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The Sound Garden
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Vinyl Records Shopping Electronics Music & DVDs, Vinyl Records, Electronics [Edit]
Fells Point1616 Thames St
Baltimore, MD 21231
Neighborhood: Fell's Point
(410) 563-9011
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
83 reviews for The Sound Garden
Review Highlights
"Plus used CDs are always available."
(in 26 reviews)
"Possibly the best music store in Maryland."
(in 9 reviews)
"I love this store and its great selection and deals."
(in 7 reviews)
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83 reviews in English
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Review from Marshall L.
Baltimore, MD
9/2/2011 ROTD 10/30/2011
Absolutely hand's down the best record store I've ever been to.
They have a phenomenal selection and their prices cannot be beat. If you were to go in today for example to pick up the new Beirut album that came out this week, you'll find the cd version of it on sale for $9.99. In about three weeks probably, it'll go up to the normal price of probably $12.99. You just can't beat that.
They have an extensive used collection as well, of both movies and music, and the staff on the whole are very friendly.
If I lived in DC, I would make a monthly drive to Soundgarden rather than pay the outrageous prices at places like Melody Records in Dupont Circle, it's THAT good of a record shop! -
Review from Dan A.
1/11/2012
By now most people know that they can easily buy CDs through Amazon or MP3s through iTunes. So why bother coming to The Sound Garden? Because this place is pretty awesome.
This place is much larger than it looks and they carry quite a selection of music (as well as videos and other stuff). Just how large? One time I came and found an EP of an indie artist I liked.... I searched everywhere for that EP, even looking on Amazon and iTunes and couldn't find it. And yet a copy was at The Sound Garden, waiting for me to purchase... for $3!!!!!!!
Definitely a cool place to visit if you're into music and all. With the reasonable prices and large selections, it's easy to spend a few hours here looking for your favorite albums or for new sounds. -
Review from Sam B.
Portland, ME
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
By the time we wandered into the Sound Garden, we were at the end of the second day of a long trip so we didn't give it much of a fair shake. We were looking for vinyl and they had a room at the front of the shop devoted to almost entirely new records. Their prices were pretty fair for new vinyl but, sadly, we were in the market for used. They also had a good selection of DVDs and CDs in the back but we largely passed them up in the interest of time.
Should I find myself in Baltimore, I'll definitely stop again. -
Review from Firstname L.
Kingston, NY
10/8/2011
I don't know how many Sound Gardens there are. (I think there are three?) I've been to this one and the one in Syracuse NY.
Stopped here in August 2011. It's in a really nice little shopping area in Fells Point MD.
It seems like a great place with good, knowledgeable employees. It's definitely got a cool local vibe like a record store should. Does not feel at all like an FYE or Target or any big box store.
My problem is that I'm kind of over buying music in physical format. I can't remember the last CD I bought. I have some tapes.. in the basement somewhere. Most music I get is downloaded in MP3 format.
I think most people do this now.
Sadly, this probably means the end of the record shop as we know it.
Shop here while it still exists. -
Review from Jenn H.
Fullerton, CA
11/14/2011
Found this place while exploring Fells Point on a recent visit to Baltimore. It's always nice to see a good old fashioned local record store. It's even getting harder to find one that sells DVDs! I got 2 used DVDs for $10 and they had a great selection of new and used music and movies.
Listed in: Baltimore Inner Harbor
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Review from Victoria R.
Baltimore, MD
5/31/2011
I can't tell you the number of used, perfect-condition blu-ray dvd's and XBOX/PS3 games I've bought here on the cheap.
The selection is always amazing, the music is always good. Like a good boyfriend, the staff is incredibly helpful but they leave you alone if you don't need them. -
Review from Rachel E.
Centreville, VA
7/25/2011
I love this place. This is a must stop for dvds and cds when you're in Fells Point.
They have a good selection of obscure bands/musicians and dvds which is a huge relief because I can never find anything I like. I always seem to spend entirely too much money every time I walk through the door though so come prepared, the prices are a bit high.
I like the ambiance of this place too, it is what record stores should be. There aren't many stores around anymore like this which is sad but at least we have you 'The Sound Garden'. -
Review from Cat D.
