Eh, I don't really care if the owner is a douchebag or not. Sure he is kind of a dick, but what do you want fellatio from the guy or what? (now THAT would be service) It's only a record store, I mean I think people take things way too seriously sometimes. He probably either used to be pretty chill and Marin turned him into a douche, or it's just heredity. Either way it's not his fault. This is the bay area. Be tolerant people. There's a CD(might be on vinyl too) by poison idea called "record collectors are pretentious assholes", pretty much sums it up. Now don't get me wrong, I do like it though. It's the perfect record store for it's time and place. It just fits right in there on 4th st perfectly. I've scored several accused CDs there that I listen to regularly. And they do have some pretty rare vinyl, it's very pricy though. But then again you have to figure if you're going to go to amoeba you're going to have to pay for gas,bridge tolls, parking, not to mention the time it takes to get out there. So maybe it's not that much more expensive after all. My major criticism is the CD selection is very limited, and does not change. I've pretty much bought all the CDs they have I that I want. I'll go in there every two or there months and it's usually the same stuff. That might be good though, God knows if amoeba opened a store on 4th I'd probably end up living on ramen. All things considered I prefer Watts music, but this place really isn't bad at all for what it is. read more

Been there twice. They had stuff I like, which is rare and surprising. The prices or selection might not always compare to Internet, but sometimes they're better. So why 4 stars? Well, there's always room for improvement. Their music focus is not my current thing, but they dabble quite well in most genres. I can find faults in any store, especially after I rummage through their stock a few times. They play music on a decent stereo which is better than most. And I actually found myself liking Joni Mitchell a little from the album they were playing. As a more psych rock fan, that's something. It's nice to not hear music on junk stereos like most record stores do. Hopefully people are inspired to buy better gear after going here. I'm talking about those cheap Crosley player owners. read more

Great small place! Owner was playing a great record of a small band. Had no more in stock, but he sold me his copy! Great guy! Will return if ever in the area again! Thanks read more

Not worth the trip. Lots of interesting vinyl but prices are ridiculous. If you want to pay 30% over discogs average prices then this is the place for you. And my experience has been pretty much what others have noted - Barry is a jerk. That said - I wouldn't really care if the prices were reasonable. If you are looking for collectible vinyl check out Stranded in Oakland. Totally different vibe. read more

I first came into this store back in the days it was in Petaluma. Barry, the owner, was always helpful in turning me on to some bands that I was not quite familiar with, although loved once we had a listen together. I understand some people being a little turned-off by his personality, but he is a true audiophile with excellent taste. You may have to engage him a bit, but then (from my experience) he's open and enthusiastic about what he has to offer. Jazz, blues, punk, bossa nova...tons of great music. When he moved to San Rafael, I followed. I brought my 12-year-old nephew in for his birthday a couple years ago to buy him some new music and Barry treated him with as much enthusiasm as I've ever seen...and schooled him on everything from Bon Scott to The Briefs...and even, after asking what he listened to, turned him on to Radio Birdman (which is now one of his favorite bands). It felt a little like a History of Music lesson. An awesome day my nephew still talks about. Couldn't have been better. From my experience, this place is the real deal...and a true gem that keeps downtown San Rafael interesting. read more

Interesting store. The employee on hand today, I think his name is Barry, seemed nice enough (an older fellow, a little out of touch with music made after 1979). He recommended a no wave band I never heard of (Tuxedomoon), but he insisted on playing it for me directly from YouTube, over his computer speakers. He honestly thought the fidelity was better that way. Hey dude, its called an "audiophile" not an "audio file". Their punk collection is a little on the main stream side (The Hives? Seriously? And it was in their "Store Favs" section). They seemed like some rather obvious choices. When I asked if he sold the album he was playing for me (on YouTube mind you) on CD, he told me he only has it on vinyl. I told him that unfortunately I don't have a record player. After that he wouldn't give me the time of day. I don't know how to tell you dude, but you might find a CD to be a slight step up from YouTube. I think Mr. Pickles has a better sound set up than this character's computer speakers. Bottom line: I highly recommend you check this place out if you're looking for main stream punk and hearing YouTube clips over his computer speakers. read more

He has a sign that tells you to put away your phone. The other reviewers that didn't follow directions shouldn't complain about others' rudeness when they are being rude to others in the shop. Owner was really helpful when I was perusing the place for some records. He labels the conditions of the vinyls so you know you're gonna be getting good quality stuff. A regular customer who happened to be there told me that he's been shopping there for the condition of their vinyls vs other stores' vinyls. Ended up grabbing 4 records: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Amy Winehouse, and Dr Dre. Looking forward to going back again! read more

