Those are some pretty decent choices, but why only 17? They're missing out on a lot. Goner in Memphis? Apop in St. Louis? Used Kids in Columbus? Kim's in NYC? Plan 9 in Richmond, VA? Empire Records from that movie?

Goner and Used Kids are way better than Grimey's. I love Ernest Tubbs, go there all the time. I'm so over hearing Grimey's is the best store. They only promote what CMJ/Paste Magazine and hip popular labels tell them to. They don't have a mind of their own. All the employees want you to buy Fleet Foxes b/c its on Sub Pop. Well I'm over it.

Used Kids - way cool people there, they don't throw hip music down your throat. I had a talk to them about it one time. They actually said they like Great Escape better. Which makes sense.

Goner - They have all the killer garage records. Love it!

Ernest Tubb's has a great selection and location and history, but is terribly overpriced. I've never bought anything there because I refuse to pay 19.99 for a cd that can be order on Amazon for 9.99.

I'm pretty sure I've been to the Electric Fetus. Its been 10+ years though.

I'll be hitting the Twin Cities next month - I'll post a report then.

I think I've been to Used Kids in Columbus (am I right, Luke?). If so, yes, it is one of the coolest record stores I've been to.

I used to buy bootlegs from Criminal Records in Atlanta. I wonder if they still sell those?

Ear-X-tacy in Louisville is gigantic. It's pretty cool that an independant record store can be that big, but I'm not sure how great it actually is. It's been a few years since I've been there, though.

One thing that I really like about Ernest Tubb's is that they still sell cassettes.

only paste magazine would rate a record store based on its 'coolness'...gimme a break. couldn't it be based on how influential or eclectic or how vital to its region it is? so what we're really looking for here is the pitchfork of record stores. great.

that said, lol at:

"(Grimeys)only promote what CMJ/Paste Magazine and hip popular labels tell them to. They don't have a mind of their own. All the employees want you to buy Fleet Foxes b/c its on Sub Pop."

whatever. Actually I don't think anyone who works at Grimey's reads CMJ or Paste. I admit, I know them. I also know that the people who work there have some of the most eclectic tastes (and biggest record collections) of anyone in the scene. Sure there are people who work there whose tastes are not quite as wide-ranging but overall i think the staff covers their bases. Have you heard Doyle's radio shows?

And 'they want you to buy fleet foxes b/c its on sub pop'...yeah dude sub pop has put out like ten shitty records this year that i've never heard a peep about at grimeys. i think i've heard more about the mississippi records reissues at grimeys than the sub pop catalog. I wouldn't know about the daptone catalog or the numero catalog if it wasn't for grimeys.

i've been going to used kids since before the fire. they absolutely pay the best anywhere for used cd's. I'm always a little surprised that they don't make these stupid 'best record store' lists, but then i remember...THEY SPEND ALL THEIR TIME PUTTING ALL THEIR GOOD RECORDS ON eBAY. Seriously there's always the two guys in there sitting in front of a computer, snapping pictures at the nice Tom Waits records or whatever that they just bought. LAAAMMME!!!! You absolutely will never find a nice original lp copy of, say, Trout Mask Replica or Tago Mago at Used Kids because it goes straight to eBay.

Also whenever I go into a record store out of town I always ask the people there about the local scene, bands i should check out, etc. Used Kids is the only store that gives me a deer-in-headlights look when I ask that question. Its always "uh, i haven't really checked out whats going on this week" or some other disinterested respsonse. So, like, pitchfork ends up telling me more about columbus bands then the people at Used Kids. And columbus has a pretty good house show scene.

Also i've picked up way underpriced avant-grade/modern composer and folk records at Used Kids that didn't make it to eBay because obviously the clerks didn't know what they had.

whatevs. all stores have good and bad sides. it seems silly to me to try to rate them...

Easy Street in Seattle should have made this list.

And how could anyone in their right mind bitch about Grimeys? They've almost always got whatever I'm looking for, the staff is friendly and knows their shit, their prices are good, and they host 2-3 in-stores a week (and give you beer). What more could you ask for? Do you want a hand job while you browse the racks or something?

Do you want a hand job while you browse the racks or something?

Do you really want me to answer that?

Am I the only one who really doesn't like record stores? Everytime I go to one (which is pretty fucking infrequently these days) I feel like I'm being looked down upon by the hipper than thou clerks.

Protip: snickering at someone for not knowing how to properly pronounce 'Neu!' will hurt your bottom line.

