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Backside Records
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Shopping Fashion Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Sports Wear Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Vinyl Records Music & DVDs, Sports Wear, Vinyl Records [Edit]
139 N San Fernando BlvdBurbank, CA 91502
Neighborhood: Burbank
(818) 559-7573
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Backside Records
Review Highlights
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"If you are into underground hip hop, this is the joint for..." In 5 reviews -
"Of these unique stores came Backside." In 14 reviews -
"Underground Mix CD's." In 7 reviews
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43 reviews in English
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Review from S d.
Los Angeles, CA
2/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is a fun place to shop around and window shop mostly. Clothes, hats, music (music that were heard on the radio once), and stickers, it's here. People are super friendly, but items are bit overpriced.
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Review from Andrew P.
Portland, OR
3/20/2012
My first impression was that this is only half a record store. The big front room is devoted to street apparel (think Obey t shirts, etc), the smaller back room is records.
First off, my taste in records is "anything weird", so take my opinion as you will.
I couldn't find a single thing to buy in here that was modestly priced (though prices range from cheap to $$$). In general I found the prices a couple dollars more than I think is market average.
These guys have a large hip hop section, and a decent electro/beat/dubstep/scratch section (I am not informed enough to say anything else about either). I would describe the rest of it as "stuff DJ's unload for cash" (lots of singles and club mixes) and your standard pre 1990 fare that is in every record store. -
Review from Rene G.
Glendale, CA
8/24/2011
This place gives me great memories. Love the staff that works their and the owner. Great person to be around. Loved when they use to throw concerts of Local bands, (Rufio, Nural, 2Mex, WC and etc...)
My cousin and I use to buy A lot of DVD's from here back in the day and seeing them evolve into a clothing store and still doing what they are doing now is amazing to me.
I Love Backside Records and always will, Gave me the greatest times of my life -
Review from Alex C.
Burbank, CA
2/21/2012
Been shopping here for 3 years! You can actually sense that the workers at the store are into what they do and have knowledge in music & fashion. No preassure to buy anything friendly service and interesting people to engage in a conversation with. They also do a vinyl deal if you pay cash they take off 30% off used vinyl purchase and 15% off with new vinyl purchase if you pay cash! Definently check this place out if your into Vinyl music or streetwear fashion!
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Review from Sash M.
San Diego, CA
8/23/2011
This is a pretty small & fairly priced local record store in Burbank. They carry different items here other than CD's & records, such as clothing (mainly men's screenprinted tee's from different streetwear labels), posters, stickers, and other band-related paraphenilia.
I haven't been to their upstairs section, but the selection downstairs is definitely on the smaller side. It's still pretty good though, and as far as I remember, it's pretty well-organized. Music is arranged alphabetically and by genre, and sometimes by label (find me leafing through the Stones Throw/Ninja Tune sections) :)
Backside carries some cool indie rock and underground Hip-Hop records here and there, but may not offer something for everyone, and it may not have exactly what you're looking for. I wish the selection was bigger. However, I think I've come home with something almost every time I've visited this store, so I can't really complain. You may be lucky enough to find some cool stuff in their sale section as well.
They get another star from me for their record store day sales, discounts for paying in cash, very friendly & helpful employees, and their in-store performances. These days, so many record stores are getting phased out, that I'm happy to support local music stores such as this one. -
Review from Steven W.
San Gabriel, CA
10/13/2011
ridiculously overpriced used vinyl. they have items in their used vinyl bin that I find at other stores for 99cents marked from 6 - 12 dollars! a used promo Adam & the Ants 12" (generic white label promo) for 19 bucks?! seriously?!
the staff that was on duty when I visited the store was rude and disinterested. I tried to ask a question of one of the employees as he passed by me but he was too busy rapping along with the music they were playing in the store to pay me any mind.
avoid, avoid, avoid! -
Review from Daniel C.
Burbank, CA
11/25/2010
D.B. Cooper's.......... gone.
Penny Lane records......gone.
Backside................still going strong.
I miss all the old record stores in Burbank or anywhere for that matter, it was such a cool thing to go in on a weekend and look through stacks of vinyl and later cd's a' la High Fidelity (kick ass John Cusack flick) and find that one gem that you'd been looking for for months.
This place may not have a whole lot of vinyl, but it's still a cool place to check out, listen to cool music while you browse, and eventually find something that you've wanted. -
Review from Liz N.
