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Aquarius Records
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Music & DVDs [Edit]
1055 Valencia St(between Hill St & 22nd St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 647-2272
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 10 am - 9 pm
Thu-Sat 10 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jonny S. said: "Smack dab in the center of Haight-Ashbury, Amoeba Music is an absolute institution in the Bay Area. It is a HUGE music store: A place where you can get lost for hours on end. I certainly do. Obviously, they have every conceivable new…" read more »
142 reviews for Aquarius Records
Review Highlights
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"Its not JUST black metal and avant garde, they have a ton..." In 11 reviews -
"Yes, this isn't the place to buy a Sheryl Crow CD." In 32 reviews -
"...head right to the listening station, where I can preview..." In 6 reviews
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142 reviews in English
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Review from Alec H.
East Bay, CA
1/30/2012
Awesome store! I've perused their website for years, I have no idea why it took me this long to get out and visit the shop. Their website, by the way, is completely legit- the reviews are informative and well written, and don't read like one-sheet copy. The store is actually a little bigger than I imagined and MUCH friendlier. Don't get the attitude comments at all, nice folks here.
Obviously their selection is cultivated. You won't find too much outside of avant/experimental/metal/psych, etc, but there are things here and there. I might not find a specific title I'm looking for- but that's not how record stores work anymore, especially if it's not a new release. You find awesome stuff you forgot you were even looking for. And at a place like this, you don't have to dig through countless bins of shitty 80s records to find, say, Bay Area Minimal Synth stuff or Psych from New Zealand- to name a couple things I was pretty amped to get.
All they need to get a sixth star from me is to fix that Discs of Tron game, and I'll make it happen.
To the person complaining about the iMac, get a life, seriously. So many other good record stores have zero provision for listening stations, at least they're trying! -
Review from Megan S.
2/29/2012
A music loving friend had actually told me to check this place out, but I'm bad w/notes so I was surprised to find this gem. At first I thought it was a plant store because of all the potted plants in the front window, but then my friend who must have better eyesight than me pointed out that it was a record store!
My gawd, this place is a hard-to-find, obsessed-with-sound kind of store. Meticulous notes labelled each item in the store so that you had a good idea of not only what it would sound like but also be able to place it in time and genre. WOAH. Who does this? It appeared to be all the same tiny, concise handwriting. I could think of a few music nerd friends back home that would be in love with this joint.
I ended up buying a psych funk 101 record of various artists - its set up on the back w/notes like a class so this was one where the store didn't have to curate. That's what its like--a Gallery of Noise.
The guy at the counter commented that the album I chose was a "great collection". Yes. I'm cool. And he was right--its a killer album that I couldn't have found in my wildest daydreams. -
Review from Rice C.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2012
If you're not going to Aquarius to pick up the latest arrivals reviewed on their well written, informative website or searching for the newest, hip, obscure, independent releases, then this store is probably not for you. Inventory at store is a bit sparse, but it does have the aforementioned latest, limited run, independent releases that don't make it into most record stores. Staff are generally friendly and helpful.
The Aquarius website is required viewing! -
Review from Jonny A.
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Didn't actually buy anything here but the great collection of vinyl almost convinced me otherwise. They have a lot of stuff you'd normally have to order online from record label websites. Take a gander -- you'll find something you like for sure.
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Review from Steven B.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
4/26/2012
The highlight of Aquarius in my mind is the staff. Super-knowledgable across a spectrum of genres, regions and times... As someone who frequently purchases music directly from artists and labels, I find that I need some level of experience / service to draw me to a record store. The reviews that the staff writes for the music, the spot-on recommendations and the emails (definitely the emails) keep me coming back to Aquarius (physically and digitally). In the "can't be everything to everyone" vein, I don't think their used vinyl is great (more limited in quantity than anything) - but that's a quibble. For reference, I buy more records than cassettes or CDs, more metal / noise / psych / experimental than otherwise.
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Review from Chris D.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best mellow record store in the city and most cities anywhere, this place rocks, Thanks Irwin for the great record picks.
