And now, for my 666th review, time to spew a little hate! I hate this place. I hate that they're got so much product that I could waste hours or days here without noticing the time pass by. The stock is just incredible, and anyone who has been inside knows that what you see on the walls or in the bins is just a fraction of what's in store. I hate that there's so much good product to be found in bins and on the floor that I willingly choose to spend more time on my knees than a hooker during Fleet Week, even when an employee graciously offers me a stool to use. This is all part of the ritual. You must endure this pain. It makes the finds all the more satisfying. I hate that I found so many rare, awesome, or plain insane (Vincent Price reciting a cookbook!) records that I was practically forced to abuse my wallet in ways that would make Ike Turner blush. I hate that the employees here are so damned knowledgeable of their stock that, upon asking if they might have some rare Japanese records I was looking for, dude came out with a stack of six of them. Six! I can't even find this shit on eBay. As any collector knows, in this day that means you must buy them. Money will come and go, but a hot find has to be snatched. I hate that I do have one legit complaint, though. They use those shitty price gun stickers, which are affixed right onto the album sleeve. And those things peel off horribly, pieces ripping off and residue smeared on the cover. Either put them on the plastic sleeve or start using better stickers. C'mon, guys, you're collectors, too. Seriously, don't come here unless you want to revel in vinyl nirvana for an infinite amount of time. And on top of it, they've got a pretty big selection of Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, too. Ridiculous! read more

I am definitely not quick to post a NEGATIVE review...and I am a big proponent of small business, especially vinyl record stores. I have been frequenting mom & pop record stores my whole life. That being said....there are several major problems with this store!! First off, they have limited space, and keep a limited supply of good records in their bins. Weak selection, everything is used....NO NEW VINYL AT ALL. Wha? Seriously? Vinyl is the largest growing sector of the music industry. Second, their prices are RIDICULOUS. What's worse is that they offer INSULTINGLY LOW offers on vinyl when you bring in quality or rare stuff to sell or trade. The owners stammer & him and haw on what's wrong with your trade, condition, or rarity, then turn around and price at 8 to 10 times the price. It's actually embarrassing, and it actually creates a cold atmosphere...the worst I've seen in a record store. Third, other than their "wall of shame"...aka $150 to $300 record wall, they put most of the best records on Ebay. They love to brag about their record scores, and what experts they are, and their "connections" to artists or record executives. If this was a real store for the record lover, and not a front to scam people out of good records that they sell on a global scale, and not locally. Everyone has a right to make money, but I don't care for their style. Sharks, not music lovers. I will NOT be back! read more

Went in today with my gf and the clerk w/glasses did not acknowledge us But when some other white dudes walked in, he said "Hi guys welcome.." This place is racist as well as overpriced junk. No new vinyl at all. I hope this business fails. We traveled from over an hour away to visit this place and we are deeply disappointed. Bonus tips 1) better luck finding something cool at flee markets tbh 2) go to amoeba. There's no better record store. I promise. read more

The good: Consistently gets in interesting stuff from all genres. Located next to the post office so you can mail your credit card bill and then go run it up again at Atomic. Very good jazz section. The bad: Everything seems like it has been meticulously researched and then priced within an inch of its life. Definitely no deals to be had at all. If you want to pay top dollar (or very very close to it) this is a good shop but don't even bother if you're looking to sneak a rarity on the cheap or flip something on ebay. Stock roation is non-existent. There's stuff in here that has price tags from 1998 (no exaggeration). A good record store will rotate their stock and dump the stuff that doesn't sell or at least discount it after a while. Not at Atomic. Also this place would improve greatly with a few vinyl listening stations, especially considering how expensive they are. I am much more likely to pay $50+ for an LP if I can check it out first. The ugly: The customers. That's every record store though isn't it? read more

I had bought records here for about three weeks, the fourth time I go into the store I hear one of the employees tell another customer that all the records in the store are inferior in quality to the ones they put up for sale on eBay. Really? Well why don't you share that with all of us? I stopped going there that very day. I mean why would you treat your walk in customers any less than the online ones. Oh yeah, you're trying to make more money but not provide as good a service. Weak! read more

So many boxes all over the ground that my back hurt after 5 minutes of leaning over them trying to sort through their records. Staff never asked if I needed any help. Won't come back here. read more

