Amoeba Music — Attraction in Los Angeles

I always loved Amoeba, mostly because I’d visit frequently growing up and spend hours browsing the vast selection of CDs, vinyl, and movies. I was sad they had to leave their original location on Sunset Blvd. I’ve been to the new location a few times now. The new place is not as big, but it’s decent. I thought I’d share some things that bothered me about the new location. First, because Amoeba no longer has its own parking, you can park in a nearby parking structure that’s free only for the first 75 minutes. In their previous location, their parking was free, and there was no time limit. I appreciated the unlimited free parking because you could browse around for hours without worrying about running out of time for parking. For the new location, I had to set a timer for 75 minutes. I left Amoeba, left the parking, then circled the block, returned to the parking again, and went into the store again for another measly 75 minutes that went by quickly. I think this dampens the exciting experience of browsing freely for hours and not worrying about parking constantly. What’s more, you must buy something to qualify for parking validation. It would have been better if Amoeba could find a more accessible parking lot.

The second issue is that since the resurgence of the LP, vinyl has become very expensive, which I’m sure wasn’t the case back when vinyl was the norm. As a younger listener, I will pay more for a new vinyl. But used vinyl shouldn’t be just as expensive. Here at Amoeba, new and used vinyl are, for the most part, the same price. At least you’re paying $25-$40 for a single vinyl. I think they’re taking advantage of the vinyl trend because used vinyl is much cheaper in other smaller record stores. Yes, they do have clearance vinyl, but the vinyl on sale includes only lesser-known and obscure titles. They’ve cleverly marked up the price for used vinyl for titles that are better known, which, to me, is the same as price gouging.

My third issue is with their “sell your vinyl” system. I recently went in to sell about 15 vinyl records, mostly jazz vocals and oldies LPs from the 50s and 60s. The employee at the counter said, “There’s no market for these records,” and that I couldn’t sell them. So my question is, if there’s “no market” for the type of LP I wanted to sell, why is the store selling these kinds of records themselves? Why sell them if there’s no market for them? So, this double-standard explanation is dubious at best. So their whole “sell your vinyl” system is essentially BS.

I still love going to Amoeba and supporting them, and I would prefer going to a record store rather than buying vinyl cheaper on Amazon. But again, all this might affect the willingness of customers to spend gas driving to Hollywood, park for only 75 minutes, and buy an expensive record.

What Amoeba does well is having a wide selection of titles, including ones from new artists. If you’re looking for a used record, go to another record store. And maybe the Record Parlour is not the best option because they’re also expensive. The high prices perhaps reflect the fact that these stores are in Hollywood, where all the tourists go. Living in the greater LA area, you’ll find better deals at other record stores that are much more affordable and where you can find better titles and quality used records. I’m finding that I’m less inclined to visit Amoeba and would rather purchase records at other record shops that are much more reasonable or on Amazon. Amoeba is just not the customer-friendly record store it used to be. It feels more like a soulless corporation with uptight employees than a place where customers can enjoy the wonderful world of exploring and...

I absolutely hate to write this since I’ve relied on Amoeba for years and they have been the reason why I’ve built such an amazing vinyl collection, but after this experience, I don’t think I’ll be returning. I have bought multiple higher priced wall items with no issues and their staff have also always been helpful. Today that has changed. I had been eyeing a used yellow pressing of A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships by The 1975 on one of their wall displays. I finally caved and bought it since it was one of my dream pressings to own. A worker pulled it down for us and verified that it was the yellow pressing. They then held it at the register for me and I purchased it.

Upon getting home (I live about two hours away), I started opening the record to properly sleeve it, and I found the the back part of the gatefold was coming completely apart. This was not labeled on the plastic sleeve the Amoeba places over used records, especially the pricier wall records. Amoeba will usually write if there are any defects and flaws. This was not written on the sleeve (see photos).

I then reached out to Amoeba via phone. I was redirected to the buy counter and spoke to Mark. He was really rude and trying to downplay that the record I purchased was actually damaged and that it’s an “easy fix”. Really? I pay $75 for a record, expecting it to not have a major flaw or defect, and it does. You do not sell something higher priced and rare without disclosing a clear flaw. He then said that I could bring it back for store credit only even though it has clear damage that was not disclosed. He also gave some ridiculous excuse about humidity within the store causing it. You guys run a major record store. Shouldn’t you be taking care of your higher priced records to avoid alleged humidity damage. He gave us a month to bring it back (again for store credit only. not an actual refund) or I would have to mail it back to them if we couldn’t make it out. Do you think I would trust mailing a rare higher priced record back to a shop that lied about the condition in the first place? Absolutely not.

As I mentioned before, I have bought countless wall items from this location without any issues. I’m quite upset that the one time they make an error, they have provided me with an unfair solution and a rude attitude. I will be looking into other retailers and online options from this point on. They seemed to have lost their care for their customers and it’s very disappointing and upsetting to see. For future customers, I would avoid purchasing any of...

Monday 9/14/21: no wait anymore, few people in store on a Monday afternoon. Things almost seem normal (except for the mask), but that's forever in LA now. Also forever is the increasing homeless crisis, they were on the block, and in nooks and stairwells and wandering around in the 75 minute validated garage (staffed!) which I have never seen in a staffed garage in any city in the world. The completely corrupt leaders of LA keep building high density housing for the rich with insufficient parking while ignoring your safety, but since it's a one party city and state nothing will ever change. Next time (if there is one) I'll park at a meter so I at least can more easily see my surroundings when I get out of my car. Don't have anything visible in your car and don't carry cash.

I wish this wasn't true.

Tuesday 4/6/21 11:30 AM: 90 minute wait to enter. No bathroom when you get in, you are warned. They're allowing under 100 in the store at once currently (Occupancy is 500 and 250 in this tier). Shopped for a little over an hour, so my parking was $15 after validation.

Very happy to see the friendly faces back at work, and several noted how comfortable the staff is with the customer limits. Right now the only "crowd" is a long line to get in.

Still interesting stuff to browse and buy, still good deals to be had. I still spent too much. There was a shorter line when I left at 2:15, an hour wait to enter.

You are certifiably insane if you come here on a weekend. I honestly don't know when I will go back with an hour drive, that line, the ridiculously overpriced parking, and no bathroom. Hollywood is an enormous trash heap now, tents surround Tommy's, but mysteriously, not Amoeba...those streets are clean and patrolled by their security. So you decide. Don't crush that fun, hand me the pliers.

Who am I kidding? I'll go back when a sweet girl wants to go with me. And update this to "best record store in the world" and five stars. 🤣

Opening day review: Come back in a few weeks; if you don't get in it's $3/20 minutes in their lot; if you do (and make a purchase) only 75 total minutes is validated. You might have luck early (11) on a weekday, but until they feel safe (see the screenshot of their Variety interview) you may well feel frustrated. Older reviews are for a vanished place and experience. Look at their Twitter...