Vic E.

I came down here after hearing from a former co-worker that Mammoth Music had a decent variety of vinyl records. The longtime music establishment first opened on Spenard Rd. back in the early 90's while a second location opened up a little later at the Pink Mall on Dimond Blvd. before making their way to their current location on 5th Ave. and Eagle St. in the eastern side of downtown. The retail area is massive with plenty of musical instruments adorning the walls and a jam studio on the second floor where you can hear some of the customers playing some tunes before deciding what to buy. The whole crew are friendly and always easy to strike up a conversation with especially on the subject of vinyl records. One employee I particularly enjoy chatting with is a serious collector who has an extensive collection of older rock and jazz recordings. I enjoy getting the tips on some special edition or limited release vinyl that comes through the store from time to time. The timing couldn't have been more perfect as it was the week after Record Store Day on April 13th that a lot of collectible vinyl were still available on the display tables by the front counter. Some standout pieces I took home with me are a Pearl Jam Collector's Edition record only available to collectors when they come in on Record Store Day. The record store across town quickly sold out of these and I was fortunate to get the last copy on 180g vinyl (a thicker and heavier record a lot of artists, past and present, are releasing with newer or older recordings today for its durability), a rare limited pressing of the jazz great Ornette Coleman on transparent vinyl which was made in Germany and only 2,000 copies are available worldwide, a reissued edition of the legendary jazz musician Charlie "Bird" Parker on blue-colored vinyl (awesome to look and hold in your hands), and a 50th anniversary reissue of Frank Zappa's mono album We're Only in it for the Money". The cover is a parody of the Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Club Hearts Band but with the members of Frank Zappa's band The Mothers of Invention and Zappa himself gracing the cover. An original pressing of this record started out as a promo for record stations with a white label back in 1968 and is worth a significant amount of money today if found in very good condition. They have a good variety of used records stored in boxes underneath the display tables, but a little pricey for $5 each especially if a record has scratches or if the album cover itself has moisture damage, seam splits, or writing depending on how the record was stored and/or properly cared for. I could get the same records with the same flaws at any of the secondhand stores for $2 or less which is why I gave them four stars instead of five for my most recent visit. However, the friendliness of the store staff and their versatile selection of vinyl are easily five stars. As of this writing, I believe this is the only store in downtown that has a significant amount of new or used vinyl records for sale.

Caitlin E.

I've always driven by here but since I have a vinyl record player now, I saw it and was like, "no time like the present!" Abby enjoyed seeing all the funky looking guitars and now wants a pink flower one. I, myself, am kind of interested in learning guitar and they seem to have a really nice selection. The staff is quite friendly and knowledgeable. We went on a "record store day" but I'm not sure which days it is or if it's all the time or if we just got lucky. Regardless, I got a Bach album in mint condition for 3 bucks and a Game of Thrones soundtrack for 20. Can't beat that with a stick! They were also able to tell me about lessons and different people who give them for guitar. If I end up taking lessons, I'm definitely going here!