Las Vegas, NV
7/13/2011
The people who work here seem to know their music.
Good selection of Lp's!
There was one in particular, Cass Mccombs Prefection and the guy said he would order me one because they ran out.
Great customer service. -
Review from None Of Ya N.
San Diego, CA
9/5/2011
once i walked in I knew i would be back
not only do they have
soul assassins gear
but a new line called quality control......
and let me tell you the best gear i have seen around....
the shirt i bought... is whats up
thank you backside i willl be back -
Review from kathy i.
Los Angeles, CA
10/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This place is really dope. If you are into underground hip hop, this is the joint for you. The owner is nice. I was in and he let me use the expired check-in offer on Yelp. The have really cool apparel here. I love the shopping bags they give out. It is either the huff plastic zip lock bag or the pretty pastel green huff bag. I will be back to check the store again. LOVE BACKSIDE!!!
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Review from Steve F.
Santa Rosa, CA
11/9/2011
This store is amazing and very unique. I walked in thinking it was just another "old record store." OMG, I was blown away. I was greeted immediately by the employees cheerfully and warmly. That doesn't happen much in LA. And their selection of product - very unique shirts - reminds me of a store in San Francisco called TRUE. Actually, I liked Backside even better!!!! You have got to check them out. Great online store as well if you can't get there.
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Review from Duffy D.
Los Angeles, CA
3/6/2008
Backside is going to be the hands down hardest review for me to write. I have a lot of sentimental love for Backside (good times back in '95 & '96 buying all of my ska CDs from here) and it's the most convenient record store to where I live, so I feel like it's kind of an biased review.
I remember being 15 years old, going to the AMC Burbank to work (I used to work for a Chiropractor and I did "Health and Stress Surveys" out in front of the old school AMC....those where the days...sigh) or going down to Burbank to catch a flick or hang out, Backside was the spot. That and Pennylane Records. We would rummage through their ska section (they actually had a ska section!) and spend our $8 an hour on the latest "Skavoovie and the Epitones" CD. Those were the days.
Fast forward 11 years to present day. A lot has changed. Burbank has changed. Pennylane went away. AMC got bulldozed and reappeared across the street bigger and better. Stores (including Fatburger!!!) along the San Fernando strip died and new ones appeared. But... Backside is still alive and kicking.
Even it has changed. They have less CDs; half of the floor is dedicated to clothing. They got rid of the ska section (obviously). They sell "grills". Even their CD collection is skimpy, at best. They rarely have the CDs that I want, truthfully, even though it breaks my little heart to say it (but, trust me, most likely they will have the CDs that you want - if you are into rap, R&B, or Top Hits - they just lack some of the lesser known people that I come searching for).
But, I will never stop going. I love Backside, I love the owner and the Manager and the little cute Asian girl that works on the weekend that never knows any of the bands that I have her look up. Backside has a great family-owned feel - far more that the emptiness that Amoeba sometimes gives. Everyone is happy to see you, you'll never get scowled at, and plus, you can buy a grill here. How can you go wrong?
Check it out. It's a lovely store.
Oh, and PS: I've never checked it out, but apparently they have a huge record collection upstairs... for the record collector. -
Review from C L.
Valencia, CA
3/9/2008
I can think of a million other places I'd rather be than Burbank's San Fernando corridor on a Saturday afternoon, but if you happen to be strolling the area definitely check this place out. Their clothing selection is pretty cool, and the vinyl section upstairs is worth a few mins of digging. If you're specifically looking for some hidden vinyl gems, I'd go elsewhere. Backside is where 12" promo vinyl goes to die.
If you want to channel your inner Lupe Fiasco and get some hip hop sk8er gear, this is the place.Listed in: Music to My Ears
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Review from Ruben N.
Los Angeles, CA
12/6/2009
Before Burbank had an area they could call DOWNTOWN....
Before there were 3 theatres within a quarter mile of each other....
and Before it was CHIC to have apartment above crowded shopping plazas..
There was San Fernando Boulevard!...Home to many small nooks and crannies of stores and other small unique businesses. Of these unique stores came Backside... A small yet Larger than life interior that showcased local bands and artists with a decent sized collection of miscellaneous vinyl and CDs.
