Sonic Boom Records
Category: Music & DVD's [Edit]
Neighborhood: Ballard2209 NW Market St
Seattle, WA 98107 (206) 297-2666
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sun 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
45 Reviews for Sonic Boom Records
It's HUGE!
Which, for someone who doesn't really enjoy being in a record store, would really suck. Except that this Sonic Boom has lots of stuff to read.
Hurrah!
Now I have something to do while I'm waiting for whomever to get done pawing through the huge selection of new and used CD's and other things that allow you to listen to music.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (4)
Cool (6)
Came here last night because I needed "Houdini" by the Melvins. While I was there I decided to pick up the new Mudhoney album as well. My life is now complete with these two albums, until another album comes out I want.
I am not going to say anything in this review that is going to change anyone's mind about this store. The reviews speak for themselves. But I do want to say that I like how the people who work here really do love and care about music and are not out to push the next album that the evil corporations want you to buy.
Zipzap Zubidy Bop!
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (3)
Cool (6)
Sonic Boom is great, I love the selection and listening stations in the back. Great staff, friendly and helpful. Not the largest record store around, but who needs to have the whole collection of yani on the shelf.
Better than ever. Now with even more new and used vinyl. I guess that's part of them absorbing the Fremont stock. I was taken back buy their selection or maybe I hadn't been to a record store in about 9 months. People working there are always nice or super nice.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I don't have extra cash or credit available for records...I mean vinyl....I mean cds or...whatever. I just don't. I had a massive collection in High School Days B.C, but no more. Thank God I've got a couple of guitars to keep me entertained. But, if I did have money...I'd go here yeah, why not?
I did see The Black Lips play an in store here though. l love The Black Lips. I hope they take over the world one day.
I like that dude with the giant mutton chops and glasses. I mean, I don't know him or anything, but I do like his giant mutton chops and glasses. Jesus, don't make me type that one more time.
Okay, you can wake up now.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Hands down my favorite record store in Seattle for new Indie, Punk and Alternative cd's. Vinyl selection is on the light side but that is not the focus here. The staff is ultra-friendly and the selection is excellent. The used bins are restocked daily and all the hipsters unload their shoe gazer cd's here. As you enter the store, they have the newest releases on a display rack and they are all on sale which makes it hard to resist spending $$. If you aren't into Indie music and you are looking for "Brittany Spears" or the latest "Matchbox Twenty" cd's, then perhaps you should head over to Silver Platters or Wal-Mart 'cause you ain't gonna find them here. Also, you can buy tickets to concerts and see some amazing "free" in-store performances if you stick around long enough.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
I'd have to update my review after they finish their construction... but as I live 2 states away that may be a while.
I had somewhat high expectations and was slightly disappointed when we walked into the middle of a construction zone. We felt awkward and in the way as we tried to peruse their vinyl section... which didn't look half bad- there just wasn't any room to look through it.
Prices were good and I'm pretty sure I liked the vibe of the store... Also scored an Electrelane record I didn't have marked down half price...
I think we just hit them at the wrong time. I wished they could have worked on the store after hours and/or have moved the merch around so it could be looked through- that's kind of the point of a record store, right?
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I had heard some nasty rumors of this place. Things like "spend 200$ and get a free shirt" type rumors, to which i usually chuckled in amusement and responded with "show some self-control." When that is followed by "I have 5 shirts" I really had no response.
My first experience at Sonic Boom was while innocently waiting for a bus to take me home. No problem, kill a few minutes checking out some tunes couldn't hurt anyone, right?
Three steps in the door, I knew I was in trouble. After the first aisle, there was a stack of CDs 4 deep in my arm. How could I not buy them though? The prices begged them to be purchased! Plus the selection is comparable to an online retailer, but the fact that the physical album is in my hand make it all the more difficult to put back.
Then the vinyl section. Oh lord, the vinyl. I only made it down one row and walked out with five in my hand.
By the time my arms started hurting from the weight I was hauling around, my self-control monitor kicked back in and the checkout counter was my next stop.
In the end, I missed my bus and can now say "you know, if you spend 200$ at Sonic Boom you get a shirt...I have one"
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
This store just gives off a hipster vibe to me. Lots of indie rock bullshit kind of stuff, just doesn't appeal to me. The used selection is very limited. There is very limited industrial, ebm or metal. The hip-hop selection is to me a total joke. They might as well not stock anything. They probably carry a lot of the socially conscious, save the Earth type hip-hop, though. I bet they have a huge Dr. Oktagon selection, lol.
