For All The Geeks Out There
Are you a music geek? A vinyl collector? A casual fan with a taste for the unusual? Are you like all the poor souls out there who have watched sadly as the substantial record stores have faded out of existence at the hands of Target, Best Buy, book stores and over priced mall shopping? Have you been searching desperately for that rare Stairway to Heaven German import single or the elusive unreleased Salome sessions but can never even find someone who knows what you're talking about? Well look no further. San Diego is home to your answer.
Lou's Records has been around for almost 3 decades, providing for the more aware music lovers what no Walmart Superstore ever could. It's a bit of a drive up the Pacific Highway 101, but, housing a collection of both new and used CDs and vinyl at, for once, reasonable prices, it's no doubt worth the gas. Not to mention, it's one of the most beautiful drives south of Los Angeles.
While Lou's is no Amoeba, it still holds a variety of tastes, genres and interests that can stand against it and may even win due to the lack of traffic and actual availability of parking even on the weekends. It may have the advantage of air conditioning too. Their number of used CDs is unmatched in this area and their price tags don't burn your eyes out like they would at Music Trader. Their vinyl is equally as impressive, if not more and is definitely worth a look by collectors, those good old-fashioned types and/or the technologically challenged. The store is split into two buildings. One for above mentioned used products, the other for new. Now if you're looking for new popular CDs, you'd probably be better off at Target where they'll no doubt have it for 9.99. If you're into the more eclectic style and don't want to deal with Amazon or eBay, you can probably find it here. In addition to that, Lou's is the only record store in San Diego County, to my knowledge, that carries new vinyl. A definite must for the big time fans. We know who we are.
Not sure what it is you're looking for? Need some polyphonic advice? The staff on hand are self-proclaimed music gurus. You can make your own judgment on whether this is a good or bad thing. However, in their defense, they're more than likely to have the knowledge and know-how to hook you up with something you'll enjoy if you can pluck up the courage to ask, perhaps something you had never even considered or heard of.
But even if you're not a die-hard record lover or a confused customer in need of sound assistance, Lou's is worth a browse. It's located directly on the Pacific/North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas. It's on the left hand side of the road with a pretty big sign so it's not too easy to miss. Have fun and keep rocking.
434 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Main Store 760-753-1382
Used / Video Dept 760-632-5953
TOLL FREE 1-888-LOUS-REC
loubob@lousrecords.com
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10am to 9pm
Friday: 10am to 10pm
Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Sunday: 11am to 7pm
http://www.lousrecords.com/