I love shopping at Red Devil Records! Barry is my first stop when I am looking for a rare record or a new band! He is really awesome at suggesting new music to listen to and comparing albums truthfully! Whenever I go into the shop, I am always treated nicely, the music is always rad and he is not pushy at all! A huge plus is that he will normally play some songs for you on his record player (If the album you want is opened already! {used}) All in all, this is my favorite record shop in the area and a strong contender for me against places like amoeba etc... I definately suggest stopping by and chilling with Barry for a while! Just make sure you have time to shop as you might end up in there for an hour or two! read more

Love it. I walked in the first time and just stood there and sniffed.....vinyl !!!! REAL records! What a trip to hang out and find ALBUMS for $10 again. Remember how it felt to stand in an aisle in your favorite record store and FLIP through records? Live it again!!! read more

I really don't get all the whiny people that say the owner is rude. Ever been to a small record store before? He's a record store owner and music collector, he knows a lot more about music than you or I, and just like everyone else he has an opinion on what's good music and what's not. That doesn't stop him from selling stuff he doesn't like, and every question I had he answered. Maybe I send off a record collector vibe (?) and he thought he could relate to me more than some customers but I found absolutely nothing wrong with his manners or demeanor. I actually found him interesting and engaging we talked about several bands I had never heard of and he played me their music. That being said, I found the selection to be pretty wide considering the small space. The store covers many genres and also had a good amount of new reissued vinyl, lots of stuff from my youth has been re-pressed that could lead to empty wallets. As far as the prices I didn't find them outrageous, things certainly weren't on the cheap side but this guy knows what records are worth and charges according to what people will pay. What do you expect rare, out of print records to go for $1? Maybe if you are new to record collecting the vibe of this shop is a little off putting but if you continue to buy vinyl I think you will come to appreciate this store. Take it from someone who has been buying records for over 25 years, it's really a gem there aren't many independent stores left out there. read more

I was visiting San Rafael with my Aunt, who went to high school there 40 years ago. We were looking for a keepsake/souvenier for my father (her brother) who is a music collector/fan/etc. While looking for the place, I had a feeling it was going to be very "High Fidelity" and I was partially right. The gent behind the counter was a bit friendlier than that - but I still felt a bit in awe of how cool his musical taste must be. (I mean, he does work there.) After persuing the vintage t-shirts and finding nothing in a reasonable price range that would fit my father, I ended up purchasing a Red Devil Records T-shirt for my girlfriend. She has probably never heard of them or San Rafael for that matter - but she enjoyed it nonetheless. If I had been with my father (rather than my aunt), I may have stuck around to browse the tightly-packed, but seemingly large selection of records. He does in fact still own and use a record player. Me? At age 32, my last record player crapped out when I was 9. read more

We were asked to be searched carrying a diaper bag in the store with our toddler, even though another women who was not a minority was also walking around the record shop and came in about the same time to browse was not stopped and asked if they could check her bag. read more

Owner is fine. I see him once a year for my Sierra Nevada Fest Ticket. Always quick and easy. Thnx!!

A fantastic old school, independent record shop. Tons of vinyl. Friendly, helpful service. Great location on scenic Main Street. read more

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Damn it!! Why didn't I read the review before going here? I will say Barry has a very good collection of vinyl. Priced a little more than most shops. But fuck if I will ever step foot here again. I thought maybe it was me but he was such a dick even when I started stacking records on the counter to purchase. He was condescending and made me feel so unwelcome. Guess I will be taking my business elsewhere. read more

Red Devil doesn't look large from the outside, but they do have a hell of a selection. This is really a vinyl store , but they have a few CD's. Their 'rare and collectable' material is priced to condition, BUT they are strict on record grading, so if you're buying a 'mint' record it is indeed 'mint'. That I respect. I generally enjoy the company of the people in the store, I think they are very reasonably priced, and more or less always stop in anytime in San Rafael. So far, they have been open everytime I've been there. So I have faith in the stores hours of operation. read more

I really want to like this store. I live in the neighborhood and I've been collecting music since I was about 12. I'm in my 50s, and a big portion of my extra cash goes towards music. My collection is large and eclectic. If you own a record store, you want people like me as your customers. Like others have already pointed out, there's hardly ever anyone in this store. The problem isn't so much the inventory (though it's a little too specialized); it's the barefaced arrogance and rudeness of the store owner, whose reputation for being a jerk precedes him all over the county. The sullen, pretentious, bohemian-posing approach to running a customer facing business is a major fail. The owner must be a Marin County trust-baby, otherwise he wouldn't still be open. read more

Don't waste your time or money at this place. It would be worth your while to drive to Novato, Petaluma or the city - way better record stores than this place. The selection sucks, the prices are high and yes, the guy that works there (maybe he's the owner, I don't know) is not helpful at all - downright rude. read more

