Three levels, top floor is classical/ opera. Middle is DVD's and some CD's Bottom is some wide variety of sale items. Generally a good store to browse, staff is okay. read more

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Rasputin Music in Berkeley is a historical spot. They have all kinds of music for all kinds of people. They will buy your old vinyl and cds too. Don't forget to ask them who Rasputin is! He is also a historical figure. read more

I love record stores. I suggest going to Amoeba right down the street, Econo Jam , or Dave's. I had a terrible experience with the owner of Rasputin, years back. I was buying an album and when I got to the check out counter, he look at it, noted the price and said we were charging me too little and that he couldn't sell it to me. His staff had priced it, he just disagreed with their valuation. I pleaded with him and he became more arrogant and rude. Apparently he's also unsavory in business practices and the city of Berkeley is suing him. Such was my experience with him over a decade ago, that I looked up who the heck this guy was. All the other record stores I mentioned are owned by really nice and helpful people. Question is would you go back to restaurant if you knew they spit in people's soup? read more

I've always been a big fan of the Rasputin Music establishments. Sure, the service isn't all that great, and the place stinks, but if you're able to provide yourself with your own hazmat suit and mask, then that won't be a problem. This place will often have hidden gems that you won't be able to find online at the prices Rasputin will have them for. Sure, you're buying used products, but believe me, 90% of the time they are practically new. I picked up the classic 1989 Punisher film yesterday for only four bucks which is quite a bargain to relive some of my fondest memories of my youth. Plenty of music to buy and this location is quite larger compared to some of the other Rasputin locations. Overall, if you you're looking for a film/music then check this place out. Just don't expect top notch service. read more

Am I a bad father for introducing my 15 year-old son to Cheech and Chong? Too late! I already have him hooked on their Sister Mary Elephant gig. You know... Class!? SHUT UP!!!!! Thank you. I stopped in at Rasputin last Sunday to pick up a copy of the Wedding Album and got to listen to a mezzanine performance of Wallpaper as a bonus. And when you add the colourful local audience, being here really is half the fun. The Comedy Section is upstairs in the middle of the Classical (?) area, and Rasputin staff really helped in helping me find what I wanted. These guys also have a unique line up and check out system, but this time it worked and I soon happily on my way. I also left thinking that I should return more often and maybe stay awhile. read more

This is my favorite location in the Bay Area. This one is huge! And since I started DJing, this has been my go to for used vinyl as well as Amoeba. What's the first thing I look for when I go to any store? Duran Duran of course. This one always seems to have something that I don't already have in my collection. I usually throw down my money not caring about price when it comes to the all mighty DD. This is definitely the place to go to when looking for music since their collection is vast. P.S. Please get more Kid Cudi on vinyl. Thank you, mucho! read more

Now knowing that Rasputin is a chain, that doesn't stop me from visiting another hot spot in Berkeley. This store can be dangerous for me as I can get lost in hours of hunting for good deals, hard to find items, and undiscovered treasures. Last year, I stumbled upon a blu-ray movie (Mutant Girls Squad). The movie got me hooked a year ago and made the previous X-Men movies look tame. It was a used copy but the price ($12) and the mint condition was a great buy. The movie soundtrack section upstairs is probably the biggest selection I have seen yet. The prices were reasonably and many hard to find CD's were present. If I had more time to explore, I might have found some that I have been meaning to get for quite some time. Bags from outside the store have to be checked in. Usually a staff member will be quick to respond. You never know what you may find once you step in the magic aisles that is called Rasputin! read more

Yelp 100 Challenge * 89/100 Looking back now, I wish I went upstairs and explored more than I did. While strolling along Telegraph avenue, I stumbled upon Rasputin and was immediately drawn to the vinyl records on display along the columns that held up the first floor. They had CDs of artists dating back to the 50s from instrumentals like The Ventures and The Shadows, bands only your parents would know. It was like sifting through my father's cassette collection! Van Halen, Aerosmith, Toto, The Beatles, the Corrs, they had it all - and for a very reasonable price too. Clearance racks had CDs as cheap as $2. Vinyls ranged from $10-$20. I believe they had a DVD section as well but my friend arrived for lunch before I could reach other corners of the store. This place will take you back to the age of CD players and boom boxes, even further back to round tables and 45 records. Was a great place to be. Will be back (and maybe get some stuff) when I come back one day! read more