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Review from Emil 'Larry' O.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2012
Its just for those hip enough.
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Review from B T.
9/8/2011
Brutal finding parking.
Staff helpful in making recommendations based on genres and/or bands you like.
Great selection of obscure music.
Listening station is pathetic compared to other stores. Tiny selection of selected tracks for each record on a creaky 12 year old iMac. C'mon, these guys can do better than that.
After placing a stack of stuff I said I wanted to buy on the counter, the staff member looked at me like I shot his dog when I asked him to play a CD not present in their terrible "listening station." He said, It was "not something we do." Umm, alrighty then... Not like I wanted to put on Huey Lewis and the News or anything. 10 demerits for undeserving smug hipster douchbaggery.
2.5 out 5. -
Review from Ryan L.
San Francisco, CA
7/27/2011
Cool as all hell. I feel like their employees probably have a list of bands they've been in on their resume and that's how they make their hiring decisions.
They review the records they stock, they know a ton about music. I was able to purchase the self-released records of two bands I played with in San Diego about a year previously. I feel like you would only be able to buy these from the bands directly, on the Internet, or at Aquarius.
The selection seemed to be geared primarily toward black metal/experimental/post rock type stuff. I am a huge fan of shoegaze and what they tend to carry here are the less obvious bands that you can find almost anywhere, but some really specialized selections. -
Review from Alexis C.
Sausalito, CA
12/27/2011
Staff is incredibly unfriendly and unhelpful, but there is an excellent selection of under the radar music, and each CD has a thoughtful and compelling description of the contents attached. Also plenty of foreign genre-specific stuff, which is both obscure and impressive.
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Review from Peter H.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2011
I certainly have an esoteric taste in music, and in my earlier years I found Aquarius Records to correlate decently with my folkier inclinations. As I have grown older, however, Aquarius Records has become more marginalized, with the occasional homage to the great pop records of the time, but an otherwise drab catalogue limited to what seems to be the questionable tastes of the staff.
But I wonder, what is up with these guys? I would love to hang out with my bro friends and spin LPs and clean dust off that decades-old Low album art display. I'd love to raise an eyebrow while pretending to consider some records for trade. When I come in, I hear three things. The creaking of the wooden floorboards, the music (which is either obscenely obscure or regrettably generic), and the banal conversations of these music purveyors.
I want to support local independent record shops. I really, really do. But that just can't happen here--until their offerings are more diverse. -
Review from Mark M.
San Jose, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
AQ is for hunter-gatherers. obsessives obsessed with obscurity. taste is irrelevant. if you're worried about parking woes and getting your customer-worshipped ego stroked, then AQ is not a good match for you. although AQ welcomes everyone, the key to their success is forging lasting relationships with labels, artists, bands and customers who ceaselessly suffer the same addiction to music and sound. One of the best services they provide doesn't require a shopping visit to their store. It's AQ's exhaustive archive of in-depth reviews and mp3 samples. every two weeks on Saturdays, you'll find me going through the entire new list of music filling the online shopping cart with a wide variety of treasure.
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Review from dave b.
Providence, RI
5/27/2011
I don't get to SF as much as I used to for my job but this little place I always make sure that I carve out some time for. What I like/respect the most is that they've made their own way under the crush of Ameoba - and it seems atleast - continues to thrive & keep a strong clientele.
They run on the obscure side of the fence which is a good thing. Don't need another record that gives up more space to U2 than Townes Van Zandt, Boris or whoever. Alot of their selection leans toward noise, doom & black metal . But that in no way means that the other sections suffer. There's always more than enough stuff I've never seen that looks interesting enough to take a chance on.
The staff isn't of the outgoing type but are knowledgable & helpful when ya need 'em. They've never steared me wrong when I've picked 10 items & can only afford 6 .
