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Category: Music & DVD's [Edit]
Neighborhood: HillcrestMon-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Let me preface this review by stating that I am not a DJ, just a music lover and a newcomer to vinyl.
I've been meaning to stop by Record City (RC) ever since I acquired a record player a few months ago, but its 7 pm closing time was a little early to make it down there after work/school. I finally made it to RC a few Saturdays ago and I have to admit that as I made my way to the entrance flashbacks to that John Cusack movie "High Fidelity" kept popping into my head. All my musical insecurities rose to the surface... Would I be banished if I somehow blurted out that I not only own Taylor Swift's latest album, but happen to really like it?? I tried to keep my urge to confess my musical sins in check and walked through the front door.
First impression: whoa-- that guy kneeling by the crates is really hot. But I digress. Second impression: wow-- this place has a pretty sizable collection of records.. I came here on a mission: Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. So I make my way to the back of the store where the used records are located and start perusing. After 2 hours of happy browsing crates upon crates of vinyl, the net result: 3 records: Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Jim Croce all for under $15!
I should also mention that the owner (?) was very helpful and chatty and you can tell that he really takes pride in providing a good product to his customers. When i inquired about the quality of the used records he said that they do check each record that is sold in the store and that I was welcome to exchange any record that I was not satisfied with. What more can you ask for?? I will definitely be back!
Notes:
- The store is mainly dedicated to selling used records (2/3 of the store). They also had a smaller section of new vinyl and used CDs.
- The genre was mostly classic rock.
- Finding parking on a late Saturday afternoon was not problem.
Highlights:
- All the used records I saw were for the most part priced below $10 (doesn't include the rarer imported recrods).
- The $1 and $2 bins.
- I have developed a musical crush on the owner (?). There was not one song that he played in the span of the 2 hours I was there that I did not like.
- Buy 5 used records, get $1 off each
Friendly staff, nice selection of indie music. Prices are good and the last couple times I went, the cd's were a $1 off...score! The used CD's seem to be in better condition and are a few dollars cheaper than the ones sold at Lou's Records.
Street parking only. Don't forget to keep track of your parking meter. It's so easy to get carried away spending time in this store.
Great selection of vinyl, and tons of $1 bins. I always come out of Record City with a handful of records.
They have friendly staff there now? Well, that's an improvement over that grumpy old guy who used to work there when it was on El Cajon near SDSU. This is the same store, isn't it?
Every time I visit Record City there is some sort of paranormal activity that lurches behind me, lifts a large bill from the fold of my wallet, then shoots it into the cash register. And though this seems like spectacular reasoning - maybe even ridiculous - its the only way to justify my empty pockets when I waltz out of the vinyl shop, weighed down by bundles of thirty-threes.
This place has crates upon crates of older records, tethered together like pages in a great novella. They have good deals, yes, but the real reason that Record City is the gospel is because of their unparalleled selection of new vinyl. I regularly drop bills here as if their cash register was a piggy bank.
This particular shop in San Diego is probably the best around. I love M-Theory, but Record City is host to everything that I lust for musically - even if the owner does scoff at me when I purchase a Heart LP for a couple shillings.
I found the best Bob Marley album for under $10 - need I say more?
Great records, reasonable price, friendly folks all in a laid back hood.
This place is awesome :)
Best record store for rock/indies in San Diego. Friendly staff, good used selection - they have some jazz/vocalists and no classical if that is your thing. I have only shopped here for vinyl - I have no idea what their CD selection looks like.
Parking in Hillcrest can be a PITA and, as someone else said, pay attention to your meter. I often get sucked into the store and stay way longer than anticipated resulting in an expired meter.
Staff has been excellent - overall helpful. Whenever possible I support local businesses and this one is easily on the list - my first stop for rock vinyl.
solid establishment. I'm afraid my vinyl-retailers experience is on the weak side, but I definitely do like this place. The guy is helpful. I don't really go in searching for any music in particular. In other words, I let the music choose me. Descent music always seems to choose me here. I personally think they should scrap the CD collection. Who even buys CD's? Anyone with a brain the size of an orange or larger knows that vinyl is the best, and if your too lazy to go vinyl, then you just go mp3. CD's are for awkward dj's at middle school dances...