Tobin, you are a disgrace. You probably weren't being looked down on before, but you definitely are now.

How can you claim to be so into music, but not go to record stores?

Why sit here and bitch about Nashville's lack of shows if you never make the effort to go to them?

Why do you hang out on a music blog if you are so dead set against supporting music?

Seriously, that's some fucked up shit.

Go buy a fucking record already.

I don't really have anything against record stores, but more and more, I find myself ordering my music online. They have everything and it's usually cheaper. Sorry.

I don't go to record stores because I can get the same product at a better price online.

I don't go to many shows because my work schedule doesn't permit it.

I love music. I spend 10+ hours a day listening to it. That is why I post on Cream.

Realize Sean that not everyone has your schedule, your disposible income or your jolly personality!

I don't think this is an identity question. Lots of people buy music online, but when I need something fast or on vinyl or especially something for a gift, I go to Grimey's.

Yessss, we've all heard a million times how great Grimey's is, but that's because it actually is great. We can all pull a Chunklet on this one and rip on our sacred cows all day long, and sure, it's way funnier than being earnest, as all cynicism usually is.

But the staff there are probably some of the coolest record-store geeks I've met, none of whom has ever looked down on me while I searched for less-than-cool, non-obscure records. You can just talk to those people, you know? I don't think it's a landmine of cool over there.

From what I can tell they are all music lovers who are eager to educate people about what's going on. I debated the merits of Pop Levi to a clerk there once (who hated it) without so much as a smirk of superiority in return. And I'm a chick! (Tobinthegnome can attest to how inferior our taste is.)

@Tobin: What are you a paper boy or something? Do you have to be up at 5 a.m. to beg for change in front of Krispy Kreme? I don't get it, if you love music so much why don't you make the effort to be a part of it? Why be such a troll and act like everyone else is ruining it for you even though the choice is entirely yours?

And before you start thinking that I'm some flossin' music critic living in the lap of luxury, please note that I make less than $20k a year, with a full time(9 to 5)job and a college degree. The Scene is kind enough to give me beer money for writing about music, which helps, but I am not exactly rolling in it. More often than not it's a choice between buying music and eating something besides hot dogs on white bread.

Obviously, I eat a lot of hot dogs.

I took a big hit moving down here to pursue a life in music. If I had stayed the manufacturing industry I was born into (centerless grinding, whooo!)I'd be making almost three times as much, have medical insurance, vacation time and a realiable future in a steady industry. Right now, all I can count on is the occasional +1 and a bunch of lazy trolls complaining that the music world doesn't work exactly the way they want it.

The Music Editor at the Nashville Scene gets great service at a local record store. Shocker!

The last CD I ordered from Grimey's was in 2003 - Manitoba's Up In Flames. I waited 6 weeks - nothing. Eventually I just showed up one day. They still didn't have my copy. In the end I paid full price (plus tax) for a used PROMO copy(no liner notes or artwork).

Sorry for not being their biggest cheerleader.

I've been going to Grimey's a lot longer than I've been the music editor, so FACE!

I've never felt "looked down upon" at Grimey's and I'm a nobody. Everybody there has always been helpful whenever I wanted to order sometime (not often but when I wanted Brooke Waggoner's CD it was in my hands within 3 days) or needed any kind of help from people working there.

You're overreacting if you think you're being judged at Grimey's. In fact, you're downright paranoid.

Tobin, you just like to fucking bitch. Admit it. Personally, I don't agree with a word of what you say. But thanks for being the fall guy for our abuse.

The reason you didn't get your copy was that it had been recalled because the band was being sued for trademark infringement - not Grimey's fault at all. Take it up with Handsome Dick, if you have the cajones.

Why didn't they tell me that at the time? If they had, I'd have been less disgruntled. Instead they did nothing. No word.

A phone call would have sufficed.

Sean, Im calling BS on the lawsuit explination. That suit wasn't filed until late 2003 and the name change happened in 2004. I would have ordered Up In Flames shortly after its P4k review in April of 03.

How could they recall a CD they hadn't yet been sued for?

Oh sorry, I forgot to memorize the legal travails of also-ran Canadian electronic act, my bad! How silly of me to not remember exactly when a boring derivative album of bullshit shoegaze came out?!? I must not have had Pitchfork's dick crammed far enough down my throat - I totally apologize.

Have you ever worked at a record store, Tobin? Have you ever dealt with record distributors? I think there are plenty of people that could tell you that putting an order in for a relatively fringe act like Manitoba is a hit or miss venture.

