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1-2-3-4 Go! Records
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Vinyl Records Vinyl Records
420 40th StSte 5
(between Webster St & Shafter Ave)
Oakland, CA 94609
Neighborhoods: Temescal, North Oakland
(510) 985-0325
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for 1-2-3-4 Go! Records
Review Highlights
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"BEST LITTLE PUNK RECORD STORE IN THE BAY AREA." In 25 reviews -
"...is a nice selection of new and used vinyl and a few new cds." In 15 reviews -
"This is a great little record store." In 3 reviews
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Amy J.
4/23/2012
While waiting in line for Record Store Day, a friendly guy in front me had mentioned this store along with Homeroom. He must've done something right because I ended up stopping in here just before the end of Record Store Day and boy did I score?
They had a good selection of records left from RSD and I ended up picking up the Beach House 7". I also didn't have to fight the crowd I did earlier in the day at Ameoba. The staff are friendly and let me take some promo CD's for friends who missed out on RSD.
I will definitely stop in again, especially if I plan on grabbing Mac N' Cheese at Homeroom anyway. Music and food, hooray.
Also, if you're a fan of Static Thought, they will be carrying their latest release which is soon. I know those guys personally so go out and support them and your local record store. -
Review from Allie H.
Sacramento, CA
3/27/2012
Best record store in Oakland!
They really support local artists and the local music scene.
Nice new location
and the new venue part of the store is awesome!!!!!! -
Review from Joshua C.
Oakland, CA
1/29/2012 8 Check-ins Here
I've been here three times. The first time was to watch a show for Lycus, Thou, and The Body. The second time was to buy records. The third time was to sell records.
About the shows:
I think it's a nice intimate all ages venue. The store has a backroom which fits about 100 people or so. For a tiny space the sound is actually pretty good. The three bands I saw fall somewhere along the lines of doom and sludge metal and I could make out all the instruments pretty well.
About buying records:
I collect mostly metal and hardcore punk records and the handful of times that I've been there, I've found some pretty good stuff, both new and used, for very fair prices. They have a decent stock of pop punk, indie, rock, hip-hop, jazz as well given the size of their store. CD stock is minimal, but if you're the kind of person that would rather buy CDs than vinyl you're better off going to Bestbuy, Amazon, or other places where people who lack discerning tastes in music go to pick up shitty bubble gum pop music about stacking bills and having one night stands with lonely college drop-outs.
Selling your records:
When I came in to sell records I actually arrived at the store on a Tuesday about 5 minutes before closing and decided to push my luck by asking if they were still buying. The buyer, Steve, who I'm also assuming is the owner, was totally cool about it and actually kept the store open for another 15-20 minutes to look through my stack and let me shop around for a bit. I brought in a varied stack of older Lookout Records stuff, some Warped Tour hardcore, skacore, mainstream rock, etc. (Obviously I was trying to put my tortured childhood behind me). He ended up buying more of the "underground stuff" and told me that he already had too many copies of the mainstream stuff and wasn't really interested in buying 7" since they weren't selling too well at his shop. I felt like I received a fair amount of cash for the stack that he did buy and I felt good about myself that I was doing business with the smaller local record store as opposed to those hipster fucktard buyers at Amoeba and Rasputin's.
Overall, I look forward to coming back here as often as I can. Actual record stores seem to be either folding up or diminishing their focus on actual vinyl, so I invite all of you, especially those that live in Oakland to pledge your full support for this great spot. -
Review from Caroline T.
Oakland, CA
4/25/2012
This place is awesome! They don't have the world's largest selection but what they do have is quality and not over-priced.
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Review from Beau P.
Los Angeles, CA
4/18/2012
Great music selection and fair prices. Cool venue. Plus they have good zines and art there. Went to check out the Peop's exhibit and when I saw the records they have I didn't want to leave. If I'd had more money Ida bought the store.
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Review from ben s.