Prices don't seem to be that advantageous. As with any record store, I can always find something that interests me. This time around, I picked up a used Andrew W.K. cd single for 99 cents, and I got a used Meat Puppets cd for $5.99. It is cool that Ballard still has a record store (or two), but otherwise I'd rather spend my money at EasyStreet.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Best place to buy music EVER! Great used selection along with all the newest releases. Very cool staff who know their shit.
So having avoided this place for years due to my fear it would be like Easy Street Records in West Seattle, I am so pleased and relieved to say that this place isn't awful and even better the employees aren't absolute shits.
I found what I was looking for, and even stuff I had no idea was out or that I needed. It was Ian's birthday so he picked himself out some CDs he's been ruminating on. I felt so out of the "loop" and could only, at first, meander around flipping through a few bands and artists that came to mind. But it was also the child's birthday and I had to think of her first.
The one guy that helped me, though sullen, was extreeeeeeeeemely knowledgeable and found me what I wanted even though he claimed he didn't know what I talking about. And I was very impressed with the prices. Sometimes I am so wrong about a place but that's fine because nothing pleases me better then finding out what's right.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (5)
Cool (5)
This is a fuckinfantabulous local record store. How could you not buy a CD here after leisurely browsing through the awesome selection?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I loved this store. A good selection. I got some great used vinyl. A couple Damned records plus The Dwarves. A good find.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Yeah.. I already wrote up this fuggin' ROCK STAR of an institution via the Fremont Loc already.. but I can't help myself. Ballard, here I GOOOOooo-
10 stars (they didn't all fit) b/c:
*They will special order anything for you.
*Best selection of music anywhere- HANDS DOWN!
*Tickets for a number of venues w/ NO fees!
*Great selection of used music.
*They give you that 10% off if you're a KEXP member.
*If you shop there like I do, you might just get a free t shirt sometime. :)
*They friggin' respect those who know their tunes and will discuss with you, at length.
*Big vinyl section. Bigger cd section.
***Get to know them real well and they'll invite you in for 'in stores' (past that long ass line) and let you hang out before they let everyone else in.
Downloading is for shmoes. i don't get my music anywhere else.
Buy your tunes here. Seeeer.
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (2)
Cool (9)
Sonic Boom's a pretty cool place to stop by. It's never a place I make an effort to go to, I usually just go inside while I'm waiting for the 18 bus to go home.
The used section seems smaller than most, and I could usually find vinyl cheaper at Easy Street or any other record store. However, if you live in Ballard and it's convenient for you, Sonic Boom is an OK spot to hit.
Plus, the employees usually don't have the 'tude the Fremont and Capitol Hill Sonic Boom employees have.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Can you say concert tickets with NO SUR-CHARGES??? What??!!! That is unheard of. Sonic Boom gets 5-stars from me for that alone. Not to mention that it has a great selection of old and current music. Their used section is small but has some really great stuff. Quality over quantity I guess. They gave my friend a free 12" EP for buying his copy of Against Me. I bought the new Common and got nothing. I guess he thought the Common CD was enough kick-ass-ness on its own. He was right.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (4)
A great record store in my hood. How kool is that? The used bin rocks my world. We always find something we absolutely need for a great price. Plus the staff is friendly and they have cool in-stores. I also really like how they have labels to indicate the artists that are indigenous to the northwest.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (4)
Friendly staff with a nice selection.
Stumbled across this place one afternoon and was pleasantly surprised. They have a great selection of new and used cd's.
Recommended.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
My favourite record shop ever. Prices are good and as long as you are looking for something 'KEXP-ish', selection is good too. I only have issues when I try to find some old country music as that bin is a bit thin. The staff has been surprisingly unpretentious so far which almost makes me feel welcome in that hipster 'too-cool-for school' way.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
In store performances, hard to find cd's, excellent prices! What's not to love about Sonic Boom? It's great that a music store supports so many local and indie bands. Everytime I am in Ballard I make a stop here!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I honestly believe that music buyers fall into three categories: Sonic Boom buyers, Easy Street buyers, and people who go to those other crappy stores. I am a Sonic Boom buyer, not entirely in love with one of their stores more than the others, but reviewing the Ballard store because it's closest to me (and so big!).
I've never encountered a rude employee. I've seen awesome in store performances from some amazing bands (including a stand-out karaoke performance from ...Trail of the Dead at the Capitol Hill location). I always find what I'm looking for - and a lot of times end up buying things I didn't know I was looking for. They have good prices and a great Used selection.
