For the record

By Nate Seltenrich

Contrary to popular belief, not all independent record stores are characterized by obscure releases, pierced employees, and musical elitism. Most independent record stores are actually very different and specialize in different areas. More importantly, almost all offer some important advantages over national music retail chains.

For example, despite the fact that they are unable to buy in bulk on the same scope as larger stores, many independents offer their customers lower prices on new CDs than do major chains. Independent stores also often have a wider variety of music genres, more selection within those genres, and more hard-to-find albums such as indie and rare releases. Many also provide the valuable service of buying used records, tapes and CDs, and then selling them back as used items.

Although these features vary from store to store, they represent some of the basic attractions that have made independent record stores a mainstay in the industry and the hallowed ground of many a music lover. The following profiles of three independent record stores close to Santa Clara University highlight some of these similarities and differences and explore the unique position of these stores in today's music retail environment.

Rasputin Music

Rasputin Music's boldly colorful and retro façade alerts even the most unsuspecting passerby to Rasputin's distinctive approach to music retail. Inside the store, the numerous rows of color-coded shelves tell the story. From kids to cult to country, Rasputin has it all. Well-organized and distinctly separated genres span the length of the store and offer something for just about everyone.

"I thoroughly enjoy their 'used' bins," said junior Sarah Stromska.

Rasputin's impressive catalog of used music occupies nearly one half of the store and can even be searched by means of their website, Rasputinmusic.com.

Other media such as DVDs, cassette tapes and vinyl stock the remaining shelves.

Rasputin Music also carries music-related accessories, blank media, clothing and posters, and sells tickets for Tickets.com. Listening stations, frequent in-store events and genre parties, and a modest supply of music magazines and fliers complete the list of resources available at Rasputin.

Prices are relatively low, especially when compared to most major music retail outlets. New CDs generally range from $9.99 to $16.99, while used CDs can cost anywhere from $0.99 to $14.99, depending on supply and demand. Rasputin's most popular genre is rock/pop, but general manager Michelle Kammerer is particularly proud of their more obscure offerings, especially in the indie rock genre.

Solid Grooves

Although it is less than a mile away from the Santa Clara campus, most students are likely unaware of the presence of Solid Grooves. A highly specialized independent record store that deals solely in electronic and dance genres such as trance, house, and jungle, this independent record store caters to a very select audience.

"I appreciate what Solid Grooves is doing for this area and that they are supporting the electronic music scene," praises senior Alex Riley-Sorem. Solid Grooves sells about 95 percent of its music on vinyl at an average price of $10.99, turns over its entire stock on a biweekly basis and deals primarily in imported titles.

Despite its refusal to advertise or to sell commercial albums, Solid Grooves has survived since 1994, outlasting almost all of its competitors in the area. In fact, the store has won the Metro newspapers "Best CD/Record Store" award three times, and was named the runner-up for 2002.

Upon walking through Solid Grooves doors, the customer is welcomed into a very unique musical realm. The bare walls are painted a striking green, while contrasting blue shelves cover most of the stores limited floor space. Adjacent to the cash register on the main countertop are two turntables, upon which staff members and customers alike can spin records and be broadcast over the stores speaker system. On the opposite side of the room are four listening stations, each complete with its own record player and headphones. Here, customers can listen privately to any of the stores records, none of which are sealed in plastic.

According to manager Brandon Yee, these unique touches, along with their customer service, comprise Solid Grooves most noteworthy strengths. Additionally, Solid Grooves customers, whom Yee describes as 95 percent male and mostly under 25, can often find music here that is very difficult to find elsewhere in the South Bay.

Streetlight Records

A sizeable rendition of Streetlight Records black and white oval logo proudly faces busy Bascom Avenue from the front wall outside their San Jose store. Step inside and there it is again - above each and every shelf, on the walls, on stickers, on T-shirts. As an independent record store, Streetlight Records can get away with this.

Streetlight Records is a statement as much as it is a corporation, a statement that sensible alternatives do exist to the mainstream music retail chains. Even their psychedelic television commercials tell the same story and pull it off quite convincingly.

Streetlights primary strengths are competitive pricing and comprehensive selection.

Manager Paige Brodsky also cites her staff's customer service and knowledge about music as one of the stores special qualities.

Streetlight Records sells a wide range of genres and offers considerable depth within each. Prices are low, with new CDs running from $9.99 to $15.99 and used CDs typically below $11.99.

Another convenient element of Streetlight is that new and used CDs are grouped together in one place for each artist.

According to Brodsky, the most popular genres are rock, pop and soul, while the store also has a very popular hip-hop vinyl section.

Streetlight's other features include listening stations and a wide selection of event fliers, concert postings, and free alternative magazines.

In addition to pre-recorded and blank music media, the store also sells music accessories, clothing and DVDs.