Oakland, CA
3/7/2011
BEST LITTLE PUNK RECORD STORE IN THE BAY AREA!
i go here often, its close to my house and always has a great selection of punk/hc records new and used. plus, the owner steve actually pays you a fair price for records if you have decent stuff to sell. he's not a cheap tightfisted lowballer like the dickhead buyers on telegraph at amoeba and rasputins.
anyways, while there are tons of lps and 7"'s you can still go through everything in the store in about an hour. this place deserves your business and your money way more than the aforementioned mega stores.
of course the selection is mostly punk and indy stuff but i've found cool used metal, rock, hip and hop and soul records here as well, its the type of place where you will always find some stuff you want to buy, whether you were looking for it or not, plus steve will play records for you if you'd like a sample of what it sounds like which is really cool. he's even got a nice little selection of collectible classics on the wall and in a box for reasonable prices. i've gotten some great crass records 7"'s here for instance.
lastly, there is a good selection of zines and music books with a few cds and t-shirts thrown in.
GO THERE NOW!!! -
Review from Jeffrey B.
Oakland, CA
11/15/2011
1-2-3-4 Go! Record shop is a very hard working and focused spot to find all kinds of new or used records as well as see cool art shows and now live music in their recently expanded location. The staff is laid back, but helpful, and the selection is particularly rich in hardcore, punk and independent music. The discount record section is also worth a look and eclectic new stuff is added regularly. The small, but well chosen selection of zines and books is a nice touch, the de-emphasis on compact discs ( they do have a small selection ) is encouraging. Perhaps the best thing this locally owned and operated store has going for it is the staff actually listens to the records they sell, and they are more than happy to offer recommendations and advice on your purchase. It's BART close... check them out!
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Review from Corissa H.
Sonoma, CA
11/15/2011
Locally owned and operated .. By KNowledge staff and owner.
Great lil place. I highly recommend giving them your business. -
Review from Arleigh T.
Oakland, CA
10/15/2010
Just happened to see the store while going to my chiropractor and on a whim I stopped and went in. Very Cool Place!
Mostly Punk and post punk but also quite an ecletic collection of music. Mostly vinyl with some CD.
Great help from the gal at the counter. All in all I'll be back often! -
Review from Iris P.
Santa Clara, CA
11/1/2010
Every time I go into this record store there is always someone new behind the desk who:
a) is equally or more awesome than the person before
b) has excellent recommendations
I love this place! -
Review from Sandra J.
Oakland, CA
7/25/2011
This store is AMAZING! And only getting better and better. Also, there is more here than just punk music, it's very well rounded. I'm definitely going to shop here instead of Amoeba from now on. For reals! Support an awesome local business and a really nice shop owner!!!
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Review from Daniel C.
Oakland, CA
11/13/2010
Great record store with lots of great vinyl. Good punk/hardcore selection... especially if you are into east bay/general bay area punk.
Staff is wonderful and service is great!
Get into it. NOW. -
Review from Dan W.
Oakland, CA
3/7/2008 3 photos
Finally a small independent record store in my neighborhood. Steve-o who runs the place is a good dude and has solid taste in music.
The shop is small, but perfect size for what a good specialty store should be. Don't bother looking for the latest crunk or hyphy hits here, unless E-40 and Mistah F.A.B. have started sporting leather jackets and mohawks. Within this spacious 10x12 compound you will find a haven for punk and independent rock records and some choice selections of ska/reggae and even a little country.. Mostly all vinyl but you'll see whatever else he can cram on the shelves here as well.
Small shops like this have been all but crushed by Amoeba in SF and Berkeley, so do you part to help keep this place afloat. -
Review from daniel m.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2008
The store opened yesterday and it is a little rough around the edges. And while small, the store packs quite a punch. There is a nice selection of new and used vinyl and a few new cds. Mostly catering towards the punk/hardcore crowd but there is also a small section of used rock as well as country.
You can tell this store is a labor of love and the records are priced based on fair market values (not eBay, let that be a lesson to you other stores who price via eBay!).
I am really excited to see how this store shapes up in the future. I'm sure it'll be good!Listed in: Hunting for Records.
