Article: Amoeba Music Record Store

Article: Amoeba Music Record Store

The things that make a record store special are not only its one-of-a-kind interior design, its dazzling prices, or even its incomparable selection of music. No – what makes a record store special is its undeniable sense of community…

In this section we ask crate diggers, DJ’s and music fans from all over the world to write a short article about their favourite record store. When we have a solid selection, we’ll create a list with recommended spots worlwide. That way we can help you, the music fan, to find your favourite records or places to dig.

This time Jordan Hung  highlights his favourite spot, Amoeba Music at California (USA).

The things that make a record store special are not only its one-of-a-kind interior design, its dazzling prices, or even its incomparable selection of music. No – what makes a record store special is its undeniable sense of community. Stroll through the lively streets of Los Angeles or the bubbly cities of the San Francisco Bay Area and don’t be surprised to see locals proudly sporting Amoeba Music apparel anywhere you go…

That’s because Amoeba Music – the world’s largest independent record store – has been serving California music lovers with a place to interact and unite for almost two decades. Oh, and did I mention they have one of the best inventories of new and used CDs, vinyl, DVDs, and videos too?
Amoeba Music first opened its doors in 1990 on Berkeley’s legendary Telegraph Avenue. Since then, they’ve expanded their love to San Francisco’s Haight Street and L.A.’s downtown Hollywood. Known for their mind-boggling supply of hundreds of thousands of music and movie titles, Amoeba Music still continues to be the one-stop-shop for all things entertainment – where DJs, crate diggers, and music fans alike cram into the store’s endless aisles of material on a daily basis. The retailer specializes in constantly purchasing new and used items from just about anyone, contributing to their on-going expansion of fresh inventory so Amoeba almost always has exactly what you’re looking for.


Amoeba Music at San Francisco

Friendly
Amoeba is all about promoting peace and harmony through the wonderful powers of music; you can always count on being helped by a friendly staff with excellent customer service during your visit. The store also takes tremendous pride in giving back to the community, already earning more than $150,000 for the Gulf Coast Relief through various weekly auctions after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, Amoeba Music also donates a portion of their profits ever year to the Rainforest Action Network, an environmental organization which works to preserve Earth’s natural rainforests.


Amoeba Music at Los Angeles

Performances
Not only a hot spot for new and used music, but Amoeba also functions as a unique performance venue where recording artists perform for free in the middle of the record store. Hosting mainly underground and independent artists, the retailer has had free shows from some of the most well-known names in music such as Paul McCartney and Mandy Moore. A number of notable hip-hop artists who have performed at Amoeba included The Roots, Murs, Immortal Technique, Raashan Ahmad, Pete Rock, Talib Kweli, and many, many more. Unlike some independent record stores, Amoeba full embraces the digital media movement, labeling itself as a “21st century music outlet.” The retailer’s interactive website features countless interviews and concert footage from musicians of all genres.


Amoeba Music at Berkeley

So if you’re ever under the California sun, remember to breeze by Amoeba Music. You won’t regret it.

More info:

Amoeba Musicwww.amoeba.com
6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles (Map)
1855 Haight St., San Francisco (Map)
2455 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley (Map)

Want to write about your favourite music store in your area? E-mail us (info [@] thefindmag.com) and we’ll publish it!