Seriously, WTF. How I have not managed to find a few minutes of time on whatever day during the last few years to review one of my favorite record stores is beyond me. For this indiscretion I should received 10 Filipino inspired self-flagellations!!! Since first finding this spot store more than a few years ago, I've come back time and time again to fill up on vinyl/ cd treasures of the rare variety. Now, not every visit was a success but what makes Atomic Records a favorite, is that there's "always something to buy." Whether it's that all but forgotten recording by Sonny Rollins or an original issue of some Jamaican act from the 1960's, Atomic Records, consistently, always has something of interest and, ultimately, something to buy. Conveniently, at least for me, located on Magnolia Blvd. on the North Hollywood/ Burbank border, Atomic is easy to get to and there's always ample parking out front. The store it self is medium sized and like most record stores, vinyl and compact discs are organized by genre. They specialize in vinyl, so the selections are better among the wax product, but pickings are definitely not slim when it comes to the cd's. They also have a better than decent 7 inch section. Near the front there are a couple of bins with dollar records. Mostly crap, but every now and again you can find something worth playing. Surprisingly, they also have a great selection of used DVD's. Unfortunately, I've never looked at them, so I can't give an idea on prices. But the selection seems to be pretty large. Sales staff is the same two guys since I first discovered Atomic. Rick, I believe, is the owner and is friendly enough. The other dude, the guy with black framed glasses, is quiet but helpful if you have questions. Seems like the kind of guy who has myriad musical knowledge in that head of his. If you're looking for Amoeba like selection, you're coming to the wrong place, but if you're looking for a better than decent selection with bins and bins of vinyl, Atomic Records is the spot. And now that I've finally reviewed this place, all is well in the yelp world. read more

This is a gem of a record store. No frills, just a GREAT selection of used music and hard to find vinyl. The selection of cd's are not as plentiful as Amoeba, but Atomic is very selective about what they bring in. Steve, who works at Atomic said it best, "if I can sell it, I'm going to bring it in." Atomic and their staff know their clients very well. If you're looking for an obscure Sun Ra German pressed LP from 1973 or an Elvis Costello live from Boston in 1977 featuring Dave Edmonds on backing vocals, then Atomic is your place. If they don't have it, they'll find it for you. From 7'', 10", 12" vinyl to DVD's and even 8-tracks is what you'll find at Atomic. That's right, they have 8 tracks. I struck up a conversation with Steve about which fIREHOSE record to start with and ten minutes later, I walked out of there with two fIREHOSE and one hard to find Minutemen cd that I couldn't wait to listen to. I'll see you next weekend, Steve. read more

Atomic Records - This is one of my favorite neon signs. You gotta see it at night. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Like a lame yuppie, I was driving to Ikea when I stumbled upon Atomic Records. I had slogged through a lame day, so I felt like I needed to save my soul by looking for some good records. And I hit the jackpot at Atomic Records. I walked away with the Pretenders, the Cars, Prince, U2, Split Enz, The Supremes, Bruce Springsteen and Roxy Music tucked under my arm. I'm a child of the '80s and I was in heaven... Give yourself time to browse and enjoy. read more

Definitely a great spot for a serious dig. If you're a jazzbo like myself prepare to be here for a while - they have a large jazz inventory. Prices are decent, some records bizarrely overpriced and some pleasantly underpriced, which I can say about many shops I've been in. I dock them a point for 2 things - number one their price stickers are tough to get off the covers and leave a lot of gunk. If you're reading this Atomic Records Guys, do something about this please. Easy peel stickers are out there. You are a store for serious vinyl addicts, you are such addicts yourself. You know how important the sleeves are to hardcore collectors. Don't make us break out the googone for every record we buy from you. My second reason for docking them a point is for not having a listening station - big leap of faith to go hard at a place where you can't sample the discs, especially if you're just passing through and don't plan to be back. But I bought about $125 worth of records here on a recent work trip to LA, 10 or 11 total, and now that I'm home they're all playing very clean. In the shop I asked them to put on a record for me on the house system and they did, gave me no guff, just put it on and left it on while I shopped. Can't ask for more than that. Also had an OG RVG blue note underpriced and when I asked the guy about its sq he instantly admitted it was a mess. Straight up - I had no problem with the "customer service" but then I expect record store guys to be wary and a little grumpy. It comes with the territory. read more

A very cool store that is very specialized. They have lots of rare vinyl - LP, 7", 10", etc. They have videos, DVDs, and CDs as well, but their vinyl is what's good... Some things are fair, but overall it's kind of pricey... but you do get some really good quality vinyl. The times I've been in there and bought some rare stuff, it's been in mint condition, so you get what you pay for... well, a little more than that. Cool place and I will continue to go there... read more

