I was in the area and was surprised to see the sign for Rockaway Records. It has been years since I've been there. I used to frequent this store on a regular basis to sell CD's and pick up something cool. It was such a great store with lots of vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, and music memorabilia. I was surprised to see that it moved from its large store front to a small space around the corner and entrance is by appointment only. However, you can shop online and browse the diverse collection of rare and mint condition pieces at your leisure. No doubt you'll find some coveted pieces like an autographed Nine Inch Nails guitar for $1,750.00. read more

Rockaway Records - By appointment only now. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Awesome store for rock and roll memorabilia. Great staff and pricing. You have to make an appointment prior to visiting.

Maybe the weirdest record store in the country???? By appointment only? I don't know my schedule and don't know when I'm passing by but they let me enter all 3 times I stopped by last 12 months. They only have rare records. They only have mint records. There is no filler. Both dudes there know me (asked about the Street Fighting Man Sleeve last time I was there a month ago) and they are always friendly, talkative and chill. This place is for the serious record collector. Historically I shop coast to coast and Europe and this store record quality is the best in the world. They look like they never been played. Swear to god, I don't think they have anything lower than NM in the store. Just hope my luck continues when I knock and they let me in! read more

Been here a couple times. One time I traded and really got low-balled hard. Went home and checked the record out that I traded for and realized I not only got low-balled badly for what I traded, I also waaaay overpaid for what I took home. I really felt like I got ripped off and really I did it to myself by walking through the door. Went again after a number of years and I guess I forgot what happened and tried again. Prices still crazy high, still lower quality, no negotiation. This place takes the thrill out of record collecting. I think you're MUCH better off going to a record show, a flea market, or an estate sale to find either a decent deal or someone who might knock $5 off the price so you have a good experience. I won't be going here ever again. read more

What an amazing collection of rock memorabilia! Much more than records for sale here. Knowledgeable, friendly staff is welcoming and helpful. This place elicits one oooh and ahh after another! **They are now open by appointment only.** read more

This place rocks!!! Cool items, great to communicate and do business with. Highly recommended, I can't wait to buy more from them!!! I found them through their listings on a third party site (which I won't name), but did my transaction over the phone and through PayPal direct with them, super easy. Very well packed items made it safely to me in NY. Thanks again!!!!!!! read more

Used to be a great record store. I have no idea why you would have it open only by appointment. Super bummed. Tough to go digging by appointment and what an odd vibe that would be if you found nothing. read more

A classic store. For those in the know, they know this is an epic store. Strong in Beatles/Beach Boys, but lots of surprises here. Do make an appointment and for sure you will enjoy the treasures. read more

Have always seen them on eBay and also ordered from their website but it's nice to go in person and browse. (Appointment only as of May 2022 -- so call/email first). Lots of stuff on the walls including some HIGH END Beatles memorabilia / autographs. Don't worry about authenticity as these guys known their stuff -- if they sell it, it's legit. Wayne and Gary have been doing this for MANY years -- not many other (if any) stores like this left so go support them! Then grab a german beer at the Red Lion across the street. read more

I've been a customer for decades and hope to continue to be for decades to come. Great selection, knowledgeable staff, good people. Rarely do I walk out without a purchase and I often found music that I didn't know that it existed. Probably the best store still standing (RIP Eastside Records). read more

Rockaway Records maybe a small store front but they pack huge punch for any collector looking for rare memorabilia, LP's , CDs or obscure concert merchandise. Now if your obsessed BEATLES fan then Rockaway is your Beatles HQ. One of the finer collections for sale should you have the $$$. If not it's just nice to look enjoy viewing it. Now if your selling a collection they do purchase individual collections. With all that said its all I've got! read more

Rockaway Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This used to be the best record shop in LA. But ever since they decided to become appointment only, and also limited their stock, and are now only open a few hours a day on weekdays, its just not fun anymore. The whole idea of vinyl shopping is browsing, and finding something cool. Who makes an appointment? Am i going to get my teeth cleaned or am i looking to discover new music? read more

Amazing store thru the years. I hope they ditch the reservation system and open full time again soon

They're apparently only open by appointment which is bizarre for a record store. Don't waste your time just order online.