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Yes, I still buy CD's and DVD's now and then and I love going to Rasputin now and then. There's a decent buy-back value on their CDs and DVDs, which I usually use to get more new/used stuff. The used sections for each category are definitely good for getting the music or movie at a lower price, if you don't mind about a scratched up/worn out case or cover. For a lot of the new "blockbuster movies", if you buy them with the buy-back store credit you get a discount. They have great music selections.. around Holiday Secret Santa's at the office, I can't go wrong by getting coworkers something from the jazz section. I usually have my head stuck on the r&b/soul and hip hop sections. I have enjoyed some of the staff picks. And occasionally on the weekends they have bands perform on the upper level. "Keep the bass moving" - as Raphael Saadiq says read more

BEST VINYL SELECTION IN THE BAY AREA. No joke. I always find whatever I need here (used or new), it's one of the only places with a noteworthy 7" collection, and there are always great prices. As much as I love Amoeba, Rasputin - and this one specifically - is my first choice when I'm on a vinyl hunt. read more

Been going here for years. Never can get enough of the feel of a real record store. In my Dee Jay days you would of thought I lived there since I was there all the time for hours LOL...The feel of a record store is like no other read more

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

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What can I say but... it is Rasputin Music.. Been coming here for years, buying an selling music.. Always can find a great deal on what I am looking for, from music to movies this is the spizzot!! Review 2016 #24 out of 100 read more

I download CDs like anyone else, but if I like it enough to keep it - I buy it. Music supports my mind, my mood, and to an extent even my soul - I'll certainly support the artists who support me in such ways. In an era where "music" entails a whole lot of garbage and banter about whether 192kbps is enough or whether you need 320kpbs or Lossless encoding I still prefer my music to come with art and on a medium - the way the artist intended. Seriously, what is a TooL album without the album art - it is great, but the experience is incomplete. Quite bluntly - their used section f*cking OWNS the used section at Amoeba and the organization is better than Used Kids back home which makes this an all time contender for best music store ever along with Sonic Boom in Toronto. Selling used, new, and out of print albums at prices generally lower than Amoeba I was particularly impressed by their large selection of radio samples (y'know, those "promotional copy, not for resale" gold print versions) of many CDs at prices around $5-$7. Helpfull staff, huge selection, great vinyl choices, and a massive movie room - plus an extra percentage point off over Amoeba for showing a student ID from anywhere. read more

Have not been to this location in almost 8 years, but when I first walked in I was a bit surprised at how big the store was compared to the one in Campbell. The music and DVD selections are great, and pricing is very fair. I was really stoked to find that the entire basement was dedicated to vinyl, although I was somewhat disappointed that their vinyl selection was not as good as Amoeba's right down the street. A few of the genres in the vinyl sections were a bit difficult to navigate, especially the rock section. There's a really cool $1 and .50 cent vinyl section right under the stairs when you step down - I had a lot of fun digging through all the titles and was pleased that I came up with some good selections. The sales associate at the register wasn't too enthusiastic or talkative, so I mustered an awkward smile to break the ice. Didn't really seem to work though, haha. There is no designated parking so make sure you bring a lot of quarters to feed the meter! I found myself digging through vinyl for almost 2 hours and did not even realize how quickly the time was passing! read more

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First time in but felt like a lot of items were out if stock and selection wasn't the best. Maybe another time but this trip wasn't great. Vibes were wrong, store was dirty, selection was low. read more

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

Best vinyl shop ever. Staff was very helpful and you can't beat the prices. Very organized selection and wide variety of music. Best prices by far. Other record stores don't compete read more

Rasputin Music - Best selection of vinyl - Music & DVDs Near Me - Berkeley, California

It's so much more organized here than Ameoba. I usually stop here before going to Ameoba because the prices seem a little better. They got rid of their discount card which is a bit of a bummer but you never really saved that much anyway. I like that it's much less crowded here and the selection is about the same. Support them both because record stores are going the way of the dinosaur which is quite sad. read more

Updated, December 2011. This place has the best goth and metal music selection in the Bay Area. I have yet to find a better place. I always stop by here whenever I'm on Telegraph. Now that I'm a Cal student, I pass by here all the time, and its presence is always a comfort to me. There is also a lot of good quality used CD's here for low prices, so there's always great deals at this place. I love shopping here. Even just stopping by here to browse what they have is a nice way to pass the time before I have to run off to classes or catch a bus. Support an independent music store and help it survive in this era of internet Mp3's! read more

