This place oozes cool, kind of like Lou Reed. Since I get 100% of my music digitally, I never come here for the music (though it's quite an impressive selection). I come here for the cool book in the back. Some quirky, some funny, and some God-knows-what; this place is great just to meander around and absorb the funk. read more

Shake It Records is a store that has a lot of records. And I mean A LOT. You'll find new stuff (I bought Hawthorne Heights' latest CD Skeletons), old stuff (they have vinyl records, apparently but I didn't see them - possibly related to the end of this review), weird stuff. They have a really good staff in place, too. If you need help, you only need ask. My one issue, and this MIGHT not end up being a problem, is that whatever is downstairs, it is probably not accessible to wheelchairs. In a neighborhood like Northside, though, considering the history of that area, and considering that the building is a good bit older than me (Possibly before the ADA of 1990), I'll let it slide. Besides, if whatever I want is down there, I'm sure the staff will help me get it. Overall, a Cincinnati institution like Shake It... How can I NOT give it 5 Stars? read more

Say you're in the Cincinnati area and have the urge to pick up a CD or 3 of classic indie rock albums, or perhaps some new release Pitchfork has been raving about. Maybe you want to buy Hüsker Dü t-shirts, graphic novels, anime-influenced knickknacks, or you just want to browse a basement entirely dedicated to vinyl records of all different genres. Well, my friend, then you are in heaven on earth. Shake It is a lot like Amoeba Music in San Fran or Kim's Video in New York (R.I.P.): a well-stocked treasure trove of all kinds of music, heavy on the indie rock. You'll have a great time browsing or checking out what's new at their listening stations and discovering that one album you totally forgot you needed. Go here! It is an amazing store! read more

I have been to record stores in various countries and around the US. Shake It Records is literally one of the best you will find. If you're buying, you will find something good to spend your money on. If you want to find something new that you haven't heard yet, they can help point you in the right direction. If you are selling, they will give you a fair shake. Vinyl, CDs, DVDs, toys, books, live music performances, friendly and knowledgeable clerks/owners...Shake It has something for just about everyone. It reminds me of Amoeba Music in Hollywood...the more money you take in the door, the more you will leave without. :D read more

I was amazed at their extensive vinyl collection downstairs. I used to go to Half-Price Books to look for vinyls, but I think that I found my new favorite location. Here's the new records that are added to my huge collection at home: Pink Floyd's "The Wall" ( uh huh I went there!) , Z Z Top's "El Loco", "Surfink", The Door's "Greatest Hits" and Steppenwolf's "16 Greatest Hits". All together (without the Surfink), it was like $20! At Half-Price Books, it would be a little steeper. Def. gonna go to this place when I decided to go look at music. I thought that it was neat with all the toys/knick-knacks in the store, especially the "Family Guy" and "Southpark" figurines. If anyone has an extra Stewie or Brian, hit me up at the next Elite Event/Yelp event. read more

I had my doubts on the reviews, having spent most of my music buying years in Columbus, and thus my heart was already given to another. Still, it's been a while now, and I can view another with new eyes. I must admit, this place has it going on. I would totally date it. Hip, but not pretentious, varied, and filled with quality finds. What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Who knows what you might discover that will make your heart flip and flutter or transform your world view. Music has such a powerful impact on us that I view this place as a church of sorts. It can certainly be a spiritual experience. There is more than music though. You might find this place better than Match.com if that's your thing. ;) Then again, wander around and take a look at the local artwork. Maybe you'll find just that thing to go above the commode in your new apartment. After all, few things define you as a person more than what you have on display in your bathroom. (I kid) read more

A Cincinnati Institution. I don't think Shake It needs any explanation or introduction. If you're into music, go there. They consistently have wonderful Record Store Day surprises and specials. They have a true record store vibe, selling other trinkets alongside CDs and records. They also sell record players and speakers in the basement. read more

You know that almost dusty smell you get on your hands after fingering through crates of vinyl? Some people might not know it or like it, but it's one of my favorite smells ever. I've had friends who live in other states say that they've heard of this place, want to go here, it's a must-stop when they come to town... I've not had the opportunity to see any live acts here, I've only come to shop. I am impressed with the CDs they have there as well, though I'll admit I've only bought records there. If you see me there it will most likely be in the basement. Whether you like CDs, vinyl, local art, t-shirts or toys you must check out Shake It. read more

I had a pretty horrible day in Cincinnati: Churchill's Tea Room had moved, rain soaked the Bikes & Brews pub crawl, my Donato's pizza was crap, the service at Comet was garbage. Thank the rock gods for Shake It, the one shining moment in an otherwise crap afternoon. I'm a big fan of buying my music online, but the world still has room for music stores. There's something electric about thumbing through crates of used CDs and finding the face of an album you'd forgotten you always wanted staring back at you. Aside from $7 used CDs, the store has band shirts, lots of vinyl and loads of cassettes. read more