I as a vinyl enthusiast grade harshly on the quality of product a self-proclaimed record store carries. This is improved over the years. Previously, it seemed as if they only carried records that no one wanted (the 99cent bins, xmas compilations, big band stuff). As of the past month, I can finally say that this store lives up to its name of being a TRUE record store.
The selection includes more HAND-PICKED, and even from their on collection to enhance the caliber of the section. The CD selection is a good mixture of mostly independent picks of each genre. You will also find an interesting array of limited editions. Everything from over sized posters to beatles cigarette lighters is enough to please your most obscure music lover's fancy.
They have dedicated to close to half of their store to hipster/ urban clothing. Although, much of it is overpriced but it is definitely makes up for the bargain bin garbage that once occupied the place.
On that note, I'd recommend to visit Backside whether you are a frequent buyer, a new customer, or even a disappointed one. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD STORE!
Fin. -
Review from Yvette L.
Burbank, CA
11/28/2006
As a record lover/collector/aficionada I really enjoy coming over to Backside and digging through their records. I usually walk out with 3 or 4 great buys. They have everything from Soul to Experimental, Hip Hop, Rock, and my favorite... early 80's late 70's italo disco. SFW?
Anyway this joint also carries a buttload of cd's new and used as well dvd's and tshirts.
Great hip hop mixtapes as well.
The only thing that would make this place get 1 more star is longer hours and a friendlier staff.Listed in: My Neighborhood, Born to Shop
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Review from CJ J.
12/11/2007
After Granville we were walking around Downtown Burbank and came across Backside. I saw lots of clothing inside and thought I would check it out. My brother is into the urban, hip hop, underground stuff so I figured I would find something here for him.
First off, you cannot bring any food or drink inside so you must keep in on the front counter. OF COURSE, our food/drinks were forgotten on the counter on our way out. Hahaha... Whatever.
They have lots of shirts and hoodies that are really cute. If you're into Acrylick, Obey, etc then you would like this place. They're prices aren't bad either. In terms of records, I don't think they're selection is that great. If you're shopping for gear, then check out Backside. They have some good stuff!
The guys at Backside are really chill and nice. They help you out, give you their opinions when you ask, and joke around with you. Good help is hard to find!
Ackrylick shirt I bought my bro says "Beauty lies in the ears of the beholder." It's written in between ear phones. It's cute! $27. Not bad.
:D -
Review from C T.
Pasadena, CA
3/26/2008
Probably the coolest thing going on San Fernando Boulevard. I was walking down the street and couldn't help but catch the unmistakable sound of The Black Keys emanating from their storefront speakers. The tunes drew me into the same kind of local record store I spent much of my teen years hanging out it. Small, but lacking any pressure. No one looming over your shoulder, challenging what you're browsing for.
If you want massive, visit Amoeba in Hollywood. If you want accessible, start here.
Man, if only there were more of these stores around today. But, alas, when it comes to music these days, the computer rules all. -
Review from Leslie E.
Portland, OR
8/19/2011
Great location... totally RANDOM vinyl collection! A good balance of old/new. I forget if it's 10 or 15% off for cash vinyl purchases, so that's cool. Never bought any merch here, seems a little pricey. Chill staff.
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Review from Snoopygirl A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2010
Just when I was starting to be bummed out that all the good old 'record stores' have gone, places like Vinyl Fetish, Aarons, etc. and the only thing we were left with is the faux indie behemoth that is Amoeban - I happened to pass by and see that not only is Backside still going strong but they have expanded their vinyl offerings. They have all the stuff you'd expect from a record store 'back in the day' ... Posters, t shirts and even a selection of pretty cute clothes. I do wish there were a better selection of used vinyl but it seems everybody's vinyl which was worthless in the 90s has been snapped up by others quicker than me in this new vinyl resurgence.
Highly recommended! -
Review from Evelyn K.
2/20/2011
A record store that sells 7" and 12" records and CD's and more, what could be better? The guys working there were nice, helpful and knowledgeable. They offer a discount on records if you pay in cash. I was pleased with my finds here. It's so great to see a record store in business. Keep going, Backside Records.
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Review from Joy B.
6/20/2010
This is a great little store to walk into after you're done eating, watching a movie or whatever the reason you happen to be in Downtown Burbank.
Nice petite selection of street clothing labels; mostly guys printed t-shirts but the girls section is growing, and the dude at the register told me they have plans to expand it. Prices are pretty inline with similar stores, but they do have some pieces that aren't available everywhere.