This is in no way a store for everyone ... but if yer looking for something different, pick up a couple of things that look interesting & take a chance, this is yer place. -
Review from Maria D.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2007
Coming in here with Maiko H. (yes, she is a pink bunny) was probably the coolest thing ever, since she gets personalized service because she is a music industry maven/VIP. Seriously, she snapped her fingers and the stuff she was looking for was bought out to her on a silver platter. It was awesome. You already know everything about this place so I won't bore you with it but I was very upset that they did not carry the R. Kelly "Feelin' on Yo Booty" remixes or the very rare N'Sync "Tearin' Up My Heart" limited edition 7 inch that was going to finally make my collection complete. But I will not hold that against them.
(ps - the last sentence of the above review is what I would use my imaginary THAT NEVER HAPPENED compliment for imaginary/made up situations described in reviews. ) -
Review from Vincent R.
8/27/2010
To the idiot that gave Aquarius Records 1 star ... "You Suck!"
I don't mince my words, and I don't mince my heart when it comes to this hallowed SF institution. I love the place and the guys and gals that make up the awesome gang running it.
I have been a customer, dare I say "a great customer" of this venerable institution for nearly 8 years now and my passion for the place never dies. Their consistently packed and FREE fortnightly mailing lists of the latest and greatest in music heralds their passion and commitment, not just to music, but to the weird and wonderful, as well as the local SF scene.
Given the parlous state of the music retail industry of late, it's testament to them and to their loyal customer base that they continue to operate, and we, as the benefactors of their good will and blood, sweat and tears, should always be thankful.
Besides knowing their sh*t, many of the aQ gang also play or have played in bands, from Pee to The Husbands, and on to the Holy Kiss and I am Spoonbender, and it shows. They live, breathe and eat music 24/7 practically.
Despite living half way around the world, and having only visited on occasion when I was in SF, I still endeavour to buy music from aQ, despite the ups and downs of the foreign exchange rate, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Buying music from them not only supports an excellent cause and an amazing shop, but also often directly benefits great bands, as they sell direct from artist.
If ever there was a god, he/she should bless this amazing place on Earth .... check them out at http://www.aquariusrec... -
Review from Marc A.
Ya know what one of the pleasures of Record Store Day is? It's going to a new store you've never heard of and being treated with a smile, being completely taken back by their selection that your giddy and finding a new place to pick up a CD.
All this more and took place when the "Lady K" and I hit our second record of the day for RSD 2009!
I love the fact that they have hand written reviews taped to the CDs. I love that I asked about something and was given a real opinion and an answer to my question.
Aquarius Records, you had me from hello! Go buy some CDs! Enjoy! -
Review from Mingus R.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2006
When describing your favorite bands do the words "Noise", "Drone" or "experimental" consistently come up? Do you dig labels like Kranky, Constellation, or Southern? Do you subscribe to Wire magazine? Then Aquarius should be on your radar.
This spot is definitely for a specific type of music fan. I'm more of vinyl head, myself so this spot isn't on my regular record store rounds but if you're in the vicinity you might stop in. (Not much in the way of vinyl) An old friend (and music snob in his own right) nailed this place down with the quote "Aquarius is just about shit I never heard of". Of course that isn't a bad thing. Aquarius is definitely a good spot for broadening your musical horizons. The last time I stopped in was for a Jack Rose in-store. They have dope magazine section (does anyone say dope anymore), intriguing listening stations and the used CD section is always worth your perusal.
Ask about the Budda Box?Listed in: My Neighborhood, "Where do you go to find the…
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Review from John G.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2007
Are you a music nerd? Do you obsess about obscure psychedelic garage groups from 1963? Do you know more about Nordic ambient drone bands who've only sold 167 copies of their homemade CDs than you do about your own mother? Do you have arguments about the merits of Indonesian gamelan versus ritualistic chants from Northern Africa? Do you worship Joe Meek?
If you answered "No" to any of the above questions, stop reading. Put down the mouse. Go into the other room and watch an episode of "The King of Queens" or something.