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Review from Bryan R.
Long Beach, CA
4/20/2008
Bummer that it's only been open a month and was already broken into. A couple grand in product was stolen, so this store could really use your support!
Besides that unfortunate fact, this place has a great selection with great prices. Definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Jackson L.
Richland, MS
10/3/2008
You know, I`ve walked by it all this past summer and it looks pretty damn good....but now here in Deutchland, I had to get my sister to pick up my Pinhead Gunpowder sevens from there.
A bandmate I toured with said Steve`s a good guy, so it`s all good in my hood. The last of the famous record store playboys in The bEAST. So we all gotta support that.
From the website, you can tell there`s a good but not too picky selection to keep the flow, but at this day and age you have to know the score to sell RECORDS. We just gotta support it, let it turn that corner and help it survive.
So you cunts that are reading this, fucking buy something! -
Review from Esteban C.
Fresno, CA
6/4/2008
I just finished a week long stay in the Bay Area and I am bummed out that I spent most of my money at the bigger record stores before checking this place out.
The shop was a lot smaller than I had imagined it, but I found so many things I wanted and maybe 75% of the seven inches I picked up were a couple of bucks (I found a 7" from the 90's that I had been looking for for just a few bucks). I had to put a bunch of records back because I didn't have enough money and I left the store disappointed because of that, but I was happy with my purchases.
It seems like the owner knows what stuff is worth, but doesn't price stuff at eBay value. He tends to price the more rare stuff higher, but it is still very affordable. I didn't bother looking through the new stuff, so I can't say much about that. I would imagine people who are into punk/hardcore more into the selection.
Hopefully, all of the stuff I wanted but didn't buy is still there on my next visit. Probably not. Damn! -
Review from Paul E.
Oakland, CA
5/18/2010
Does anyone actually think anything other than 5 stars is what 1234 Go! deserves?
Even a blind deaf mute would like it here. Not like. LOVE. -
Review from LuX P.
Oakland, CA
4/8/2010
Great little record store with a nice selection of stuff and fair prices. Emphasis was on punk and indie, but they also had rock/jazz/blues boxes.
Staff was very friendly, even to the homeless guy who wandered in looking to supposedly buy Beatles records.
Support your local independent record store and shop here.Listed in: OAKLAND? Hell YEAH!
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Review from Callie K.
4/18/2010 12 Check-ins Here
My new favorite!
If I had to create my perfect record shop, this very well might be it... with the exception of adding a photo booth (hey, I said MY perfect record shop) which they obviously would have no room for, nor would most of its patrons care. Anyways, I digress...
I have no idea why it took me so long to visit 1234 go records.. they're almost walkable from my place, and I've known that they were there for months now, but I'm lazy, usually get my vinyl from Amoeba and/or the web.. and well, I guess I don't really have any other excuses.
But... this place flat out RULES. I knew I had fallen hard, when I saw the huge Pavement display in the window, and the old TV set with a fuzzy screen... then I came in and started sifting through the records, finding EVERYTHING I had been looking for over the past 6 months. No seriously, everything. I usually go down this little list in my head of bands I'm looking for (this time it was nobunny, grass widow, the beets, syd barrett, etc.) only I had to stop myself as within about 10 minutes I had 10 records in my hands and realized there was no way I could afford all of them at once.
The shop is small, slightly narrow, but is incredibly well organized and comfortable. The punk rock guy working could have been slightly friendlier I suppose, but whatever, it's a record store after all.. and I wasn't expecting too much. Plus, he did says thanks. :)
I'll have to wait until my checking account gets a little fatter before my next stop in, but I'll be returning soon. Vinyl paradise awaits... -
Review from Rusty M.
Long Beach, CA
5/7/2008
Like a farmer's market for punk records without the tents, hippies or curries. Everything is fresh, treasured and grown out of a culture and history with folklore, heroes and devils.