I bought myself an Obey tank and two bday gifts: that Kobe shirt (a' la Giant-esque) and another shirt from a cool new clothing label with astronauts on the front.
Walked out just under $100 lighter, but with 100% added swagger to my summer wardrobe. -
Review from Michael R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/24/2009
This is the spot to visit in burbank!
Staff is the best(why thank you!), and there assortment of clothing is a big plus. They once were known for their music and in store performance but now they've adjusted to the youth and the digital age.
They carry the brands that only boutique stores can obtain such as obey, the hundreds, 10 deep, green apple tree, akomplice, acrylick, the wild ones, dissizit and many more.
Check this place out if you're in burbank, you won't be dissapointed. -
Review from James S.
11/3/2008
This place is awesome I still remember when this place was pure records and cds with alot of musical/movie STUFF
now they;ve expanded to shoes, shirts, and gear
you want to look funky fresh this the place to be
I dont live in Burbank but I do check this place out a every other month or so and the staff is pretty friendly
I have plenty of hip-hop orientated stores around my place in the Eagle Rock/Highland Park area and this place stands out from them because I've always managed to find a certain album I havent found at the other place
Would I recommend this place?
yes i would
Would I go again?
hell yes
Alternatives to this place
Music wise:
Poo-Bah Records in pasadena, Amoeba on Sunset, the Basement(i forget the address)
Clothes/Gear wise:
Eagle Rock Underground -
Review from Marvin S.
1/4/2010
I used to love this place when it was still backside records...!!
but ofcourse, times change, and people can live without tapes, cd's and LP's.
so now theyre Backside Clothing.
OKKKKKKK....!! Not a fan...!! But props for doing what it takes to stay up..!!
p.s. i missed the days you had Cocky in-store DJ's, and we'd come to Humble them...!!!
Cheers -
Review from Grant P.
Burbank, CA
5/29/2009
I used to like Backside. An independent used record/cd store walking distance from my house. What could go wrong.
Well, in recent times, music has given way to fashion. Now, I appreciate that they need to make cash, but it now seems over half the store is fairly average, mass "street" marketing and clothing. Ugly. -
Review from Bree M.
Burbank, CA
10/27/2008
I love love love shopping at this store. The staff is awesome and friendly. The music selection is good. The clothes are fun and unique, And the beats are dancable.
They don't always have what I'm looking for, but sometimes I just find something I never knew i needed. And for some reason that's fun to me.
PS~ Give me that pillow!!! -
Review from Miguel B.
Pasadena, CA
7/21/2008 1 Check-in Here
Let's face it... Music stores are rare now a days thanks to pirating music online. You see them going out of business left and right... however those remaining also sell other crap instead of music... this is why backside records still holds today... their crap. I use to come here when I was in high school way back and when I came back for college, I was still amazed to see Backside Records still standing. This is what I like about the store:
They still sell vinyl records... and as a former DJ, it's good to see vinyl on hand. Not the greatest selections, but it's something.
The clothes. I like the fact that they have expanded their clothing selection. It is slowly turning into a underground hip hop clothing store and I don't mind that one bit.
The posters. This is one of the few places I could find my 8 foot tall Wu-Tang Poster when I was growing up and I can still find stuff like this there.
Underground Mix CD's. My favs include DJ Rectangle and Mixtape Gods.
Grillz. Even though Grillz can be stupid, those who are looking for a rapper/thug/goon costume for holloweenie, make sure to stop off here to get one. Plus they have one that has my name in it... pretty cool in a weird way.
Check it out if you're interested in getting some threads or just wanting to see what's up. -
Review from Ara G.
Glendale, CA
5/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I really like that this place is right here in the action of downtown Burbank. Nice little store that's fun to just browse through if you happen to be in the area. But I am very disappointed at the fact that the rock vinyl collection has shrunk so much in 2 years. Also, prices seem to have gone up a little.
Listed in: Record Stores
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Review from Jeremy S.
Glendale, CA
3/31/2007
A fun place to go if your in Burbank but the vinyl selection isn't the greatest. The biggest section of vinyl they have is underground hip-hop but even that isn't very large.
Best bargain I found was a copy of the 2001: A Space Odyssey soundtrack on vinyl for $2.00. They also sell clothing and put on some live shows. -
Review from chris s.