What a fun place to browse and stroll down memory lane. The soundtrack of our lives. Many collector items that I will have to think about and save up for. read more

I had a bit of a drive from LA out to Santa Barbara and my iPhone wasn't connecting to the blue tooth or the USB in my rental car. I decided to take it back to the 90s and just pick up some cheap CD's for the road trip instead. I came to the right place! Rockaway Records may be a famous record store (since 1979) but they also have a pretty decent "bargain bin" selection of CD's for 99 cents. I got a Pretenders album and Tool album which kept me pretty entertained from Silver Lake where Rockaway is located all the way up the winding Pacific Coast highway to SB. Of course being a vinyl lover I had to also check out the selections. In typical LA fashion there is the 'best' sort of stuff here. Stuff that is weird and rare and priced to sell. I would say obscure is a specialty here so if you are seeking out hard to find or want to explore a forgotten vinyl you should come here. There is a wide selection and a lot of it autographed. Speaking of autographed Rockaway also specializes in memorabilia. They have a massive collection of Beatles memorabilia for sale to the point where this place is like a pseudo-museum. In addition they have other autographed posters and an authentic Beach Boys surf board. Parking is easy for LA standards as they have a parking lot. Only real bummer is that they close at 7PM so you can't browse late which is too bad as this is the sort of record store where you want to take your time browsing through the bins. read more

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I've been going to Rockaway Records just in the last few years, but I'm glad I've found it. They have a bit of everything- DVD-s and Blu-Rays, CD-s (very well organized), vinyl, posters, collectibles. New and used.Their prices are great, even for new CD releases are low. I've found here some nice, rare, obscure music that I never thought I'd get in my wildest dreams. For low prices, so that was even a better gift to myself. They have a few listening stations where you can sample CDs they have in store (the unopened ones), which helped me decide on some cool finds. Rockaway Records is a smaller stone (don't imagine Amoeba), but very clean, has restrooms and a decent parking lot. Customer service here is very good, I didn't get the attitudes I got in other similar places around the city. Another major plus. If you love movies, music, collect CD-s, DVD-s, this is a cool place to check out. It might surprise you. read more

Rockaway Records is an interesting vinyl, book, and CD store. The place is full of cool rock memorabilia. Perhaps you're interested in some rare Beatles collectible or maybe even an autographed LP signed by the elusive Bobby Zimmerman? I had a minor issue with the store recently and the management contacted me and was quick to resolve the problem. That's the kind of customer service I'm looking for in a small independent record shop. I shop at Amoeba Records as well - but I prefer going to this store whenever possible. Bottom line: the prices are better. They typically have a great selection of LPs in their $2.99 section. It's not uncommon for me to visit this store and walk away with an armful of records. I like getting album covers autographed - and I often find a surprising selection of records in their 'discount' bins that are in great shape. I even picked up an autographed Andy Williams LP there once for $2.99!! Moon River? Come on! Andy Williams rocks! As the name suggest, this store is mainly geared towards "rock lovers." They do have some hip-hop, classical, and jazz LPs - but their specialty is classic rock. read more

Rockaway Records - Street View of Rockaway Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This was a gem in dirt.. Hidden away in nonchalant street. Walked-in & was set back to 70 ~80s.. Vinyl cover LPs!! Wow.. Have not seen those since my early childhood days when I used to live in Hollywood area.. Felt very nostalgia & brought back memories when they had Wherehouse on Vine street which I visited .. It was nice. Pics on walls & rock star signed memorabilias further enhanced the era when REAL music, Rock & Rolls at it's best.. I went through the selections of music... Must've spent about an hour shuffling through the whole alphabets of LP.. Did not buy any since I no longer own LP player.. but I will def come back here if this trend of LP continues & I want to purchase in near future. read more

Rockaway Records - Real records! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A few people told me I should check this place out when I went record shopping in LA. Not sure if I came on an off-day, but I wasn't able to find anything I really wanted (though my gf was able to.) I didn't have time to scour through the whole store. First section I went through was the new arrivals and it came up dry. In my experience, if the new arrivals section doesn't have anything, you're not going to find much in the general lettered sections either. I would have loved to gone through their boxes and boxes of 7"s behind their back counter, but not having any super specific in mind, I couldn't take on that adventure. I'd give Rockaway another chance if I were back in LA, but it wouldn't be my first stop (see my review of Wombleton for more on that!) read more

Rarely do I walk out of a record store these days with a stack of records, even Amoeba! There just isn't what I need (or want) at the right price. Here I walked out with a stack of little platters all in near perfect condition despite the fact that they were 20 or 30 year old records and for a decent price, all $10 or less. The guys at the counter were nice, and despite the high priced stuff they save for eBay, there were plenty of goodies they let the store sell. Nice to see this store thriving. read more

