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Boo Boo Records Inc
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Music & DVDs [Edit]
978 Monterey StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 541-0657
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for Boo Boo Records Inc
Review Highlights
36 reviews in English
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Review from Evan D.
San Luis Obispo, CA
1/24/2012
I'm not sure if SLO knows how blessed it is to have not one but two AMAZING record stores in town. Every self-respecting city has at least one surviving record store that is owned and operated by people who actually give a damn about what they're doing. Boo Boo Records is just such a place.
Why 5 stars?
1) Because Every time I go to the listening stations I find my new favorite artist.
2) Because they have a respectable vinyl collection
3) Friendly/Awesome/Knowledgeable service
4) They sell hard to find record player parts
5) There is NO proper musical instrument store in the small downtown section of SLO and there are scores of venues that bands frequent night after night... Where do you go if you need strings or other periphs? Boo Boo Records, that's where. They stay open later and they've got what you need for a fair price.
Total Side Rant Below (but a worthy observation):
The irony is there is a rather ironic company, Urban Outfitters a few doors down. UO's does a fantastic job at bringing thrift store sheik sensibility into a fashionable focus and sourcing these seemingly one-of articles for mass production along the pacific rim. These items are then displayed in a semi counter culture empty-gesture warehouse store atmosphere. You know, the old 'pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!' trick. My guess is Richard Hayne of UO is not wearing the same distressed canvas his chains are selling. I'm not saying UO is entirely evil. They're huge, they support and employ thousands. The price we pay is that they make our place look like every other place. Look at what happened to places like SLO. Santa Barbara, Pasadena. They now look like shopping malls neatly fitted into historic buildings. Isn't it what makes a city unique also what you cannot find anywhere else?
I think that's the real reason why we love places like Boo Boo Records. Places that didn't turn to the side of extreme obesity. A place with a history only 4 years younger than UO but never lost it's originality. Just a worthwhile thought when you're out spending your hard earned. -
Review from Anthony B.
Riverside, CA
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a quaint little store this turned out to be! It's not often you find an old school LP/CD store in this day and age!
They have listening stations along with some information regarding the CDs. Of course they have vinyl too, in a seperate room all to itself. Talk about a trip down memory lane! Wow! They even had numerous LP players for sale.
Not stopping there I noticed they also sell DVDs, T-shirts, Posters, and other great nostaligia for the 70s, 80s, and all the way to modern music.
Definitely worth a look if you're wanting to experience a bit of historical greatness. -
Review from C K.
Pismo Beach, CA
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
where the cool kids go
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Review from Beth F.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Boo Boo Records! They carry a solid selection of CDs as well as records, and if you visit the back room, the walls and ceiling are lined with posters. You can also pick up pieces like Big Lebowski action figures, Dr. Who Tardis and Dalek items, and a selection of literary themed tees for kids and adults alike. I walked out with a bright blue Great Gatsby shirt and a canvas Pride and Predjudice bag. If you prefer to show love for the store itself, they now sell fitted biking shirts, tanks, Boo Boo Records bags, and the like. Always worth a visit when I'm in SLO.
Listed in: When I hit the Central Coast
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Review from Jareb K.
Cambria, CA
3/2/2012
I love this place so much. Hands down one of the best places in SLO. They've increased their inventory to include basic apparel, books, posters, electronic gadgets, and pop culture stuff. Fantastic selection of music, offering all kinds of genres, local artists, independent labels, etc. I like how they have a few stations of music recommendations where you can sit and listen to new/upcoming CDs. You can sell your used music here and purchase cheap used music as well. I've bought many used CDs and they have been of good quality--nothing too sketchy or anything--a very inexpensive way to discover new music. Boo Boos sells local concert tickets (a lot of times exclusively) and staff is nice. A couple of times I couldn't find albums I was looking for, and I asked the staff, and they order the music for me. Fabulous stuff all around--go to Boo Boo Records and support a great independent record store!
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Review from Christina G.
San Luis Obispo, CA
12/27/2009
Back in my high school days 7+ years ago, I used to spend countless hours at Boo Boo's, beefing up my LP collection. I'd buy their patches and buttons (Sublime, CAKE, Social Distortion) and sport them proudly on my backpack. The Verve and The Doors posters were plastered across my bedroom walls. Sort of made me feel like a rebel without getting into trouble. I'd pick up random 1$ CDs that introduced me to other genres and took me to other parts of the globe: Spanish Guitar, Hawaiian, Soul, Swing.
I also credit Boo Boo's with my slide into house music. When I came back from college my freshman year I spent hours listening to their huge selection of electronica and house music. Much of my college rowing team was european, and we had been listening to "their type" of music for months- but it was really at Boo Boo's that I expanded my house-education. They used to have CD's from many of the major artists that were already open, ready for you to listen to. I must have listed to 20 different CDs for each one I purchased.
