Amoeba Music
Categories: Videos and Video Game Rental, Music & DVD's [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hollywood6400 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 245-6400
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
16 reviews
Neighborhood: Sherman Oaks
"After finishing a Chicagoan hot dog from Carney's just down the street in Studio City, I went in to Second Spin and really liked the store.…" read more »
338 Reviews for Amoeba Music
Amoeba is my idea of heaven.
I could spend all day in here happily rooting through the bins.
An awesome used cd section and the upstairs DVD selection is equally ace.
Most of my CD and DVD collection has been bought through Amoeba over the years.
Sure you can use Amazon and ebay and even download (Urghh!!!!) But where's the fun in that?
I personally love to flip though the shelves, touch the cd's, open the case and look at the artwork before I buy.
It's not a sexual thing, but it's pretty damn close baby.
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Singlehandedly the best music haven in the nation; you will leave here with a heavy bag of tunes and one light-ass wallet. I remember people were shocked when the old Tower on the Strip went out of business a couple years back, I sure wasn't because Amoeba opened a store in Hollywood in 2001. Parking can be interesting so come early if possible if you're impatient; I believe that you can park in the Arclight lot but I've never put this to the test; just suck it up and wait in the car line. Live bands play frequently but be sure to come for the charity auctions on Saturdays at 4PM; Brently does a great job and Amoeba will match your bid to help out a good cause.
Killing a couple of hours browsing the CD racks and vintage rock and movie posters at Amoeba before catching a late show at the Arclight is one of my all-time favorite things to do. There's always something new to discover (I've been on a Joe Strummer kick of late and stumbled across a used CD of Clash covers for $5 during my last visit), interesting people to watch (the clientele is eclectic, to say the least) and things to spend money on. Absolutely a must-visit if you have any interest at all in music and live in the L.A. or S.F. areas.
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This place has everything and it's hard to believe that the San Francisco location has even more. Okay well they didn't have any documentaries on Plato's Republic. I forgive you Amoeba.
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Oh Amoeba, my beloved home away from home... Every experience here is like a mini-vacation for me, differs every time but i know it well. I see familiar faces now, although i'm just another passing music lover in the crowd. best selection ever = a happy smiling face...
nothing compares to amoeba, really
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I like Amoeba, but they have successfully used their vinyl mind tricks on me and I always end up with crap I don't want. I also went through a phase where I would go a few times a week and buy lots of VHS from the Classics and Comedy section, and of course the $1.99 VHS. Decent Metal section. I once saw an "Altars of Madness" vinyl for $8.99 and didn't get it, and I'm super pissed and wish I had almost daily.
I think they're a little overpriced in some sections, but what isn't overpriced in LA?
One time an employee gave me a coupon for $1 off anything because I was wearing an old Sepultura t-shirt, but other than that, all employees have been very standoffish. Not friendly, not unfriendly.
I'm glad I don't live nearby anymore. Stupid hipsters.
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I don't live in a cave or anything crazy like that, but somewhere around the turn of the millennium I missed the whole "digital music" memo that most everyone else seems to have received. Call me old school if you must, but I still buy CDs like it's 1995. The music lover/fan in me feels obligated to support the artists whose work I enjoy and the dork in me demands having the actual disc, insert, and cover art in hand versus the bland disconnected sterility of a download. Consequentially, my purchasing habits vast and ever expanding collection have received more than a few funny looks from stunned friends who either believe me out of touch or question my sanity. But let them think what they want, because in my book there are few things better in life than spending an hour or two perusing the glorious and thoroughly stocked aisles of Amoeba Music.
As general practice, I make the short pilgrimage to this musical Mecca at least once a month to leaf through both the r&b and hip-hop sections in search of the latest new releases, uncovering rare imports, or dusting off hidden gems from the past. My most recent trip resulted in the acquisition of a hard to find Erykah Badu import mixtape, as well as Madlib's latest Brazilian styled opus, among others. Amoeba is filled with all sorts of these great finds, making it entirely impossible for me to escape the confines of the store without splurging. A typical trip here inevitably runs me anywhere from $50-$100.
Amoeba's extensive on-hand stock is constantly changing through store shipments, and also the buy & trade options offered to their customers. I recently traded in a bunch of old albums I rarely listened to, and left with a $230 store credit (which I blew in a matter of weeks). Not only does this provided a convenient outlet in which to dump old CDs for a decent return, but it also supplies the store with a wide-ranging selection of used CDs which are offered at prices much below retail.
