Happy Hour' with 10% off all records.

Originally founded in London in 1976, Rough Trade has become an iconic brand in independent music retail with locations in New York, London, and Bristol. Known for championing indie and alternative music, the stores are designed as cultural hubs featuring coffee shops, performance spaces for in-store shows, and exclusive vinyl pressings. The New York location in particular is a stunning space at Rockefeller Center with a packed event calendar of album releases and artist signings.

Nashville's beloved independent record store features over 300,000 albums in stock, with about one-third on vinyl spanning every imaginable genre. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere have made Grimey's a musician favorite, hosting legendary in-store performances from artists like Metallica (who recorded 'Live at Grimey's'), Phoenix, and The Black Keys. The store's success has allowed them to continually expand their vinyl selection, replacing many CD racks with additional record bins as the vinyl revival continues.

Seattle's premier independent record store has been a cornerstone of the city's music scene since 1997. With locations in Ballard and Capitol Hill (the latter recently relocated), Sonic Boom offers extensive selections of new and used vinyl, CDs, and music books. The stores frequently host in-store performances and are known for their handmade mixtapes curated by staff and local musicians, including K Records founder Calvin Johnson. The Ballard location in particular feels like the perfect expression of Seattle's music culture: unpretentious, deeply knowledgeable, and community-focused.

This beloved West Seattle institution combines a full-service record store with a classic American diner, creating a unique cultural hub for music lovers. The two-story shop features a vast selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and music books, while the attached cafe serves breakfast and lunch with musically-themed menu items like the Hank Williams Western Omelet and Dolly Parton Stack (pancakes). The store has deep connections to Seattle's music scene, with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder being a regular customer who once worked a shift behind the counter in 1995.

What began as a comic book store founded by two MIT students in 1978 has evolved into a New England retail powerhouse with nearly 30 locations across the Northeast. While Newbury Comics has expanded well beyond music to include toys, apparel, and pop culture items, its flagship Boston location remains a mecca for music lovers. The stores are known for stocking limited edition colored vinyl pressings, rare box sets, and an impressive array of indie and alternative music alongside mainstream releases. The atmosphere combines suburban mall nostalgia with authentic musical curation.

This Cincinnati stalwart has been serving Ohio's music community since 1999. Beyond its impressive selection of nearly 40,000 titles on vinyl and CD, Shake It distinguishes itself with extensive offerings of music books, magazines, and Japanese vinyl toys. The store also operates its own record label focusing on local Cincinnati artists. The knowledgeable staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for both casual listeners and serious collectors, while regular in-store performances and artist signings make it a cultural hub for the city's Northside neighborhood.

Chicago's beloved independent record chain operates three locations throughout the city, each with its own distinct character but united by a vast selection of new and used vinyl and CDs. The Wicker Park location famously inspired the record store depicted in the film 'High Fidelity.' Reckless prides itself on stocking everything from the latest indie releases to obscure international pressings and rare collectibles. Their knowledgeable staff creates handwritten recommendation cards throughout the store, helping customers discover new music across all genres.

Located on Denver's trendy Colfax Avenue, this massive 12,000-square-foot emporium houses over 250,000 new and used titles across vinyl, CD, and DVD formats. Since opening in the mid-1980s, Twist & Shout has hosted hundreds of in-store performances from artists like Ween, Elvis Costello, and John Cale. The used vinyl section is particularly notable, with deep selections across all genres and collectors competing for prime browsing spots daily. The store also offers an impressive selection of music books, film, Japanese toys, and band merchandise, making it a complete cultural destination.

Known by regulars as PREX, this New Jersey institution offers an astounding selection of used CDs (under $9) and vinyl (generally under $5) alongside new releases. Located just steps from Princeton University, the store attracts a diverse clientele from students to serious collectors. Unlike many shops that have inflated vinyl prices during the current boom, PREX maintains accessible pricing that makes building a collection affordable. The shop buys and sells around 15,000 items weekly, ensuring constant turnover and fresh inventory for regular visitors.

The flagship location of Chicago's beloved Reckless Records chain, the Wicker Park store was famously the inspiration for Championship Vinyl in the film 'High Fidelity.' Located on Milwaukee Avenue in one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods, this spacious store offers an exceptional selection of new and used vinyl across all genres, with particularly strong offerings in indie rock, punk, and electronic music. The knowledgeable staff creates an authentic record store experience that draws serious collectors and casual music fans alike.