Does anyone know any other good record shops in town? I've hit M Theory, it was ok. is there anywhere else?
Record City is my favorite record store in San Diego. Great prices, a nice selection of bargain-priced records, and neatly organized. Great staff...friendly, very helpful and laid back. It's fun also to look at the framed album covers on the walls that decorate the place. Cool vibe in this store! I enjoyed the music while shopping too, which included a little Pink Floyd, Nancy Sinatra, David Bowie and several unknown artists I eventually asked about. Although there can be an appropriate time and a place for some forms of music, the proprietors know not to play hard-core rap, thrash metal, punk or other (at times) obnoxious forms of music that may drive the average customer away. Not all stores care in this regard...
During my visit the sales guy directed me to some 'girlie cover' bargain bins and I was able to score a bunch of very cool cheesecake covers for only a buck apiece. Now many didn't have the vinyl included, which to some may seem odd, but I enjoy collecting cover art and found some definite gems in there for cheap! What other store separates out their girlie covers for crying out loud? Way cool.
The sales guy also took the time to point out where I could find new arrivals for each genre, and I had some pretty good luck finding good LP's that way. Pretty cool. I left the place with over 30 records that were unexpected finds, and it didn't lighten the wallet that much at all. I'm really looking forward to my next visit!
This place rocks! My only advice is to be careful about the street parking...the meter maids in the area can be brutal and record shopping tends to fly by pretty fast. I avoided a ticket last time, but just barely!
Tip: buy 5 records priced at $3.98 and up and get a buck off apiece a checkout. Most of my records were a buck but I did manage to find 5 higher priced LP's so I saved $5 on my total, which was nice.
Best record store in town! Great prices,..the employees are very helpfull..and if you are looking for something different, they always have something great to recomend...their vinyl selection is the best!
I'm a big believer (ok, HUGE) in these kinds of stores, because I'm a vinyl nut, but unfortunately for me, they had a very small classical section. Very small. I wish they treated the genre more importantly, gave it more attention and shelves of its own (not boxes on the floor), but I suppose that the market isn't as big for jazz/rock/pop. For that, it seemed like a fine store indeed. Add some classical, guys!
Music question: What was the only single Elvis Costello released on 2 Tone Records? (Don't Google it, cheater.)
If you know the answer to that, you'd feel right at home at Record City.
You walk in and you'll more than often find the employees chatting it up about how wasted they got at Livewire or the Ken Club the night before, but are always ready to help you find what you're looking for. Hell, I've been sucked into conversations w/the staff here and wound up staying an extra half-hour.
This is definitely a record shop for those who know their music. There's some newer stuff up front (kudos for keeping it in milk crates), but the agenda here is vinyl from days gone by. I've been here hunting for 80s dance singles and it's never disappointed.
Their stock is pretty extensive, ranging from rock to easy-listening to R&B & alternative sections that are especially worthy of mention here. I didn't think I'd find "Send Me An Angel" by Real Life (yes, I love that song!) without resorting to eBay, but Record City hooked it up at a reasonable price.
Best of all, their "dollar bins" are pretty sizeable. Hint: If you find something you like here, grab it and head for the dollar bins. Chances are, you'll find the same record for way cheaper.
If you're just hanging out w/a friend shopping here, you can get lost just looking at the memorabilia that adorns the walls. Backstage passes from past tours, old press photos and 7" singles take you back in time to a time when music was just about that...music.
My only gripe? Street parking only. Ugh. If you can hang with that, though, check out Record City...you'll find a few surprises here.
PS - here's the answer to that trivia question. http://www.2-tone.info...;
This place is a gem. If they try to knock down this building, I will shackle myself to the door in protest. San Diego (well, at least me) depends on R.C. for our vinyl needs.
I found some fantastic records in the dollar bins (Frankie Goes to Hollywood, worth at least three dollars) and enjoy rubbing elbows with local vinyl geeks.
I dork out in here, I buy all my Celine, my REO, my Cyndi. No attitude whatsoever from the staff. No shame. They even had a fantastic record lint cleaner thing that I have used exactly twice!
I think I'm going to go back today and check out their Commodores selection!