As far as any drawbacks or negatives, the only pimple I've found on Amoeba's otherwise pristine ass is their pricing. New CDs tend to fall between $13-$17, or about $3-$5 more than the massive Best Buy & Target conglomerates. While my musical preferences and favorite artists are generally not found/available at these chains, when purchasing a more mainstream release, say Kanye or Jay-Z, I sell out to the man and give my business to these corporations. Rare of an occurrence as it is, I've found this the best way to circumvent the price differential in these instances. Also, the parking lot situation touched on by other reviewers can be an annoyance when in a rush, but the most I've had to wait is 5 minutes tops so as long as you don't get your diva panties in a bunch, you'll soon reap the rewards of your patience. Regardless of the pricing and parking, I really have no major qualms as it's merely a minor chink in the armor of this musical heaven.
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Still a four star place, but now at the low end instead of the high. My favorite part about Amoeba was that they had anything my heart desired. Well, let me tell you about the crushing disappointment I felt this past week when they didn't have half the CDs I was in for. I mean, they didn't even have Walter Meego in their system. They're on a frick'n Heineken commercial and released their album last month. As for Broadcast 2000, they're already out on imports and on rotation on KCRW, but no go. I like my obscure music, but neither one of these bands are a secret.
Oh well, I still got the new Wolf Parade and Priscilla Ahn so it wasn't a total bust.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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06/16/2008
Amoeba is a cruel mistress. The first two times I came here I didn't buy anything. I was so… Read more »
what??? 4 stars??? are you kidding me? no i'm not kidding.
came here last night and i dug for new music. i dug and dug to the point where i found myself in china.
couldn't find shit and for some reason, everything was so misplaced last night. Amoeba, why are you hating on me?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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03/23/2008
the only place that will carry the most extensive collection of Billi Holiday, word!
Although this… Read more »
although i'm not a huge music nerd, i have to say that I've never seen anything that is as expansive as amoebas! Impressive and it's pretty easy to find stuff.
Music nirvana.
I'm not going to bore you with the same details I usually effuse on my restaurant or coffee shop reviews. This is the coolest music store, period.
Every time I end up here I always wind up spending at least $100 on music. Lately I've taken to the habit of trolling through for new and obscure music, and using my iPhone pointed at www.seeqpod.com to listen before I buy. It's completely changed how I shop for music.
While I love the fact that I can buy music online and get instant satisfaction, there's something about being at a music store... some kind of magic tangibility that comes with sifting through rows of shelves full of CDs. I guess I'm reminded of all the times I spent at Amoeba Berkeley discovering music when I was in college. Good times.
I know I've stated that I'm not loose with the five star reviews but Amoeba has a special place in my heart and well, it's all about the music for me.
This weekend I was listening to my Stranglers Singles Box set and it took to me to a very happy place, the thought of my shopping experiences at Amoeba. I've never had a bad one. I always walk out with gems and no buyer's remorse.
I've scored so many great box sets and have replaced long lost or never returned staples such as T-rex, Stones, Stooges, Ike & Tina Turner, Bowie, and so many others. The best part is that they've all been purchases from the Used bins. Haven't paid full price to date.
My favorite is their Americana / Rockabilly / Country section or whatever they call it there. All I know is that some of my favorite finds have been in this section. Especially my beloved Bobbi Gentry.
I love that feeling I get when I walk in and see all the bins full of music ready for the plucking. The anticipation of that special find is intoxicating and it's a high like no other for me. The most amusing part of any shopping adventure here is the staff approval of my purchases. As if I need to be validated by some barely legal hipster who can barely see with all the hair in his eyes and the permanent head tilt. Regardless, it's still funny and I let them think I actually care.
Until next time my sweet Amoeba!
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Great selection and tons of vinyl, i loved this store but it seems the sections I was looking in were really,really picked over. Maybe i should have been there earlier.
My second problem was trying to find help, i had a problem discerning who was actually an employee. I asked one guy he said he didnt work there and rudely stated "I'm not wearing a name badge". Well neither were most of the employees.
All in all i will go back because i left with tons of vinyl but i really didnt find any gems like i thought i would
Hooray for Amoeba Records.
Music Mecca. (bring your mats)
This friggin place has over 300 reviews, so I'll keep mine short and oh so sweet.
Yes, they have more music than you can handle. Yes, their staff is pretty darn knowledgeable. Yes, there is a parking garage.
There is a Ground Work across the street. Definitely head over there and grab a brew.
Don't half step. Write down the music you want to purchase BEFORE you go in because you will forget once you are among all of those titles.
most amazing record store ever. they have everything from old soul vinyl to funky rock posters. and miles of aisles of new and used music and movies. you name, they have it.
support independent music stores! ok, i'll get off my soapbox now.
