Record shops The United States Of America

Ernest Tubb is a pioneer of the country in Nashville. It opens its first shop of cds in 1947 where it broadcasts radio broadcast, Midnite Jamboree. Reference for country music and bluegrass, you will find all CD possible and imaginable in this shop.

It's the alternative CD store for hundreds of famous and underground artists. B-Side has been delighting music lovers for over thirty years, and its longevity is no coincidence: the store has its own style, a great staff, and an impressive selection. A unique place to meet music lovers and discuss the next concerts in town. Prices are a bit high, especially for vinyls, but fans looking for collector's albums will find some great finds.

Founded in 1991 by two enthusiasts, DMG has become a mecca for fans of trendy, avant-garde jazz. In the vernacular, downtown music refers to the experimental music that emerged in lower Manhattan in the early 1960s, pioneered by Yoko One. It is therefore this style of music, largely underground, that you should expect to find in this shop, in the form of numerous collectors, CDs and vinyls. On certain nights, the place hosts concerts and artistic performances.

This record store, which is systematically mentioned in all the lists of the best record shops in New York, is a reference for soul and funk vinyls: many choices and many rarities on the program. There is also a very good selection of EPs and hip-hop, rock and electro albums. Amateurs risk losing their minds because the place is covered with vinyl from the walls to the ceiling! At the bottom of the store, turntables are available for customers to test the quality of the discs, all second-hand.

There's more to Eat Street than food... Although it's true that there's plenty to eat and drink at Cheapo Records! As its name suggests, this store is a bargain-hunter's paradise, offering discounted recordings. Artists from all over the world - even French variété relics! - and all styles: rock, rap, jazz, world music, etc. CDs and cassettes coexist with vinyls, including 33 rpm records. And, as a sign that the store is constantly replenished, new arrivals are listed by day of the week!

The new owners have just taken over the torch of the oldest record store in San Francisco created in 1970: Aquarius. With another address in Oakland, this record store offers a large and eclectic selection: indie rock, punk, metal (black, doom, sludge), reggae, sixties psych, seventies proto-metal, international music, experimental electronic music, hip hop, country and bluegrass... A good place to hunt for music, if you still have a turntable in your living room to listen to your purchases.

South of Mission, in the Bernal Heights neighborhood, Thrillhouse Records is a punk darling that you'll easily recognize by the skull and crossbones ghosts in its window. In addition to punk, you can find metal, classical, jazz, indie rock, classic rock, soul, reggae, hip hop, movie soundtracks... The record shop is specialized in vinyl, but it also offers a small but decent quantity of cassettes, CDs, movies, t-shirts, zines and pins. A small gold mine!

Dick Vivien, owner of Rooky Ricardo's Records, salvaged the stock of a bankrupt record shop some 30 years ago and sold his 45s for a few dollars. Gradually, word of mouth spread and the store became more professional. Today, it's an essential institution in the world of rock, r'n'b, soul and funk. With an estimated stock of 100,000 items, the store is said to be a major source of inspiration for local musicians and DJs in the San Francisco area.

In addition to these stores in San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Amoeba music empire has a store in Berkeley. It's a must for old vinyl lovers, new or used, who won't be disappointed! You'll find the best of underground rock and hip-hop, soul, electronic, new and classic jazz, world music, roots music and experimental music. And beyond a store, it's a meeting place and a showroom. A must-see in the California music scene.

One of San Franciscans' favorite stores near Hayes Valley. You'll recognize its window from afar, lined with vinyl records. This store for the avid digger or the simple vinyl enthusiast is an Ali Baba's cave. It competes cheekily with Amoeba Music, even if it's not as big as Amoeba. For, among the shelves of 33 and 45 rpm records, it boasts an important selection at a few dollars, much larger than its competitor. It's a pleasure to rummage through the shelves for rare gems. A fine selection of jazz, soul and groove records.