5-stars all around.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I always loved Sonic Boom...but now that I live in Portland, where, sadly, there is no Sonic Boom (and no record store that really even comes close), I love it even more. I can see how if you only listened to hip hop, or you listened to mainstream rubbish, there wouldn't be much for you here...but me, I pretty much listen to indie rock, and that's it...which happens to be 80% of what they carry at the Boom. So it's pretty much hog heaven for me. I never fail to find at least a couple CDs in the used section that I need to have - which is more than I can say for pretty much any other record store that I've ever been (I'm kind of hard to please). And if I ever bought new CDs, which I hardly ever do (unless it's a new release by a favorite band, and it's on sale), God, I could kiss my savings goodbye (such as they are). Plus, Jason, the owner, is a great guy - I've known him for years, and he's always been a stand-up individual. It's always nice to know that the business you're patronizing is owned by a decent person who is passionate about what they do.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This is a great little music store with really good prices and a cool staff. Great selection of Indie and local music. And they let my dog shop with me and give her cookies when she noses her way behind the counter. One time we went in and one of the workers was extra giddy from his trip to Octoberfest making our shopping an even more enjoyable experience.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I like Sonic Boom, but some of these reviews seem a bit disingenuous to me. The selection is adequate but by no means extensive. The store isn't cramped but it's a stretch to call it large. And the prices are neither high nor low; they're about what you'd expect.
The listening stations are cool, the used section turns up a find from time to time, and in-store performance are, of course, a good thing. Sonic Boom is good, but there's nothing particularly exceptional about it.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I seem to be following the crowd with the 5 stars here.
But here's the thing. There are a lot of reasons to pick your favorite record store. The Ballard Sonic Boom has been my record-store preference ever since my very first visit after moving to Seattle, when I ventured out alone to see a Tegan and Sara in-store. There were other stores closer, sure. But even before I lived in this neighborhood I'd take the bus here before I'd go to Cellophane Square.
MY reason for choosing Ballard SB is because when it comes down to it I'm going to pick my favorite local record store based on whether the employees treat me all right. To quote Warren from Empire Records: "You think you're SO GREAT cuz you work in a FREAKIN RECORD STORE." It's sad, but it's so, so true. The Ballard SB may not have the best used selection ever (that award goes to Easy Street in West Seattle) and they may not have punch cards (please! please get punch cards!) but it's pretty much the only record store I've gone to where I DON'T feel like the people who work there are judging me by what CDs I buy.
They also have the best in-stores, in my opinion. (There's also the free posters and occasional free CD samplers. Rock.)
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
BOOM!!!!!!!!
And it's Sonic. Cool. If you want to feel cool, go in and pretend to be a DJ... you know, like one of those who mixes stuff. And say things like, "OH YEAH, THIS GUY IS HUGE IN SWEDEN!"
The people that work here are super nice and extremely helpful. I try not to buy CDs anywhere else.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Don't get me wrong, I love this place. I think the prices are fair, the selection is great, and I can always find a gem in the used section. However, the staff and their- I'm too cool for school attitude is a little annoying. Sure, this is a generalization- there are a handful of helpful and courteous folk- but generally, I usually get ignored...they always seem so wrapped up in the scene and explaining how they are wrapped up in the scene to fellow co-workers that they pay little attention to anyone in the place (I know we are supposed to expect that from music stores, eg High Fidelity, but still...c'mon).
I think if I would have written this review three years ago I would have given Sonic Boom five stars. However, after getting hooked by Newbury Comics in Boston- I HAVE to make comparisons...which knocks Sonic Boom down one star...which doesn't really make them a Sonic Bust.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
When outatowners are here to visit & tell me they're having a hard time finding a good music store (and also say they are surprised since Seattle is known for its music as much as its coffee & microbrews), I reply, "Have you tried Sonic Boom yet? No? Well then..."
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Let me tell you why I hate Sonic Boom. Every time I plan to "stop in" and pick up an album I want, I end up spending at least an hour there and carry out a stack of cd's I can barely hold in one hand. I run late for appointments. I drain my bank account. Then all I can afford is to spend the rest of the month at home listening to my new finds.
Really, this is hands down one of the best record stores I've been to. It's up there with Soundgarden in Baltimore, MD and Plan 9 in Richmond, VA. The staff is friendly, unpretentious, and helpful. The selection of new and used music is great, as are the prices. Plus, if they don't have what you want they'll find it for you. And who can resist a place that has so many great in-store performances?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Sonic Boom has a relaxed atmosphere. You have the option to float around the store and listen to a variety of newly release and used cds.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This is a wonderful music store if you are there at the right time. I mean when they haven't got the stereo cranked with death metal (Or some other music out of my realm of appreciation) and you have to say:
"EXCUSE ME, I...SAID...EXCUSE...ME, I'M... LOOKING...FOR ...THE...BLUES...BROTHERS...SOUNDTRACK...FROM...TH E...70s. HUH? NO,...THE...FIRST...MOVIE. HUH?...YOU...CAN...ORDER IT? GREAT!" Talk about sonic boom! I realize in all fairness to Sonic Boom this may have been an isolated incident (slow day or something).