Definitely the best record store Cincinnati has to offer. Not only do they have a great record selection (new and used) but they have a huge CD selection, t-shirts, random toys, and always some sort of special event going on. I love digging through their piles of used records for hidden gems, and they're also very accommodating with ordering new stuff if they've run out. The decor is just what you'd expect from a record store as well. I wish they sold some of the awesome posters they have hanging on the wall. There are so many I've wanted to rip down and bring home. I'm sure most of them are vintage, which makes me even more jealous. Shake It is the kind of place you really could spend all day looking through and hanging out. And it's a good excuse to go to Northside and eat some good food or hang out at the Tavern or The Comet. Yes, it can be indie pretentious sometimes, but so can I. read more

I'll be honest: I don't really buy music anymore. At least not CDs. I'll occasionally pay for a digital album if it's a rare deal, or if it's some indie outfit that needs my support (more often I support by buying tickets or merch). But usually I just download at a deep discount, if you catch my drift. I love CDs, the physical presence of the music and the little insert with the lyrics, but honestly, I already have a box of some two hundred little plastic cases, and I'm not in any real rush to start filling another one. So if I stop in at a record store, it has to be for something other than the product. Which is why I love Shake It, because Shake It has that elusive quality most music stores only dream about: atmosphere. The smell of the hardwood and the old vinyl sleeves, the big vintage posters, the assorted non-CD products. I went with two friends, and when one said they had a lower level of actual, honest-to-God records, the other said, jokingly, "So they must have record players, then." They had record players. Make no mistake: Shake It is for indie kids (or indie kids at heart) and hipsters. If that's not your scene you'll probably be allergic to the place--possibly in a literal way, because it's full of dust. If, on the other, hand, you like to check in just to see if they have that particular semi-obscure album you've been vaguely hoping to stumble on (and they probably do), Shake It is well worth your time. I've never bought anything there, but then I'm kind of poor. I'd go there for a fun half-hour, if nothing else. It's exactly what you picture when you picture a real record shop. Even the records. read more

This place is soooo much fun! From new releases, to hard-to-find recordings, be prepared to spend hours perusing the selections. Even though it was steamy-hot outside, inside was cool, and while shopping you will enjoy the in-store sound system, which plays a nice variety of music. We were able to find a rare Beatles live-session CD which was recorded in London. Have lunch at Take the Cake, then walk to Shake It Records and get lost in the sights and sounds. read more

Fantastic selection - and not just music... Being a former employee of a AIMS (American Independent Music Store) from the Lou, my loyalties are ALWAYS with Shake-It! When I first obtain residency in the Nati, Shake-It was, truthfully, the first place I visited and I felt right at home. The staff reminds of good ole' Vintage Vinyl with snarky reviews and strong sense of pop culture knowledge and music history. I have to admit though, if you are a classics fan, and by classics I mean some John Adams, Cage, Varese classics (the followers of our oldies Bach and Beethoven) you might have some trouble finding your goodies here. But don't fret, the gents and ladies behind the counter will be MORE than happy to comply and make an order that will come in promptly with a friendly reminder call. Overall, the selection is rather diverse. The store is a little on the smaller side, but completely jammed packed with goodies, from bargain CDs (used, and don't forget to gaze to the floor, there are some great dollar deals down there!), to new releases, DVDs - but some of my favs - toys and comic books. In the Lou I would have to use my break to travel yonder down the street to get my geek fix of daily indie comics and a dunny or two, but at Shake-It, it's a one stop shop! I get my beautiful Billie Holiday record (in the sweet record bin basement, dug for hours!!!! My fingernails came up black with soot and dirt from the aged beauties!), my new National CD, my unveiled dunny and my latest issue of La Perdida and Or Else. After my sweet - very long visit I usually grab a snack from Melt or a pick me up from Sidewinder Coffee. The store is located in the trendy, hip neighborhood of Northside right off of Hamilton. So, indulge yourself - go snag some sweet tunes and culture from the peeps that live and breath it! Warning though, it IS addicting! read more

I'm probably not the best guy to review Shake It because I only go there for the toys. That said, they don't seem to have as many toys as they used to. I hear that the music selection is still good though, you'll have to judge that for yourself. I've still got to give it four stars for the toys that they do have, the great t-shirt collections, and all of the local art. read more

I miss the smell of record shops, this place is sorta awesome. People hanging out skimming threw vinyl, awesome tunes playing in the background. I loved it. They had a awesome card selection which were all handmade, and that sold Me. read more

