Like others, I've got to admit--the owner is a bit sketchy. He's always been fairly friendly to me, but I can see that he's a bit pretentious and judgmental about what I buy. And to top it off, he's always trying to sell me more than what I came looking for. Not really into feeling pressured like that. The only reason I do go back is because they do have a pretty great indie collection and a great stash in the basement. I also like the plethora of listening stations. If the owner wasn't such a tool sometimes and if the staff were more inviting, I might spend all my time there. read more

One of my favorite stops when in Madison. The basement is Vinyl Junkie heaven...

Excellent selection of rare import concert cds (bootlegs) as well as the usual eclectic mix. The guys at the counter all belong in the movie High Fidelity. read more

sure, I like buying music online but, nothing beats some chill time just browsing discs and looking for something new. Groovy selection of discs and vinyl...two thumbs up :) read more

This is a great place if you love vinyl! To get started they have a vast selection of used vinyl downstairs and I always find something I'm looking for. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable on anything related to music, vinyl, and music playing devises such as record players. read more

Deepest vinyl selection in the area. I've been to shops all over the country and Europe, and this is my favorite. Vinyl heads, head strait for the basement. read more

I used to live right by this place. It's pretty great. I went there mostly for the vinyl. One of the guys that worked there always helped me find the wierdest stuff they had, which was awesome. The Rock selection wasn't bad and appropriately non-mainstream, but most genres besides rock are a little lacking. Not a problem for me, though. My only complaint is that when I used to drop off Emmies there, they tended to get a little huffy. Whatever. read more

Used record prices are high and not well graded. I bought a Frank Sinatra used record that was graded VG on both the vinyl and sleeve. First thing when I opened the record and removed it from the plastic sleeve I noticed that the upper edge was completely torn. The record itself has scratches that skip. This is the VG record at Strictly Discs. Be sure to break seal and check every used record for yourself. read more

This is my favorite record store in Madison and probably my favorite in the state. The selection is that good. New, used, rare...it's all here and in abundance. The upstairs is well stocked with lots of new vinyl and cds (and the selection is very good) but as other reviewers have mentioned, the real draw is the basement. It's a vinyl collectors dream. I could literally spend all day down there. Tons of used vinyl from every genre you can think of. Good place to buy gear too, and not just vintage stuff - I bought a new Pro Ject turntable from here. Some people have complained here about the staff/customer service but all my interactions have been good. They seem to cater less to newbies than maybe some places do, but I wouldn't call them snobs. I have had no experience with the owner so I can't speak to any of that. They have a buy 12 get 1 free program. They have a email newsletter that I actually read from time to time, so I didn't even mind giving my email. I was here for Record Store Day last year and it was packed but run very well. The prices are a tad high maybe, but fair. You're probably not going to score some crazy deal on a record here, but you not going to shell out for outrageous markups either. They also have a ton of bargain bin stuff, which I love going through. Overall, this store is a must for any record collector. The basement is worth the trip alone. I recommend allotting an extra hour for your visit, because this is the type of place where you lose track of time digging through the crates. The downsides are pretty minor in my opinion. I've been here a bunch and will most definitely be back. read more

Like this place... TONS of records, two floors worth, a place to listen to them in the basement... and just awesome if you are Team Analog like I am. They also have a shelf with cheap records in the landing. Monroe St. has become an overcrowded nightmare of what it was when I was in high school though... parking can be a pain and trying to cross the street may be fatal. read more

The first time I ever went into Strictly Discs I almost went bankrupt. Not because they're Sooo expensive but because they had everything I could possibly want, from fancy collectible stuff to three dollar novelties I never knew I needed before. All kinds of old stuff and all the new stuff you need. I might go out on a limb and say one of the better record stores in the upper Midwest. read more

They do have a decent selection, but when I walked in, it immediately felt like the type of place where I'd be judged pretty hard for picking up an artist's most recent album (Random Access Memories in this case). The guy that was working said hi when I walked in, but didn't offer any assistance until I had a foot out the door. To sum up, I just didn't feel welcome the whole time I was there. read more

Lose the attitude. Please. Don't sell me something I'm not looking for and look down on me because I don't want it.