I seriously wish there was a Rasputin in San Diego. I remember leaving UCBerkley(Campus tour) and wondering the streets of Berkley looking for any book store or video/music stores. I spotted Rasputin from across the street and I automatically was seduced by the Rasputin on the outside of the building to come visit him. I had no other option but go inside. As I walked in, I knew I only had about fifteen minutes before I had to go back and meet up with my classmates. I ran across the main section where they have all the cd's and jetted through to get to the other side where they have all the wonderful dvd's. I felt like a eight year old kid at Toys R Us. I didn't know where to go or look first. Blood was rushing through my body so fast. My wallet felt lighter already. With the time I had, I managed to buy, Crash, Requiem For a Dream, An American Crime, Fog City Mavericks and A mighty Heart. I don't remember how much I spent but it was cheap and I was extremely satisfied by they're prices. Honestly, If I had about an hour, I would came out with twenty dvd's or so. My review is based on how big the store is, the cool staff, extremely large selection on dvd's and the great prices. I will be back Rasputin! Trust me!! read more

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

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The feel, the smell, the ambiance, I love it all. This place is like a pomegranate. Multiple floors, isles, rooms of amazing items. Though I don't collect many CDs anymore, unless they're not on Spotify. This place used to be my utopia as a kid. Now that I listen to a lot more international music, Rasputin's definitely deserves a visit in the near future because of their Reggae and foreign selection. From B-side records and films to posters, they have it all and you're guaranteed to find things your friends or parents wouldn't have dreamed still existed! read more

Wanted to sell back books. Cashier says that you guys don't buy books. Why you lyin though? Y'all should probably change the front sign. Girl was very nice though. read more

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

I dont work there, but i do have a shirt saying i do! Rasputin's is another Berkeley instituations. It is my fav record store that i can think off at this moment time. it remind me of the record store in high fidelity. you will find the weedy balding guy who knows everything the kinks ever put out. the over the top rock guys, whos just working this job till his band gets its shit together and the ego mynical self loathing critic guy who takes pleasure in destroying you for you music taste.and frankly, i love it. i love asking for a rare recordings of band that i like and watching their face contort, judging my tastes, and then having to trudge off and find it.and find they will. Rasputin has one of the best selections of incredible cheap CDs and Records. If you ever at your wits end trying to find that Japanese Import Frank Zappa Album, turn you gaze to the mad russian, and he will find it for you read more

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

I used to like this store. Haven't been in several years but decided to pop in while in the neighbourhood. I walked in (and didn't see a guy with thermometer at the entrance, so figured this location followed different protocol) Wrong... There was a wall-mounted thermometer which I missed, and next thing I knew, an employee stopped me "Ma'am, can you...." He wanted me to go back and get scanned - not a problem, but to be addressed as "Ma'am" (in a raunchy record store of all places) really got to me. Made me feel old (why do that to potential customers?).. Also, it's sexist, weird, and so not Bay Area 2021. Very Negative experience. read more

The crown of the Rasputins empire the Berkeley location is massive! Based on my experience the other day it isn't necessarily the best one to do your trading/selling at though. Having been to every store in the chain multiple times you are best served taking to the East Bay Stores: RAP, Metal, psychedelic rock.......others...........San Francisco stores: Rock, Soundtracks, psychedelic rock.......others...........South Bay stores: Metal, Punk, Rock, Psychedelic Rock......others......Ya gotta figure out the best store for what you're selling, and if you're going that way! Selection is impressive, though it needs a good thinning! Lots of damaged overpriced stuff in the used bins thats been sitting. Tons of gems that make you wish you had more money to go digging over these 2 floors! I'll be back! read more