First off, let me start off with the good. A lot of times since they focus on vinyl so heavily they price their CDs very low. Another bonus with CDs is it seems that they have a very good working relationship with many labels so the amount of promo CDs they get in bulk of certain titles is impressive and the prices are rock bottom for some brand new releases. Now the bad: First off their buying practices are total garbage. They do all this advertising about how they will pay top dollar and that they "need" your collection and all this garbage. This is not the case. They pay pennies and they have no idea whats worth anything especially if its a new release. Earlier this month I brought in a good amount of brand new releases of very hyped up and established artists. All titles were in near mint condition. They passed on every single one. No real explanation, no real common sense, these titles would have sold in a second. Just "we're gonna pass" hmmmm ok well you just passed on a shitload of titles you could sell, so I went to Freakbeat and they bought every single one. The other major con: The vinyl pricing. I'm not sure who is flocking to the store to pay these prices. I'm not sure how they keep their doors open with the amount of records I see that have been sitting in the bins for about a year. The records are priced at the tip top, now I know the condition is great and these guys wouldn't sell junk but I mean come on, as a business person you have to price your product to sell, you can still make money(hell you would probably make a lot more) if these things were flying off the shelves instead of sitting there. Also given the prices I have been offered in the past, these guys sure do know how to swindle, they buy low and price real high! Their selection is wonderful if you have the cash to afford the vinyl and the CD selection is wonderful if you know what you are looking for but don't sell to them because they are pretty horrible in that department. read more

Awesome place! I've been coming here since their first location was across the street. Prices are cheap. You will find vinyl at a decent price. Some are overpriced, but that's every record store. I understand, they have to make a profit. Bottom line is I love this place read more

I spent 30 minutes in here wondering, who the hell pays this much for these records? Somebody does. Not me. If you're in a hurry and absolutely need a record today, then go here. But if you have any patience at all, hold out, you will find it cheaper elsewhere. read more

Was recommended this place from another record store to find Christmas holiday specific music. Didn't find much but my wife found a couple other kids records which was a plus. We got Beach boys Christmas album The place is organized well with all the different genres. The staff was nice and they had a restroom!! That was a plus cause after driving around to different record stores I had to go!!! Most have no public restrooms. read more

i have been a fan and a customer of Rockaway for a lot of years. i am not particularly a Vinyl fan though i have thousands of vinyl records mostly because i have been collecting for 100 years. Rockaway has been doing something right because they are still in business after many many years at this location on Glendale Blvd. And with the resurgent interest in Vinyl i bet doing better than ever. One time 10 years ago i had someone from Rockaway evaluate my record collection and frankly ultimately disappointed in what he told me what my collection was worth $$$ wise. Be that what it may i overcame that and i'm glad that i kept my collection intact. At this juncture in my life i mostly go to rockaway to buy classical Cd's mostly used and from Europe. i also always on the lookout for Pop records from the 50-70's, Rockaway sells all sort of collectibles: shirts, hats, dolls, bobble heads, etc. By all means come here to supplement your collection. They have everything. This is a very low key place with low key employees. a pleasure to shop here. read more

