Metamatic Forums Socialising The Green Room cd/album stores -- getting less and less

To all:

One of my greatest hobbies was searching for cd/albums in various stores in the UK. Now, I am living in the US, specificially in DC, but there are very few in the area unfortunately.

I don't mind shopping on the internet (Amazon, etc...), but it isn't the same. I loved running into people who had the same musical tastes as me. I-Tunes, to me, doesn't have a vast collection either. For example, I had the urge to get Icicle Work's first cd, and in the US, it costs $27.00 (if one can find it) -- and one can't get it on I-Tunes or a download from another source in the US.

I am sure the same is happening in the UK. I feel it's a lost hobby anymore. Do others here feel the same? One can go to markets, I guess, but sometimes, I like to have a brand new one, especially if I like the band/artist.

I also like having something to hold. Recently, I had a computer crash at home on one of my laptops, and some music "disappeared". Though, I keep back-ups, I have to put everything back on again when the computer comes back.

Maybe, I just have to move back to the UK.

Anyway, feel free to respond.

Regards,

Blue P

I live in Sheffield, which is a fairly large UK city, but over the course of the last couple of years, I have witnessed three music stores close. In the city centre we're left with Zavvie (formerly Virgin) and HMV.

The branches of WHSmith and Woolworths are hopeless and overpriced. They only stock the trash that's in the charts anyway.

To be honest I do order most things online, either because it's cheaper or I can't get it in the 'real' shops. There's always something exciting about knowing something is on its way to you (hopefully!) in the post, but you cannot beat just going into a music shop and browsing. Looking at the real covers, picking up the products, and just enjoying that simple experience – which you don't get online.

I only buy from shops when it's either in a sale or an impulse purchase.

Having spent a lot of time in Paris over the last few years where their stores like Fnac, Cultura and their Virgin shops (which are are HUGE) and absolutely brimming with everything, from DVDs to books and music from all over the world, the rather small selection I find in the UK shops is frustrating, sad and disappointing.

In short, I think you might be disappointed if you come back here!

Unless it's London.

I went to Sheffield once. (We were actually looking for Dronfield) Got lost, around 2AM, while driving a large refrigerated truck (long story, involving a fork-lift stuck in a Ford Cargo.. don't ask..). Every bloke we asked insisted on calling us "flower". And I mean burly security guards. What the hell was that all about?

Sheffield: Human League, Cabaret Voltaire (Cool)

Middlesbrough: Chris Rea, Paul Rodgers, David Coverdale (Redcar). Roy "Chubby" Brown (Redcar again) Hmm.

I grew up in Dronfield

...and it had 1 shop that sold a small number of CDs!!

I used to dream of going to Sheffield.
Never you mind, flower.

I buy online now. There's only one store left in Sydney that does imports and they know they can rip you off, so why should I bother?

If its still young kids dominating the market, then stores are dying because the kids are all doing it online.
I will only buy hardcopies whether it be CDs, DVDs or vinyl or whatever.

Luckily, I work right near a great record shop. I agree with you about wanting to 'have something'. Also, I enjoy browsing through the store and finding unexpected bargains.

That is my number one reason for owning so many cds.

Being a huge vinyl freak I'm very lucky to live in San Francisco where the culture is still alive and well! While there certainly arent as many as there used to be,it's still great!

I have about 5 regular shops I go to , not to mention the 2 Amoeba music stores here( who have more used music than anyone!)you can spend hours and hours in there!

http://www.amoeba.com/music/cds-and-vinyl.html

Gosh, you are lucky.

Blue P