Here's the thing about Atomic, I used to love this place but I've since had some experiences that have driven me to frequent other stores instead. First and foremost they have a large selection where you're destined to find something you want. The down side of that, you'll likely pay too much. A lot of the time I find the same vinyl at a more realistic price at Freakbeat or CD Trader (yes CD Trader sells A LOT of vinyl). There was one example I can give where I found a record I wanted by a classic female singer from the 50's. I have nearly all of her work and I didn't have this one in particular. I thought the pricing was a bit of a stretch and asked why it was so expensive. They told me it was because it was sealed. Well one good look, which I pointed out, and it was obvious that someone just re-shrink wrapped the record and it was by no means new. To that point they asked if I knew her work. I said yes I collect her work. They then asked if I had that one album. This was kinda a trick question since I was obviously interested in buying it indicating I probably didn't have it, but I answered, no. To which they replied, see, it's rare. This wavering of the reasoning for the price of the album leads me to assume they bought it used at too high of a price without really checking out the record or they're simply charging to much and knew this full well. I have since found this supposedly rare record for a fraction of their price and in great condition. I hate to say that they're cashing in on the vinyl resurgence but as a decent collector I feel they have. So I don't go here anymore. Sorry, I used to love this spot. read more

Atomic is a really great store. The staff is friendly and, like the store itself, unpretentious. I've found some really amazing records there that I've been searching for for years. For me, Atomic is the East Side version of Record Surplus, which I love but am not able to get to much anymore. Most of the time the records are in excellent shape and reasonably priced. The CDs and DVDs are in great shape and also reasonably priced (about what you'd pay at amoeba, if not less). A lot of gems come through this store. There are occasional days when I don't find anything, but most weeks I drop about $30 on records. read more

As a film collector and lover of OST's, I find Atomic to be utterly fantastic and it kicks Amoeba to the absolute curb. The prices are insanely good (we're talking brand new Blu-rays and even hard-to-find DVD's for $5 -- as well as the same price for complete television series--BRAND NEW). I LOVE the prices and the constantly-changing selection of flicks. The only downsides are that no one working here seems to take any sort of pride in their job or work environment. The staff typically make you feel incredibly unwelcome and rarely even mumble "Hello" when you walk in the door. I frequent this place at least once a week and I can count on a single hand how many times they've talked to me. The only time I find that they talk is when you're purchasing something or inquiring as to the price of something. That, and I really wish they'd place some time in cleaning the store. I love the hole-in-the-wall vibe, but the stacks of boxes, unkempt piles of records and un--dusted racks are quite the eye-sore. The numerous boxes everywhere also make walking the aisle and even entering the store rather difficult. I love the prices and--as stated--ever-changing selection, but I really wish the staff's demeanor would brighten up and they'd all contribute to making the environment groovy. As it is, most of them just sit at the front and literally do/say nothing while the owner works between the front and back. Cheer up, guys! read more

One of my favorite record shops. Period. The staff is knowledgeable and the vinyl selection is vast. Their well-organized bins are full of fairly-priced records in great condition. They're constantly buying collections, so the stock is always turning over. This isn't a place I go to with a want list (although they have helped me find a few of my wants), but instead I show up 3 or 4 times a month with a few bucks and a little time, and I always walk out with something that makes me happy. Their rock, jazz and soundtracks sections run pretty deep, so if that's your thing, give yourself plenty of time to dig. read more

My favourite record store in LA! Awesome selection, kind staff and fair prices. I bought an extremely rare Roy Ayers record (Coffy), as well as a Grover Washington Jr and an Isaac Hayes for 100 bucks: you don't find them cheaper online read more

Impressive collection of rock records and soundtrack CDs. Vinyl prices were a little high for used albums, but it's fun to take the time to see what they have to offer. read more

great staff, great selections, and great prices. ever since moving near the area this has been my go to. all the other negative reviewers are just rly picky. other than that really recommend and check it out yourself! read more

This place made me wish I had brought a suitcase on my trip. I popped in here to kill some time before I had to go to the airport. The selection is fantastic as it suits my eclectic tastes. Prices were very reasonable. If I were to ask for anything, it would be to stock some of the more contemporary artists vinyl too. I know space is limited but you could carry a couple less cajun records and add some grizzly bear. Though I still want you to keep some of that cajun action!! read more