This is my favorite record store next to Everybody's Records! The location makes it especially easy to visit when I'm at school which is only about a 2 minute drive from the store. Great selection, great staff, awesome store. read more

The CD section (first floor) in this place is as large as the Records section (basement). I went specifically for the Record section so can't comment on CDs. There are a good variety of genres present in Records, however not alot of selection within each genre. There are also just as many new records as there are used ones. If you are looking for used you're probably not going to find much. I think this place is best suited for buyers looking for new punk/indie/metal records. They also have books and used audio gear. If you're in the area it may be worth a visit. read more

It's not enough to say that Shake It is the best record store in Cincinnati. It's among the best in the country, alongside New York's Other Music, San Fran's Amoeba, and Austin's Waterloo. Despite the smallish footprint, Shake It is absolutely packed with goodies. They're likely to have most any CD you're looking for, particularly in the indie rock area. And if they don't have it, they'll special-order it for you (I've put them to the test with some pretty obscure requests over the years, and their batting average is solid). They also stock designer toys and a great selection of rock literature. Many bonus points for the knowledgeable and helpful staff. It's nice to get a thoughtful, attitude-free answer to the question, "What's new and good?" Shake It is a real gem, and it's one of the things I miss most about Cincinnati. read more

Great local record shop! The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about different types of music. Great selection of records and other music memorabilia. read more

The decor, the creaking of the thin planked wood floor, book lined walls make, this primarly vinyl and CD bazaar unique. Many of the CDs and books have succumbed to aphabetic entropy, but the search for the jewel in the mild choas led to a few serendipitous purchases. 99 cent used CDs in slim carboard boxes, eclectic selection of books, eccentric comics, and pop-cultural odds & ends made the shopping experience unconventional. Aisle-ways are narrow and the ventilation is lacking as I found the air stale, and a little hot as more customers entered: the only con for this wonderful rectangular depository of cool sh*t. read more

Always great! If they don't have it, they will find it and call you when it's available. Also, if you have gift cards from Best Buy or other large retailers you can use them there - help out a local business instead of a conglomerate! read more

The best place to go spend 15 minutes, or 2 hours flipping through records and finding some great classics. They have a huge selection of anything you might want, and this time was no different. I always seem to find what I'm looking for, but the best is when you find a little gem you can't go home without. Today I found some old recordings that I'm excited to get home and play. I also love the staff, super helpful ad chill. I highly recommend if you're looking to add to your collection. read more

When I was younger this place was like the holy grail, but as I've gotten older music downloading has gotten easier and I've gotten into records over CDs, so this review is just about their record selection and not their CD selection, besides, what kind of cretin actually still buys CDs? Basically my problem with Shake-It's record selection is this: all their used records are in the used section because no human should ever listen to them. Shake-It does have some good new vinyl but it's always way more marked up than it should ever be. Bottom line is that this place is way too overrated for its own good. read more

I walked in with a box of cd's to see if they wanted any. I am three steps into the store and a young lady says, "put them here", pointing to the counter. No welcome to Shake It Records or any other greeting was offered. The twenty-something looked at my collection and said, "we can't use any of these." Ok, no problem. I picked up my box. There were no departing words for me. No "glad you stopped in", no "I see you like genre 'x', you might want to check out our 'x' collection, not even a simple goodbye. It was an experience that Seinfeld would have told his friends about and then encourage them to visit to see if they receive the same treatment. Needless to say, the staff was a big turnoff for me. I rarely ever hand out a one-star rating. read more

One of the holy grails of Ohio record stores. Selection is outstanding -- I mean, how often do you see Redd Kross or Camper Van Beethoven albums anymore? Kids these days with the iTunes and MP3 whatnots, I tell ya. Get out of the house, dammit. read more

Shake It is Cincinnati's best known record store, and for good reason. They have a great selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, books, t-shirts, and strange toys. The staff is very helpful if you need a recommendation or can't find something. read more

Too many hipsters. Everybody's Records is way better. That being said, I love my "Reading is Sexy" corn plastic mug I bought there.

