Rasputin Music

Maybe the biggest music store around there, but the service is terrible and the price is not cheap. more

I bought a DVD at Berkeley store. The DVD said ""List 69.97 / Rasputin Price 39.97"", so I thought it was really cheap. But after I came back home and checked internet, I found that the real retail price of the DVD is 44.98!! Amazon sells it only 24.00 dollars. I returned to the store and tried to refund it. They said that it was their mistake, but that they cannot refund because they don't have return policy. What do you think? I feel like that I got taken!! I will never go to the store again. more

Over the course of my dealings with them, I've had some problems with 2 of the employees at Rasputin's. These guys are amateur rock historians, who are judgemental of people who don't listen to their metal or any of that junk. I buy alot of 70s punk and obscure rock, soul and blues from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000's, as well as flamenco, old country and jazz. I consider my tastes to be very diverse and I'm always respectful when meeting new people, despite the judgemental criticism I received at this store on multiple occasions. The guys at Rasputin's are cocky and all-knowing, as they play obnoxious music through their system, in an attempt to impress someone, or perhaps each other. These show-offs are obviously trying to compensate for everything they lack. I can find better record stores by simply driving through San Francisco. Pros: low prices, good music priced low Cons: tight parking, poor selection, too much metal crap more

As far as overall ratings, my experience is that Rasputins Berkeley is easily the better independent music store. Rasputins Berkeley prices are cheaper and in many cases more fare than others. The music selection is awesome; with an emphasis on their world music, hip hop, hardcore metal and independent. Their DVD selection is superior in both selection and price (mainly in the latter, though). Wherever you go shop the indie-stores! But you cant go wrong starting at Rasputins Berkeley locationAmple parking in the rear of the store. Pros: Not Corporate-owned, Great Selection, Best Prices Around Cons: Staff Knowledge Low more

They definitely have a wide selection to choose from. They also have rare & hard to find albums. I love going there ! Pros: Inexpensive, Used or New CD's Cons: Not convenient more

i really love this store because they have a wide variety of music at really good prices. more

Amoeba will always have my business after dealing with Rasputins over the years. The people who work here perpetrate the worst stereotypes about record store employees. I don't care if their stock is larger or more varied (which might be up for debate). The shopping experience is not as much fun as is is down at Amoeba Records. Pros: variety of items Cons: unfriendly attitude, DIFFICULT PARKING more

There have been very few times when I could not find what I was looking for and they have one of the best Gothic/Industrial sections ever. And you can actually find things here. more

Rasputin vs. Amoeba on Telegraph: They both have a good selection and Rasputin is particularly strong in DVD, but there's a world of difference in service. Amoeba's people are friendly and helpful and they do a great job at moving customers through the check out process (lines can get long); I was at Rasputin a couple days ago and there were SIX people behind the counter and ONE was operating a register -- everybody else, hands in pockets, avoiding eye contact. The attitude runs deep and customers are often ignored; ONE guy is cool and friendly and will actually pay you what your trade-ins are worth -- Amoeba beats them in this department, too. I think Rasputin's selection is a bit better than Amoeba, but it's such an unplesant visit that 95% of the time I won't even go in -- I just give my business to Amoeba. Pros: selection, reasonable prices Cons: everything else more