Boo Boo's, I'm really tempted to give you 3 stars because your electronica selection has dwindled significantly over the last few years (Daft Punk & Moby, that's what you've got to choose from?). Such a shame! And there are so few used CDs or samples that I really can't listen before I buy.
But I'll still give you 4 stars for the good 'ol days. Thanks for the memories, Boo Boo's. -
Review from Amelia D.
Los Angeles, CA
5/14/2008
For those of us who have record players....and not just to have, but to use.....this is nirvana. Not the band, you tool, the place.
The "back room," which late into my residency in San Luis I realized has its own door, contains a plethora of classics, new stuff, 7 inches, this, that, lots of fun things. I usually never go looking for something specific. I feel that my luckiest record-shopping moments have been "look and see" adventures, yielding some of my most prized vinyl possessions.
Boo Boo is also a decent place to purchase CDs, of the used and new variety. Most of the time, there is some sort of bonus giveaway with the purchase of newly released albums. Some examples might include, but are not limited to, 7" records and limited release posters. If I can pay the same dollar amount and get more than I would somewhere else, I get really excited. -
Review from Tony A.
Pismo Beach, CA
2/17/2009
But first....a disclaimer.
I was employed by Boo Boo Records in Grover City (Now Grover Beach) from 1979-1982. I proudly wore my Boo Boo's jacket while guiding people to musical gems, and without a doubt, it was the best job I've ever had.
......fast forward to 2009
There is only one Boo Boo Records standing, the main store in SLO. The harsh realities of downloading has even come here.... they recently shuttered their separate Jazz/ Classical store on the same site.
Yet still, there is something so wonderful about having Boo Boos remain and thrive in San Luis Obispo. From the generous selection of used CD's to the vinyl room, Boo Boo's will pull you in and consume your day, providing that you are a true audiophile. I have spent untold hours just on the dollar cds, knowing that I will eventually wade through the 95% of the junk to get to the 5% of the good stuff. Imports, DVDs, knowledgeable
friendly staff....it's all here.
One of the last great record stores. -
Review from Velanche S.
San Luis Obispo, CA
9/5/2010
This is a terrific music store that really fits in with the rest of SLO. It's survived through some chain records stores that are no longer in business, and can hold its own alongside chains like Best Buy and Wal-Mart.
It's all about the service and selection, and its customers can be finicky about a wide variety of music. Especially in a college town like SLO, Boo Boo Records fills an important vacuum of catering to people with tastes beyond mainstream music like me.
And records...plenty of records, both new and used, and several different turntables! Not to mention, CD's, music magazine, t-shirts, and much more.
Also, the store has always had a friendly and knowledgeable staff who really are passionate about music. If the store doesn't have what you're looking for, just ask; the music may be ordered for you.
Again, great and vital independent record store. -
Review from Tamara P.
Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2009
Yay Boo boo's!
First off I would like to mention I worked here some years back, and I miss it. I actually miss a job!
The selection is amazing. From rare obscurities to top billboard you will find it all. The generosity of the entire staff is truly remarkable and refreshing, quite knowledgeable as well!
The listening stations are wonderful, the memorabilia is entertaining and the in-store, live performances from local and touring artists is awesome!
Boo boo's often gives back to the neighborhood donating gift certificates and participating in local events.
A special, truly independent record store that I'm so happy to have been a part of. :) -
Review from inga r.
1/4/2007
if there was one shop i could transplant from SLO to alameda , it would be Boo-Boo's.
Great selection of cd's and vinyl and usually a knowledgable staff member id present. They had the best electronica section even before electronica blew up outside of urban areas.
Plus it has that "screw the corporate mass across the street" vibe while still catering to indie, jazz, classical and music you love. -
Review from Truc N.
San Jose, CA
3/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I thought this place was pretty cool and my boyfriend loves this place. He loves music and finding lost treasures. It has pretty cool decor and service was friendly. Other customers were very pleasant and also music enthusiasts. Very chill and laid back vibe here. Overall a really cool record store. Great finds and low prices.
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Review from Osvaldo D.
San Luis Obispo, CA
3/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
An oasis of a record shop here in San Luis Obispo. A great independently own shop with knowledgeable and friendly staff. They give a pretty good return on CDs you sell them. Shop around for some cool knick-knacks, T-shirts and books, too. Music aficionados...they have vinyl, too!
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Review from Simon P.
Carlsbad, CA
6/12/2010
This place lived up to expectations - a pretty large music shop that had a lot of variety and selection to look through. The staff was friendly and offered help when I walked in and a couple of times while I was walking around.