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As a former CD buyer and current Torrent fan this is the spot for all things media related. Rare stuff, out of print stuff, DVD's, Video Games rare toys they have it here. Here and CD Trader in Tarzana are the only spots you should be music. Keep in independent and keep it local....
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Oh Amoeba, how I love thee! Even these days when my music collection is more digital than otherwise, I can still waste many hours and more Federal Reserve paper than I should in you. Heavenly place for a music snob like me -- nothing compares anywhere....Tower Records was awful and most indie stores tend to get an "A" for effort, but are usually tiny. Amoeba is like a hypothetical Tower that was independent and didn't suck -- huge, huge place -- separate huge back room for classical, jazz, and folk and an upstairs for DVDs. And being an old metalhead (well not THAT old --31) who still keeps up with the underground, I appreciate the generally solid "blackmetal/experimental" section, although it tends to focus on what's "big" in the underground and sometimes leaves me disappointed when I'm looking for some specific weird obscurity. But I am nitpicking now! Amoeba, you rule.
With all the little music stores closing it's doors, Amoeba's been a savior for this niche. It's a cool place to just hang out for an hour or so. The music selection is huge and you can dig though old vinyls. They have movies/dvds on the second floor and you'll find just about anything. Prices are a little higher though.
We bought an awesome Miyazaki DVD collection. (Spirited Away, Princess Monoke, etc) We've never seen this anywhere until we came here.
The parking sucks because of it's location. The staff is a little arrogant and seems to have entitlement issues. I guess who can blame them cuz they practically know what they have, all the news and up-n-comings, and where it's at without looking at a computer. Imagine a bunch of Simpons Comic Book Guy characters walking around, but a little more fit. No biggie though, It didnt really bug us. It was actually kind of funny. We were too excited about the DVD find.
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Everyone loves Amoeba. Its the best place to find relatively cheap CD's DVD's and ofcourse Vinyl. I've spent hours flipping through the Vinyls and I always want to buy like 20 of them. The only bad thing is its always super crowded, and there's no parking (so I would park at the Jack in the box across the street) and because they have alot of old records and posters and whatnot, it kindof smells like an old library. But whatever, its worth it.
Oh, and thanks Howard T. I'm coming back to get that Miyazaki collection. Tight!
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This is a great record store, there is no doubt about it whatsoever. You walk in here for the first time and you are overwhelmed by the rows of vinyl scattered throughout the store, the endless bins of CDs, hundreds of posters covering the walls, and the usually excellent music blasting away. There are some minor issues I have, and since everyone else has gone on about the good stuff I feel free to nitpick a little bit.
I'm not 100% trusting of the amount of credit I receive from the trade counter once in awhile, mostly because I've brought in some CDs or LPs that are selling for a higher price because they're out of print and their initial offer is a lowball, after which I might say, "Oh, I thought this one was out of print?" and they doublecheck and confirm it, giving me the proper rate. Mistakes happen, and while I'm sure I've not received the best deal here and there, I've found enough hidden gold in the racks to make up for it.
Unless you are there to see the live music, I would avoid the store on nights where a popular act is playing. I've shown up hoping to grab a couple of new records when some Hot New Act is playing and it's impossible to get to where I want to go. Whatever, that's not so bad either, you just have to work around it I suppose.
I would never buy new DVDs here. The prices are a few bucks above what you'll pay virtually anywhere else. I'd stick to Amazon when it comes to that.
Also, I feel that Amoeba's presence might have sped up the demise of Aron's Records, which might not have had the depth of selection that Amoeba does but had better prices, a more approachable staff, and vinyl listening stations. But maybe Best Buy had as much to do with their closure? Hell, I don't know.
Anyway, Amoeba. Good place.
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I won't say fair priced here.
I spent all the money.
but.I could spend all day here.and I've been able to find my favorite artists CD's .
I had a very pleasant time at amoeba!
I love amoeba!!!
But.Let's not spend too much money !!!
I freaking love this place.
But who doesn't?
Amoeba is your one stop shop for everything music and movies. They have an unbelievable assortment of used vinyl (my favorite), cds, videos, and dvds. Most of the used items are pretty cheap. I buy most of my records for $1.00-8.00. They have a great selection of rare, hard to find items, like out of print records.