Other than that, I love pretty much everything about this store, its proximity to my house, the fact they can get the obscure imports you're looking for and that they also carry used items and have competitive pricing. I got my beloved Blues Brother's soundtrack CD and My wife bought me a Rutles soundtrack CD for Christmas there. Where else can you find a Rutles soundtrack CD close to home. Note: The Rutles was a Beatles Mocumentary with Monty Python's Eric Idol playing the McCartney-like character. Funny stuff and very well done!
At any rate, I will definitely check here first before going to the major chains for my music.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
stopped in here since i was in the neighborhood. found exactly what i wanted and found it quickly. chatted up the guy at the register for a minute and he was incredibly helpful and just nice in general. nice guys don't always finish last. sometimes they get 5 stars.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
you can get all the odd ball stuff that KEXP plays here, that Best Buy has no clue about! Because of this fact, I have a long running list of Cd's I want, and judging by their selection, I bet I'll find just about everyone.
Went here with a $40 gift certificate, got 3 Cd's and they gave me a discount so I wouldn't have to pull out my card to pay the difference! Rockin! The indie counter guy was super helpful and friendly, and didn't make me feel like a burden. Plus they have pretty good prices to boot!
I will from now on, buy my music here.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I went to the very first Sonic Boom when it was right next to the Rudy's in Fremont. They've come a long way, baby. I don't know if you could find a more knowledgeable staff when it comes to indie music. They stock a little bit of everything here. T-shirts, 7-inches (there is a vinyl shop down the alley from the Fremont location, for all of you vinyl junkies) and the listening stations are incredible. Like Kathleen W. said, I've never left with the CD I cam in there looking for. Where else can you see Superchunk, the Gorillaz and Smoosh do free in-stores and hang out with everyone afterwards like there were family?
Sonic Boom has 3 locations in the best locations. Capitol Hill, Fremont and Ballard. All 3 are DEFINITELY worth checking out.
I'd give it 6 stars if I could.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
A local record shop at its finest. Not only did I finally land the Daylight Basement CD I've been seeking for weeks, but also scored the new Scissor Sisters for $10 (it was $17 at Tower).
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (3)
Well, I'm picking one of the bunch to review. I'm strictly an internet customer of Sonic Boom since I live in Virginia, but I have to say they have a fantastic selection, great prices, and the best customer service of any of the internet record stores I've ever deal with. I will always look to them when trying to find a hard-to-locate record because even when they don't have it (but they usually do!), they take that extra step and actually let me know. Keep it up you fantastic store you.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Who in the world buys CDs anymore? Ha HA. I kid. Um.
My ex is a total groupie for Nabile Ayers, the co-owner, because he's in the Long Winters, so this place has some star flavor, if you're into that.
The employees don't have an attitude, which I can't say for West Seattle's Easy Street, so that's a positive. The selection seems pretty nice. Most importantly, though, are the multiple listening stations. I come down here every other week to see if they're playing any good new bands. Who has time to listen to KEXP?
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Simply the best record store ever. Amazing selection, super friendly and non-snobby record store clerks, huge supporters of local music, and the best in-store performances around. I heart Sonic Boom!!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Definitely not my favorite music store to shop at. I used to come in pretty often when I worked across the street a few years back. I would come in and peruse the selection of used cd's (I have a weakness for used music) and check out the staff selections. Always good stuff, but I just don't think this place is all that awesome. Apparently I am in the minority, but I'm ok with that. I guess it's just not my most favorite place because I'm not all into all that indie and local stuff. I listen to KEXP, but not enough to care that this place was opened by a former dj. I've actually met the guy who opened this place, he's really nice and a cool guy. Most of the music I want to buy I can find cheaper elsewhere and the used selection is somewhat weak. I understand that they can't really control the used selection, it's basically whatever people are bringing in. I'll tell you what I really enjoy here though, it's the front section with all the ads and such for local goings on. I love that stuff! This location really seems to have a much better selection of better looking freebie postcards and flyers and buttons and such. Yay for promoting local events. And yay for being a good outlet for local bands to sell their music and wares, but I guess boo on me for not really caring that much. Sorry.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (3)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Seattle: Record Shopping
What goes around comes around, put the needle in… -
B-B-B-Ballard!
Some of my favorite places to be in beautiful…
Hot and New
- The Traveler
8 reviews
Neighborhood: Ballard
- Spur Gastropub
10 reviews
Neighborhood: Belltown
- Paseo
315 reviews
Neighborhood: Fremont
- Space Needle
135 reviews
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
- Thai Tom
213 reviews
Neighborhood: University District