Get Involved blog

The bay area, writes Derek See of dereksdaily45, is a virtual mecca of record stores; spread out over many miles from San Francisco south to San Jose, over the mountains to Santa Cruz then across the bay from Fremont north to Berkeley, one could easily spend an entire week digging. Be warned; there are MANY people digging records in the bay area, but as we all know, it’s a combination of timing, luck and stamina which determines finds.

In San Francisco itself, my top choice is Rooky Ricardo’s (448 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117-3506), run by the legendary Dick Vivian. Not only does Dick have an encyclopedic knowledge of girl group and soul, but he will also show you some authentic 60’s dances. Dick has also put together a series of compilations (from his personal collection) of ace sounds. The stock is excellent, and the vibe is top notch. There are half a dozen turntable stations to sample whatever you want to hear.

OK, from Rooky’s head towards Golden Gate Park along Haight Street and right on the edge of the park is the massive Amoeba Music at 1855 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117; this is a world class record store and their stock of LP’s (vintage used and reissue) is truly awe inspiring. There are dozens of boxes of 45’s which are unfortunately not in very good order. One may have to sift through a dozen copies of the same reissue record, but oftentimes it is well worth it (I have found my copies of northern soul gems such as The Vibrations’ Cause You’re Mine and Eddie Holman’s I Surrender here for 50 cents each!).

Also worth mentioning is Groove Merchant, a mecca of funk and soul.

Heading south to San Jose (well, actually nearby Campbell), my mate Jeff Jagged has a great little shop called ON THE CORNER. I sell many of my doubles here through Jeff, and he always has a great selection of LP’s and 45’s with excellent prices attached. Plus, Jeff is one of the friendliest fellas (not to mention best DJ’s) I have ever known. Here’s an interior shot:

Within five minutes of On The Corner is Streetlight, which is hit or miss but worth a trip (the employees at this store have excellent taste and tend to pick over lots of the best stuff!)

The Krate is a new store in Santa Cruz that caters to the DJ crowd with an impressive collection of funk, soul, and some rock. Down the street from the Krate is Streetlight Santa Cruz.

In the east bay, there is a great shop in Fremont called Needle 2 Groove (150 H Street
Fremont, CA 94536-2903); tons and tons of great records and many bargain gems.

In Berkeley, Amoeba has a smaller branch at 2455 Telegraph Ave that is very impressive as well. 

Add in the Oakland/ Alameda flea market antique show (a massive outdoor swap meet that is held the first Sunday of every month), one can certainly get lost buying records in the bay area.. 

Derek See writes the ever-inspiring Derek’s Daily 45s blog, DJs all over the Bay Area and, in short, is a record-collecting legend.