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Category: Music

Fingerprints Music

by David Brimer

Fingerprints is like the record stores of old, the record stores I grew up with. I’m an ardent music fan, and music shopping is one of my favorite pass times. I just love discovering new artist’s and albums, and the joy of finding something you’ve been looking for (or exactly what you want). Fingerprints is just that kind of place. As if that wasn’t good enough, Fingerprints offers competitive prices for used CD’s. So if you’re like me and sell on a pretty regular basis (there is a constant flow throughout my collection of things coming and going) than you’re destined to enjoy this little shop at the end of second street.

Fingerprints is the only place of its kind in Long Beach, and that makes it all the more important. Sometimes I don’t have the time, or gas to drive all the way to Hollywood and go to Amoeba. So when I get that craving for new music (which does happen on a regular basis), I can get my kicks at Fingerprints. As a matter of fact, its unique Belmont Shores location (mere minutes from the water) is a refreshing change from the constant stop and flow of Sunset Blvd and Hollywood.

So now I’m sure you are thinking “why don’t you just go to Best Buy, or Borders like everyone else, they’re everywhere!” Well, the easy answer is that most Best Buy’s and Borders music selection leave much to be desired. The more obscure artists that I enjoy are extremely hard to come by at those establishments. That’s what makes Fingerprints so important to my community. I know I’m not the only one who feels that way, and people like me need our kicks.

Record stores are all together a dying breed. With the onslaught of the internet music revolution, the record store (especially the independently owned record store) is slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past. People just don’t care as much about CD’s as they used to. That’s just another reason way places like Fingerprints are important. They still raise the flag high, and us few faithful followers will always be there to back them up. So if you’re like me and believe in the power of the record store, than Fingerprints is the place for you. So drive down to Second Street and pop in, you’re guaranteed to find something, that’s the beauty!

Amoeba Records

by David Brimer

Amoeba Records in HollywoodLocated on the corner of Sunset and Cahuenga in the heart of Hollywood is the music lovers Mecca known as Amoeba Records. I remember the first time I walked through the door…I knew this place would take time. This massive two story store is home to hundreds of thousands new and used CD’s, DVD’s, as well as, Vinyl records and tapes. The back of the room also features a stage that’s seen acts as diverse as Hot Hot Heat and Paul McCartney. Most importantly, Amoeba Records holds the flame up high - keeping music stores alive in the face of the internet revolution.

Once you walk through the front doors you’re faced with an immediate decision, to your front is the massive CD floor and to your right are the stairs leading to the DVD mezzanine. If you choose to walk forward you eyes will be flooded with every musical genre imaginable including a separate room for Jazz, blues, and classical. Make sure to check the equally impressive used section (with prices ranging from $1.99 to $11.99 for newer discs) to see if your favorite records have been turned in by other patrons! On the other side of that table, being someone who sells CD’s, Amoeba offers great prices for your used discs.

If you decided to make a right at the entrance you would be headed toward the stairs up the mezzanine. The DVD mezzanine offers exactly the same fair as the CD floor. Any genre, any language, any orientation, you can find it up there. I’ll tell you some of the best deals in town can be found in the bargains bin. Also, and true to form for the rest of the stores, laser disc’s and video tapes are in abundance and with great prices. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that vintage junkies will find Amoeba as good as home.

Don’t forget to check the schedule and see some of the hottest performances around on the Amoeba stage. I think if they let me bring a sleeping bag inside the store, I would be able to live there. And that just about sums it up!