I've only been here twice, even though I work just down the street, but both experiences have been positive. Once was the sidewalk sale where I got multiple CD treasures for a grand total of about five bucks - highly recommend that next fall! The other night I strolled over to see if they carried speakers for turntables (after a nightmare experience with Best Buy and UPS, more on that elsewhere). The friendly sales associate at the front desk directed me to the lower level. Who knew they had a lower level? I didn't. I descended the hobbit-sized stairway into another world of musical goodies, PLUS, a tapped keg of beer to enjoy a relaxing sip as you browse. Who does that? So cool. I didn't partake, as I was on a break from work, but next time I will. Now that I'm a turntable owner, I'm excited to visit more often to increase my vinyl collection. Back to the subject: they had a few speakers in stock, but I was given a business card by the helpful downstairs staff for their offsite warehouse's director who could show me many, many more speaker options at all price points. I came away very impressed. Shop local, people. Shop small business. Screw Best Buy. Seriously. I'll update when my speaker story continues. read more

Always good gems weekly for the early birds, quality records, and cosy atmosphere. Basement full of LP's where you can easily spend most of your daytime. read more

Place gives me the creeps but sometimes it the only place that has what I am looking for, my sons like it and the staff, but they're guys too...someone please write a book about those guys so i can finiallyknow..."What is up with them?" read more

This is easily my favorite record store for used records. Most stores I have to search for an hour just to find one good record. At Strictly Discs, I have to cut myself after half an hour because I have too many records. read more

I haven't bought too much physical music lately but I feel strongly about local businesses so I wanted to buy my next CD here, not online. The last two times I entered I felt like I was intruding and ended up leaving without buying anything. No one said anything to me and I felt rather invisible or worse "not cool". However I am giving SD a high rating because on my last visit I was greeted kindly and helped out right away. The CD was affordable which was a surprise because I was prepared to pay more at a brick and mortar. Anyway, was super happy with my experience and just wanted to say thanks. I'm sure the previous attendants are good people but it sure was nice to be treated to great customer service this last time. read more

I used to buy lots of music from here. I called one time to ask if they bought any used cd's, and they replied they did, given the cd's weren't in lousy condition. None of my discs were scuffed up, nor did they skip, and all the cases were intact. The discs I had to sell were in as good condition as many I had purchased from there in the past. Shortly after speaking to the person working, I took about 3 dozen discs in. He briefly looked at about 2 or 3 of them and pretty much turned his nose up at me and smugly said he wouldn't give me anything for them. So, unless your discs are still in their original cellophane, maybe save yourself the time of hauling them there. My rating of this store went from 4 stars to 1 not solely because they didn't make an offer on a single disc I had, but much rather the demeanor of the person working. I happen to find customer service to be important. I took my business elsewhere, and won't be coming back here. read more

Regarding CLASSICAL discs, this place is great for vinyl and CDs. Really organized and serious. However, their prices are through the roof. I kept asking them if I could try the crack they are smoking to see if the discs would seem like a better deal. They are strictly nuts. That said, I am sure they are the best place in Madison if you put out of your mind that these are used! read more

A great selection of new releases, emphasis on indie labels. On the used side, the CD selection is light; best go for the vinyl. Their "floor" selection is best in the classical and jazz departments. In the rock/pop, selection is fair. Soul/RB selection is poor (but this is the case for a lot of used record stores). Best bins to browse are the new arrivals. They seem to get a lot of first pressings and other rarities and if you know what you are looking for you can snap them up. Condition ratings are spot-on; I've purchased over 40 records and only one has been over-graded. Expect to pay a premium on popular discs/artists that move quickly. For those who complain about prices: the store is doing the job of browsing online ads, thrift stores, garage sales, and getting things cleaned up and on the floor for you. Their prices are fair, based off Goldmine. And there is the buy 12, get 1 free program they have. Overall it's a good shop. read more

This is my favorite record store in the Midwest and I travel to Madison a couple times a year just go dig in the basement. Prices are super fair, grading is spot-on, staff is really nice. The stacks are easy to flip through and they don't put bargain bin vinyl in with the rest of the used stuff. In the past few years, I've only had one visit that was a bust where I didn't find anything. Selection is great, and getting on the mailing list is a must. The used vinyl alerts help me know when it's time to make a trip! read more

I love this place - don't understand why some reviews say bad customer service because I have had nothing but good experiences with everyone here. Such a cool store, too! If you are into records, this is totally the spot for you (who wants to order stuff online, when you could go to such a fun place and actually touch and feel what you are buying?) I have ordered through them when something wasn't in store and it's always been a quick turnaround, easy process. Love the $1.99 grab bag - such a fun add-on for the vinyl lover in your family. Just left the store with a free holiday CD with purchase... And it's great! read more

Strictly Discs is a great place for those looking for some quality vinyl. Those working there can be a bit off-putting (rather dismissive), but it's tough not to want to support a great local business. read more

I had a great experience bringing some used albums to Strictly Discs. The owner and staff were friendly, helping me to carry everything and offering a decent price for my collection. I felt that they were very respectful to me as a woman, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the store to other women. read more

The best service I've encountered in any music related shop. Evan and staff have been prompt and helpful in my obscure requests. I usually snag at least a dozen albums per month from these guys because it's all about the music!!! read more