Still as wonderful as ever, though I'm shopping it differently now, so thought I'd give an update. This store is unlike most record shops (as far as I can tell): they seem to have an endless supply of already-purchased vinyl, dozens and maybe hundreds of boxes on the floor here and in a nearby storefront they're renting for storage. And quite a bit of grading and pricing of this existing stock is done at the front counter. A lot of items wind up in the 50¢ bins by the front door (an easy toss from the register). I've found some amazing snags here: Seeds, This Mortal Coil, Specials debut, early Nilsson records, all in great shape. (Discarded for cover wear and such). That said, it's still 99.9% stuff you'd never want, but the good snags are sweet indeed. The rest of the records are priced and placed in the (unmarked) new arrivals section in the rear left corner of the store (next to the door to the back room, on the counter with all the 45 bins). Since they seem to buy complete collections, you'll find big batches of similar stuff: soul-jazz, rockabilly, Latino, psychedelic. I've definitely found some real treasures in these 3-4 small stacks over the last year or two, always appropriately priced and occasionally dirt cheap (wtf?). Most of this sorting and pricing seems to take place mid-afternoon on weekdays, so if you want to snag newly provided treats, try to time your visit around then. By the weekends the cheap bins have been picked over and not refreshed and the new arrivals have been (maddeningly) filed into the artist A-Z. As noted before, there are lots of DVDs, Blu-Rays, and CDs, but I never look at that stuff. In my vinyl collection I have so many Atomic "wows" (great 50¢ records and never-thought-I'd-find-em stuff for cheap prices) it's not even funny. read more

This is a pretty ok place, didn't spend that much and the cds are in good condition. The only thing keeping me from putting 5 stars is the selection is pretty limited but still a pretty cool place read more

My parents asked what I wanted for Christmas this year and I answered I wanted a record player. A record player they asked? You're 28, don't you just buy music online? "Well, yes, sure" I answered, but just digital music you lose half of the art that goes into making an album - the cover art, the inserts, the lyrics, the photos and stories, all the things that go into enhancing the music listening experience. So, they happily obliged and since they got rid of their collection years ago assuming them all to be irrelevant it's now up to me to get my collection going. I'd passed Atomic many times before, as I just live up the hill on Magnolia in Burbank and so I knew where to go. After browsing for an hour I walked out with Pink Floyd (isn't Dark Side of the Moon a must have?), Cat Stevens, Peter Paul and Mary, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Simon and Garfunkel. I guess it's a good thing I love the music from long before my time. Walked out with those for under $40. The owner commented that he'd pulled Dark side of the Moon that say knowing he'd be selling it to someone. From what I gathered the two men running the place were the owners and are brothers. They were perfectly nice guys, who seemed to know what they're talking about, and were making small talk with the customers in the store. Would go back again. Apparently the stock changes with what comes in to the store so I'll have to go back another time to see what they may get. Only 4 stars as I would have liked to see some more modern music selection. Like I said I'm only 28 and while I dig the oldies, it would be nice to have items in the vein of Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Wilco, etc., but perhaps that stuff just doesn't come in their doors. read more

Best little store ever! I have been shopping here since the entire back wall was still only VHS tapes. I have grown up with this place and the prices have NEVER been anything but great! They are not greedy at all, DVDs are almost never more than 3 dollars and their selection is so massive it is piling up all around you. The employees are SO INCREDIBLE I am shocked to see bad reviews about them. It's probably all the snotty hipsters that think they are at amoeba. 100 stars!!! I'll shop here until the day that I die read more

I came here on a recommendation from a friend and I absolutely love it! I don't really know why yelp says their prices are moderate because they were super cheap when I went there. I found a whole bunch of movies and CD's I've been looking for here and it was cheaper than when I looked on Amazon (which is almost unheard of). The only downside of the store is nothing is really in order which means you have to look, but if they have what you're looking for, it doesn't take that long to find it. Plus, every time I've gone in the clerks have been super nice, which is somewhat rare in music stores. read more

So/So. I went with a friend and I found a few records at decent prices. Certainly no "deals" but a few things were priced a bit lower than what you'd typically find on ebay. But when I looked through 7"s, anything that wasn't on a major label was incredibly overpriced. $10, $15, $30 was typical for 7"s that you'd routinely find in the dollar bin at any other store. Still, the store was OK. Not really a place I would go back to in a hurry, but every once in a while, maybe. read more