Rockaway Records - groovy storefront - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've made many rad mix CDs thanks to this place. I've been going to Rockaway Records since it took up the whole lot. There was never a Silverlake Wine whatever, nor a fashion boutique, nor whatever else happens to be the left of it. It used to be just Rockaway Records and the parking lot. But, the times have changed. Due to the competition for customers, Amoeba essentially took away some of their frequent customers. I'm sure they both share some common customers still, but I can't help but to think that's what forced them into a smaller venue. (Rockaway Records shrank two times!!) Unlike Amoeba, they have just a handful of employees there. One guy in particular, a tall-ish, middle-aged man, really knows his shit. We once had a discussion about soul music, and I brought up an interesting question: Who was the better soul singer, Jackie Wilson or Sam Cooke? Well it's obvious to me that it has to be Sam Cooke , but it wasn't to him. I mean, c'mon, he wrote his own heart-wrenching, or blisfully happy songs -- depending on what mood or emotions he was going through -- himself, while other soul singers of his time were singing songs that other songwriters shlepped to them. But listening to said tall-ish man (I think his name is...Gary?) explain to me why Jackie Wilson deserves his place in the upper-echelon of soul singers was....well, soul stirring. He couldn't come up with a conclusion as to who was better, but he didn't admit it was tough to choose. See, you just can't get these kinds of conversations at a Sam Goody, Wherehouse, maybe a Second Spin, Penny Lane, and not even at Amoeba. Well, maybe Amoeba, if it's a fellow customer or someone at the sell/trade counter. I remember going through my last heartbreak, and I thought to myself how badly I needed some new music to band-aid the heart drip. I could easily walk away spending $25 and be satisfied, but their bargains -- as other people have attested in their reviews -- are too good to turn away from. So, like a sucka, I go ahead spend around $50, on average. (There have been times I have spent more.) Anyway, you know what they say. One person's trash is another person's treasure. I'll trade in some music and dvds from time-to-time, hoping that what I have outgrown finds a new home with someone else. But I really love it when it's me walking away with the pirate's booty. So, 4 stars because this place is my favorite record store. It would be 5 stars if it were a little bigger, and/or it could assure me it wouldn't shrink once more into the size of a parking space. read more

If you're the type of "record collector" who cares about Korean pressings of Ringo Starr promo 45s and super minty audophile versionf of late period Rolling Stones LPs, this store is for you. If you care about finding stuff like, oh, I don't know, interesting rock, punk, soul, jazz, reggae etc for decent prices, skip it. No listening stations. They seem to have stopped carrying 45s altogether. Rude staff. Anything interesting is overpriced. The "memorabilia" section is always good for a laugh though. Yes, I would love to buy some Counting Crows sheet music, issues of Creem from the mid-1980s and Metallica concert shirts from their 1997 tour. I go here once in a while because it's in my neighborhood but I walk out empty handed 90% of the time. The 10% of the time I do make a purchase, I feel horrible and empty upon leaving the store. I almost don't like records anymore. It's a shame there isn't a good record store to serve this side of town. Rockaway definitely isn't it. read more

This is thank you letter. Before Amoeba (Berkeley), way before anyone thought of putting another one in Hollywood. You were the it. If it wasn't for your parking lot tent sale, as a teenager I might have never discovered one of my favorite bands. You never felt like a chain, and i found you at the right time, in the golden age of music. The times have changed but you are still true to music, and for that Thank you. read more

We came in here today and I left with a Billy Brag and Wilco album. "Mermaid Avenue Vol. II".. I misplaced my previous one and today while going through the used section it came back to me... I AM SO HAPPY! Best part. It was only $5.99.. So now my collection of "Mermaid Avenue" is complete..... Highlights: They have a good music memorabilia section in here... Inexpensive... Friendly staff... Used/New selection. DVDs and a wall of "on sale" ones for $2.99 and they are not all crap either... I only wish that they had Sebastien Tellier... I was looking for his new album and didn't find it... ALSO.... It would be rad if they had more French Pop... But, whatever the store is still a gem. read more

I really liked this record store, though it's a little far for me. They have a very good selection. Their records are priced a little higher than some others, but the records I got from there played perfectly, without any static. I found more records there that I wanted than at any other record store I've been to so far. read more

Back in the day when this store took up the entire building and was a mad house with a new arrival selection that was the back wall in itself I would have give it a five star automatically. But seeing how far it has scaled down since those glory days makes me just give it one star less. Don't get me wrong, the selection here is amazing. Add in that the cost for dvd's and bluray disc is really low. But it's a very small store now. Has to be that in the race with Amoeba to see which will have the most customers, the one in Hollywood won. Doesn't mean that you can't find gems here. Just means it's a an Amoeba lite, if you will. You come here if you don't want to deal with the traffic mess of trying to park in Hollywood and you're also trying to find something not as rare. The price may often times be cheaper here, I found it. They also have a lot more non-cd stuff for sale. Posters, old concert shirts, pins and stickers of older generations can be found here. I found an old Blues Brothers bumper sticker here for a couple of bucks. I mean, literally an old originally issued bumper sticker. A nice little record store that is a shadow of its former self but I'm ok with that. Great finds to be had and surprisingly enough, not covered with hipsters. So a gem that isn't terrible to hang around in. read more

I attended The Show Newport (O.C. hi-fi show) --Rockaway Records was advertising that they pay top dollar $$$ for your CD collection. I drove up to LA from Orange County and the best lady manager could do was offer me $6. I went to Amoeba Records and they offered me $40. ( I am growing my LP collection) I won't be going back to Rockaway Records. 1 Star read more

