Record/cd stores

My wife was gone today so I decided to hit up Tacoma and the neighboring towns to hunt for some used CD deals. 5 Out of the 6 places I tried were no longer in business. The one place that was left had a paltry selection of used discs, and wanted $7 to $8 on average for each.
I did hit up a pawn shop that was still selling them for only $1 each, but the selection was even worse. Kind of sad. It looks like my only recourse for used music has become the inter web.
 

Here in the Phoenix area we have a chain of stores called 'Zia Record Exchange' that specialize in new and used music (with a healthy selection of CD's and vinyl).  Another option would be to check out the local second hand shops such as Goodwill, Value Village, etc.  I know there are several Goodwill locations on Pacific Avenue S (and while you are there check out the Pacific Run Antique Mall).

From what I recall there was a flea market at the drive-in theater over on the west side of Tacoma (don't know if it is still there or not).  Just up the road is the 60k South Tacoma Antique Mall (an awesome place!).  The reason I mention antique malls is that they are excellent sources of used music- it is not uncommon to find dealers that specialize in used CD's and vinyl.

Your best bet for used music in the Seattle area is probably the University District (I recall the area having several used music shops- it's been quite some time so that might have changed).

Down in Portland (my old neck of the woods) are the Everyday Music locations (the best being in downtown about a block away from Powell's books).  While in the downtown area check out 2nd Avenue Records (this is the shop I purchased a CD version of Joshua's "Intense Defense" way back in 1989).

This is a bit off topic, but when I lived in the Pacific Northwest several times a year there were huge sports memorabilia shows at the Tacoma Dome.  Don't know if the shows are still around or not (sports card shows are 'going the way of the buffalo' since most people can fill out their sports card collections via eBay.  Buying online - my opinion anyway - takes the human element out of collecting and picking).

One more thing, three times a year the Portland area would host HUGE antique shows at the Expo Center were you could potentially find just about anything (the summer show - I believe being held this very weekend - would feature up to 1500 dealers).

Nashville and the surrounding areas are just as much of a wasteland when it comes to music.  Even the big box stores have scaled WAY back on CDs in stock.  Face it--the CD is almost dead.

If it's christian music you're looking for you don't want to come to the UK!  We live in a sort of Bible belt (in the vaguest sense of the word) on the south coast, and in an average sized town of over fifty churches there's not even one single Christian book shop.  Wasteland here, and right across the country.  The internet is the only option.

Fundy

WE have churches EVERYWHERE in Tennessee.  We do have Christian bookstores, but the music selection there is getting smaller.  They mostly carry whatever WAY-FM and K-Love play.  You won't find Retroactive Records releases there.  You barely see Tooth & Nail there anymore.

What I really find to be sad is seeing churches close.  There are a few in Nashville now that are just boarded up--and in neighborhoods where people really NEED Jesus.  We were in Louisville, KY this weekend and there were several beautiful buildings in slum neighborhoods that were boarded up.  In the USA, we are not doing such a wonderful job of sharing Jesus and making real disciples.

We're having Christian bookstores where they sell Praise and worship music. Sometimes you can buy CDs from Mercy Me and some other similair bands.
I seldom buy my music in those stores.
The music I'm interested in is only available on internet.

There is a nearby Christian book/music store that stocks many of the Retroactive releases.  The aforementioned Zia Music Exchange includes a healthy choice of metal and hard rock.  I have been able to buy off the shelves CD's from mainstream artists such as Neal Morse and Shadow Gallery in addition to those either signed or distributed by Nightmare (German Pascual, End Of September and Theocracy).

Southern California has an endless wealth of Thrift Stores, and many have great CD/LP treasures just waiting to be discovered. This weekend I hit several second hand stores in Ontario and scored a pile of great titles (mostly CCM, a few Christian Alternative, and only a couple rock/metal) - I really scored on Vinyl - nothing worth a fortune, but some great titles nontheless.
As for actual Music Stores (ie used music), they're growing more and more scarce. And yes, they usually want 7 or 8 bucks for a cd (that you could get on Amazon or ebay for 4 bucks after S&H)... kind of a bummer.

As far as "Goodwill", they've changed their M.O. on CDs- when someone donates CDs, they are instantly sent to a distribution center where they are listed on Amazon. Gone are the days where Goodwill carries CDs. Really stinks.

Dynamis wrote:

Your best bet for used music in the Seattle area is probably the University District (I recall the area having several used music shops- it's been quite some time so that might have changed).

 I was just in the U-district a few months ago and couldn't find a single music store...I think they are all gone.  i've never been to the swap meet in Tacoma but the one that met in the old Sea-Tac drive-in shut down years ago.  I have checked out a few of my local Value Villages and at least one Goodwill and they don't seem to carry more than about 20 to 40 cd each.
I will check out some of those other places, but not holding out hope.  Too bad i'm not heading to Phoenix any time soon.

