This is a classic amazing archive of music. I prefer better in pricing and service than Amoeba. I been looking for vinyl records and this is the place to get ahold of the hard to find. I would for sure head here again. read more

I'm a huge Amoeba lover but I have developed a bit of an affair with Rasputin. The selection and prices are very comparable to Amoeba. The posters are a bit more readily available being on the floor versus having to ask for them behind the counter. The layout is pretty decent and it's also obvious that it is geared towards the college student more so than the actual music collector, which means you will find more of the popular selections up front and on the main floor. The golden music is something you have to go on a bit of a hunt for. The "Indie" section is a bit odd because, well, some of the musicians and bands in this section, well, some of them are quite well known. So, the minus one star is for the customer service. I mean, they're Indie / Emo college kids so, whatever. I was going to take out my Rasputin card and the young woman says, "You can only use it for used items and both of these are new but the next time you purchase, you can use it then". She didn't say it very nicely either. She enjoyed rejecting me, which is probably the only time that she rejects anything. In any case, I was the bigger person, complimented her on her Houndstooth jacket and she got sweet all of a sudden. Okay, Ms. Jekkl and Hyde. You really aren't going to get a boyfriend that way, you schizo! Overall, the music and movie selections are diverse and cater to the collegiate crowd and for the long time music lover. It's also located on a corner on Telegraph so after scavenging for music, it's really easy to get a bite to eat. read more

My vice: buying music! On my trip up to the Bay Area, I walked down the popular Telegraph Canyon Road in Berkeley. Disappointed at the Amoeba-Berkeley, I walked into Rasputin thinking they wouldn't be any better. I was wrong. Rasputin is phenomenal! Various kinds of music, some of which I have never heard of before. It's clean, a lot less crowded than Amoeba-SF and the staff is nice. However, I found the pot o'gold at the clearance section. For $3, these were the rejects that: 1) no one has ever heard of or 2) no one cared to purchase. I bought 5 cd's (When In Rome, Denver Harbor, Zebrahead, Toadies and Temple of the Dog). They weren't rejects at all! Excited about my new addition to my music collection, I never bothered looking at their other stuff (therefore have no idea how much regular cd's run). I'm fixated on the reject section and suggest you take a gander. read more

I just love how packed the Bay area is with amazing independent music stores! Rasputin is pretty awesome, they have an extensive music collection ranging from jazz, to hip hop, to rock, to electronic. Vinyl records and CD's all over the place, aisles and aisles to browse through. Pricing is good, staff is helpful, however the place could use a bit of a dusting and floor cleaning. PS- Just like most other stores in the area, you will have to check your bags up front while you browse. read more

This is the same as my Ameoba review... these two were a tandem event, usually after spending too much at the Berkeley Hat company. I am sort of weird now... I can't find most stuff I need in stores. But my childhood involved that moment where the mind snaps, the saliva quickens, and the jaw drops. I was lucky to not have cable, I think... it got me to the point where I realized there was much more than they were feeding us through the cable box. And I would spot something that would blow my mind... a cannibal corpse album cover. A punk rock album with a swear word on it. Oh my, this was the quickening. This was the validation. It was the ruin..... ... and I thank that damn store to this day..... read more

LOVE this store. Last time I visited the Bay Area (summer of 2006) I came to Rasputin in hopes of finding a copy of PJ Harvey's "Dry" which had been highly recommended to me. After scouring music stores in pretty much every local mall in the Philly suburbs I could not find a copy of that album. However, Rasputin solved this problem. I was able to find a copy of "Dry" by PJ Harvey, and not only that, the price was unbeatable. I also love that Rasputin has multiple levels--so much merchandise to choose from! I just wanted to spend hours looking around....ah, well, maybe not hours, but my mom (who has little patience for browsing around in stores that she's not quite interested in) had to look everywhere for a place to sit down while I was looking around the store! Oh, Rasputin, how I wish I could be closer to you and your indie-friendliness!! read more

Several years ago I walked in here just intending to look around. Damned if I didn't find 3 rare lp's that day that I had been looking for a long time. I had 40 dollars to last until payday.Well I had enough left over for a slice of Blondie's pizza. - 1 star for having to eat Top Raman for 5 days. read more