I have much love for Record City. The new selection is pretty interesting and varied, but it's the used collections that come through that are worth the trip to Hillcrest. I've snagged so much crucial vinyl here in the past four months it's ridiculous. Life-long searches for Death in June records and weird Siltbreeze 12"s have ended right here in this very shop. Sometimes I walk out frustrated, my wallet weighing a lot less than it did upon arrival. Other times a single tear drips down my cheek as I flip through original pressings of Gun Club LP's only to stumble across that one, perfect Virgin Prunes 12" I passed on foolishly years before.
Oh, and the prices? Pretty much the best in town for hard to find stuff. I have love for Taang and Thirsty Moon, but they really aren't trying to make any friends with what they charge for shit.
Hi Mario!
I am not about to act like I've been to every record store on the planet, but I have been to a good number from sea to shining sea, across the pond, in der fatherland, through the land of the rising sun and this is the best overall record store I have been to.
The selection ranges from eccentric to lame; you can find some rare UK 12 inch singles of Nick Cave and fill in your collection of BTO at the same time. New arrivals are always plentiful. Some finds can be found in the dollar bins and their selection is extensive. Prices range from reasonable to a steal and the condition of the records is always immaculate.
I went to play some Stevie Wonder the other day and realized I only had In Square Circle. Next trip to Record City I picked up 4 mint copies of his mid 70s work, all complete with inserts for less than $10 and I also picked up a copy of Klaus Schultze's Dune on Brain.
The employees are always nice and helpful. Its like High Fidelity meets the Care Bears.
It doesn't get any better than this place
Crate for crate, probably the best record shop in San Diego. It is part of a chain, but heh. It doesn't feel like it.
Their specialty is vinyl, so those of you that buy cd's might be left wanting. Sometimes you get lucky, though.
Their used vinyl selection is the real treasure, though about a year ago they also started carrying re-issues of classic reggae, punk, funk, soul, etc.
The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, and will give you their opinion on albums.
About five years ago, I felt that it was time to share this spot with my best friends who happen to be DJ's. I'm simply a collector myself. Needless to say, they haven't looked back since and have thanked me numerous times for the good fortune they've had while digging here.
Hit or a miss depending on what your buying. If you know me, and you know the music I play there are JEMS here...
I have to start out by saying I'm a bit of a vinyl hound. I do my best to track down albums on vinyl, particularly ones I know I'll listen to time and again, though not every record shop in town has an extensive selection. M-Theory and Lou's are both good, don't get me wrong, but Record City specializes in vinyl, which is what makes it special.
Their records are always in impeccable condition and fairly priced. There's a bargain bin, which is plentiful, plus new vinyl and a large selection of gently used, and therefore more desirable records.
The staff is nice and will talk to you about music if you indulge them and I recommend you do. Nice guys. They even gave me a discount on a record because of a very slight imperfection once (doesn't even skip when played). You can't beat the service and selection.
I am a serious music collector who likes most genres of music but mainly collects underground music (Punk, Oi!, Psychobilly, Metal). I tend to spend a lot of money on music and have been shopping at Record City since 1996 when they were on El Cajon Blvd. Store Manager Graham has always been helpful and a pleasure doing business with. Record City has a vast selection of all genres of music and a knowledgeable staff who can help you find what you need. OR they might even turn you on to something that you might even like. Record City is the best Independent record store in San Diego that has a great selection and good prices to match. I recommend Record City for all your music needs....
Give yourself at least an hour to mill around the dollar bins.......great selection on used records...also a pretty good selection of newer and re-released goods.......im always happy leaving this shop.
I stopped buying CDs. I'm not proud of that. I just got lazy and waaaay too into my on-line life. Back when I did buy the real deal, however, I would stop by Record City every once in awhile for their used CD section.
I've bought dozens of used CDs from this place and never have any of them been scratched up. There's nothing worse than buying a used CD that is unusable.
Record City is a favorite stop for local music insiders. Mario Orduno of Art Fag Records/Skull Kontrol Presents works here as well as Kelly Alvarez of Sweet Tooth Records. Many, many local music types buy their vinyl here. Vinyl is what this shop is all about- they sell CD's but it is ALL ABOUT the VINYL at Record City, so if you aren't down with the cause, don't bother.
Makes a great one two visit with Taang! Records which has some overlapping stock and is about a minute away by foot.
