Hollywood's Best Independent Record Stores

My absolute favorite independent local record store is Amoeba Music in Hollywood. Amoeba is a pretty big store but it has an Empire Records feel. If you haven't seen the movie go rent it so you can get in on the reference. Amoeba Music is like someone's old record collection stuffed in bins in a cluttered living room but believe me that's a good thing. I've only visited the Hollywood location so I don't know how the others are but it's awesome. Parking is underground and as you walk through the underground parking lot to the stairs leading up to the store you'll see the doors and walls with stickers all over the walls and door like it is wallpaper. There are stickers everywhere and it gives you a comfortable feeling like it all good that you're in there. This store is packed with not just new music but old music, used music. LP's memorabilia you can purchase everything. They also buy music to so if you have Cd's, LP's, memorabilia to sell give them a call. The staff is very eclectic looking and down to earth. They are extremely knowledgeable which to me seems quite hard because they have so much stuff. If I had to guess I'd have to say they have and inventory upwards of over 10,000 and that probably an understatement. They have a huge selection of Vinyl which is awesome if you're a DJ . They are located at 6400 Sunset Blvd. (323) 245-6400. Go visit them online an go to one of their many free in store concerts, book signings and featured in store guest DJ's. They feature some of the best independent artist around and broaden your music horizon. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are performing in store on the 17^th of July. If you take one trip there you'll be hooked.

Counterpoint Record and Books is another great bookstore. I visit them whenever I go to the comedy club two doors down. It's not a very large store at all but they have a good selection of cd's, tapes, vinyl and LP's. They have a small discount bin and you never know what you'll find. It could be Phil Collins, Montell Jordan, some opera or anything. They also have used books for sale too if you looking for a good read. Counterpoint Records is locates at 5911 ½ Franklin Ave. in Hollywood (323) 957-7965.