Sing along Courtesy of Jim Croce... "Like the north wind whistlin' down the sky I've got a song, got a song Like the whippoorwill and the baby's cry I've got a song, I've got a song And I carry it with me and I sing it loud If it gets me nowhere, Ill go there proud Movin' me down the highway Rollin me down the highway Movin' ahead so life wont pass me by And I'm gonna go there free Like the fool I am and Ill always be I've got a dream, I've got a dream They can change their minds but they cant change me I've got a dream, I've got a dream Oh, I know I could share it if you want me to If you're going my way, Ill go with you Movin' me down the highway Rollin me down the highway Movin' ahead so life wont pass me by................." Music is Magical! For magical moments and stepping back in time via music...fabulous Rasputin Musics is 'da bomb! The place literally sings out loud. Fun is had by those who visit. During our last visit, it was a blast seeing all the (sing along to R.E.M.) "Shiny, happy people..." reminiscing while checking out the gigantic selection of CDs. Honestly, my music-loving family has never-ever seen such an array of tunes/CD's under one roof. CDs are used and most are very reasonably priced. You name the CD...they've got it! Wow! We're classic rock/oldies fans...even the kiddos. They were raised listening to the good old 70's tunes. To this day, they still think those tunes rock. Yup, the whole family rocks, rolls and sings along to the oldies...the goodies! The used DVD collection at this fantastic store is amazingly huge too. We didn't get to browse the DVDs because we were too enthralled in the magical music...incredibly awesome time spent there. One more sing along... "Let the good times roll Let them knock you around Let the good times roll Let them make you a clown Let them leave you up in the air Let them brush your rock and roll hair Let the good times roll Let the good times roll Let the good times roll" ~Cars read more

Cruising around Berkeley... walking off my Top Dog food baby: Rasputin calls my name. I am fond of the media treasures (both new and pre-owned) that can be had here. Plus, it reminds me of the [Russian] Orthodox Church - to which various family members converted and married into... the Liturgical hymns and Gregorian chants are beautiful. Standing for long periods of time is a highly useful skill that I acquired through being Orthodox; I have endured 4 hour Hierarchechal Liturgies with visiting Bishops and the Patriarch of Serbia - in English, Spanish, Greek, Russian and Arabic. In the same service. Browsing (or waiting for the Caveman Browser) is a cinch... if I tire of wandering the endless aisles, I simply find a place to stand, and imagine that one of my cousins is getting married. Rasputin... in name and experience, also conjures the word "insane" - which is how Holiday Seasons go in my family, since half of us are fasting, the other half are asking, "Hey, will you please pass the ham?" And while I love to dress very girly, my inclinations towards DVD acquisition definitely lean towards the masculine. Last month, I made a shopping list of MUST HAVES and pestered the Caveman into submission; he thinks I'm impulsive and excessive - both true... but he still shouldn't say so to my face. Ask Me Jesus went along for the ride; safely stowed in my Tumi satchel. I bought: * A Big Liebowski shirt "I too dabbled in pacificism once. Not in 'Nam of course..." How can you not love that? * There Will Be Blood DVD - Brilliant... "I drink your milkshake!" and found the complete Box Set (all 3 seasons!) of HBO's Deadwood for the low, low, low price of only $169.99 - which Caveman told me I couldn't buy. Awwww - how cute! He thinks he has a say in anything I do; he's so adorable. He balked. He fidgeted. He rolled his eyes. "I HAVE BRAS THAT COST TWICE THIS MUCH," I said loud enough to make him recoil in retail terror. But still, he tried to talk me out of it. Hmmmmm... Causing a scene in public will not work this time... Thankfully, I had Ask Me Jesus at my side, and pulled him out to settle the rapidly escalating dispute. KD: Jesus: Should I happily INVEST in this Deadwood DVD collection - the very same one that I saw at Costco for $300? CD: *glare* AMJ "I would!" KD *smirk!* The only remaining item of concern was: I REALLY had to pee... and Rasputin does not have a bathroom for customers; you have to use the public facilities several blocks away. Distressed, I found a Sales Associate, and implored him to make an exception and let me use the in-house facilities, since I'd just donated a kidney. He balked. He fidgeted. He rolled his eyes. "There's a public restroom-" I looked him in the eye, and told him that I sincerely needed to pee. "I'm not bullshitting you; I'll show you my scars." He balked. He fidgeted. He rolled his eyes. "Let me ask my manager." I thanked him. A moment later, he escorted me up the elevator and let me use the loo. He didn't make me ask his manager, and I was grateful for the common-sense kindness; he shrugged and said he'd earned his good karma for the day. I agreed. Ask Me Jesus: "Hallelujah!" read more

Cheap music/vids. Great selection and prices on international films. Used CDs are practically free. But my fingers are black by the time I leave. Two words: Swiffer Duster. Saving a couple of bucks isn't worth contracting some hippie disease. read more