Shake It kicks so much ass. I wish I lived in Cincy just so I could shop here. It's one of my favourite local record stores - I think Reckless in Chicago is the only one that might possibly be cooler. But then, the Chicago hipster factor at Reckless pushes Shake It over the edge to first place... yayyyy. So glad I stopped in tonight, and very excited about my free stickers. :D read more

I've been to record stores in NYC, Chicago, Austin, Nashville and more... They usually just leave me homesick, knowing that the best record store is in my backyard. read more

Not sure what my problem was. Lived in Cincinnati for over 20 years and found this place two days before I moved to the other end of the country. So this is my official apology; Cincinnati, I was wrong about one thing. You do have a decent record shop. read more

Shake It is basically everything a local record shop should be. Great music selection, random novelties, interesting books, and a station to sample some good music. It's all tucked away behind the unassuming storefront in Northside. The husband cannot drive by Shake It without stopping in to browse. More often than not, we end up leave with a couple cds in hand. Great shopping for music lovers, all with the added bonus of supporting local business. read more

I have been here so many times, and it has gotten to the point of having to limit myself to how much time I can spend at shake-it. Best record store I have been too, and I have been to quite a few. read more

Its been a spell...first time back in June 18th(2010) to get some faverave jazz reissues. This time it was on Dec 28th....we were also going to Beach Park (King's island) for their Holiday event! HAD TO ALSO stop at Shake It....again we came out with a lot of musical goods. The shopping extravagonzo inc .Brian Auger's Obvilion Express (First album) Barclay James Harvest's Ring Of Change (Import Copy) Horslips' Dancehall Sweethearts (their 3rd album from 1974). Oh yeah purchased a bunch of goodies (actually for somebody 'elses') at some good prices too! As stated previously, 'gauge' a good solid record shop by the jazz that's stocked in its bins....'prog' (early like the above mentioned) comes next.....after that blues/power popand 'newly issued' vinyl. Shake it scores REAL HIGH on all those accounts! More so.....one is NOT paying an arm leg pulled teeth twisted wrists and everything else for the music one wants!!!! Not to forget, the 'used' vinyl for prices/condition/etc.! In this day and age(and of course 'new decade')...its kinda hard to find a comprehensive indy owed record...repeat.....R-E-C-O-R-D shoppe(like Shake It) that cares AS WELL AS caters to those(like yours truly) for their 'library-like' needs (Have over 4000 records in our collection)!!!!! That is within a couple hour drive from where we/I live from....which is outside Indianapolis(Sorry INDIANAPOLIS Record stores stink to say the least....from 'indifferent' staff to horrific/overpriced/poor selection inc condition of vinyl) Goldmine has done some previous interviews with indy record stores in their past issues...havesuggested they contact Shake It for an interview....hopefully they will to spread the word about another 'spot on' establishment.....i.e. Shake It!!!! read more

Though I am a slave to the iTunes music store. If I want a physical (tangible) CD or Record I will go no where else then Shake It. Its one of the last gems in this city. All the other reviews are better idea of the place, I just wanted to say I love going there. read more

Best record store I've ever seen in Ohio. Great selection of CDs and (most importantly for me) vinyl records. If you are in the area, this place is probably your best bet for finding that rare out-of-print indie LP you've been looking everywhere for. read more

I've been in a billion record stores and this is is the best. Amazing selection, cheap, unreal. The best.

Love, Shake It Records. Whenever I am visiting home I try and stop over and pick up a few (dozen) CD's. Shake It has a great selection of genre's and an abundance of CD's in each. I love the local heroes section where you can check out Cincy's best. They also have used CD's and DVD's. I know I can usually find the hard to find at Shake It. The people who work there are very knowledgeable and can steer you in the right direction. Along with Everybody's (also in Cincy) this is one of the best record stores around. They also have musical guests in to play at times. Finish up your day in the Northside by eating at Melt of some of the other funky places around. read more

This is one of the best record stores I've been to anywhere. It's been a while since I've been in, but it'll definitely be my first stop next time I'm in the city. Last time I was in, I left with an armload of rare rockabilly and punk CDs. The employees are helpful and this place is packed to the brim with music! read more

Duh... Best Record store in the city and possibly the country. the prices are also very competitive with the big chain stores. Great used selection and a fascinating book and magazine selection. read more

I sold the last batch of my old record collection here--all the best stuff I'd been holding onto the last few years for its high value, sentimental and monetary, even though I don't really listen to records any more. The clerk there didn't really believe they were mine. He said I looked "too young" (I'm 24) and that these seemed like the records of an older collector. Okay, whatever, I'm new in town and had never been in there before, but if he was suspicious of me, there were more tactful ways to reassure himself. For instance, he could have complimented the collection and asked how I'd accumulated them or enthusiastically engaged in conversation about the records (isn't that supposed to be the great appeal of the dying record store institution?), but I guess I'm too young and/or criminal to have anything to say about my own music tastes. I don't think I ever really convinced him that the records weren't stolen, but that sure didn't stop him from buying them. I don't intend to badmouth this beloved Northside business, and I did get a very fair price in the end, but my experience here just made me relieved that I've gotten rid of all my records and never have to deal with record store dudes again. read more