America still has a large selection of music stores to visit.
With the advent of iTunes and online downloads of music, music stores that carry actual CDs or vinyl are becoming a dying breed. The music industry has witnessed the downsizing or closing of music store franchises such as Tower Records, HMV and Virgin. However, smaller independently-owned music stores still dot the landscape and continue to offer an outlet for those music aficionados still content on searching for that vintage record.
Ameoba Music
Known as the "World's Largest Independent Record Store," this music store carries more than 100,000 titles at any given time at each of its three stores in Hollywood, San Fransisco and Berkeley, California. Artists like the Sadies, Scissor Sisters and Flight of the Conchords have all performed live in store.
The Electric Fetus
With a history of more than 40-years in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Electric Fetus features an array of music selections and a knowledgeable staff who've been there for 25 years or more. Add that to the burn-your-own mix CD station and thousands of titles, this store offers a great musical experience.
Dusty Groove
This Chicago, Illinois, institution specializes in offering the best and rarest in funk, soul, R&B, hip hop, African, Brazilian, jazz, Latin and disco albums. "Rolling Stone" magazine, in 2011, called the Dusty Groove "easily the finest shop of its kind in the United States."
Grimey's New and Pre-Loved Music
Grimey's is one of the few music stores in America that has a live music venue in the basement to compliment the 300,000 plus titles in the store above it. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, "Rolling Stone" magazine calls it "a true audiophile's paradise."
Other Music
Named "Other Music" as an alternative to the former Tower Music that had dominated across the street in New York City, this store has outlasted the music giant. This tiny store has an extremely knowledgeable staff who can recommend rare music of any genre.
Newbury Comics
This Boston, Massachusetts, music powerhouse is more than simply a comic store. It includes some of the best music selections -- popular to rare -- in the U.S. Newbury Comics has a franchise of 21 stores to serve music-lovers throughout New England.
Ear X-tacy
Opened in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1985, Ear X-tacy carries thousands of titles unlike few other stores in America and rare finds from indie to out-of-print records. The store also hosts free live in-store concerts featuring artists like The Decemberists and Talib Kweli.
Waterloo Records
Waterloo Records in Austin, Texas, is has one of the most comprehensive album selection of any record store in the U.S. Its in-store concerts have touted the likes of big names such as Hot Hot Heat and Steve Earle.
Sonic Boom
Sonic Boom is a magnet to the Seattle, Washington, music industry and audiophiles alike. The store touts a large selection of titles ranging from current hits to rare indie bands and everything in between. The free in-store concerts often spawn impromptu reunions of local artists.
Jerry's Records
Jerry's Records specialty is vinyl. With more than a million records to explore, a record repair service and available turntables for sale, this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, store has the rarest of selections. It also carries a wide variety of CDs, videos and 8-tracks under their massive roof.
Tags: more than, in-store concerts, music stores, Dusty Groove, Electric Fetus, Jerry Records, knowledgeable staff