While I appreciate the fact that it's tough to keep a record store afloat in this day and age of online everything, however, this place is maybe the most outrageously priced record store I've ever been in. (I've shopped all over the world- Europe, Japan etc.) Most every record that's semi decent i.e. you pay between $5-$15 at amoeba, rasputin etc. costs $29!!! I don't mind paying $29 for a record that's worth that...but the records I'm talking about here are very run of the mill and the condition is in no way reflective of asking for that much. This place makes Ebay seem like a bargain bin! read more

The store owner was so rude and dismissive to customers. He especially hates kids and when asked how much something cost he told me, and I quote, "It's not free, isn't that what all you kids expect out of my music these days." Everything is also overpriced and not a great collection. Would not recommend. read more

Meh, could be better. Barry is kinda a kook when asked anything about music. Typical of the record shop owner. I know cus' I was one once. Overall, mostly top dollar for stuff that should not be top dollar. It's the only record store in Marin with any kind of quality Punk section, so that's an upside. Although, if you want to find something other than the standrds of Circle Jerks, Black Flag, Bad Religion...then ya better just stick to Amoeba. Nice try though... read more

The store is always bereft of customers and has a pretty superficial selection of music (insofar as its punk selection). I picked up one CD there several years ago and have left empty-handed ever since. I'm surprised it's still open after all this time. read more

I love independent record shops and I'd been wanting to check this place out for awhile. Today I had the day all to myself...so I stopped in. Wow. Did I say or do something to piss off the guy behind the counter? After a just a few minutes in the shop, I left feeling not very welcomed. The main thing I have to share here, is that this guy has a pretty bad vibe going on. So, come on dude! Relax, open up, engage your customers in some passionate music talk! Who knows, you might start selling some records. But I get the feeling that that won't happen anytime soon. So my advice: Don't waste any of those precious moments of your day here. read more

Barry is a prick! I was in there one day looking at his over price (50 for a reg. White album) vinyl and he was very rude is this old man trying to sell some records. He actually was rude to him so he could make a sale to me. It was very off putting, Also you will pay ebay prices. Not worth finding the parking downtown either and dealing with the homeless that frequent the area. read more

I have been coming here for years, including today. I'm at a loss in terms of all the negativity. The owner is nothing but courteous, informative and cool to me. He seems focused on very serious music aficionados. This really isn't a store for casual music listeners. Seriously, garbage in, garbage out. Ask the right questions and you'll get the right answers... the selection is virtually second to none for vinyl in the Bay Area. Your loss if you don't come here. More for me. ;-) I should also say that a homeless person came into the store and he was incredibly cool to him too. It's almost like there is a club of people with a vendetta out for him. Don't listen to them. Just go and dig in. The complaints about the pricing are ridiculous, too. Mostly, the prices are excellent and BELOW Discogs. I am someone who has bought literally thousands of records, so this isn't a casual, uninformed viewpoint. read more

The owner/operator of Red Devil is so rude and full of himself it's funny. We've been there several times - frankly, because it's the only local record store around. We are staunchly anti-chain/anti corporate - but this guy made me want to head straight home and log onto Amazon. You may think it's un-cool dude - but a little customer service never hurt anyone. Also - very limited, boutique collection. read more

Good vinyl selections, but selling overpriced bootlegged CDs, too. It's a small shop and I think the guy behind the counter is the owner. He's got a ton of knowledge and can probably help you locate something special if he doesn't already have it in stock. Here is one thing record shops need to get into - iTunes and Apple music products. I KNOW it's heresy to suggest since a lot of these holdout vintage places are traditionals by choice to preserve and respect the old ways. BUT... if they want to remain relevant and bring people into their shops, they have to keep up with the times. No one is saying get rid of the vinyl... just open your minds to all music products. read more

I have worked with owner Barry Lazarus the last six months in putting our family record albums, 5 crates of them, up on consignment at Red Devil Records. Barry has been transparent, responsible, with clear paperwork, prompt in sending me checks, and very straightforward in our dealings. I highly recommend Barry and his store Red Devil Records in San Rafael, in Marin County, if you have phonograph records to place on consignment. He is a pleasure to work with and honest. Thank you Barry. read more

Worth visiting especially if you're into punk and/or jazz, as they have a large selection of both. The rock selection left me cold, though, with it's small size and high prices. But the relatively ample dollar bins underneath yielded results. Bring an extra wad of cash, should you come across a gem or two you deem worthy of the investment. read more

I really appreciate having this record store in my neighborhood. The owner is cool and edgy and always offers me a deal on vinyl when I come in. He lets me use the credit card even if I am below his minimum. I ususally offer to pay an extra buck but he always says no. His selection is pretty good for the affordable vinyl. Especially his punk stuff! His more expensive vinyl has an abundance of gems for those who are willing to drop the dollar. All in all, I like going in this store, even if i have no intention of purchasing anything. I have been buying a lot lately, so happy to support the business. Thanks for the hook up on The Faction records!! You know who I am :) read more

