After living many years in Seattle, I must confess that I am spoiled as far as independent retailers are concerned. I expect hip and savvy merchandising and expert knowledge. Luckily, M-Theory does not disappoint. In fact, they better than most of the independent music stores out there because they do not have an attitude, a la "High Fidelity."
The store features four listening stations and they rotate the selection quite frequently so you can try out new bands. The selection is very good for indie music, and okay for other genres -- though they are always happy to do special orders. Furthermore, the staff is always friendly...you can also purchase tickets to local music events, and they sponsor in-store events as well. Their e-newsletter is funny too.
They have a sister store sort of kitty-corner to the original store, and it stocks vinyl and the used CD collection. The vinyl selection is awesome, and the atmosphere is very fun in a kitschy, parent's-basement-from-the-70s sort of way.
more