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    Mars Record Shop

    5.0 (21 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

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    Some of the records I picked up today
    Michael C.

    I was at my barber Aili's Homme, lamenting about the closure downstairs of this odd vintage clothing and record shop, when she pointed out that directly below her was a new record shop. My goal had been to pick up some records to listen to on this rainy and gray sunday, so why wouldn't I stop in. Immediately I was greeted by the owner Steve, who gave me a bit of a rundown: he opened in November, is selling his own records but also has two sellers inside his shop; he constantly is getting new supplies; he really likes the location in that near courtyard off Piedmont. He asked me if there was anything in particular I was looking for, and I mentioned Allman Brothers. While he started to hunt around, he pointed out Boz Scaggs self titled album, which featured Duane Allman on dobro and slide guitar (and a naked photo of him on the interior). I like Boz Scaggs, love Duane Allman, was an instant buy. I also learned it was an underselling album at the time, but has since been well received. He soon found me "The Road Goes on Forever," the first Allman Brothers compilation album. While I was hoping for "Brothers and Sisters," which I unfortunately had bought for an ex, I am more than willing to settle for any album that's an expanded version of "A Decade of Hits 1969-1979." I mentioned my first record I owned was Steely Dan's Aja (one of my favorite albums of all time) and he immediately pulls out The Royal Scam. Early in the week I had been talking with a close friend about Steely Dan and that was his favorite album. While flipping through his recent arrivals I came across another favorite album of mine, Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required." I'm a sucker for Sususudio, and got to see Phil Collins live last year. "One More Night," "Don't Lose My Number," "Take Me Home" just so many hits. Lastly, I grabbed another 70s classic - The Best of the Doobies. Granted compilation albums are a bit cheating, but just so many hits! I want to see this spot thrive. Oakland does have a few record stores, oddly enough all in this area, but with all of us still trapped at home due to Covid, records are a great way to listen to music at home. Steve is very knowledgeable, friendly, and has a solid selection for only being open a few months. Keep checking by and expanding your collection.

    Thank you, Mars Records!
    Psy Y.

    Talk about a hidden gem. This is my new fave spot for vinyls. Steve is cool, welcoming, and knows his stuff. I never leave empty handed.

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    2 months ago

    Business owner information

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    Steve A.

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    11 months ago

    Steve bought my record collection. He was professional, friendly and gave me a fair price.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Excellent selection and service owned and run by a local musician who knows records. You can't go wrong with this place.

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    Ask the Community - Mars Record Shop

    Review Highlights - Mars Record Shop

    The store is brand new, located at a charming building and Steve, the owner is an attentive and knowledgeable guy.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    5 stars I stumbled…read moreinto this vinyl store on a whim--and now it's one of my favorite spots in the city. The selection is incredible, with everything from classic rock staples to obscure gems I've never seen anywhere else. It's clear the staff truly loves music--they're super knowledgeable and happy to give recommendations .

    A lot of my experiences here had been extremely positive but after today, I can confidently say,…read moreI'll be shopping for my records elsewhere. I placed an online order and got no contact, I'll own that partly was my fault because I guess I didn't enter my email? But I didn't receive an order text either. So, I decided to head in since I was around there to ask... One of the newer associates was very nice and helpful as much as she could be, but the other, Cam I believe her name was, was rude for absolutely no reason at all, unrelated to my issue but I heard Cam straight up lie to a customer on the phone while I was waiting for help telling the person that she couldn't help because it was a "big" store and it was SO busy she couldn't offer them the assistance they were asking for. It was me and one other person in the store browsing...she had time and I was being very patient. She just didn't want to be bothered. I guess their preorders are separately handled and sent over from a warehouse - which I didn't know, and my order wasn't ready. I found the vinyl I ordered on the wall and asked a simple question of if I could just purchase that one and they could cancel the order I placed for pick up since I don't live in the area. Instead of a customer-first answer (I would have even accepted a kind "I'm sorry, it's against our policy, we can't do that") I was met with attitude and blatant annoyance by Cam. It was as if I was being scolded rather than kindly informed of their process. Good thing there's lots of other really cool record shops around these days. If you're looking for a cool indie record store go somewhere else - peace out 1234 Go.

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    Groove Yard

    Groove Yard

    4.5
    (55 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    I've come here now two times after passing by for years but being too busy to stop in. It is…read morecrammed inside. Watch your step, and start browsing. When I came in a few weeks ago I was the only one inside and was looking for Queen - Hot Space. Who I assume to be the shop owner knew he didn't have it, but showed me the Queen section and I walked out with The Game. There was also a flyer at the checkout area advertising a record sale going on at USF, so props for advertising other record finding events. Everything isn't here. It's a local vinyl shop that has so much to look through, and if you're into that then this is the record shop for you. It gives me the thrill of thrifting back in 2007-2016, but for records. I walked out with international vinyls showcasing music from Brazil and Nicaragua last weekend, but finding the Thriller album was icing on the cake. I wasn't really looking for it, but there is a Jackson 5 section showcasing many of the Jackson 5 albums and their individual projects. Service - I had great service the first time I went because no one else was there. The second time I went, the service was still good but being that it was busy, he pointed me to the exact locations I could find what I was looking for if it was there. I feel like he really knows his shop, and that in itself is valuable. There are many, many vinyls. They're organized as well.

    Groove Yard is a gem. Rick is one of those rare shop owners who makes you feel immediately welcome,…read moreand he truly knows his collection. There's always an amazing variety of vinyl to dig through, and the prices are great. Highly recommend this local record store.

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    Hell yeah
    Hell yeah
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    Classic Alice & John Coltrane records!

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    Classic Alice & John Coltrane records!

    Mars Record Shop - vinyl_records - Updated August 2026

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