Parking is HORRIBLE. I've had to walk a few blocks to get there, on many occasions..which would be fine, had I not had to sit in traffic on a one way street system for 45 minutes just to park in a lot that will charge me $10.00. (Freaking Sunset blvd!! GRR! )
However, you may just be lucky enough to find a place (or wait in line for one) in the underground parking garage there. It's free and you take the stairs right up into the store!! I had the pleasure of parking there the last time I went, and I'll tell you, it's a slice of heaven.
Even if you have to park 12 blocks away and see the sights and smells of beautiful Los Angeles (that's a joke) to get there, it's well worth it. No matter who you are, you'll find something to take home at Amoeba.
Now, if I only had the money to buy everything I wanted there...
I must work on that.
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FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS!
yes, i saw FOTC here a few weeks ago. i was person number #215. and i thought the line was long from there. it was not until the next morning when i got online to check, that i found out that more than 600 people were in attendance. of course, not all of you got in =) suckers.
my only three gripes about this place are
1. it's a little hard to see over overly-tall peoples' heads and their NON MOVING AISLES. i mean, i'm practically 5'10 in heels, it must be horrible for everyone else.
2. they close at 11 PM. i know right? eleven pm.
3. you think by looking at their massive amounts of music that they have most everything right?? wrong. wrong. wrong.
all that being said, FOTC was awesome that night.
psssst. underground parking people!
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You may be used to listening to your ipod or getting your music off myspace music bands that bombard your in box with add request.
For the rest of us who still like some physical representation of our purchase of fine music there is Amoeba. The selection is amazing, the music is separated by sections and if there's something you can't find here, good luck finding it anywhere.
I often find myself as a movie junkie, so the finding of OOP dvds in the second floor loft area is amazing to get those hard to find films. Though the new release prices are a bit hefty. Always look for those titles that are in multiple copies or used as they'll be the best bang for the buck.
And when it comes to records, they really can't be beat. They have it all. A small reason for this is because they get a lot of trade in material. It's a wonder, what with the economy the way it is, it's great to see who sells their awesome dvd/cd/record collection for gas money.
And if you're hard up for money and already sold your blood, sperm, plasma and kidney, I guess you can trade in your old records, cds and dvds for store credit or a couple of bucks. But if you're at that point then you have a serious problem you should have checked out, my friend.
A mecca for music fans. I could spend days here digging for gold in their vinyl collection...a little pricey sometimes, but I have picked up choice sides here I wouldn't find anywhere else. There are plenty of great little record stores in and around L.A., but I can't think of one other than this that I'd like to live in. The clerks are straight out of High Fidelity, which means they can be a bit annoying in the know-it-all-heard-it-all department, but who cares man? I don't think I've ever come out of the place with nothing but a knowing smile staring dreamily at the goodies in my bag.
Big, great selection, a TON of used cds.
My gripe is... it's not as dirty and grimy as the ones in Berkeley or SF. Wow, that sounds weird. But it's true. Half the fun is scrounging around a dark store surrounded by hippies and bums, then following it up with damn good curry while being yelled at by an old lady about the coming apocalypse and the Conspiracy. Though I should stop writing this right now, because comparing Hollywood to Telegraph Ave or the Haight is like apples and oranges, and this will turn into a review of the location rather than the store itself...
Anyway, this Ameoba feels like a warehouse. A giant, happy, huge, music warehouse... and while yeah it has its share of strange hipsters and bums... it's just not the same. It's too... Hollywood?
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I can't say too much more than has already been said. I usually drive over an hour to make my pilgrimage to Amoeba. I spend all day there and I either bring a snack or I take a break and run to the Jack in the Box across the street. The people who work at Amoeba should have a lot of attitude- but they are actually super cool. Ask for Jason, Melissa, or Chris for cool rock suggestions. Get there early for parking and make sure you put time and money aside for this trip- you'll need it!
i give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the sheer volume of product gives me a slight headache, but anyway
if you need to find a cd and cant find it here then it most likely does not exist! and sometimes you can find your shit used for hella cheap!
for example
backstreet boys greatest hits! 3.99
nsync greatest hits! 3.99
they weren't for me. they were for my niece! yeah...niece...thats it.
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This place, along with Turntable Lab on Fairfax, is the reason I love record shopping in LA. Yes, the store is constantly crowded and, yes, the staff can be a tad pretentious at times. Honestly, though, I'm not there to wax nostalgic with tattooed kids about this or that...I'm there to actually buy wax.
I'm usually there for electronic 12s" and their selection is unmatched by any other store I've encountered. However, if I'm in the mood for anything else, they have it. I don't mind paying whatever price they ask because they're usually saving me money on a record I would've otherwise had shipped from overseas.