I like Rasputin. Like with Amoeba, I go there looking for vinyl, both new and used. I don't know if it;s because they have such a large selection, how it's laid out, or what. But I seem to get overwhelmed when I'm in here. I get so overwhelmed, that I get frustrated and i stop looking, walk down the street and buy at Amoeba even though they are usually a couple dollars more. Perfect example...Yesterday was Record Store Day. I planned on hitting up Rasputin, Amoeba and Mod Lang in El Cerrito. Rasputin had a 1pm free acoustic set by Philip Philips. Now, he's not my kind of music, but my daughter wanted to see him, so we hit up Rasputin first. The place was crowded. no surprise since it was both Record Store Day, and Philip Philips was performing. They also had any special Record Store Day releases on a table near the entrance. Between the RSD crowd, the Philip Philips crowd, and the table being right in front. It was like salmon swimming upstream in there. So, to avoid so many people, I went downstairs while she watched him perform and then waited in line to have him sign her CD. Downstairs was a zoo. Of course everyone was down in the vinyl department. There weren't any RSD releases down there, just people looking around. As usual, they had a great selection, but there were too many people to really spend time looking in a section. I was looking for something specific, but I couldn't find an employee to help me. I finally got frustrated and walked back up to the main floor empty handed just in time for my daughter to be finished with Philip Philips. I walked down to Amoeba, got some RSD releases, a couple things from their Dollar vinyl and dropped a nice bit of money. Maybe Rasputin is TOO big? I don't know. Amoeba in SF is huge, and I have no problems in there. Yes, they have ice cream, yes I think you are supposed to get it free if you spend $10+, but I don't know because I have never actually spent money in this location. read more

This is a great place to buy used and hard to find music... read more

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Yes there are some folks who hark back to the good ole days when people played musit on CDs, nevermind those larger discs they call records. For those that love a nice old fashioned walk down memory lane where you could hear the constant clatter of cd casses flipped forward and back this is your place. There is just no substitute for the tactile sensation of a greasy plastic CD case in your grubby hands. Used discs from 1.95, for those obscure tunes you just can't get online. Rock on read more

I'm not completely sure why there's more than one music store within a block of one another. Oh well, it just goes to show how competition is always lurking somewhere (even with cool stuff like music). Anyway, it's time to glorify Rasputin's. They simply have a better floor plan, friendly people and it's easy to find things in such a chill environment. I mean, sure you can find that in many places, but it's more appealing when there's a delicious variety of anything from Atmosphere to Bob Dylan to Interpol... Preferably from Rasputin. Yay! Oh, and I reccommend their reusable bagssssss read more

I haven't completely explored their (ridiculous) selection of music, but I'm sure you'll pretty much find music anything made by anyone in some form in the store somewhere. It will probably take a lot of searching on your part to find that super rare album, but the staff here is always ready and willing to help. However, I love this place for their DVD collection in the back. They're well stocked on all new releases like any good place should be, but they also have large selections of international films as well as Criterion Collections films (almost all of which are awesome and should be watched right away). But despite their support for the more artsy film goers in us, they also sell a lot of their stuff for cheap! Their used DVDs are very affordable and even their new releases go for much cheaper than your standard Best Buy, or even Virgin in the city. Note that you could probably still get stuff for a good price online, but if you're a fan of instant gratification like me, you'd be willing to buy that TV box set here. Rasputin has a great location downtown as well, so it can't be missed. It holds the edge over its competitor Amoeba, just for the fact it's in a less shady area and much much brighter. read more