My favorite record store in San Diego, I haven't always found what I'm looking for...but I always end up finding something that completely makes up for it. Great variety of vinyls, new and old, and they even have cheap used dvds and cds. Also gets an extra star for the staff not being the stereotypical snobs you come to expect from record stores.
Record City is an old school record store like how I remember them when I was in high school. Great mix of old and new vinyl. Always something to catch my attention. People working there nerding out over some obscure band. Where else can I get into a conversation about why the Chameleons Script of the Bridge album might be the most underrated album of the 80s? Where else can I pick up a Dooittle reissue and an original Human League Travelogue? I can't comment on CDs because I hate them and don't collect them, but if you have some patience to stop by often and dig a bit, you'll find some things worth having.
this record store deserves every gold star it gets plus many more. their selection is very fairly priced, and their focus is on quality - so they won't sell you a record unless it's in great condition. even their dollar-bin items are in good shape. as a dj, i rely on the records i play to sound good, and i am never disappointed with my purchases. their selection is awesome - stuff that i never thought i would find without search ebay relentlessly. also, the staff remembers me and knows what i like - and is always up to offer recommendations. you can definitely spend some time having music nerd chat there too. in these hipper-than-thou times, it's refreshing to go somewhere and be able to grab a transvision vamp record you haven't heard since the early-90s college radio days, and not get judged for also purchasing the spice girls.
Great place with tons of well-priced vinyl. Hands down the best used vinyl shop in San Diego, especially for rock genres.
Lots of new vinyl and used CDs too!
last true record store in san diego.
I'm not gonna lie - I never wanted to go into this place because the sign outside looked ugly. I wish I had gone in sooner. If you are looking for cheap vinyl or a collectible gem, you need to get into Record City. They have about eight crates of hip hop that's been half off for as long as I've been going there. Then, the other wall is full of dollar bins with 80s and then random stuff. It's crazy. I have been going every two or three weeks just to check to see what else I can get for two bucks, and I have come up with some pretty good digs. The digging in this place has become almost therapeutic to me. All they need to do is sell chocolate, and I'll never leave! Oh wait - they do! There is usually a basket of free candy on the counter. I don't know where it comes from, but I grab a Butterfinger on the way out.
Vinyl Heaven!! Their Sale bins are full of rare gems and it has a better Soul/Funk section than most of the little scenester vinyl shops around SD. Great selection and the vinyls are always (my personal experience) is great condition. The guys that runs the place is really nice and doesn't ever pull the "High Fedelity" and judge me for getting an occasional Streisand record, that I always sandwich in between my much cooler records ;) Also it's a great place to consign your old crap!
Kind, friendly, helpful staff. A definite stop for new, used CDs and vinyl records. I always drop by and check the vinyl record new arrivals bin. Great selection and excellent price. Stock up on vinyl care products for your prized collection here.
i have always walked out of here proud of what i've gotten for as little money as possible. plus, i've found some pretty rare stuff. vinyl only, so i can't tell you about cds.
everytime i go in it's the same guy working alone, and i still don't know his name, but we always talk like old friends.
My favorite record shop in San Diego. They have a whole row of $1-3 used vinyl. Soul, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Rock, whatever. New and used. CD's also. The owner is very friendly every time I'm in there. Open daily. I try to go here every month and always come out with something I'm looking for.
Do You LOVE Vinyl? Digging for records? "Record City" is a must! I have been searching Vinyl from coast to coast and this place has the IT Factor when it comes to Vinyl. They have a great selection of Rare items, fairly priced collectible records, and great selection of Soul/Funk, Oldies, 80's and Rock! The hidden gem about this place, is the SALE BINS. There are tons of Sale bin Items. This is were the "DIGGING" comes in. When you search records you tend to have to "DIG", and well there sale bins are some of the best in town. Separated too! From 80s, to Jazz, and rock! I found a few copies of records I have been looking for, at $1.00 each, even .50 cents!!! Now it took a while so, be ready to spend the time to save the money! They do have new music on Vinyl as well, not a huge selection but a few popular cuts! Friendly staff, and good to shoot some music ideas off of! Check it out!
This place is a buy-sell-trade store. The main reason I stop by is for their large selection of 45's and 33's vinyl records, which ranges from the Beach boys to Culture Club. Their used cassettes and DVDs are in good condition and very cheap. Super nice customer service.
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