I fucking love this place! Their $1 CD's have a lot of gems. The owner is all right. I don't have a lot of interaction with him, but I can tell he's genuinely nice. Great selections, prices are hit and miss. But they're cassette prices are ridiculously cheap! read more

My husband loves this store. They have a great selection of records. The owners are always nice. They seem to always have audiophile records that my husband is looking for. read more

I've just come here once and I could already tell it will be my go-to record store from now on. SO MANY SELECTIONS! It is a music lover's heaven. Service is also so great, love the relaxed vibe in here. Also.. prices are INCREDIBLE! I'm so thankful I stumbled upon this place. Going back again and again and again.... read more

I popped in 2 weeks ago and one of the workers (I won't say who) squeezed by me in the aisles and farted so bad and kept walking. I mean gah DAMN! No decency or nuthin! I'm over here flipping thru some Clapton records not expecting to be crop dusted!!! DISGUSTING read more

Atomic Records is by far my favorite record shop. I have been shopping there since the store opened but less frequently for the past few years while I was living some distance away. When I moved back recently, I was curious to see if the shop had changed much but, IMO, it's as great as always. The only problem I ever have there is that I usually find too many things I want. Today, for example, I was in a 70s power pop mood and struck gold. They always have a wide array of fairly priced vinyl to choose from and I have never left disappointed. The staff are knowledgeable and perfectly nice. I could chat with them all day but they are usually so busy that I just pay and scoot on my way. I will return to Atomic again and again. read more

My little brother does some animation class down the street and I never usually go but this time I went and down the street was a record shop! I was extremely happy to find one! And they opened up an hour before my brother got out so I had time to browse! I came home with a Louis Armstrong cassette for a buck and some oldies record sets for $4 each and eat box set had 3 records in it! The only thing I didn't find was some reggae in the 45's and that was my main thing I was looking for but I couldn't leave empty handed!! Love it here! read more

Atomic Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A nice little gem tucked away in Burbank. I highly recommend checking this place out instead of Amoeba Records. The people here are a lot friendlier and more welcoming. Feels like those little shops you see in the movies. read more

Lets keep this places alive, without stores like atomic it would be harder for djs, producers and music lovers to enjoy and create music! I highly recommend this spot, big selection and fair prices! read more

Dont bother trading. owner is very picky. Never bought any of my albums. Jazz is there main thang. Also found a lot of soul & blues albums. Most records are $4 ( As i said, Atomic very picky, if album is not perfect, they wont sell it) Which makes for GREAT dollar bins. Leon Redbone for a dollar YAY! LOVE this place. Support local record shops! read more

Super store. Very well organized and the owner clearly pays attention to quality. The detailed notes on the vinyl belies the passion this store has for great vinyl. Super friendly owner who I had the chance to chat with when I was in the store. read more

Vinyl records everywhere with a pretty decent and diverse collection. I definitely will be stopping by here often. It gets a 4 because it might not have what you want but you'll probably find something you like. And for a damn good price. read more

Yeah, seriously. Customer service is pretty lacking here. Brought stuff here to sell instead of soulless corporate Amoeba, but they're nicer there. You just have to be ok with selling your soul, or records to the devil. I accidentally left a book behind here and I called about it and the person on the phone barely gave me the time of day. So I e-mailed and heard nothing back. So either, a customer saw it and stole it (in which case, easy marks?) or they took it or it's still sitting there. Anyways, upset I lost my book there, but more upset buy the attitude of the people running it. Makes me really miss my local shop back in Ohio. read more

One of the best record shop in the country Period. Big jazz collection Fair prices Friendly owners read more

Kool record store. I usually always leave with something. Staff can some times be a little snooty.. and the place is crowded with boxes of records every where so moving thru the store can be difficult some Times. Where most places are jumping on the vinyl bandwagon and charging $10 for an used album that is worth $4 , here most of the time the prices are decent. Large selections in most categories. Has a wall of collectible rare albums that are for sale but pricey. If there's no parking in front of the shop.. at the corner west of the shop is a parking lot. I've never had to ask a question but I've heard the employees answer and talking bout music so they seem very knowledgeable. read more

This is one of my favorite spots. I always find something fun here and there are always different records on the bins when I go. So many spots feel picked thru, but the guys at Atomic have a higher standard for what they take in. The records I find here are always in outstanding condition, too. Be ready to pay more but for what you're getting its worth it. read more