(3 1/2, really.) Movies! Really nice movie section. It's bigger and definitely ten times easier to browse through than Amoeba's (no getting down on your knees to grope through dirty, dirty bins of cheapo VHS's - yes, I still buy VHS - and DVD's). Whenever I'm in desperate need of a copy of something I head over here and pretty much always find what I'm looking for - if used, generally for pretty cheap, too. Vinyl selection is decent enough - once in a great while I'll come out with something really special. A little overpriced sometimes, I feel. Amoeba a block away wins on this one because they in general have a better selection (esp. of used vinyl - probably have better buyers). (Honestly haven't bought a CD in 2 years so I have no idea what CD shopping is like here. Looks like the selection is awesome though - this place is positively HUGE. And don't forget about the mezzanine - I always do.) I've been to better record stores and worse record stores, but I've never been sooooo disappointed coming here that I'd never want to come back here again. So, 3 1/2 stars. read more

Fun place to kill time and explore. This place is larger than it looks. Vinyl, CDs, DVDs, blu rays, t-shirts, magazines, posters and more are ready to be found here. read more

I give Rasputin's 4 stars on account of the fact that it doesn't quite measure up to its neighbor Amoeba in my opinion. That being said, any music fan outside of the Bay Area or LA would die for a record store this size. It's great having the two stores so close to one another. While Amoeba has the better selection of rock on cd and vinyl, Rasputin's is generally the better bet when I'm looking for hip-hop or punk. The combination of the two stores is really unbeatable. That being said, I give the edge to Amoeba because their employees are overall much friendlier and helpful (verses the annoying, pierced twenty-somethings with bad attitudes Rasputin's seems to favor), they have more total stock in general, and the pricing seems more legit. The Berkeley Rasputin's is still a fantastic place to shop for music though. (A word of warning-- don't waste your time traveling out to their Concord location. The place is as boring and corporate looking as the Berkeley location is seedy and dirty. It might as well be a Sam Goody or something.) read more

Nice big Vinyl LP collection. The prices are pretty cheap but it's only because all the records are in acceptable/OK condition and not ones that serious record collectors would jump in a buy a million of. What's awesome about this place also is the huge video collection (in reference to other record stores). They have a wall full of VHS movies which made me feel nostalgic. Plus they're only like 50cents to a 1dollar each so you might wanna buy some just for the memories. To bad I can't come here often since I live in SoCal. read more

Came by today after having been away from this store in a while. They added a cart to the front of the store that sells ICE CREAM! I'm assuming it's in competition with Creme across the street, and let me tell yah - the $2 cookie and ice creme sandwich was comparable to creme and much cheaper. LOVED it. I do feel bad for Rasputin because I did notice business is slowing down with the digital revolution, so I hope they stick around! read more

This was my first time in. I went downstairs for the vinyl. I was very pleased with the selection, especially what was available in the $0.50 bins. The employees downstairs were really helpful and courteous. I was looking for a particular album and found it quickly. I wound up buying 10 albums. Great prices. I'll be back for more. I would have stayed longer, but when I asked if I could use the restroom, I was told I couldn't. That was the only negative and is such a shame that a customer, buying records wasn't allowed to take a pee and continue shopping. read more

This is where I go for all my music. Anything you can think of is here, from the mainstream to the most unheard of band ever. They have tons and tons of cds, they have vinyls in the basement when you first walk in, and their DVD area is huge. Prices are good, but it's a bit over welming if you are looking for something in particular. Staff is okay, they more than always stay behind the counter, but yeah Other than that it's a cool place to look for new music read more

Rasputins I worship you. I've bought so many CDs from this place. I even got a Sid Vicious CD here. How often do you find one of those effers? Anywhoo, I honestly cannot see why ANYONE would hate this store. Really? The music selection is to die for, they even have records! If you're as much of a movie/music junkie as myself, you will frequent this place... read more

Great place for used cds and dvds! Always find what I'm looking for and then some! Customer service is top notch and very knowledgeableof all types of genres. Sad the one in Mountain View closed, but gives me a reason to hangout on Telegraph Avenue! read more

Rasputin has been good to me for years, especially this location. Their collection of The Smiths is excellent at every location; I have procured for myself almost every album they produced simply by visiting Rasputin. I even found some strange vinyl to CD album someone dropped off at their store. It's hit and miss sometimes, and you may end up visiting the equally as good Amoeba just down the street--both of these places are great. I love their selection of new and old CDs, vinyl, DVDs, and VHS. No need to go on Amazon or go to a big box store and not find what you want, or pay a hefty price. This place has EVERYTHING you could want, most of the time. I am not going to take off stars for not having eclectic stuff I have found myself going after. The selection is excellent as of, and I'm sure you'll always find what you're looking for. Go here first, then try online--you can pick up some awesome stuff during your journey to locate whatever it is you desire. read more