Herndon, VA
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh my goodness. This is such a nice find, especially it's located in Fell's Point, which is a really nice area to walk around. The Sound Garden is incredibly well stocked with everything, from vinyls, CDs (new and used, and $1 clearance), movies (used and new, and vintage! There's usually a 2 for $10 sale) and used video games (for most gaming systems, including the DS!). The best thing is the price - while the new stuff is really pricey, you can get CDs for as low as $1-5, videos games for half price (I got Brawl for only $25), and movies (DVD) for $5.
The selection is really generous, with more hipster music, to metal, hip-hop, and old-school. They also have many old movies that are usually hard to find, particularly in newer entertainment store. My friends and I spent a good few hours just browsing in here, and nearly everyone bought something.
The staff is also really nice, and they're really helpful when you tell them what you're looking for in particular. They also know some good restaurants and places to go around the area, if you ask. My only complaint is that there wasn't a bathroom, but the AC inside was a nice break from the weather outside!
Definitely a place to visit if you're in the area. -
Review from Michael F.
Baltimore, MD
3/28/2011
Fells point is my old stomping grounds. When i'm in the area I always stop in Leadbetters for a beer and The sound garden to browse around.
The great part about the sound garden is the randomness of people and music you will find there, music and people from all walks of life, great vibe and staff... yea it's just F'n cool.
Two thumbs up for The sound Garden! -
Review from ashley l.
Baltimore, MD
4/24/2011
Really great collection of really brand-new records. Unfortunately really expensive. Most vinyl in stock will set you back $13-$20 each album, some more, likely a few, less. Mostly recent stuff: Indie, Rock, Electronic, Dance, Lounge Pop, chill downtempo, chill uptempo, other general hipster stuff (you get the idea).
A new vice, I figure, comparable to Aldo, http://modcloth.com, and expensive haircuts. It just feels so good. -
Review from Rachel F.
Baltimore, MD
3/7/2011
Music stores generally scare me. I like music - but if it's not one of the 12 bands I'm familiar with, then I have no idea what I'm talking about.
But that's okay! Because at Sounds Garden, the staff there doesn't care how much you know or what you listen to. They wouldn't blink twice if you walked up to the register with the entire Tupac discography or Celine Dion on Vinyl (not that I already have that or anything.)
Sound Garden has a good selection of CDs and records - your basic popular stuff, then a handful of artists in all other genres. If they don't have what you want, they will tell you how to find it, which is awesome for a music newbie like. Prices aren't any cheaper than most places.
There's getting to be a better and better selection of DVDs and movies, and I've seen a ton of people grab an entire season of a TV show. There's also a weird collection of knick knack and backpacks and shirts and sunglasses to buy. I don't really get it, but to each there own.
In short, for a music shop, Sound Garden knows what's up. Too bad everyone just downloads MP3s online. -
Review from Jess I.
8/22/2011
I think I should quit smoking and buy a CD every time I would have bought a pack of cigarettes. It's the same price, and I would get an awesome collection going. They have deals too, I think. 2 CDS for 10 bucks. Not all, but specific genres maybe or something. I like this place. I feel cool coming here.
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Review from Chris F.
Worcester, MD
4/4/2011
The best music store not in Brooklyn. You can buy anything from Django Reinhardt to Heavy Gold for $9, on something called a "compact disc" which uses advanced space technology to play digital music. It works by firing an infrared laser onto polycarbonate and then analyzing the digital return with a photodiode. This store has literally THOUSANDS of these amazing inventions.
I also love being able to go into a record store and have it be packed full of people passionate about music, as if it were 1974. They even have LPs of local bands, really cool T-shirts, a knowledgeable and committed staff, and the people who shop here come from all walks of life.
Actual conversation overheard in this store on April 2nd:
GUY 1: "I love Radiohead. Have you heard the new album?"
GUY 2: "Oh yeah, definitely. I just listened to OK Computer the other day."
GUY 1: "Me too! And I was thinking, man, I wish I was listening to Kid A." -
Review from John U.
Ledyard Center, CT
10/16/2011
Awesome little shop with a little bit of everything and a great selection of used cds at decent prices. Will definitely stop by here next time I'm in Baltimore.
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Review from Elsa M.
6/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Sound Garden brings me back to my high school and early college days: When we had something known as "discmans" and Empire Records was a movie that teens could actually relate to. The surprisingly-large store still features CD players as "listening stations" and genres span every category you can think of: everything from dance to rap to R&B to rock to pop. Cheap CDs, video games, posters of Marley, The Misfits, and Mims... yes: it was definitely 2011, with a 1990s feel. I loved it. There was even a special section for movies made in Maryland. If that doesn't say "local," I don't know what does.