If you answered "Yes," however, this is the store for you. They carry hand-wrapped and home-burned CD-Rs from artists you've not only never heard of, you probably wouldn't even understand their music, seeing as it's composed primarily of random vacuum cleaner noises. Ask a clerk for a recommendation and you'll be inundated with so many inventive band names and make-believe music genres that you'll swear you've left the planet and landed on Rigel-9. This isn't your average indie rock shop. No, sir! Aquarius Records transcends all that is earthly and banal. Sure, it's pretentious! It has to be! How else could they sell CDs and DVDs from bands with names like Haznarroth, the 68 Levitating Testicles, or Tweeky and the Slurping Gastropods? -
Review from Jerry Y.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/26/2008
Perhaps it's a reflection on my age, but I can't hardly stomach the place any more. After Windy left, it's been going downhill and I think I've been in denial this whole time.
My last visit there, however, shattered my rose-tinted glasses. I don't need attitude from some 23 year old wispy-mustachioed-ass-crack-showing-tight-ironic-s hirt-70's-glasses-wearing wannabe hipster for buying a nine-month-old album. It's like Pitchfork in the flesh here, now.
Back to Amoeba and Soulseek for me.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2007
Enough reviews of AQ on here already that I really don't need to add much other than another voice… Read more »
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Review from Dorothy S.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2008
Aquarius Records is a pretty amazing record shop that has been around since 1970! Although their listening station is based from their web site and on an older Mac computer next to the cashier, you would be pretty impressed by the site itself! It definitely makes listening to staff recommended tunes a lot easier. The album reviews on the site are well written and pretty accurate and as objective as they can be.
The extremely eclectic selection (i.e., American Doomsday Cult, Thai Elephant Orchestra, etc.) will have you wondering and asking yourself, "What is considered music? What's not? Am I really listening to what I'm listening to?" This place has got something for everyone if you look hard enough. You definitely have to have an open mind and be inherently curious about all things music and sounds that you never thought would be music. It's a rare treat to find a place that can open up your mind and Aquarius definitely does that and more! Definitely worth a visit! -
Review from Chloe S.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2006
I always have really good luck with the used bins at this shop. Once found some Kim Gordon records and old metal for way cheap, which is totally exciting. Amoeba often overwhelms me, thereby making my shopping trip more of a chore than a pleasure. Aquarius, however, is entirely conducive to browsing and offers a really diverse and exciting selection of (some) vinyl and (mainly) cds. They tend to cater to noise, experiemental, metal and drone fans, so keep that in mind if you're looking for the latest Paris Hilton single. On the other hand, they stock stuff like U.K. grime, so I don't reccommend writing the store off as merely the "black metal place" either. The staff is knowledgeable in a way that doesn't turn me off and they're extremely helpful when necessary. Prices are also very fair.
Additionally, Aquarius has been around since the 70s so I always feel good by supporting a local, indepedent institution of the Mission; which, in turn, justifies my spending of money that I really don't have.Listed in: GIMME, GIMME, GIMME!
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Review from Gopal R.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2009
If you've ever read a record review written by Julian Cope, then this is the place for you.
Its got all the really pretentious, arty stuff - from tepid, acoustic dance pop to thundering, primal doom metal - that none of your friends have ever heard of.
I know, right?
Alternately, maybe you and your friends HAVE heard all this stuff before and know the underground rock scene like the back of your hand, and you don't need me to tell you about this place.
Its right across the street from Ritual Coffee, pretty much, so you can get, like, a double whammy of Mission trendyness in one little maneuver.
I'm from the Sunset, so for me that's like, twenty times the amount of stylish urban affectation as I'm used to on a daily basis. Therefore I can get away with being somewhat parsimonious about my hipstering these days.
But despite all the amputations, you know, I could just go out and dance to a rock and roll station.
That'd be alright...I guess. -
Review from Olu J.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2007
I'm glad they exist also, Maryam... (http://www.yelp.com/us...) They have a limited range, but they pursue it. So if you know and like, or have heard and don't like, the bands on their dry-erase board, then go in, because unlike larger and more diffuse music shops, their recommendations, will resonate. Positively or Negatively. Otherwise there's no point.
