DeLuxe

I knew when I moved to Berkeley in 1997 that they had many great record stores — all within a few blocks of each other. That’s what made the arrival of Amoeba Records so surprising. From day one it was the best record store I’ve ever seen. They carried everything including all the obscure and import stuff I never could find elsewhere. Their San Francisco store is bigger but since I’m living in the East Bay I usually end up here. They also have extensive DVD offerings in addition to the music. Online shopping is convenient but I still enjoy the browsing experience. Their buyers always have something on the shelves that I want — but just didn’t know it existed.

Amoeba Records
2455 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
510.549.1125

I was kind of disappointed when News Hunter turned into Smoke Hunter. It was a good newsstand but, as it exists today, it’s a smoke shop only. Along came Issues which turns out to be an ideal newsstand. Not only do they carry every magazine I want (except Straight No Chaser which they’re still trying to locate a distributor for), they also carry a fine selection of vinyl and t-shirts. The owner
has good taste in musuc with lots of jazz and other not so easy to find titles. I also got myself a new Cramps t-shirt — the one I had from when I was 16 doesn’t really fit me anymore.

Issues
20 Glen Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
510.652.5700

The two Jungle Exotica albums (also on CD) were issued by Strip Records in the 90’s and are not easy to find today. Don’t spend a bajillion dollars buying one used through Amazon or Ebay. You can still order them through the mail from Crypt Records in Germany. I’ve posted a sample of what you’re missing.

Jan Davis: Snow Surfin’ Matador