Of course everything the eye can see is for sale and anything you bring in can be sold, and it's all for cheap ($5 to $10). The best part of The Sound Garden though is that the staff there truly loves music and enjoys their jobs: a rarity at stores today! lol! Yeah, I know we can all go to iTunes now, but sometimes it's just nice to support the little guy. Get the CD and convert it to mp3s. It's good to have a tangible copy of your music anyway, right?Listed in: Fells Point (Bmore), Music Stores (Baltimore)
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Review from Tricia P.
Towson, MD
10/19/2010
a music nirvana.. if you are anywhere near the baltimore area and want to find a quality selection of music (cds & vinyl).. visit Sound Garden.
My family runs radio stations and media outlets in the Baltimore/DC metro areas and this is where they shop. -
Review from Cynthia M.
Baltimore, MD
11/9/2010
We're talkin real record store here! I've never been in a record store on the east coast with a better vibe than Sound Garden-The staff are eager to help, they're interested in all kinds of music, and there is such a huge selection!
I'm very impressed with their vinyl collection, and I always find something new to try. I was looking fro some rare stuff I couldn't find anywhere-BOMP! They had it!
Good/fair prices too. -
Review from Robert P.
Glen Burnie, MD
7/20/2011
I'm not as in love with this place as a lot of the hipster zombie horde in Baltimore but it is a pretty cool place to browse around. Never purchased anything here and probably never would but it's cool to walk around sometimes, usually when I'm drunk.
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Review from Robbie H.
Baltimore, MD
8/26/2011
This is my absolute favorite store in Baltimore.
The bad: (to get it out of the way) It can sometimes be crowded. It's not your polished corporate chain. Parking can be tricky.
That's it. The rest is all good.
The prices are unbeatable. For a small independent place, I don't know how they keep their prices so low. For the most part, their prices are lower than Wal-Mart/Target and the like. The only place that sometimes can beat them on price is Amazon, and that is not always the case either.
Their selection is solid. They have a great vinyl section (I've found plenty of random LP's, and plenty of usual ones too). Their CD selection is solid... if your still buying those. Great selection on DVD's and blu-rays too.
What is their biggest asset, is their used/pre-owned cd/dvd selection. They have racks of pre-owned media, at excellent prices, and if you're like me, a great way to waste an hour is to comb the racks.
They also buy your pre-owned media, which came in handy when I decided to digitize 90% of my cd collection. Their buy-back prices are fair, especially if you get store credit.
I can't gush enough about this store, so go check it out for yourself. Enjoy! -
Review from Mark M.
Astoria, NY
12/19/2010
I used to come here once or twice a week when I lived in the neighborhood. Most of the employees were very knowledgable and friendly. There were a few who had typical holier-than-thou record store attitude...but whatever...I just avoided dealing with them. If they don't carry something, they'll try their best to special order it for you, and you'll usually have it in about a week. Very few places care to do that kind of customer service anymore.
Reasonable prices. Decent selection of hip-hop and jazz. Though right before I left town they rearranged the store a bit, and cut their jazz section down to about half its former size. Boo hiss! Though honestly, I was probably one of the only people coming in there and buying jazz cds, so I can understand why they cut down the section.
They also have good in-store performances/record signings.
I definitely miss living so close to Sound Garden.Comment from Bryan B. of The Sound Garden 1/1/2011
Mark...We recently finalized deals with Blue Note, Verve &… More » -
Review from Peter D.
Philadelphia, PA
12/19/2010
The greatest. Prices are either dirt cheap or at the least very reasonable.
Best selection of hip-hop in Baltimore City, and probably everywhere south of New York to be honest.
I can't complain about the very friendly service. Some people have worked there for years. Lots of them know their ess h i tee.
If you are in the area, definitely stop by as The Sound Garden has the best selection of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Rays in the area.
I agree with the vinyl and book selection. It definitely could be better, but that's not what their forte is. -
Review from Jonathan L.
Baltimore, MD
5/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you cannot find it here/order it here, you are blind, or it might not exist musically. The selection is vastly better than a Borders/BN/FYE. Plus used CDs are always available.
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Review from Alicia T.
Baltimore, MD
6/10/2011
If you're feeling a little nostalgic... come here. You'll find everything, and if its not there, the guys know where to get it.