A great place to get used CD's and movies, but the value for vinyl and TV shows is spotty. Keep Amazon handy for reference, keeping in mind you pay for shipping then, whereas obviously here it's in your hot little hand. Give yourself a couple hours and go through all of the clearance rock (and it is sizable), and keep a list handy (Dropbox for me) of what you own if you have a sizable collection so you avoid buying things you forgot you already own (been there, done that). Vinyl collection is sizable at this location, and is downstairs (is a third level counting the basement). Large collection of dollar vinyl, but even for me nothing in there I didn't already own or was interested in (and some of it is very tenderized). Didn't find used rock at prices I agreed with (Dimple in Sacramento has every place beat hands-down), so before giving up (although by now I had a large collection of used CD's in tow), I hit the jazz section and country. Found 5 Maynard Ferguson Albums and 2 Pat Metheny Group albums I didn't already have (and this is getting hard to do), all of which were $1.99-$3.99 and were in great shape. You just have to be patient and know a good thing when you see it. Sometimes you get lucky and there's more than one copy to choose from, so you get the best of what's left, one of which is usually good. I've been to the Amoeba just on the other side of the street, and that was an even bigger let down on the used vinyl value, plenty of new shrink-wrapped top-dollar stuff there, but that's not my style (yet, at least)... If they could get to Dimple value for used vinyl I would 5 star in a heartbeat. read more

I used to love their store, but I will never buy from them again. I ordered two DVDs online. Rasputin charged me, took my money, but I never got the DVDs. When I didnt get the DVDs, I emailed them on their webpage. I got no response. I thought maybe it was taking a long time because of COVID 19, so I waited. Nothing. So I emailed twice more. They never even answered my email. They just stole my money. That was over a month ago. They are theives. read more

I'm not a huge fan... but it gets the job done... i like the metal section and the reggae section upstairs!! lots of movies... the music sample computer thing are always broken!! eh... its a cool place... hella big! read more

This place can keep me entertained for days! We stopped here on our road trip down from San Fran to San Diego and I didn't want to leave! This store is huge! Excellent selection of hard-to-find music and DVDs. One of my friends from LA had been searching for a Spanish movie for months and finally found it here. I went through the used DVDs and got a couple of new releases for only $3.95! Even if you're not buying anything, this place is just fun to browse around in. read more

Mad props to the Rasputin crew for Trey Songz appearance and signing today. Despite the huge crazy turnout the staff held it down and was courteous to everyone. I have always been a fan of Rasputin for their awesome selection of entertainment but I just have to Yelp and dedicate this review to the Rasputin team. I experienced nothing but great service today. I am amazed at the calm demeanor their crew had during today's event. Also, they now have an ice cream section - check it out! Hope to see more entertainers at Rasputin! Thank you so much! read more

Love this place.I come here for all my music.They have what is often referred to "underground Bay area rappers",especially since Bay area rappers tend to get little to no air play.E-40 may be the only exception now a days.I don't know,I can't listen to the radio anymore.Most of it is straight up garbage.Rasputin's has and lots of new and,high quality used CD's and DVD's at a very reasonable prices. I love their large selection of music,they are,two floors,maybe 3,...plus the DVD room.I can't recall.I think it's about 3 floors. Nothing negative to say here.Peace.Much love Yay areaaaa! read more

There are Amoeba people and Rasputin people - I prefer Rasputin. While both stores have their share of jerky sales people, overall I've had better experiences at Rasputin. Indie & punk music selection at Rasputin is slightly better. DVDs definitely better. Every time I'm in some wasteland area for buying music (Concord, Pleasanton, red states, etc.) I realize the total awesomeness of both places. Rejoice Berkeley people - at least for now - we have two great music places! read more

They do a good job! They especially do a good job with dvds. Music is ok. They could improve in that department.

