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San Francisco's Best Music Shops

If you consider it a sin to store your entire music collection on your hard drive, there are still a number of San Francisco stores packed with titles to expand your appreciation for music and your vinyl or CD library. Here are a few of the best:
www.amoeba
credit: www.amoeba.com

 

 
The inventory turns over quickly on the chaotic floor of this Haight Street music emporium. If you spend more than a few minutes picking through the stacks you are sure to find some titles you forgot you even wanted. The prices are reasonable, but bring a few extra dollars for those unexpected finds. A second location is open on Telegraph Ave in Berkeley.

www.greenapplebooks
credit: www.greenapplebooks.com

 

 
One of the city's best used book stores also carries a good selection of music in the annex next door. The Richmond District shop has a quaint feel that makes it a great place for hours of browsing. The shelves are loaded with affordable titles, as well as some sheet music.

Aquarius Records
www.aquariusrecords.org

 

 
Aquarius is a great place to discover new music. The Mission District shop offers a ton of CD's and a selection of vinyl. Yelpers rave about the experimental and underground offerings. Some mainstream music fans say the shop feels a bit pretentious.

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credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

 

 
Vinyl enthusiasts say digging around in the collection at Grooves will land you some rare finds. Regulars say the shop keeps some odd hours, but if your old LP player is in need of some new life, this tiny Market Street shop has the answer.

www.creativemusicsf
credit: www.creativemusicsf.com

 

 
This Excelsior District institution draws up a lot of first album nostalgia for San Francisco natives. The mom & pop shop has a well-worn feel that will allow you to peacefully sift for the next addition to your collection.

(DOORS CLOSING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011)

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