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Review from David V.
Baltimore, MD
7/5/2011
Trust me, if you can find it here, you can find it online much cheaper. If however, you're like me and there are times when you just don't want to wait to pick up a videogame or new vinyl find, then they probably have it here. Not the greatest selection I've ever seen - it's certainly no Amoeba - but it's probably one of the better megastores I've seen on this coast.
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Review from Sean M.
Baltimore, MD
8/16/2011
Love the Sound Garden. I like it that they have a deal when you can get 2 classic CDs for $10! Such a deal! That way you can get your music collection quickly for a cheap price. Their used CDs run from $3.99-$9.99, not too bad. Not bad at all.
The selection is also kick-ass as well. I only go there to shop for CDs though. They have a great selection of movies as well, and the staff there are awesome and helpful, they really know their stuff.
You can also get cash or store credit for trading your old CDs, movies, or games. Much better than compeditors.
Also, small concerts are held there.
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC STORES! -
Review from Erika F.
Owings Mills, MD
4/20/2011
A good spot for people still rocking their cds and vinyls. To some people this may seem like a place for college kids or rockers, but it is obviously open and welcoming to everyone. A regular music store with a very comfortable chill laid back atmosphere, located allll the way at the end of Broadway street, on Thames. It may be hard to find or see if your not being blinded by the sun but it is there. They offer every genre of music soul, jazz, rock, r&b, metal, hip hop/rap, country, etc. They also sell shirts and other items that they have aligned along the walls. Many music artists stop by this location as shown by their collection of autographs and pictures. Check them out and they have throw back music too.
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Review from Maria A.
Baltimore, MD
9/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
If you cannot find it anywhere else, you will find it HERE!!
This place has an amazing selection of old, very old, new, used and even things that have yet to come out.
For the latest, they had the Lost Blue Ray set a week before anyone else.
Yeah you head me!
If they do not have it they will get it, usually within a week.
Example they did not have Cyberpunk by Billy Idol...they got it in within a week.
Additionally the prices are unheard of. 5.99, 3.99 for a cd. Used or not, these are deal.
You can play their used cds before buying.
This place ROCKS! -
Review from John H.
Baltimore, MD
10/9/2009
I like Soundgarden. Sort of reminds me a bit of the original Plan9 records in Richmond; However, Sound Garden doesn't carry even selective used vinyl (which is a tiny bummer). The collection of reissued vinyl is extremely good, and the prices are comparable if not better to buying the same stuff online (and not paying shipping). The CD collection is pretty eclectic - they have a ton of stuff, including hard to find doom metal and modern electronic (not techno) stuff. I've found some reasonably priced gems in their piles of used CD's too.
Also, can't speak highly enough of how uber-organized Sound Garden is!
The staff is pretty knowledgeable too.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! -
Review from Brandima A.
Burke, VA
2/19/2010
A blessing and a curse.
This place is wonderful for new music suggestions, used cd/dvd selection, off the wall or hard to find goodies. The staff is courteous and knowledgeable. If you find a new CD and they have it used, they will ask if you want to save a couple a bucks! Right on!
I can't leave here without spending at least $60-$250 though, even I came the week before so I try not to go very often. Or only carry cash and leave my wallet at home!
Hard to find parking, just on the street of Fells Point which is always full of cars if not people.
Handy listening stations let you listen to just about anything before you buy it.
They also have trendy magazines and a small selection of porn DVDs for hipsters.Comment from Bryan B. of The Sound Garden 2/23/2010
Thanks for the praise. Please use our parking lot, which is… More » -
Review from Mindy M.
8/11/2009
I love local places and this place is as local as you can get and has been around forever. I love how in recent months they have a whole vinyl section with turntables that you can actually hook up with your current sound systems.
I also like how their online presence remains up to date with a New Releases section that is oh so helpful. The staff is great and I always leave there with more and better music than I intend to! This place always puts me in a great mood! It's nice to go someplace where people are still authentic and helpful! -
Review from elle j.
New York, NY
11/27/2010
I recently attended an in-store performance and signing at the Sound Garden and it all went extremely well! For the large crowd that attended, I expected there to be a heavy amount of chaos + confusion but the staff was very professional and efficient.
The vast collection of dvd's, vinyls & cds was extremely impressive. For the amount of space the Sound Garden occupies, they really pack in the audio treasures. I'm talking extremely RARE finds I was happy to walk away with after a few minutes of browsing. If there's an old school cd or vinyl you're interested in but can't find, I guarantee the Sound Garden would be the place to have it!