I might be wrong, but I don't think Grimey's was doing enough new release volume in 2003 to buy direct from ADA - who distributes Domino USA - so they probably had to order it from an indie like Choke or Cobraside. If a record isn't brand fucking new or constantly moving units, they put it in the warehouse and the goofs that work in the warehouse are probably not going to look for it very hard. Maybe one day, when the distributor realizes that there is a shit ton of back order stuff that's been paid for but hasn't shipped, maybe - MAYBE - then they'll pack up your special order and send it to the record store.

During the time it took the store to send in your order and the distributor to start looking for it, it had been recalled. It would have been pulled almost as soon as the suit was filed, because nobody wants to deal with that sort of legel malarky.

But I'm stilling calling BS on your entire existense, Gnome.

Fuck all y'all. get me another beer.

If you want it, Grimeys has it. If they don't have it, they'll get it, and they'll call you when it comes in. Sometimes, they'll give you a beer on a Friday afternoon. If it takes a long time for a record come in, that's because the label sucks, or the distro sucks. All any store can do is ask.

Before Grimey's there was, what, Great Escape? Tower? Lucy's was great, but not for the records. Grimey's was the first, and is the best.

I've found the best and most efficient way to get new music (especially with gas prices going up) is on amazon or ebay. Music stores are SO 1990's.

Jesus fucking Christ. Grimey's is one of the most important components of this music ccene. They have in-store shows with locals as well as bigger touring acts, they'll carry any local releases, no matter how small, and I've never felt any condescending vibes from the staff (in fact I've slowly become friends with almost all of them since I started going there 4 years ago). Face it, this town and this music scene benefits greatly from Grimey's and we should be thankful that it exists. As for the prices, I will gladly pay a couple extra bucks for a record knowing that the money is going to keep such a great establishment alive. To me it's an investment in something I love, and its future. Fuck haters.

Armageddon Records in Providence is the most amazing place I've ever set foot in.

boring derivative album of bullshit shoegaze came out?!? I must not have had Pitchfork's dick crammed far enough down my throat - I totally apologize.

OMG this is like most indie thing I have read in my entire life. My mind is blown. You win Boston, good showing!

I was at Grimeys last week when someone came in and asked about a Triumph album... the Canadian arena/prog rock trio, not the insult comic dog. And nobody laughed at him, or shot him dirty looks, or made him feel small for not being indie enough. Lance is right... if you don't feel cool enough at Grimeys, the issue is with you, not with the staff.

Grimey's rules. Nuff said.

I think Sean has some anger management issues. Remember that Porter Hall TN comments that one time? Fuckthenashvillescene.com or whatever it was? Sean's scary.

I am sure amazon, ebay, and all other online retailers will gladly give back to your community, stop in and spend money where YOU work and buy back your used music when you need some lunch money. go ahead, ask em!

Anyone ever had luck at Phonolux? Haven't gone there in ages.

Just to prove how fucking indie I am: I found a great copy of Bell Biv Devoe's Poison album at Phonolux for six bucks. I also got the second Tony Toni Tone record there for the same price. Phonolux isn't always at the top of my list, but they always come through.

Well, if you're looking for New Jack Swing.

oh my god... i actually really liked that 2nd toni x3 record when i was a youngin.

i need to hear that... hell... i'm going to itunes right now. i am so not cool.

The Goose Creek Symphony in-store at Grimey's yesterday ruled. My son dug it too. The Old Style Beer Mike handed me was cold and delicious. And they have our new album in the Local rack (I'm shameless).

The Groove ain't so bad either. I've only been there once for the Derrick Brown/Spring Hill Spider Party sign off in-store but I was impressed by the amount of stuff they had. I even recall seeing a Melt-Banana LP on one of the display racks.

The Groove's vinyl collection is amazing. It really makes me want to get a turntable again. The CD collection is hit or miss. I really want them to make a go of it though, because I love having a record store I can walk to from my apartment. The Hotpipes instore was a blast... they've got a great layout for that kinda thing, they need to do more of it.

The cool thing about Amoeba in LA is seeing businessmen in their suits browsing the black metal section.

post motherfucking script.

I bought 5 CDs at Grimey's today.

Happy now?!?

Great, so you're a Catholic gnome.

I can do no right.

I can do no wrong.

You fucking douche.

Ear X-Tacy is still tops.
The Electric Fetus wasn't that great, but I might have been at one of the satellite stores and not "THE" one to go to (I think there's like 6 in the Twin Cities).