A long time ago (or well... 10+ years ago) there was this place called a record store. Even as late as the cd era, there were still great music shops that were so much more than going in and picking up the newest release of whomever you heard on the radio on your way into work. There were people that worked there who actually were experts and enthusiasts of music. Like librarians for tunes. People who could steer you toward a cool indie local release or when that new Pavement album was dropping. People who would save the extra poster the label sent them for you, because they knew you were a fan...and you'd be swinging by on Saturday morning, like you always did.
Thankfully, we still have a few of these left, Wuxtry, Decatur CD...and my personal favorite, Criminal Records. The staff is a little reserved but incredible helpful, they've got a great selection of new and used, cd and vinyl, rolling stone and indie mags. And when bands come through town, they have a stage configuration in the back that allows them to do in-store performances.
While itunes is great and convenient, there's something romantic about record shopping that you can't get from your phone or powerbook. Here's hoping Criminal makes it.
Pros: selection, prices, staff
Cons: there aren't more indie stores left!
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