Roots Archives Forum

Just wanted to know are there any music stores in San Francisco that carry a decent selection of reggae. I have googled a few shops but none really specify.

I am staying in Union Square and am specifically interested if there any that are within reasonable walking distance from that location.

Thanks

The obvious answer is Amoeba. As I remember it, the one in Berkeley has a slightly better reggae selection, but is otherwise smaller. It's been years since I've been to either one though.

Really, Amoeba SF is worth the trip even if you don't find any reggae of interest there - you'll find something. It's just gigantic.

I haven't been over there record shopping in a while because it just seemed like all the reggae sections were picked clean and usually you just find Ernie B stock.

But...Amoeba is definitely worth a try. And Rasputin is right near Union Square on Powell st. It may be worth checking also. You never know what you'll find.

There are several smaller shops on Haight st. I've found a couple gems at Recycled Records in the past, but have also been there when all they had was Third World and Jimmy Cliff records.

Streetlight on Market st near Castro might be worth a look as well.

As far as walking, Rasputin is probably 5 minutes away. Streetlight, 40 minutes, Amoeba an hour.

Good luck!

Amoeba is probably the best since the selection is large. First time going there I was surprised at the large number of 7" selection for reggae. They even carry DVDs and books (reggae related) last time I was there.

Rasputin is okay, I found a cool 12" for JR Reid, but the selection isn't worth going out of your way. If you're in the area, go for it.

Thanks Gents, much appreciated.

Funnily enough all those shops, apart from Rasputins, came up on my google search, plus a couple of others.

I`m just hoping now that I can dump the family for a day in Westfield shopping Centre and bugger off on my own to do some exploring

If you can manage it, you could take the BART train to Berkeley and hit the Rasputin and Amoeba there as well. it's about a 25 minute train ride plus 15 min walk. Just FYI