Decent selection of CDs and vinyl for ridiculously affordable prices. Located just a stones throw from the reservoir, this Silverlake institution is perhaps the best place to compile a stack of tuneskies for your dinner party or reefer binges. Most of their selection is used, yet a lot of their merchandise are in pristine condition. The Lewis Black comedy CD I just purchased had absolutely no scratches on the disc, and the Detroit Rock City soundtrack appears to be factory-sealed, and both for $2.99 each. That is a great deal! Records like Diana Ross and the Supremes were around the $10 range from numerous LPs. In addition to affordable CDs and records, they also have posters, DVDs, and various memorabilia, including numerous gold RIAA awards. Now you can say that you can rub out the name and say you went gold or platinum. The only reason that I gave Rockaway a 4 instead of five is due to the selection. It is a relatively small store, but you get most of the major artists. However, if you want a more comprehensive selection, I would still recommend Amoeba. If you want more indie stuff, you should venture to the other record shops on Sunset Blvd. However, if you are someone looking for big time releases for without spending an arm and a leg, Rockaway is highly recommended. Also, they have a parking lot. Thank goodness for Silverlake! read more

Rockaway was the record store I used to go religiously when I was in H.S. Always buying cds for super cheap. I recently returned after 15 years and it's sad that it got smaller. But, they still have a great selection of music. I've always collected records more than cds or movies. But rockaway seems to have a bit of all that. I myself just go crate digging. And I'm always finding stuff in great condition at reasonable prices. read more

amazing. I've been coming here since I was about four years old, and this place is still one the best record stores to have ever existed ever. EVER! cheap prices on everything, on every format, EVER. if you shop around right, you could end up leaving with several CDs and LPs (and maybe even a few DVDs), and you probably will not have that lingering guilty feeling that seems to occur when you buy music from target (or even amoeba). this store is just too good for words, even though it seems underwhelming at first. all I have is love and support for this place. I am always happy to spend my hard earned time and money here! read more

Bravo to Rockaway for staying alive. Along with Amoeba, Record Surplus, Freak Beat, and Atomic, this is the best remaining vinyl store in the LA area. They are still putting out records from a million dollar collection purchased in 2005. Their industry connections are unparalleled and this is the place for mint promos of albums that never sold a single copy. It is easy to come up in the $3 bins. Long live this place. EDIT: I'd just like to say to fellow reviewers Rob B. and Kyle V. ("lending credence") that you guys sound like you don't know fuck about shit. Yeah, if you go to Rockaway in the singleminded pursuit of whatever item is currently trendy in your private mind garden you're probably going to come away feeling disappointed. Fine, sounds like Amoeba is more your speed. However, anyone slapping a one star rating on a place with so many eclectic finds to be had, and so much pure psychedelic HEAT on the walls is basically not someone whose opinion is worth a damn thing. Sorry to get personal but you guys are crapping on a great store. Shut up! read more

Finding a 45 of Prince's Batdance for 99 cents made the love flow for this place. It's a great place to browse, and the dollar CD section isn't just 900 copies of Burger King Christmas Classics. Lovely vinyl jazz collection. Basically a good place to lose three hours of your life endlessly flipping through the thousands of on-sale LPs to find that perfect Talking Heads album to complete your collection. read more

I have an affinity for the humble neighborhood record store. Sort of a smaller version of The Aaron's Records on Highland (RIP). This place is a free for all quick fix kind of a deal. Basically - I come thru looking for what ever - I always dive in with low expectations and come out with some really good finds. Example: NBA Dynasty Series - The New York Knicks DVD / Grover Washington Jr. - Reed Seed / Jay-Z - MTV Unplugged for ($1.99). It is what it is. When the sun goes down - I'm a happy dude. read more

How has no one reviewed this place? CDs: Common: 4$, Grey's Anatomy: $5, Joss Stone: 5$, Fort Minor: 5$ DVDs: Danny Deckchair: 4$, Raising Victor Vargas: 4$, Don Juan Demarco: 3$ This place rocks. On the wall to the right of the DVDs and the bathroom there is a bunch of cds that look like they have no order. They don't. They're the newest ones that haven't been placed. Go for it, it changes daily. If a cd you're looking for isn't in its section, its probably on that wall. read more