My only gripe is that it's a bitch at times to get into their underground parking structure. Other than that, I love this place.
amoeba is amoeba is amoeba. the selection here is just as good as the one in SF, and there isn't as much pretension with the clerks who ring me up. they actually smile with appreciation at my purchases. i like that little nod of approval. it makes me feel like i'm doing a good job.
other than that, at least you can find parking within a four block radius (good luck finding that in haight-ashbury), there's some decent free in-store performances, and it's just as warehouse-y as the ones up North.
i won't say they have the cheapest cds i've ever found, but for new releases, i don't pay more than $12 (before tax), and that's nothin to sneeze at.
OK, this review is probably pointless because no one hates Amoeba. I still remember the very first time I stepped into the store. I was completely blown away...firstly by the size of this place!
I miss Hong Kong a lot...but we have NOTHING like this back home! NOTHING!!
I'm a vinyl record person so this place is heaven for me. The prices are VERY reasonable (seriously, I got a 3 disc Sinatra set - in excellent condition - for $3.00) and vinyl record-wise, it's not just grotty, dusty obscure old stuff (e.g. the marginilized Iggy Pop albums), they have a lot of new stuff too. I have never left this place without spending at least $50 and I'm always smiling when I'm paying at the cashier. There have actually been several times when I wanted to say to the cashier - "thank you. thank you and Amoeba for giving me these records in exchange for mere money". THe staff are super nice and helpful and there's no hipster attitude or anthing of the like.
The one complaint I have is that the Bossa Nova vinyl record section is non-existent. I SWEAR they had a small collection the first few times I went but it seems to have disappeared!
Other than that, this place is heaven on earth. Yes, thank you Amoeba...and please take my money.
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Giant record store w/ great selection.
Only for true yelpers,
Parking sucks, but drive through the above-ground parking next to Cabana Club. If nothing, head over to . . . . (look in threads)
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I've been able to find free parking in their underground lot every single time I've been there. That alone deserves 5 stars, dammit.
Amoeba's selection of CD's and DVD's pretty much can't be beat, picking up a Flying Machines album and a Richard Kern movie in the same place? Mind boggling.
Also, I saw Leslie "Gem Sweater" Hall here once, just by chance. Seeing her perform live must've been an epiphany along the lines of discovering the atom. Or Jesus, for that matter.
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POSITIVE
tons of music
NEGATIVE
on Sunset
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If heaven exists, it sits in the heart of Hollywood. This is the Mecca of music stores.
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Whole economies form around a place this huge. Me, I sleep under a bridge and emerge every morning to scour the dollar bins for private raer to sell at the marketplace to pay for food and clothing for my six little ones John, Paul, George, Ringo, JJ, and JoJo. I once found a Dane Sturgeon for $4 and you know what that means. I have some issues with the grumpy bag check dude and the charity auction guy, and there have been many times where I wanted to destroy this place for pushing Aarons, Rhino, and other good record stores out of business, and for killing lousy places like Virgin Megastore and Tower Records, thus depriving West Hollywood of music (no music in West Hollywood for more than six months now) but what are you going to do. Amoeba is a fact of life so we had all just better get used to it. PS All cute girls looking for records I work as a personal shopper, write to me and I will put my hand on your shoulder as I guide you to the musical light.
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Wow, I've never encountered so much douche-baggery in one place! Basically, the employees are assholes, and I mean that in the sincerest way possible. Don't get me wrong, Amoeba is a cool place with a mellow and vintage atmosphere, but I have to say it again--the employees are rude and pretentious. The parking sucks too. Brand new CDs are overpriced.
The good part? There's a wide variety of music. You can find rare music or used CDs for a reasonable amount. I also met Vampire Weekend here (not when they were playing, they were just walking out of Amoeba), so that was cool. They're nice guys, so who knows? You may see a few celebs in Amoeba.
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When I don't have anything to do, you'll prob. find me here. I could be in here for hours! If you don't find it brand new, you can prob. find it used. Great record collection.
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I'm an old school Amoeba fan from waaay back. I fondly remember checking my backpack at the door at the Berkeley store on Telegraph. Back in those days I was a broke college student, and now I'm a broke executive with car payments and a mortgage. Beyond that not much has changed!
This place has an enormous collection of vinyl, CD's and DVDs. Their jazz collection is fantastic, and I can literally spend hours digging in the crates for used soul and hip hop.
If you rely purely on digital media and downloads, I suggest that you step away from the computer and make a trip to a place that has managed to hang on and survive despite change, otherwise you are sadly missing out on a quickly vanishing cultural medium.
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