I hope more people frequent this spot as often as they can, gotta keep the doors on a place like this open forever! -
Review from Rebecca H.
Baltimore, MD
4/28/2010
Like everyone else, it's hard for me to leave Sound Garden without spending more money than I would've liked. Not because it's expensive but because it's cheap and there's so much variety!
The main thing I go there for are used dvd's ($5.99-$9.99) but they also have new movies, video games, a ton of new/used cd's and also a small room dedicated to new records!
They always have cool, eclectic music playing and the staff is always willing to help. It's a great enviornment and fun way to spend an afternoon (or evening because they are open until 10). They have another customer for life. -
Review from Justin B.
Middle River, MD
6/10/2011
Soundgarden offers a wide selection of CD's, Vinyl, DVD's, and Blu-Ray at a fair price. The only draw back of Soundgarden is their selection is so large that you always end up buying more than you anticipated.
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Review from Nick S.
Benicia, CA
6/14/2009 1 photo
I think I might be older than I realize. Yes, downloading music off the Internet has become the new medium for obtaining music, but not all that is revolutionary is truly great. When going to record stores, I love the feeling of walking into a place with a wall of album covers and posters of Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison staring right at me as music by the Replacements blasts over the loudspekaer and I see others who share the same passion I do. I just never feel that way when downloading.
That is the feeling I get when I go to stores like The Sound Garden in Fells Point. True, I've only been here once and it was last summer when I visited my old stomping grounds, but it was a wonderful reminder of how great independent record stores are. And to see such a place in Maryland makes me wish that I patronized this place more often when I lived out here.
I bought Fun House by the Stooges and Veni Vidi Vicious by the Hives and they both came out to be less than 20 dollars. Quite amazing when you consider that I usually pay about 25 for two CD's. The Sound Garden is an excellent store and the reason why you should support your local record stores. -
Review from Elton A.
Baltimore, MD
11/4/2009
I really stopped buying music in stores around the time iTunes came into my life, but this place has always had exactly what I was looking for, and some stuff I didn't know I wanted.
The staff is very reserved, but always knowledgeable. It's next to one of the oldest bars in America, The Horse You Came In On Saloon, so that's a big bonus. This is one of our small gems. I really can't help myself from stopping in when I'm down in Fells. -
Review from Nicole R.
Bethesda, MD
12/29/2009
Sound Garden reminds me of a cozy record store that I used to go to in my hometown of Akron, Ohio. What a fun place to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon; I could spend hours browsing their music.
The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. Their prices can't be beat; I bought two Kill Bill DVD's for $10 earlier this year!
This place is like a blast from the past and I love it. -
Review from Suze B.
Washington, DC
8/7/2009
As I hear it, this place is pretty much a landmark to locals. They have a lot going on here - well-known artists occasionally come in to sign autographs and perform. There is a nice selection of CDs, vinyl, magazines, and DVDs. It's got a cool vibe.
Only thing is, I'm so into music that I thought it would be a good idea to at least try and apply for a job here. When I picked up an application in person, they were very friendly about it and told me they were hiring. About a week later, I came back to turn it in, only to face a very different, if a bit rude staff member telling me the spot had been filled. I walked out with a 'gee thanks' sort of attitude. :/ -
Review from Josh F.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2008
The best in Baltimore. Far superior to anything Washington, D.C. has to offer either.
Good sized used section, stock recycles well, carries obscure titles, and wins hands down on staff snarkiness. -
Review from Christina F.
Baltimore, MD
12/7/2010
I can't walk into this place and walk out empty handed! Seriously...I really don't think I ever have. If I am bored I will come here and just browse and listen to music on the listening stations. They have an amazing selection of almost every genre as well as a pretty decent vinyl selection. The staff is awesome and knowledgeable. The 2 for $10 sale gets me every time. I've officially re-stocked my cd collection since coming here with oldies but goodies that I've lost along the way including recent purchases like Lost Boyz Legal Drug Money to Nirvana's In Utero to TLC's CrazySexyCool and Nas's Illmatic. They have EVERYTHING and if they don't have it they will happily order it for you.
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Review from Roger Y.
Baltimore, MD
2/9/2011
Excellent selection, diverse and has the best selection of vinyl in the city. Very reasonable prices as well.
