Rasputin Music / Anastasia's Vintage — Attraction in Pleasant Hill

If you are a person who streams everything, who long ago unloaded your cd and dvd collections, this review might not make any sense. Rasputin is a media chain specializing in those old cds and dvds. They sell new ones, too, along with vinyl, clothing, and all manner of music-related merch, but they have always been a small chain store, with less than 10 stores in the bay area over the years. The rampant popularity of streaming, coupled with the pricing tactics of larger chain stores and the internet have made independent record stores like this one an endangered species. Thus, in order to survive, the smaller store needs to act aggressively, and the most important tool in that fight is customer service. No one wants to shop where they feel unwelcome. My recent experience at this location felt more like a Gitmo indoctrination circa 2003. I was not welcomed, nor thanked, nor even approached by a staff member (except for the soulless formality of a temperature check), all of whom had the defensive expressions of caged animals. I do not know what happened, but this location used to be a bit friendlier. My impulse is to blame management but i am not in possession of all the facts. Whatever the case, this store is not currently justifying its retail dollar and i cannot recommend shopping there unless, like myself, you needed a physical thing (Zeppelin BBC, 2-CD set for an impending road trip). I want to like this place but they need to hone their personality so it isn't just a commercial nightstick. There is an annual event in the US called Record Store Day. Its supposed to be a fun celebration...i am hopeful that this place tries to...

Rasputin Music is a gem among local CD and vinyl stores, offering a nostalgic and enchanting experience for music enthusiasts. As I stepped inside, I was immediately greeted by rows of vinyl records, creating a mesmerizing sight for any collector. The store's ambiance exudes a vintage charm, with its well-organized shelves, friendly staff, and a wide selection of music genres that cater to all tastes.

One of the store's standout features is its impressive collection of rare and hard-to-find vinyl records. Whether you're searching for classic rock, jazz, or indie favorites, Rasputin Music is sure to have something to satisfy your musical cravings. I was delighted to stumble upon rare editions of albums that I had been hunting for years.

Furthermore, Rasputin Music encourages discovery, allowing visitors to preview albums before making their purchase decisions. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to offer recommendations and engage in conversations about music, fostering a sense of community within the store.

However, it's worth noting that the store's focus on physical media may not appeal to those accustomed to digital streaming. Nonetheless, Rasputin Music is an essential destination for vinyl enthusiasts, offering an exceptional shopping experience that is difficult to replicate online.

In conclusion, Rasputin Music is more than just a store; it's a celebration of music culture, offering a delightful journey through time and a haven for collectors and music lovers alike. Whether you're an avid vinyl enthusiast or someone looking to explore the beauty of physical music, Rasputin Music is a must-visit...

Anastasia/Rasputin/MadMonks is a damn treasure chest if you’re into vinyl and weird gems that most people sleep on. Their record selection is next-level. You’re not just getting the obvious hits, you’re digging through deep cuts that feel like they were handpicked by some music obsessed cryptid who’s been collecting since the 70s. Every time I go, I find something that makes me feel like I’m in on a secret mission. Their clothes section? Solid. They’ve got a decent spread of thrifted stuff that actually feels authentic. You’ll find pieces with character, actual soul, the kind of shit you imagine someone wearing at a punk show in 1993 or a cursed forest ritual last week. It’s not overly picked-over or too curated to death, either. There’s a freedom in the chaos, which I love.

But here’s where I start growling. Why the hell is there Shein and Forever 21 on the racks? This is supposed to be a vintage store, not a fast fashion graveyard. That shit doesn’t belong. It’s new, it’s cheap, and it sure as hell ain’t vintage. It’s like walking into a castle and finding a plastic lawn chair in the throne room. Doesn’t fit. Kills the vibe. Makes it look like y’all are just filling space instead of staying true to what the store is supposed to be.

And you know better. That’s the part that stings. You’ve clearly got taste, you’ve got vision, the records prove that. So why betray that by letting in throwaway mall garbage? If this place dropped the fast fashion clutter and stuck to what it’s clearly good at vintage that tells a story and records that blow your mind it’d be...