Los Angeles, CA
2/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Friendly store with dope shirts from brands like acyrlick, imaginary, hundreds, just to name a few. Was a bit bummed that their vinyl selection was seemingly not updated with fresh inventory (used trade-ins) in a minute but that is OK because it seems like a chill, hangout spot to kick it with the kind staff that holds down backside.
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Review from Julio R.
Glendale, CA
1/29/2010
The store used to be awesome and a hot spot for cheap vinyl but once they saw the vinyl shopping market crash, they closed their downstairs record section and focused on Cd's and "hip" apparel. Now that people are downloading music but buying vinyl records this once great store is now resorting to selling records at an insane/overpriced amount. I walked in there and could not believe some of their prices,it was like I was shopping on eBay. I would rather shop for my records at locations like Amoeba,Freakbeat, hell I'd rather go to all the way to Long Beach and shop at Fingerprints than ever shop at Backside again.
Save your money for a store that doesn't exploit your audiophile taste. -
Review from Jesse J.
Sunland, Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2011
This is one of the only real record stores that i've been to in a long time. Record stores are slowly starting to become a thing of the past which is very sad. This place is a very good place to go to for records, 45''s, or anything of the like. I hope this place stays open for a long, long time.
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Review from Jill A.
Glendora, CA
11/17/2007
this place is so cool. i got alicia keys' new cd for 8.99. beat that.
they also carry lots of cute clothing, accessories, and tons of cool stuff. i made my last hat purchase here. i'm a hat girl. :) don't mess with my hat....
they even have harajuku lovers stuff! aghhhh! they're killin me... this place is too dangerously close to me. i'll need to stay away. -
Review from Kevin S.
Van Nuys, CA
5/3/2011
Backside in Burbank is one of the last great independent music stores in Los Angeles. They offer vinyl records, cassette tapes, movies, and streetwear, and the staff is always fun and helpful.
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Review from Nick M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/10/2009
from a record store lover's standpoint:
this isn't so much a record store as it is a clothing store inspired by music. a couple of racks of new and used CDs and DVDs, and a small loft upstairs with lame 12"s that have been disowned for a reason. I haven't seen a new LP there in a long time, but recently I've noticed a few improvements (aka new records). do not come here expecting to leave toting several pounds worth of music, this isn't rockaway. -
Review from Erik C.
Sun Valley, CA
11/18/2008
One of my favorite places to buy my tshirts when im too lazy to make it out to the fairfax district, i used to come to this store to buy hardcore punk albums, but that part of the store is slowly dissapearing. i do suggest to come to this store for the brands of clothes they bring to the table! love this place.
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Xavier F.
Hidden Hills, CA
9/12/2011
On top of the great record selection. They offer quality and low cost Blu-Ray movies and their fashion offers - AWESOME!!
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Review from David A.
Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2009
Backside is one of the few places in Burbank I can stand (restaurants excluded). I can always stroll in there and spend an hour: perusing the ultra-hip Obey and the like gear, scanning the used DVDs which they tend to have a few Criterion Collection discs from time to time, as well as picking up whatever CD that just came out that I am looking for. The days of the indie record store are slowly (or is it quickly?) going the way of the buffalo, so it's nice to have places like this around.
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Review from Carlos R.
North Hollywood, CA
6/16/2009
my friend elizabeth used to work here, she told me to visit her once. i'd never heard of the place back then, i was still on Amoeba's nuts.
upon entrance, i knew i was at home. the great music selection, the little basement where all the vinyl was kept, bumpin' ass music, and great friendly staff. it was awesome. i also had my first taste of live underground hip hop, when lexicon came through and did a free show for their latest album at the time, youth is yours.
now, they sell shirts and hoodies. great selection of that. you can thank the management and staff for that, all them folks got mad flavor and they know what we want.
a handful of times, when i didn't find what i was looking for, i put in a request and sure enough, they hooked it up.
i seldom buy cds now, but whenever something comes out that i really need a hard copy of, backside is the place to go. -
Review from keith k.
Burbank, CA
1/8/2007
It's important to support independent music stores. This one is great; far enough from Amoeba to not wilt in its shadow, enough of a selection to thrive on its own. Great used selection and tons of vinyl. Come to think of it, Backside is like a wee Amoeba. Good Times.
Listed in: Let's go shopping, Sucka!