They had a lot of new CD's, used CD's, and Vinyls both new and used. It was a pretty neat place, I spent an hour looking around and could imagine losing a whole day in the confines of their store. They had a number of categories, I wasn't sure what to expect after hearing they had closed down some sections, but they still have a large selection. -
Review from J.Lynn J.
Los Angeles, CA
8/27/2009
Boo Boo's is one of the few remaining independent record stores. In the truest sense.
I'm convinced that, between the sum of their employees, these guys know everything there is to know about music.
There's somebody to tackle any and every recommendation from any genre, and they've usually got a wide selection of used offerings.
They still have bands play in-store. They still have a solid selection on vinyl. They also sell guitar strings and drum sticks and stuff, which comes in really handy if you're in a bind right before a gig...
Long live the Cosmic Chicken! -
Review from SLO L.
San Luis Obispo, CA
4/11/2011
Great selection of vinyl, substantial collection of used music in varied formats, stocking a wide range of genres, staffed by well informed folk with deep connections to the local scene...if you value shopping for music as an organic, tactile experience rather than an 'adventure' in mouse and keyboard, this is the store for you.
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Review from Sophia G.
2/12/2011
There are some stores that make you immensely proud to be from SLO, and Boo Boo's is one of those. The selection of music is excellent, but where Boo Boo's really stands out is for its tribute to the music- you can find a huge assortment of posters, apparel, buttons, pins, and patches among other things, supporting even the most obscure bands. The staff is also great about informing the community about bands coming through the area and even hosting some lesser-known artists. Props for selection and service!
Listed in: Best of SLO
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Review from k. d.
Avila Beach, CA
2/23/2011
Took a walk around downtown today and forgot just how dangerous it is for me to be let loose in this store. I ended up walking out with 6 CDs, but only 2 of them were new. That is a big part of why I love this store, the amount of fabulous used CD and vinyl available. Always have friendly and knowldegable staff!
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Review from tammy c.
San Luis Obispo, CA
5/1/2011
I like record stores.
I like good record stores better. Boo Boo Records does a good job at stocking its shelves with a wide variety of music in a bunch of different formats - but that means that their selections and depth of content are odd in some places. Like their Bob Dylan collection was HUGE while the entire metal music genre was small - get it?
It is great to have the availability of Boo Boo's as a ticket vendor and their location is fun for a quick downtown pop in.
I dropped their stars for lack of music selection and aloof staff members who seem more into themselves and judging my music choices than helping me find the things I need. I like Cheap Thrills because of the wider selection and the massive used collection - plus they sell tons of movies! -
Review from Alex P.
Pleasanton, CA
4/17/2011
a student resident of SLO, i visit this place often. in fact, perhaps half my decorations inside my room came from this place.
the selection of music is very up to date, and the staff is friendly. honestly this is probably the best music store in SLO.
and that's not considering the numerous amounts of very very old records that they keep in the back
i'm not sure how they sell those, but props simply for having them!
i respect old stuff. -
Review from Sara W.
1/18/2009
I'm always happy every time I come to Boo Boo's. I got my first poster for my dorm room here, they have great shows, the prices are right, the selection is great, and they are very giving when it comes to fundraisers and other activities for the college. The location is great, and it's a nice place to stop when you're shopping downtown. I really love when you have the items for sale outside... so cheap! Thanks!
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Review from Jeremy D.
San Luis Obispo, CA
10/16/2008
aahhh Boo Boos! How I love you! When I moved here 13 years ago I was always really nervous to visit. The staff was so "cool" that I was intimidated. But I still came and spent hours browsing and finding lots of great new and used albums. Now I'm a proud alumni of you. Btw..don't be fooled by the staff, they really love what they do even if they act like you are dork, which you aren't,they are really helpful. And Mike will do everything in his power to get you your special order even if he has to hit up his secret contacts, he loves his customers and it shows. From a great record selection to cool in-stores you never disappoint! Amoeba makes my a.d.d. go crazy, but you make me glad. Thank you Boo boos for a nice relationship!
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Review from Nine N.
San Jose, CA
9/29/2009
i don't live in SLO, but visit as often as i can. have since my late teens, and umm, now that i'm not in my late teens, i can still say i LOVE this place. ahh the memories.
that being said, this place is my only choice of record shops to go to. i don't care if i have to save mucho moolah to travel far and wide to be able to check out all the cool posters, knick knacks, vintage and vintage-y type items this store carries...traveling to SLO is always worth the trip.
i find the used cd section the best part of store, last i came i scored 20 used and in excellent condition cd's for 20 bucks.
the staff always seem so intimidating (to me & most i'm sure), but really, when they help you and you start talking to them, you'll find that they are very friendly and that they know their music.
i hope that this place is still here when i've reached another decade of double digits and beyong ;)Listed in: Vintage & Other Shops.
