08/18/08

Best used CDs

by abejo

AKA Music is the best place to find used CDs. I am nearby and when I want to clear my mind from the grind at work, I'll walk over and check out the selection of used CDs. It's been good and bad with the used CDs. They are so cheap that I will sometimes buy one I am not familiar with. I generally stick with the compilations. The place also has a nice selection of new music but it's been a long time since I bought a new CD. Never had any problems with the staff but then again, never had to ask them for anything. The staff always seems to be busy so I don't bother.

• Pros: Ambience, price of used CDs low
• Cons: Smells like a basement

07/09/08

Who does business like this!?!

by somecallmeowey

I just walked into what I thought looked like a quality music store to buy a few albums that had just come out. Much to my dismay when I asked the guy behind the counter if had the new Muse Cd he turned his nose up to me as if I could take a dump on the floor. He proceeded to tell me that he does not carry that type of music and then turned his back to me and refused to answer any more of my inquiries. I guess if you do not wear girls jeans or ride a fixed gear bicycle then your not cool enough to buy music from AKA Music. So if you do not fit the above profile stay away or you will be shunned like a hussy in church.

Sincerly,

Somecallmeowey

• Pros: I decent selection of used music
• Cons: Horrible customer service

04/03/08

Get a receipt when dropping off/selling used CD's!

by TVproducer

This does seem like a great store, but has anyone had any problems selling CD's there? I brought over 400 used CD's to sell on a Saturday and they seemed busy, so they asked me to leave them overnight. The next day when I arrived to settle our business, there was a signigfcant (115 ) discrepency in the number of CD's they bought versus how many they returned back to me. When I tried to resolve the issue on site and later on the phone with Mike the owner, they became combative and angry accusing me of miscounting. I didn't want to believe that they cheated me, I wanted to hear the CD's were misplaced or accidentally set aside, but when they became so angry, I had to conclude that there was something amiss. Meanwhile, I am out BOTH the 115 cd's and any money they might be worth. Lesson learned - get a receipt!

• Pros: Excellent Selection
• Cons: Staff is combative when handling problems.

03/20/08

Great used section, obscure indie stuff, sometimes live music

by natetie

This is probably my favorite music shop in Philly. It has a huge used CD selection, and a lot of clearance CDs to dig through as well. Prices on new stuff is usually fair. A friend of mine who buys vinyl says AKA prices are slightly better than other places. Also they occasionally have a live music for free. I haven't had many interactions with the staff, so I can't say anything about customer services. I sold some CDs there once and I was pleased with what they gave me. I could choose between store credit or cash, the amount was the same.

• Pros: Attractive staff.
• Cons: I spend way too much money there.

01/05/07

Good Store Owned By a Great Guy

by cmw1966

Mike, the final owner of the legendary Third Street Jazz, has a good store here that caters mostly to the indie/lo-fi/electronic crowd. The store is relatively clean, bright and open - not cramped and dusty like so many other indie music outlets. Big drawback to AKA is the snooty and often cranky female staff that Mike hires.

• Pros: Clean, well-lit, roomy
• Cons: Better organization of stock needed. Better saleshelp.

Friendly staff and a diverse selection of new and used CDs and vinyl fill this spacious Old City shop.

by Contributor

In Short
Located in an old pantyhose warehouse, AKA is a comfortable, bright place perfect for browsing. The glass storefront reveals the copious and well-organized stock of music within. The inviting racks of CDs and records have lured more than one unsuspecting passerby inside. Once you are in the store, forget about thriftiness: Reasonable prices and the knowledgeable staff will have you whipping out your wallet for that Johnny Cash box set you never knew you needed.

08/25/03

Agree -- One of the Best

by meoreilly

I was in Philadelphia this past weekend and stumbled across the store, which was near our hotel. It is by far one of the best record stores I have been in -- and the best in this country!! What a breath of air to browse through all the great selections -- recent experience in chain CD departments has been frustrating as I have been looking to replace some old vinyl titles. This was bliss -- I could have spent 3 more hours and hundreds of dollars more. I put it top on my list for things to do in Philadelphia and would return to Philly just to shop at this store!!!!!

• Pros: Selection, Cool vibe, Owner/staff friendly
• Cons: Is not in Boston

11/21/02

Arse Kickin

by eldondre

One of the best Cd stores I've ever been too. Great experimental section along with rock and jazz. Like the Ed says, one stop shopping. Everything from eighteenth street lounge to Arturo Sandoval.

08/14/02

experimental music heaven

by stratatronic

this is the best cd store in the city for experimental/avant garde music

don't waste time going to the others

nice walk here for you tourists

stop on Arch Street and have lunch