If you currently rock or some point in the past rocked, you will fucking love this record shop. If you don't rock but are willing to learn without questioning the process enter with dollars and follow the beat. -
Review from Lee C.
Pasadena, CA
10/30/2010
If your looking for the newest CD from your favorite awesome band, chances are that 1-2-3-4 Go! ain't got it. If you're like me, however, you will be grateful to buy:
A SPAZZ 7", a Katrina and The Waves LP, and the latest issue of Cometbus all in one tidy little store that you can feel good about supporting. I'm glad to have this spot in my neighborhood! -
Review from tay c.
Houston, TX
7/14/2010
Rad store
Good selection
Awesome owners -
Review from Nate B.
Foster City, CA
3/31/2009
I bought the Crimpshrine "Lame Gig Contest" LP here. I hadn't ever even SEEN one before in my life. I came here for the first time and picked it up for 60 bucks.
Not only do they have a great punk selection but they have a pretty good indie rock selection too. I saw they were selling the Vivian Girls 1st pressing long after it went out of print. Cool!!
It's a really small place, and like Thrillhouse in SF I wish they did have a bit more, but again, what they do have is the best of the best. -
Review from Jonathan P.
Oakland, CA
7/25/2011
Up the Punxxxxx
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Review from Delilah P.
Oakland, CA
4/16/2011
All the five star reviews are true. This is a great little record store. Their website says, "You're not going to need to spend a day in here to find gems." And they are right, you won't. The store is small, but smartly merchandised so it is very easy to find what you are looking for. The owner is amiable and doesn't throw any record store guy shade. The focus is mainly punk and indie, but you can also find great used rock and roll. Prices are more than fair and used records are in very good condition. They are also a record label and release lots of cool records from super fun local bands like Nobunny, Shannon and the Clams and Personal and the Pizzas - helping to put Oakland on the map as a destination for good old fashioned punk rock. Check out their calendar for in-store appearances. We saw Exene there and it was pure joy.
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Review from Chuck P.
Oakland, CA
7/25/2009
Great record store - Steve has it down when it comes to the different genres available on vinyl. Nothing much more to add than he needs your support.
If you are vinyl fan of any sort, check his store out - he has incredible finds in the used section and everything brand new in the new section. It's kind of like he took the best selection from amoeba and some ebay auction and lowered the price by 25% and made it available in his store. -
Review from White K.
Pomona, CA
10/6/2008
As all the other reviews indicate: this place rules. I've been scouring every independent record store within my reach for over a decade now and working at a few along the way, and 1234 Go! is still probably my favorite store ever.
They have good product (but here's the important distinction:) all the time. Even if I liked Ameoba, it's totally hit or miss with me/my tastes. 1234 Go! is always on, though, even if I'm scouring the 7" bin once a week. And if something isn't priced fair, that's because it's priced below fair. Plus, there's always ace tunes playing in the store.
You just can't argue with this place. So go! And don't be stingy! Unlike those 'independent' chain businesses, this place deserves your hard earned dollar. -
Review from Christina T.
Oakland, CA
5/20/2010
Doesn't really get any more perfect than this lil wrecka sto.
I don't know how they have such a perfect collection but it fits all of my musical desires. They really need to be commended on their selection.
I almost want to give this place one star based on the fact that I can't walk in here without spending a shit-ton of money, but that's my problem.
They have a great selection of new records, particularly harder to find ones (the entire Neko Case catalog, thanks!) and also have carefully hand picked used records. I've found some great used finds, ranging from Tom Waits to the Boss to Kanye West to Johnny Cash to whoever you dream of.
To hell with Disneyland, this is the happiest place on Earth. -
Review from Karen J.
Fremont, CA
8/13/2010
Do I love records? Is the sky blue? Who doesn't love records?
And anyone who says records are making a comeback must not realize that they never left my shelves!
Therese nothing better than spending a rainy day at the record store!
First of all you never know what you are going to find, second you meet a lot of interesting people and third the moment when you do see that old 60's 70's or 80's record and right away it takes you back to where you were when you first heard that song album or band.
