Not what it used to be

Posted by Goddard leiberson  from Hollywood, Ca  on May 7, 2008

When amoeba opened a few years ago, they said they would set the standard for record stores in l.a. four years later what they've done is driven almost everyone else out of business, jacked up prices and reduced the variety of stock (especially used lps) to a point where you're better off saving the gas and money by shopping on amazon - or even e-bay. the store itself is very impressive, until you start to notice that the bins are full of just the same old stuff way overpriced. while the super expensive stuff on the walls is often interesting, what's in the customer bins priced for us mortals is often damaged. the staff is mostly arrogant and un-knowledgable, but the crowds still keep coming in on the weekends, so somebody's making money there. if you want to see the place, check it out like you'd check out the zoo (the scenery is cool and the animals are fun to watch), but if you're actually looking for records, check out the few remaining competitors or so.cal's monthly record shows (currently in buena park and pasadena city college)