A rating of music stores in Tucson

Tucson Mall

At first glance, Tucson Mall's Musicland store is quite appealing, but don't let the store's colorful and bright appearance fool you. This is just a typical music store chain full of overpriced merchandise that will leave your wallet empty.

Positives

-Musicland has a large selection of CDs, cassettes, and videos.

-The store is very colorful and inviting.

Negatives

-Most of the CDs and cassettes are way too expensive (CDs range from $13.99 - $16.99, while tapes range from $8.99 - $11.49).

-They don't have a lot of hard-to-find stuff - most of it is mainstream music.

-It's just a typical huge music store chain. Shopping here lines the pockets of CEOs instead of supporting your local mom-and-pop music store.

-The service is non-existent.

Final verdict: Shop here as a last resort.

Zia's Record Exchange

3370 E. Speedway Blvd., 3655 N. Oracle Road,

7191 E. Speedway Blvd.

Zia's Record Exchange claims that it is the alternative to huge music store chains, and they're right on the money. Even though there are three Tucson locations and a few more throughout Arizona, Zia's prices are a lot lower than the music store chains in Tucson. They have lots of hard-to-find music.

Positives

-They have a good selection of CDs, cassettes, Records, 7-inches, magazines and videos.

-The prices are usually reasonable (New CDs range from $8.99-$14.99 and cassettes range from $6.99-$9.99. They also have used CDs and cassettes at reasonable prices).

-You can find lots of rare stuff here.

-The employees are helpful.

Negatives

-The newer stock of CDs and cassettes are somewhat expensive.

Final verdict: One of Tucson's best music stores.

The Wherehouse

7955 E. Broadway Blvd., 5068 N Oracle Road,

3207 E Speedway Blvd.

The Wherehouse is another huge music chain. Their selection is decent but most of the music is overpriced.

Positives

-They have a pretty big selection of new and used CDs, cassettes, video games and videos (both for purchase and for rent).

-The prices for the videos are pretty good. They also have a great bargain video bin.

-The service is friendly, but doesn't seem to be genuine.

-The bargain racks for the cassettes are pretty good.

Negatives

-Many of the CDs and cassettes are too expensive (New CDs range from $12.99 - $16.99, while new cassettes range from $8.99 - $10.99)

-Don't come here looking for rare and local stuff.

Final verdict: Hmm, maybe you're better off at the mall after all.

Sound Addict

714 N. Stone Ave.

Sound Addict is the newest music store in Tucson and, in my opinion, the best. The store specializes in punk, hardcore, ska and indie music.

Positives

-There is a great selection of new and used punk, hardcore, ska, and indie music on CD and cassette, as well as many 12- and 7-inch records.

-You can special-order just about anything, and your order will be there within a few days.

- Prices for the merchandise are reasonable (new and used CDs range form $8-$13 and cassettes range from $4-$9).

-The service is really friendly.

Negatives

-Selection is not huge, but is growing.

- They don't have much else besides punk, hardcore, ska, and indie in the store. So, don't expect to find any rap or R&B here.

- The location is basically in the middle of nowhere.

Final verdict: If top-40 isn't your thing, this is the music store for you.

Toxic Ranch Records

424 E. 6th Street

Toxic Ranch Records is a local music store that has been around for a while . It specializes in punk and indie music and has rare releases.

Positives

-There are lots of hard to find punk and indie stuff.

-It has a good selection of CDs and cassettes.

-The merchandise is reasonably priced (new and used CDs range from $8-$14 and tapes range from $4 - $9)

-The employees are very friendly and know their stuff.

Negatives

-It has a limited selection of music.

-It's hard to special order stuff.

-There's hardly any major label stuff (only in used CDs).

Final verdict: One of the best music stores in Tucson.

CD Depot

1712 E. Speedway Blvd.

CD Depot is a store that only carries CDs but has a varied selection.

Positives

-It has a good selection of new and used CDs.

-The service is friendly.

-You are able to listen to used CDs before buying.

-You can special order anything from their catalogue.

-It has a good bargain bin where CDs are only $1-$3.

-CDs range in price from $8-$14, which are decent prices.

Negatives

-It only has CDs.

-It doesn't have a lot of rare stuff.

Final verdict: A decent place to buy music.

Zip's Music

944 E. University Blvd.

Zip's has been in Tucson for a while and has a decent variety of CDs and cassettes. This makes for a pretty good shopping experience.

Positives

-It has a decent variety of new and used CDs and cassettes.

-It has a good selection of new popular music.

-The service is very friendly. You can also have stuff ordered for you.

-It has a free poster and sticker box .

Negatives

-Prices are high on some of the new CDs.

-The cassette selection is pretty slim.

Final verdict: A pretty good place to buy music, but not fabulous.