I'm still dreaming to go to a Christian book store and buy all the CDs I want to have.
No more waiting on CDs anymore.
Ohhhh, I love this.

I always loved it to look forward to find the CDs I've ordered in the mailbox and open the package and see how the CD looks. To read the booklet and yes listen to all the new songs.

Here in St Louis, we have used CD stores but they're ridiculous.  I was in one a few weeks ago and they had a jazz CD I want for $14! I can get it used at Amazon for about $2 plus shipping.  Crazy!

I found a used cd joint about 8 miles North of Tacoma that was still in operation on Sunday afternoon. The store owner assured me that two of the record stores in Tacoma were still in business, but both had moved locations.  
It is kind of funny to see some of the stuff in these stores way over priced, but it is just like amazon.  I was looking at a cd at amazon the other day that most sellers were pricing at $10 to $24, but one seller had it listed for $81.

$ 81 for one CD?
That's very expensive.

It's ridiculous, I would never pay that much for any cd.  I think my max was $30 for the Rage of Angels disc several years ago...I don't think I would spend that much even now.

We just sent our last payment on our Honda Civic.... we own both our vehicles....

This means if I can find me a Rage of Angels for 30 bucks, I can get it  

I'm the same though, I won't pay more than 30 bucks for 1 cd (it's gotta be REALLY rare)
I may pay up to 40 bucks for 1 record LP - there's a couple I've got my eyes on. I REALLY want Detritus on vinyl, but the cheapest I could find was around 40 bucks.

Since I started re-collecting my CD collection, I've looked with a sad face at all my download purchases, wishing I got the CD instead. Like the newest from Tourniquet and Saint and several others I bought downloads only. I could kick myself.

Where I'm currently living in Rochester, NY we have a cd store called Heavy Metal Records. And it's exactly that! He doesn't have a whole lot of Christian stuff but we've ordered alot of stuff from him.
It's in an old church building. You walk in and it's like a scene out of Spinal Tap!

Quote :

It is kind of funny to see some of the stuff in these stores way over priced, but it is just like amazon.  I was looking at a cd at amazon the other day that most sellers were pricing at $10 to $24, but one seller had it listed for $81.

The most I have paid for a CD was $35, and I could kick myself now.  It was Mastedon's first album.  Now, that has been remastered and reissued.  Stupid buy, right?

She Eats Cheese wrote:

Where I'm currently living in Rochester, NY we have a cd store called Heavy Metal Records. And it's exactly that! He doesn't have a whole lot of Christian stuff but we've ordered alot of stuff from him.
It's in an old church building. You walk in and it's like a scene out of Spinal Tap!

Very cool, I would love to vheck that place out.

alldatndensum wrote:

Quote :

It is kind of funny to see some of the stuff in these stores way over priced, but it is just like amazon.  I was looking at a cd at amazon the other day that most sellers were pricing at $10 to $24, but one seller had it listed for $81.

The most I have paid for a CD was $35, and I could kick myself now.  It was Mastedon's first album.  Now, that has been remastered and reissued.  Stupid buy, right?

 I wouldn't say it was dumb.  You never know when something will be reissued.  Also if you got months (or even a year or so) of listening enjoyment, than I would say it was worth it.  I spent something like $20 or $25 for a cd of Sacred Warrior's Rebellion less than a year before it was reissued (then I bought the reissue) and don't regret it.

Amusing topic! Less than 2 years ago you could've said I was one of those cd or die guys. Been doin' digital files for over a year now and I love them. No need to leave home and some even come with digit booklets. 

Also I  starting to dump cd's like hot cakes. Just took a bunch to FYE in the mall and traded them for VINYL! Been on a vinyl kick lately. I told the guy in FYE "25 years ago I did the opposite. I was trading records for cd's & now I'm trading cd's for records!"

Alldat knows about my recent trip to Nashville. I tried like heck to get to Grimey's and/or Lawrence Records. Found out that Grimey's is on 8th AVE NOT 8th STREET. Lawrence Records was closed every time I went by. Just as we'll I probably would've spent way to much money in there. 

The best place to find vinyl is eBay or Amazon. My wife & I have scored some sweet deals. 

As for cd's-- will I still buy them? Sure if something catches my eye. I see stuff all the time in the $5 bin at WalMart. On occasion ill grab stuff from there. 

This is what I DIDN'T see inside Lawrence Records:

I went nearly all digital about 3 years ago.  I'm able to get more music for less money.  I still buy the occassional cd but at least 90% of my new music is digital.
I do still like to hunt through the used cd stores mostly for fun (as I seldom seem to find much).  It's just kind of a bummer that most of the stores are disappearing.