This rasputins is HUGE! It took me a solid hour to get through it all. They have a really wide variety of everything, and the staff is always helpful and nice. Love that they have Ice Cream now. It gives me something to eat while I'm browsing! Also all the records are downstairs, in an enclosed area. There's so much to look through there. read more

Love this place. I always find something perfect for my collection. I have visited 4 of the locations but this one is my favorite. Basement is vinyl alone which was really nice. A little hard to navigate and the genre's were a little off from what I would categorize them as but overall not too difficult to find what I look for. Great atmosphere! read more

Rasputin Music - Rasputin's - Music & DVDs Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ugh. That is the best I can describe this place. Yes, they have an incredible selection. What good is an incredible selection when the staff seem to make it impossible to buy anything? I'm not a particularly difficult person to please. If I had walked in, grabbed a CD, walked to the register and paid, I would have loved this place. The 25 minute delay between walking to the register and leaving, however, ruined it for me. There was nobody else in line. There were six people behind the counter. There were, at most, three other customers in the store. Why did I end up leaving my CDs on the counter and walking out before buying them? In any case, I won't be coming back. read more

This place really rocks!!!! I don't mind checking in my bags and purse as long as I have my money with me. I can't compare this place to Amoeba since they are both great places to search for your favorite artist/music or whatever may be your audio and visual needs, no matter if it's past or present. Visit their record section downstairs...it truly is a whole new world. These types of places should have a display of archive music and artwork to draw people into their stores! You won't be disappointed. read more

I LOVE this place! They always have great music playing, from oldies, indie, classic rock, metallica, jazz, or the occasional hip-hop and R&B! I can't say much about the decor but this place is huge and has great selection, they house not only the old music records or movies, they also carry the new releases of movies and tracks. It's really easy to find what you're looking for because everything is placed in alphabetical order and in their correct genre from records, VHS tapes, DVDs and even Blu-ray! read more

I can't have an Amoeba review without a corresponding review about Rasputin! I suppose I could just cut and paste my Amoeba review here, but that would be lazy and disingenuous of me! As you all know, I pretty much shop for vinyl, so when I visit Rasputin I hand over my Amoeba bag at the counter and then head downstairs to their vinyl section! Once you arrive downstairs, the new arrivals section will be located just to the forward-left of the staircase. They do have other new arrival bins that are located at the end of various sections. Those bins/totes are gray in color and on the floor. So definitely check these out when in Berkeley! Don't forget to head down the street to Amoeba, too! RASPUTIN HASTE ST AMOEBA | | | _____________________ ________________ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |_________ |_______ | | | |_______________ | ______________________________ | | _____________________ TELEGRAPH AVE ______________________________ _____________________ | | | | | | read more

Excellent place to find music, when in Berkeley. Great lighting helps you find all of your selection. The staff is usually quite willing to help you find everything you might be looking for. They also have listening stations as well. read more

Before Amoeba, Rasputin's used to be a great place to find music. For vinyl diggers, it was a gold mine. The vinyl selection is hit or miss. They have a good hip-hop selection, but everything else is pretty scarce. Their used selection has also dwindled over the years. Their selection of CDs however, is pretty good. Whatever you're looking for, between Amoeba and Rasputin's, you have a chance at finding what you've been looking for. read more

Incessant very low quality rap music has driven me out of this store now three times - felt like I was being tortured or needed to wear a headset and listen to other music to drown it out. Staff look angry and unhappy. Never thought I'd feel I didn't want to stay to browse at Rasputin after so many years of enjoying... However Amoeba down the street has much more customer friendly staff, student discount, music that changes from song to song - to please all tastes - and also better prices. read more

Rasputin is where it is at! In my mind Rasputin is the best in the area.. Great selection of new and used cds. I came in to browse the hip hop and surprised to see mixtapes and a ton of dvds. Also a ton of Bay Area rap which I came in looking for. The hip hop vinyl selection was great and priced pretty well, found some gems at good prices. They have both new and used so I took a while to browse through it all. They had a shocking amount of 80's rap singles and LPs. 5 stars for sure read more