I've been a Red Devil customer for four or five years and it's one of my two favorite record stores. The selection is excellent and Barry manages to get his hands on many interesting, rare pressings. I will also add that I've experienced none of the rude interactions that have been described here--in fact, my experience has been sort of the opposite. I've always found Barry kind, welcoming, and eager to discuss music. He helps my wife and parents pick out gifts with some regularity and is just as nice to them too. When I mail order from the store (since it's not often I can get into the store), Barry takes the time to attach a thank-you note to every order, no matter the value of the order. So that's not to invalidate other peoples' experiences, but mine has been that Red Devil has an amazing selection and a really great owner. read more

I'm not getting the rudeness others are expressing. Barry might not be super friendly, but if you have a specific question about a CD or record you're looking for I've found him to be informative, helpful and knowledgeable. The prices aren't cheap, certainly, but an excellent selection of 60's - 80's rock and vintage jazz on both CD and vinyl. read more

I live in the Sierras, and get down to San Anselmo every five or six weeks. I always spend between $50-$200 bucks when I hit this store, and I've been going for almost two years. I have introduced myself to the owner, and over time I have definitely seen the same sort of lukewarm and borderline unpleasant energy that the owner emanates. Thing is, while his new vinyl prices are a bit higher than elsewhere, he has tended to have a nice used selection; this has kept me coming back. Until today. I called this morning to ask about Record Store Day, which is coming up next weekend. I explained to Barry that I would be there for RSD, and asked if he had any idea which titles he would have in stock. He told me that yes, he already had ordered everything and knew what he would be getting. Here's the conversation. Me: "I know that you don't hold RSD stuff for people, and I wouldn't expect you to. But I would like to know if you have ordered any of the seven or eight records I am interested in." Barry: "Well, I ordered a bunch of stuff." Me: "Well, could I run a few titles by you and find out if you are going to have any copies of those?" Barry: "Well, not right now.... it's just not a real good time... ya know..." Me: "No problem, I understand. How about I shoot you an email and you can get back to me later?" Barry: (long silence)"Well....I'm not.....ah.......I'm....." Me: "Okay. Could I possibly run by you just one or two of the titles that I want the most?" Barry: "Ah...eh...okay...." Me: "I really want the live Bowie record." Barry: "Well, ya know, I ordered a bunch of different stuff, ya know....." Me: "So you don't know if you ordered that title?" Barry: "Well, I ordered a bunch of different stuff...." It's not that he was outride rude, because he wasn't. He just was NOT interested in selling me any records. At all. I don't get it. The rent in that area has to be through the roof, and it's not like people are coming in for the friendly service. The guy has to be independently wealthy...hell, I don't know... but he doesn't want to sell me any records. Bummer. read more

I understand the not-so positive reviews that Red Devil has received...the owner Barry is not the smiley, friendly face when you walk in the door. However, I'm not looking for a new best friend, I'm looking for some good vinyl! Red Devil has a decent selection of used/vintage rock, jazz, punk and blues. The prices are decent and he always seems to have some good finds. If you want a lot of new vinyl from modern artists, this place is probably not for you. Check this place out, it's got some good gems at decent prices. Just don't expect good, friendly customer service. read more

Ahh my great vice. I found the place while working a freelance gig up there and recently accepted another gig up there partially for the proximity to this place. It's a small shop and pretty Punk and Jazz specific but even the smaller collections are super tasty. Prices are in the middle/high range for the collectors market but that's because the merchandise is top notch and patience and persistence have yielded me many bargains and rare gems. read more

Good selection, I don't have any qualms with no frills exchanges, but inaccurate hours of operation is frustrating.

This is a real jewel of a record store in downtown San Rafael. Great selection of new and used Jazz CDs and vinyl (only thing I'm really interested in). The staff is super-knowledgable (yes, even the owner, everybody just get over yourselves) and willing to help guide you through their collection. They'll even help with questions over email. Really glad this place is a local fixture and it's part of my regular beat when looking for music. I'll continue to shop here as long as it's around. read more

This is a great little store with gems. Best prices on new blue note vinyl as well Barry will order for you. I have found killer rare records here in great shape. He finds the rare ones and will help you and play any of his records. I always browse and walk away with a serious dent in wallet but truly rare and good stuff. Aemoeba is great but better % of classics here... read more

Red Devil has a great and constantly rotating selection of interesting and hard to find new and used vinyl records. In addition, Barry the owner has the uncanny knack for remembering records you've brought from him and recommending records by other artists you will like but may have never heard of. Check out this gem of a record store. read more

Cators to all my musical needs. Its nice to have such knowledegable people running this place. Great place to chat about music history, Definitly One of my favorite record stores ever! Barry and Jim, you guys rule! read more