Look at it this way. There are two things a DJ does. They seamlessly (to better or worse degree) intertwine music. Fine. But more importantly, its about their taste. If you like their taste, i.e., what they spin, you'll like them, even if they aren't so good at beat matching.
Aquarius is similar. If you are in their astethic range, then you'll understand how to read reviews of the things they love, and know that you won't like it. Alternatively, you'll know how to decode whether you too will like something they like.
And as for the music snob thing. If you don't trust your judgment, and, most importantly, don't trust and know what you like, then yeah, don't shop there. Go to Virgin.
'Cause they've turned me on to new sounds and different artists because they have an opinion. And I trust myself to judge it, and decide. I've often don't like something they recommended.
But I know why I didn't like it, and so when I go back, I can now stay away from the bad and winnow-down towards the good. You can't do that at that warehouse on Haight where you're on your own, and you only buy the music you already knew you wanted to own. -
Review from Paul B.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2007
If you've never been before, make sure you have the actual address on hand, because I bicycled past it once before getting directions and u-turning. (It might also have been the large dumpster out front obscuring my view of the place?)
Not my favorite record store of all time, but I'm damned glad they exist. I went in looking for a few particular things and a recommendation. They didn't have the things I was looking for, but I did walk out with some excellent CDs, recommended by the staff on hand. That a record store gets what I'm interested in hearing counts for a lot! -
Review from Mike O.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2006
You know what the weird thing is? They actually don't often have what I want! I often find the shop lacking due to its small size. I can't remember how many times I've gone in asking for [random experimental/independent/noisy record] and they say "sorry, sold out yesterday, we'll have it next week." Hells to the no!
Anyway, I do recommend making the trip out the Mission to check out the store, as it's got quite a cute interior and often I'll find something new and mind-expanding in the CD listening station they have in back. These days, however, I prefer to visit their online store at http://www.aquariusrec..., which gives a much fuller selection and very descriptive write-ups of every record in stock, to get what I need. -
Review from Wendy S.
10/3/2010
Passed through and didn't buy anything, but I can respect this place for what it offers.
It's a store that primarily has a lot of underground and super indie sort of music. I am pretty well-versed in more mainstream indie stuff--if that makes any sense--but out of all the CDs I perused through, I would say that I had only heard of 10% of the artists. I read through some reviews, and they're awesome -- thoughtful, well-written, and informative.
Strangely, there was a good number of Aerosmith CDs.
I'd come here again if I was looking to try something new (or if I wanted to buy something just for the sake of bragging to all my friends about the super underground music that I've been listening to that no one else has heard of before). -
Review from Michelle M.
Oakland, CA
6/8/2007
Any store run by two unabashed metal fans can't be a drag.
Aquarius has been a favorite stop for music since the days they occupied their even tinier outpost on 24th Street in Noe Valley, when the vinyl still competed for space with the plastic. (On a material science level I realize those two are more alike than I seem to be indicating here.)
Excellent New Wave of Finish Heavy Metal section. Ditto black metal, doom, krautrock and outsider folk selections. But everyone else can still get their Belle and Sebastian, Postal Service, Shins and other soft rock here, as well. Ditto their electronic, garage rock, early Bee Gees reissues, field recordings, etc. etc.
When they don't have in stock what I'm looking for they order it in for me fast -- within a week (usually) -- and call promptly.
They ship.
They host the occasional in-store performance.
Their biweekly new arrivals list, chockfull with reviews, is a beautiful labor of love, and an incomparable resource. -
Review from Lynae Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2007
The boyfriend drags me in here every time we go by.
It's well-lit and well-organized, and really laid back inside. It's one of only two record stores I've ever been to that regularly carries Current 93's albums, and I got this totally cool "reconstruction" of ancient Greek music there one time. Their bluegrass, experimental, and oddities sections are pretty awesome. I would rate them 5 stars but I think they're a little pricey, and I wish they had a bigger used section. I also think, despite the unusually-detailed categorization of SOME kindsof music, that they could use a little better organizing. A lot of different genres get tossed into the Rock section just for convenience's sake. Basically, I come in here all the time but I think I've only bought something twice. -
Review from Micah S.
