The Sound Garden-Syracuse — Local services in City of Syracuse

I go to a lot of different record/music stores, and for me a large part of their appeal is the ambiance. The best have this sloppy ‘lived in’ look about them. Soundgarden has been around for awhile and although hardly squeaky clean the vibe is one of a chain store or something you’d find in a mall. It lacks character and personality. Ok, so that’s totally subjective, I admit. I think part of the problem is the layout of the store, which I find puzzling. CDs and videos are right in the front and dominate. Perhaps they’re their best sellers, but they’re hardly sexy. I have a vinyl bias, but that should hit you in the face as soon as you walk in the door. Move the records up front and throw the other stuff in the back is my advice. They have a super-small video game section. I’d like to see them go the Music Exchange route and expand/diversify this gaming section; with GameStop being phased out (and probably gone within a year) they’d do well selling this media. Prices on games have taken a sharp turn towards the expensive however which I find disappointing. Anyway, about what they do have: lots of CDs, new and used. TONS of used DVDs and an expanding Blu-Ray section with reasonable used prices. Some of the new video stuff is delightfully weird and esoteric but prices are high on those. Historically they’ve had a rather weak vinyl selection, but every time I go they have more and more used vinyl. Prices (on both used and new) are very reasonable. The selection is still fairly small though; their only in town rival - a bookstore called Books and Melodies - has a far greater variety and amount than Soundgarden. If you’re in town be sure to check this place out, I just wish they’d be a little less vanilla and let their strengths sing! Not sure what the cryptic robot head emoji comment is meant to...

Honestly, the kid who waited on me actually didn't act like the typical pseudo alternative music store employee. You know, the people who act like it's THEIR personal stuff they're selling and could care less about giving you any type of sunny disposition whatsoever unless you're an actual friend or some musician who was HUGE in Prague about 15 years ago or tattoo artist with surgically implanted horn studs ....you get the idea. Anyway, buddy there was as far away from the typical d-bag traits that makes one a super d-bag in a privately owned music store He actually made me say to myself:"Self, you should really leave a review about your experience on here, as buddy with the super-Z sized studs in his ears was beyond pleasant and really wanted to help you out." So I did, and hence this message....

Audiophile Paradise!!!

Sound Garden is a well-known independent music retailer that offers a wide selection of music-related items, including CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, posters, and music merchandise. The store caters to various music genres, from rock and pop to jazz, hip-hop, and more. It has a reputation for its extensive collection and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about music.

Inside the store, you'll find rows of shelves filled with albums and CDs, allowing customers to browse and discover new music. The ambiance is generally relaxed, and the staff is often available to provide recommendations or assist with any inquiries. They may also host occasional events such as live performances or album signings, providing opportunities for music enthusiasts to engage with...