Rasputin "oh how I missed you!" everytime I enter your establishment I go wild. I love the wide selection of music at rock bottom prices. Anywho, I love shopping in berkeley and I love Rasputin I just can't say the enough. The staff is helpful and polite everytime. read more

This place is going downhill. They have a sign that reads highest $$$ paid for music and DVDs. Try selling them 50+ CDs and they will offer you $7 to $8 max. Amoeba down the block isn't any better either but they will certainly offer you more than Rasputin's. You can get more by selling on eBay. The buyers at Rasputin's don't know anything about music. They will give you lowball offers and then resell the same stuff at a crazy markup. I won't be going there again to buy or resell any of my music. read more

Back in the day, Rasputin Records was the place to go for records--LPs and 45's--albums and singles--back in my salad days with its competitors that were Tower Records, Rainbow Records, and Record Factory. The aforementioned competitors are now history and part of my her-story. Rasputin Records has outlasted them all. I have not stepped into Rasputin Records in ages. I took a much needed mental health day off from going to classes to come here and browse the offerings. I have been listening to music as a method of self-care. After surrendering my backpack for the sales associates to hold and mind, I went off to explore the racks. I have been listening to a lot of music by the British band Keane through their videos and music online looking for answers to life and it's challenges through their philosophical music. Much to my surprise, Rasputin Records had a used copy of their two-set CD limited edition of The Best of Keane (2013) that was marked much lower than the new one-CD of the same name. (How I wish I could italicize, bold, and underline titles on my Yelp! reviews!) I immediately purchased the Keane two-set CD. The sales associate who tended to my purchase made me nervous a bit. He knocked and banged the security cover off that I was quite afraid of my new purchase being damaged before I could bring it home. I looked at his colleague who was taken aback just as much as I was. Fortunately, the packaging was all right on my new Keane CD. No harm, no foul. I have forgotten how much fun of going to record shops can be. Record shops in Berkeley were one of my many second homes. I will have to come back and get more CDs from here. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bH13eUiDhmo read more

I have been coming here ever since Leopod's closed. A good place to get rid of your old tapes [yes tapes], and CD's. Also if you are a record collector [I mean LP's], they are a great source for some classics. It's sad to see what has happened to many music dealers, but the formula here, works. Good luck against digital. read more

If you love music, movies, and/or good deals (basically if you're alive) then you'll probably like Rasputin. I love all of the above. I LOVE Rasputin. I've been going to this location for over 10 years now (wow that makes me feel old). I used to go CD shopping here all the time. They have great deals on new and used CDs. And they have ALL TYPES of music. Seriously. If you can imagine a genre they will most likely have it. The store has three huge floors and they are all chalk full of CDs. They even have a great selection of vinyl records. I would get some for my dad who still has his old turn table. Id also get them for my friends as decoration. Just find a band you know they like and buy them a record and they'll love it. It looks great on a wall. After iTunes came along and kinda killed CDs I'd still buy some here. But my trips to Rasputin mainly were to buy DVDs. I love movies and love to buy them for cheap. I prefer actual DVDs to digital copies. So I'd always buy so many movies from this place at amazing prices. Every time I left the store with at least two DVDs of some great movies. And I definitely had a huge smile on my face. The staff is also really nice and very helpful. If you need something or have a question they either know the answer or will find out for you. This is a place that you have to check out. read more

Ah Berkeley's Telegraph Ave. I've been visiting here off and on....errr...for decades! Through this time, there's one place I've always been magnetized toward: Rasputin's. I love music. I love all kinds of music. I love used music. I love Rasputin, but..... This place is my devil. Yeah, I know I just shouldn't be here shopping for music. My checked bag for this trip was filled to the brim, and I intentionally left room for a bottle of liquor on the way home. That's it! But if I'm at a place like Rasputin's, all the best laid out plans get thrown to the wayside. I mean c'mon now. You have 3-stories of music to choose from! I love the way everything is all laid out, too (seemed a bit better than nearby Amoeba in my opinion). Used & New CDs were easy to distinguish. I also like all the genres they have. They had a little section just for timba! When does that happen?? Oh, and they also have these scanner listening stations which are so cool. If your cd is in this huge database, you can listen to snippets of your cd to see whether you want it. How cool is that? So during my last visit, I spent time in the following areas: Cuban, electronic, DJ, salsa, & soul. Believe me--I limited myself. We were here for about 45 minutes, but I could have easily whiled away a whole day here! **But then I'd need to buy a completely new suitcase just for music! ** --Yes, I have an addiction. --Yes, I need to be on that show Intervention due to my musical weaknesses. --Yes, I need to just quit my job and work in a record store (hey! We don't need to go that far!) Enough of me, back to Rasputin's!!!!! So yes, this place is exactly how I remember it during my visits in the '90's & '00's. Now, that I made a visit in the '10's, I aim to continue a pilgrimage here for decades to come. read more