South San Francisco, CA
12/3/2007
Having never written any sort of Yelp-ism before, I found myself unable to resist the urge to gush all over Aquarius Records in reaction to Aaron K's so-called review (Three stars? C'mon!). I may not be "hip" or "cool," but I sure as hell have weird taste in music, and Aquarius is the only store in the city that can give me what I am itching for every single time I visit.
The staff-written reviews of almost every cd in the store really help when looking for something new and exciting to listen to. I can pick up any random album, and know if I want to buy it after only a cursory reading of the review. On top of that, the selection itself is beyond reproach. As long as you aren't coming here looking for a killer selection of hip-hop, then you will most certainly be surprised by how many hard-to-find, off-the-radar albums they can stock in such a small space.
I find it hard to talk about Aquarius without going off on long rants about how much I dislike most music stores, but suffice it to say, Aquarius is different. Aquarius is the type of place you bring your corn-fed, middle American, out-of-towner friends to in order to not-so-subtly mock their terrible taste in music. This is a store run by elitists, for elitists; nay-sayers need not apply.
Still, there is little to no snobbery to be found at Aquarius Records, something which is fairly surprising considering the penchant for condescension among the hipster crowd. Highly recommended to anyone who has a hard time finding decent music anywhere besides Soulseek. -
Review from Jim S.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2008
If you are looking for a more intimate local record store experience that's in the know Aquarius still satisfies. Reviews of new releases are written in obsesively small text on some of the CD jackets and people behind the desk play something fun. If you don't know about something you can read about it without having to go online.
Worth your time if you are a music collector or just curious about such things.
One word of caution though. A couple times I went there was one cashier who overcharged me for things. The second time I had to itemize my purchase with him so check your receipts on your way out. -
Review from Peter L.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2007
I am not very cool...or hip. I don't wear a lot of tight, old clothes, I shaved off my beard years ago, I don't rock the big plastic sunglasses, and I'm closer to 40 than I am to 30. I do ride a fixie, but it doesn't have colorful velocity rims...it does have a brake, I use it on occasion and I wear a helmet. So, yeah, I'm just not. However, I do tend to like a lot of fringe/experimental music and while that doesn't make me cool, it does make me go to Aquarius and Aquarius is the Sh*t. Why? Let me count the ways:
- Their monthly email list? I mean, come on! Man, oh man, it takes a lot of willpower to not blow a paycheck every time based on their prosaic reviews.
- I almost always find music that I assumed I'd have to special order.
- Staff who are knowledgeable and excited about the stuff their selling.
- Incredible in-stores like last night's Circle set. Luckily for my bank account it was too crowded for me to really go in and buy anything.
- Andee's phenomenal alter ego tUMULt records.
- Last but not least, their love of the small D.I.Y. artist and their enthusiasm for each CD-R and hand-printed slip case.
So, yeah, go there, read their great employee recommendations, dig what they're playing, branch out, try something new that sounds cool. And don't be afraid to pick up the new Death Cab CD if that's what you really want. If the counter person gives you any attitude about it, tell 'em you once ran a bake sale with Stephen O'Malley, that'll teach 'em. -
Review from Audrey B.
12/18/2006 1 Check-in Here
I am not a cool music person (yes, I like the Thong Song), but I think everyone in here absolutely is. They have a great selection of music that you wouldn't find at Virgin or places like that, and apparently a good selection of records. I know this hipster guy who owns a record label in NYC and this is where he comes for the most elusive titles whenever he's in SF.
