Record Stores in the Washington, DC Area

Sure, the Internet has made buying music easier than before. However, there are those who like to get their music the old fashion way, buying it in person. Buying music isn't what it used to be. Big box shops like Best Buy, Borders, Target and Wal-Mart has weekly CD sales. Tower Records went out of business, and local shops like Capitol City Records, Revolution Records, Now Music and Fashion closed their doors due to poor sales and high rents. Which makes you wonder are their any great records stores in DC that's not a corporate chain? I did find some good shops in DC.

1. CD Warehouse: This Georgetown Business has brought music listeners the Finest Quality Reconditioned New & Imported Cd's from around the World. It gives the latest releases from today's hottest acts. In addition, this store is Ipod Friendly. It gives you cash for the CDs that you no longer play.

CD Warehouse

3001 M St. NW

Washington, DC 20007

202-625-7101

http://www.thinkunderground.com

2. CD/Game Exchange: Whether you're looking for the latest CD, DVD, or Video Game, CD/Game Exchange has it for you. The Exchange buys, sells and trades new and used compact discs, cassette tapes, video games, VHS tapes, DVD movies, home and car audio equipment, video equipment and miscellaneous electronic equipment. It has 5 locations in the DC Metro Region:

2475 18th St., NW in Adams Morgan

4533 Wisconsin Avenue, NW in Tenleytown

4333 Lehigh Road in College Park, MD

8236 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, MD

842-C Rockville Pike in Rockville, MD

http://www.cdgamexchange.com/

3. Crooked Beat Records: In Adams Morgan, There's a shop that specializes in hard to find new and used cds/lps of independent label music and major label releases that fly outside the mainstream radar. In addition, they have in stores performances. They also buy CD's and LP that hard to find titles, imports and artist outside the mainstream. The website gives you what's in stock and what they'll buy.

Crooked Beat Records
2318 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
http://www.crookedbeat.com/

4. Melody Records Store: Since 1977, this Dupont Circle shop has large selection of music and DVDs. They got over 200,000 titles in the music department. Plus, they have numerous electronic products for your audio/video needs. It was voted best place to find Music by Washingtonian Magazine in 2003.

Melody Record Shop, Inc.
1623 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009

http://www.melodyrecords.com

5. DJ Hut: Rising from the Ashes of 12' Dance Records, DJ Hut has become a haven for breakbeats and samples. Founded by co-owner and former 12' employee James Grahm, this store has brought the focus back to DJs -- offering turntables, needles and mixers from brands like Stanton, Technics, Shure and Vestrex. The music is priced to move, with domestic labels going for under $6 and imports under $10. If you can't visit them in Dupont Circle, you can check out their online store.

DJ Hut

2010 P Street, NW

2^nd Floor

Washington, DC 20036

http://www.DJHut.com

6. Willie's Records & Tapes: It's easy to music this SW DC record store for a national chain. The store's selection is big; its prices are high, listening stations dot the store, and music accessories line one wall. However, this shop has DC flavor. The store carries a large selection of hip-hop, go-go, R&B and gospel you won't find elsewhere. In addition, it has pictures on wall above the counter show that just as many famous customers have come through Willie's doors as normal people.

Willie's Records & Tapes

4665 South Capitol Street, SW

Washington, DC

7. Mad T Music Box: Located on the U Street Corridor, Mad T is a genuine neighborhood store with an excellent selection of R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Jazz, Go-Go, Oldies, and International Music, and has a corner dedicated to local artists. If you stop by, you'll meet a very friendly store owner.

Mad T Music Box

2009 14^th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

http://www.madtmusic.com

8. Joe's Record Paradise: Do you remember the days of buying vinyl records? One shop still does. For over 30 years, Joe's Record Paradise has an incredible selection of low-priced LPs and 45s. In addition, this store also sell new and used CDs, new and used DVDs and videos, cassette tapes and even music books. There's something for everyone at Joe's Record Paradise.

Joe's Record Paradise

1300 East Gude Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850

http://www.joesrecordparadise.com/

9. Strangeland Records: Formed by former Tower Records employee Ryan Hill, Strangeland Records has a wide selection of Punk, Metal, Industrial and Electronic music on CD and vinyl. In addition, the store will sell tickets to show at Jaxx Nightclub in Springfield, VA. If you go there on Fridays and Sundays, you can catch live music from the local and regional hardcore/metal acts.

Strangeland Records

7203 Columbia Pike
Second Floor
Annandale, VA 22003

http://www.strangelandrecords.com/

10. CD Depot: It's the largest independent CD store in the Mid-Atlantic region with well over 100,000 discs and thousands of DVDs. The College Park, MD store has 8,000 square feet show room, which we fill to the brim with CDs, DVDs, Video Games, Posters, Box Sets, Listening Stations and much more. This location is conveniently located between the Washington Beltway and the University of Maryland College Park Campus. In addition, you sell your old CDs, DVDs for quick cash at their location.

CD Depot

9039 Baltimore Avenue

College Park, MD 20740

http://cdepot.com/