Amoeba Music

URB Magazine

By Steve Baltin

Not to sound like one of those old "remember when" guys, but before the days of iTunes, there was a thing called a record store, the kind of place where you could spend hours sifting through bins to find an original Miles Davis Kind Of Blue or discover the latest UK craze in the import section. Behind the counter, people equally passionate about music were there to help you discover new treasures. It was geek heaven.

Amoeba Records in Los Angeles is still such a place. And it's also the largest record store in the country. Amoeba has so much it almost becomes overwhelming. But for the fan with the stamina to run a music marathon, looking through enough endless bins of used records, imports, DVDs and thoroughly scrutinized staff picks, all under the backdrop of reprints and original concert posters - from Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline to Nirvana - is a rush iTunes fans will never know. And two more things we love about Amoeba:  The store supports local music through its monthly compilation of unsigned acts, and its in-store performances are unmatched. How many other record stores have had Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Talib Kweli and TV On The Radio play their stage? Just the one up our street.