They have a pretty strict no-cellphone policy, which I guess makes sense in a music store. It also allows you to really hear the music that they play, which when I visited was some track of faint telephone ringing - just like you'd hear at MOMA or something. Given my state of hungoverness, I lasted about 5 minutes, but that was enough time to get my gift certificate (which comes with a cool rock star sticker) and get out. -
Review from Pete J.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2007
Aquarius is a light that never goes out. I've only been a few times, probably because they've always got something really awesome & really rare, & I just can't say no. For example, last time I was there I bought an album I already own (the first album by an Athens, GA band named Macha, who I was obsessed with in college) because it had a limited edition second disc, which was awesome by the way. I don't feel bad about it -- my copy has been sitting in a bin in my parents basement in NY for 3 years -- but for someone who should be watching his wallet, Aquarius is poison.
Enter at your own risk.Listed in: Record Stores Galore
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Review from Danyell K.
Tahoe City, CA
5/19/2008
I would expect more VINYL selection from a store with "Records" in the name.
Just sayin'.Listed in: Mission
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Review from i. o.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/10/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Aquarius is still the most reliable brick-n-mortar music shop for experimental, noise, deep-underground & outer-limits sounds in San Francisco.
Are you feeling like searching myspace, itunes or emusic isn't adequately satisfying your thirst for proper *new* musica? Go here to tickle your auditory nerve in a new direction!!
5 Stars!!!Listed in: Ear Candy
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/24/2005
This is the place for sounds from the outer-limits, the deep underground, the… Read more »
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Review from Akshay S.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2007
This isn't the store that sells "I Just Called to Say I Love You". You're looking for the mall. That's right... Aquarius Records doesn't sell sentimental tacky crap. Go here to discover new music. I bet you that this store will have more music that you've never heard of than any other record store in the area. Indie, experimental, electronica, some jazz. An as an added bonus, many CD's have employee reviews taped on them... great idea.
On the downside, there still isn't a great way to preview a CD before buying it. They had a Mac hooked up with rhapsody or something a while ago, and then they switched to a 40-CD listening station with a remote that often doesn't work. Maybe one day it'll all come together. Or maybe I should start working there and fix their ish. Hmm... otherwise, still a great store. -
Review from Margaret p.
San Jose, CA
9/21/2008
A quiet store where I can browse in peace! It is small, but full of unique choices for your music collection. The staff I interacted with were friendly, and the location is perfect, right on Valencia in the Mission, surrounded by plenty of other cool stores, bars, and restaurants.
The Owners were awesome to let KFJC, the radio station I DJ for, do a fundraiser right outside their front window!!! I will be back to browse through their wide variety of music :)Listed in: the vinyl frontier
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Review from Patrick W.
Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA
1/2/2007 2 Check-ins Here
This place is great for experimental and music off the beaten track. I can tell these guys take pride in their music selection and it's the kind of store that SF needs more of. Much better atmosphere than amoeba (obviously not the expanse and range of it) but great for getting those rare CD's and records.
I definitely lay down lots of cash here.Listed in: Born to Shop, My Neighborhood
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Review from Larry A.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2007
Aquarius Records has been around since I was a teenage metalmerchant back in the mid 80's . Back when they were located on Noe St., they carried a ton of vinyl. The "Rock" and "Alternative" sections were always impressive.
Fast forward to today, the vinyl selection is almost non-existent, but that's OK. The selection for non-pop music is still great. Yes, this isn't the place to buy a Sheryl Crow CD. This is a store for people who like their music fucked up. I really appreciate the mini reviews on their inventory.
There really isn't more to say. If your looking for the latest Deathspell Omega, Leviathan, or Candlemass, this is the place to come. -
Review from David G.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2011
I had been in Aquarius many times and never found an album I recognized. Recently, during the Yo La Tengo concert at the Fox, Ira Kaplan gave Aquarius a shout out from the stage. I decided to stop by again and rather than browse the bins, I asked the two folks behind the counter for a recommendation. They each assessed my tastes and began excitedly pulling records and telling stories about each. They even had a computer set up which had preview tracks from every album. Aquarius' selection is intimidating at first, but their employees are top notch, passionate about music, and lacking pretension.