I can not tell you how many times I have ridden Bart up to Berkeley, walked through Campus and then strolled down Telegraph. I have had a steamy sultry and torrid love affair with Rasputin's Music store on Telegraph since the first time I ever laid eyes on her. I remember it like it was yesterday... I was in Berkeley on Campus for a debate tournament for my high school. We had just finished a long day of confusing first attempts at forensic science. We were just 18 and so full of life. My friends and I with permission to go home on our own decided to see what Telegraph was all about. Little did we know that what lye ahead of us would change our lives forever. We got Pizza at Blondies, checked out every single shop and gave away all out one dollar bills. Then headed toward the primary reason for our visit. Rasputin's! There it stood, in all it's glory. This two story wonder with all it's lights and posters was everything it was always fabled to be. I would be lying if I said that at that moment I didn't have goosebumps all down my tiny little spine. The light turned and so it became time to walk. My friends and I entered and soon afterward had to check our bags at the door. We ran in, unencumbered as though we were the children of Mr Willy Wonka's Chocolate factory tour. I discovered more than just the albums I had been searching for years to find. I discovered myself. Wrapped in bliss from the piles of cheap hard to find rarities, I soon discovered I could not afford them all. Oh but that is not to say that every month when we had our little rendezvous in Berkeley I was right back here. Seemingly swimming in all the wonders that this place had to offer. It may not have been my first time inside of a Rasputin's, but it was one of the best times I have ever had expunging all of my energy inside of one. I love this Rasputin's store and I know that it shows. I hope that you can learn to love her the way I have loved her. I know that she will be kind and nurturing. Taking extra care to help you find all that she has to offer. I don't mind sharing her love, since I know that I alone can not satisfy her need to share herself with others. So I implore you, regardless of sex, gender or creed. Come To Rasputin's! Once there, you will experience some of the best times you have ever had while searching for whatever it is you need to get you by. CHAD read more

The "other side" of the greatest intersection left on Earth, most likely, for buying used music. Rasputin's is fine for music and DVD's and the like but I won't support them any longer, owing to their owner's behavior with his real estate in Berkeley. Read this article, and then take a look at the vacant lot next door to see what I mean. http://www.berkeleyside.com/2013/10/31/berkeley-settles-case-with-owner-of-blighted-telegraph-lot/ Take your business to Amoeba instead. read more

I was here last Saturday, April 19 for their World Records Day. They had PHILIP PHILIPS perform and promote his new album!!!!! The performance was FREEEE for the public!?! I don't know what's better P. P. ORRR freee concert. :) My friend and I got to Rasputin around 12pm (started at 1) to wait in line to get in to see P.P. When they allowed us in, we filled down the aisles to get a standing spot to see P. P. He performed on the second story of the business... the balcony area. I had made a poster to hold up while P. P was performing, and left the poster on top of the DVD racks. SADLY, my poster slipped down and ended up getting stuck in between the two DVD shelves. There was no way for me to retrieve the poster without moving the shelf. After the performance, I waited for the area to clear out and asked an employee if he could retrieve my "sentimental" poster. He was very friendly and willing to help me get what I had lost. He and another employee pushed the shelf by hand so I could get the poster back. They went above and beyond their duty to provide GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. I am SO THANKFUL for their help! To the staff at Rasputin, THANK YOU! read more

Typical snotty, elitist, holier-than-thou staff, and over-priced music. So bad, I seriously recommend punching any staff member in the face right after you ask the question 'How much is this' or before you check out. If you happen to not be of Caucasian background, and smoke, be sure to flick your butts at the security guards. They're going to follow you around the store anyway. read more