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Review from Reid C.
San Luis Obispo, CA
12/22/2010
This is THE place to pick up great music in San Luis Obispo. The staff is helpful and nice.
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Review from d. j.
Pacifica, CA
8/10/2009
I stopped in this shop as I was driving back north from Arroyo Grande. It was the Yelp reviews that made me decide to take a look and downtown SLO is always a pleasure to visit.. It is a nice place, lots of used music with a great section of $2 CDs that had some good stuff in it. I always like places that showcase a lot of their local talent. I usually find new music expensive when I travel due to the big music stores in San Francisco and the bay area that I am used to so I tend to look for places that have a good used selection. The staff was super friendly and very helpful but left me alone to browse which I always appreciate. I did find a couple of things I had been looking for at a really good price. The shop is neat, interesting and laid out nicely with lots to look at. I would definitely stop by again.
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Review from Courtney B.
Venice, CA
5/29/2007
If you've got some time to kill, this is a great place to do it. The staff are pretty laid back and leave you alone so you can just browse. They also have a separate jazz part of the store with a solid selection. It's no Amoeba, but it's a pretty cool spot in downtown SLO.
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Review from Jon H.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2008
this is SLO's definitive answer to "big cool indie record store" for the area. it has a big vinyl and used cd selection in the back, along with a sticker/patch station that is fun to look at. the listening stations are certainly a nice touch, particularly the stations in the back where you can put in used cds and listen before you buy, so you dont sink 7-10 dollars on a cd you thought might have been pretty good but wasnt.
also, their dvd shelf is pretty good, if not small-ish. if you look hard enough you might find something you like used for cheap!Listed in: SLO ride! take it eeeezaaayy.
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Review from Ian M.
Davis, CA
3/9/2008 5 Check-ins Here
Boo Boo is a great place to go for music, especially used CDs. Their selection is fantastic and the prices are never too high. Also, they're very good with letting you use the CD and record players scattered around the store to listen to selections, which helps immensely when shopping.
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Review from Russell S.
Carmel, CA
4/29/2008
Great used selection, great variety of posters (not sure if they were for sale or just decor), great prices, I could have spent a lot more time (and money) in here, oh well, always next time, typical music store workers that thinks all their customers are idiots
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Review from Charles M.
Bakersfield, CA
2/26/2008
This is one of the stores I have to go to when I'm visiting SLO. I manage to blow close to $100 every time I drop by. They manage to cover all my indie rock needs and just about all my metal needs in one location. The staff has always been nice, fast service and helpful when I ask them if they have an album I'm looking for. The only record stores I can think of that might be better are Amoeba or Newbury Comics.
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Review from koa h.
San Diego, CA
6/18/2010
Boo Boo is what record stores were all about at one time, and its great to see them still going! Wish there were more like it. This place is so much more then just a music shop, aside from scores of CD's, vinyl records and dvd's, there's alot of memorabilia and classic knick knacks and posters plastered everywhere. This is what rock n roll is all about, sensory overload! Go Boo Boo!
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Review from Ricky F.
Napa, CA
9/7/2009
I love this record shop. They have all kinds of t shirts, posters, etc... Awesome listening station with a wide variety of new albums. Friendly staff and a perfect location downtown.
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Review from Christian P.
San Luis Obispo, CA
5/22/2010
You can find just about anything in here. Especially used CDs and even vinyls. Unfortunately, they didn't have what I was looking for. And even though they tried to order it for me, it took them 4 weeks to get back to me. But it's still better than going to Best Buy! ~ http://www.ChristianPe...
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Review from Brian B.
Corona del Mar, CA
6/5/2009
Excellent selection by any standard, especially for a smaller town. Staff is very knowledgeable (I hear their music test for employment applications is killer) and helpful. The staff is not even close to as elitist as can be the norm at a record store. I'm always impressed coming here, especially since I used to be a music buyer at a record shop myself. The vinyl selection needs a bit of work, but I still always manage to find something. Also a good place to grab a pack of guitar strings or a strap- much appreciated. Very supportive of local musicians and shows. Great improvement when the merged their used cds with the new ones. Keep up the good work guys & gals.
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Review from penney c.
San Luis Obispo, CA
5/18/2008
I've always found this place obnoxious, dis-organized and over priced. I like Cheap Thrills better
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Review from Patrick D.
San Luis Obispo, CA
9/23/2006
A good indie record store is hard to come by, especially in a smaller town like SLO, but Boo Boo's pulls it off nicely. The staff here know their stuff. A nice collection of vinyl as well, both used and new. A local institution.