And yes I grew up in the 80's so I did like some of that cheesy music!
This is a great store with very helpful employees. They have even gone so far as to order some things for me.
My husband loves vinyl just as much as I do so we make it a weekly stop! -
Review from J. F.
Oakland, CA
6/12/2010
I just traded in a ton of records here and it was a very fast, pleasant experience. The shop took just about every record I brought and gave me a decent price for them. Sure, I could have received more money if I listed each album on Ebay, but then that would be a huge pain and selling at 1-2-3-4 Go I'm supporting a local company and keeping my cool records in the Oakland community.
It's an extremely small shop but well organized and, from my limited experience, has knowledgeable staff. -
Review from Cindy E.
Oakland, CA
2/25/2010
Shockingly a punk zine and record shop that didn't front with dude attitude or pretension. The counter guy was nice and helpful. The music on was rare and aggro and good but not so loud i couldn't talk about the records I was finding. Good selection from Belle & Sebastian to Tom Waits to the Detroit Cobras to X to Pinhead Gunpowder to Lou Reed to... I think you get my point.
Lots of Cometbus zines and a few others but they said they tend to carry many. Also good flyer section to find out about local businesses / resources for musicians and calendars for free indie stuff around town.
Yar I did like it muchly and in fact prolly going back tomorrow to buy a record. -
Review from To The Point K.
Oakland, CA
5/22/2010
POSITIVE
great service
great vinyl selection
guy behind the counter isn't a pretentious prick like most "punk" shop employees
NEGATIVE
very limited cd selection
WILL I RETURN?
for sure -
Review from Daniel W.
Oakland, CA
1/28/2010
This is my favorite record store and it's literally right around the corner from my house! This is the perfect store for any vinyl snob if you're particular to music of the punk rock persuasion. The best part of this store is how much comes in and out, so there's always a pretty fresh selection of used vinyl. Thumbs up.
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Review from eric s.
Berkeley, CA
9/26/2009
Oddly enough, it was Ebay that first brought me to 1-2-3-4 Go! Records. Won an album online and then arranged to come pick it up...and wound up buying three or four additional albums in the process! Really nice little shop with a great selection of punk and indie records.
Listed in: Vinyl Fetish
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Review from matthew w.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2009
A super hip little record store full of hard to find goodness. Plus their logo has a skull. You gotta love that. But seriously, just pick Steve's brain for a second and he'll hook you up with the quality music that you're sure to love.
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Review from Layla D.
Oakland, CA
12/2/2010
A place to listen and buy great vinyl in my neighborhood rules.
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Review from andreas b.
Oakland, CA
11/14/2008
not a whole lot more i can say here that hasn't been said. this place has seriously ace selection, and their inconsistency seems to only be that it keeps getting better every time i drop in. i tend to always favor small, specialized record stores like this, not just because i strongly support small local businesses but also because amoeba and the like simply have too much stuff to casually sift through and find what you're after.
if you're after an impressive selection of punk, hardcore, "indie" (can that word just die already?) and more (seriously a nice chunk of country LPs are present too), make sure to stop in and give this place your business. -
Review from David L.
Oakland, CA
9/17/2009
I'm 43 and every time I walk in here I am treated well and find something cool. I rarely walk out without a purchase. Vinyl is the best and while you are there, walk down (2) doors to a great coffee.
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Review from Julia M.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2009
I am not allowed to go back here for at least another two months. Every time I'm in here, I spend way more than I should. As soon as I see their incredible vinyl collection, my brain becomes a blank pile of mush. All reason and self control go down the crapper, and before I know it, I've purchased more tasty vinyl than I can carry on my bike. In the end, it's all worth it. I might be very broke, but I'm always very happy with my purchases. Everything in the used section is decently priced and in excellent condition. There's something for everyone. 1234 go sells every kind of punk you can think of, and some indy. My only grievance is the depressingly small selection of d-beat. Other than that, the place is great. I suggest that you don't visit them unless you have a full wallet or amazing self control.