Update, 5/1/2015: Rasputins' downstairs vinyl selection has become quite a bit more robust in the years since I wrote the review below, and I sometimes stumble on some pleasant surprises in their dauntingly large 'new arrivals' section. But many of my criticisms still stand. While their selection of second hand LPs may now rival Amoeba's, their prices are still often out of touch with reality. The vasty majority of LPs that I see there priced under $15 have some kind of visible surface damage, be it scratches or scuffs, or maybe gunk in the grooves. And I've seen quite a few LPs in the $15-$20 range that were also in pretty iffy condition. I don't care how rare the record is - $15 is kind of asking a lot for a scratched up LP that's likely to have audible surface noise. Amoeba's prices (even though they've gone up slightly too) are often much more reasonable. You're not going to see a trashed late-70s Judas Priest record for $12 like you would at Rasputins. So, while Rasputins is definitely worth checking out these days, I still walk out of there empty handed far more than I ever do at Amoeba. Original review: Ever since Amoeba usurped Rasputins' hold on the "coolest record store in the Bay Area" crown, Rasputins has been sliding down a sad trajectory. Up through 1990, Rasputins was THE primary destination for music obsessives who like the cheaper prices of 2nd hand LPs/CDs and an eclectic collection and a wide variety of music that you just can't find in most other places. Rasputins was simply unrivaled, and its great reputation and high standing in the pantheon of great Bay Area record shops seemed cemented. But when Amoeba opened shop down the street, that all began to shift, as Amoeba offered better prices, friendlier and more knowledgeable staff, and slightly more generous amounts of $$$ given to people who sell them their records. Soon enough, Amoeba's increasingly fabulous used selection had the lead in cool, interesting, sought after vinyl. Within a year of its opening, Amoeba eclipsed Rasputins to become the record store on Telegraph that you'd go to *first*. Nowadays Rasputins is kind of a joke. The vinyl selection, in particular, has become a sad situation. Whoever prices their LPs is either highly delusional or a complete moron. LPs that are grossly overpriced increasingly look as if they've been subjected to a disk sander. I'm sorry, but $17 for a not-that-rare Cocteau Twins or Smiths record with a big scratch across one side is not acceptable. Who the hell are they trying to fool? (Similar records in crappy condition wouldn't go for more than a few bucks at Amoeba). And it seems anything that Rasputins sells for $5 or less has been used as a cat-scratching post before going out on the shelves. I mean, they've just completely lost touch with reality in this department. The used CD selection is also kind of sad. True, the average used CD price seems to have fallen below that of Amoeba's, but the selection has become comparatively thin and uninteresting. Furthermore, one really gets the sense that Amoeba's staff tends to care more about what they're doing, so that not only are they friendlier, but much more with it in general. Rasputins, by contrast, now seems only to hire jaded, aloof, unknowledgeable college kids to augment the staff of ancient burn-outs who've been there since the 70s. Basically, Amoeba surpasses Rasputins in every way, and has continued to do so for over 15 years. Throughout this time, Rasputins has made no attempt to catch up, improve its shortcomings, or even acknowledge Amoeba's existence. Blinded by self-importance and a deeply faded legacy, Rasputins stubbornly forges ahead down its sad path of overt mediocrity. That said, I do still pop in there now and then and very occasionally find an LP or two sold at a fair price that reflects a connection with reality. But walking out empty-handed has become much more the norm. read more

Good selection of used cd's and more space to walk around than amoeba. I found the new bright eyes cd here for under $10 and the cashier didn't even roll his eyes or smirk at me when I threw the clearance item "belinda carlisle's greatest hits*" for good measure.... *my freshman year roommate in college had it, okay?? And it brings back good memories. Don't judge me!!! read more

Ever since my 100+ CD collection was stolen from my ex-car (good 'ol Jesse, the '93 cherry red Celica), I vowed never to invest dough in tangible music ever again. BUT if I did, this would be one of two places to start furnishing my collection. Who needs new when you can buy used? DECENT and unscratched used media. Pick an unknown artist, buy their CD for $5, go about your day, and fall in love with something new. As for me... nothin' (and I mean NOTHIN') can beat my recent purchase. The OC Season 2 on DVD for $9.95. Are you serious? The girl at the register and I exchanged our love for this ridiculous show, and vowed to one another that neither of us would speak of it again. P.S. Great area to just 'walk around' on an easy Saturday afternoon. read more