I'm just so happy with my two favorite record stores, I have to spread the word.

Both are North American based so wooohooo

First is: Release Records ( http://www.release-records.com ) gets loads of trance/progressive/tribal every week from all over the world, including TONS of promos (which are available at normal cost) from all over. I've had sweet service from them...infact I got a call once from them asking if my credit card had been put in wrong; it hadn't been registering correctly.

Second is: Groovetech Records ( http://www.groovetech.com ) - This store, with both US and UK offices contains a MASSIVE collection of vinyl showing both in stock and out of stock vinyl with complete info (details on every remix with their own Real Audio samples. It has a massive search engine with every Label ever known to man listed for search. Plus, as an added bonus they have the continous Groovetech radio stations.

Now, onto stores I'd like to warn people about :

3Beat Records ( http://www.3beat.co.uk ) - Awesome collection of new release/rarities/promos but HORRIBLE service. I've gotten about 5 records I either never ordered, were two of the same, or a different track by the same artist as the one I really ordered. I emailed them back, but never got a reply. Order with caution here!!


I'm sure many of you already know about these places, but I'm just helping spread the word to those starting out and whatnot.

I've gotta check out release... their site looks awesome.

I guess I'm lucky because I can actually go into the store (since it's downtown toronto). I just haven't had a chance yet.

Do they have a lot of trance? It seems to be more progressive...

They seem to get a good amount of trance...Not an insane amount, but still quite a lot.

Sorry but both stores seem like crap to me. Release has the highest prices Ive seen for records. And Groovetech has probably the worst selection Ive seen for trance...new releases and older selections. Groovetech does have a nice archive of videos to view of DJs spinning.

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quote:

Originally posted by Michael Russo I've gotta check out release... their site looks awesome. I guess I'm lucky because I can actually go into the store (since it's downtown toronto). I just haven't had a chance yet. Do they have a lot of trance? It seems to be more progressive...

They don't have ALOT of trance, but they do stock trance on the side shelf, like, a third of the size of the progressive stock. Their prices are high though. I'd check out electricorangerecords.com or easternbloc.com for trance records in toronto before going to release because of the price.

But best selection is online and overseas, for my taste.

quote:

Originally posted by quddha They don't have ALOT of trance, but they do stock trance on the side shelf, like, a third of the size of the progressive stock. Their prices are high though. I'd check out electricorangerecords.com or easternbloc.com for trance records in toronto before going to release because of the price.

I wouldn't mind paying a little extra at release if they stock really good titles. Do they, or am I better off at other stores? I go to electric orange a lot, but I haven't been to eastern bloc. Do you like the pit? Last time I was there they had a whole big wall full of good trance

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Russo I wouldn't mind paying a little extra at release if they stock really good titles. Do they, or am I better off at other stores? I go to electric orange a lot, but I haven't been to eastern bloc. Do you like the pit? Last time I was there they had a whole big wall full of good trance

1 or 2 bucks ain't bad, but i'm a student, so i'm tight on cash. :P i'd go for any penny i can get. With that said, i've made alot of dumb mistakes (insane shipping prices, buying records i never play)

did electric orange shut down? their website says they did... well i've been to the pit, they got some good titles too... i guess it all depends on your taste of trance. for me, the only store that really has the records i want are juno.co.uk and www.only-djs.com (killer shipping at only-djs) they're giving different shipping options soon though.

quote:

Originally posted by quddha 1 or 2 bucks ain't bad, but i'm a student, so i'm tight on cash. :P i'd go for any penny i can get. With that said, i've made alot of dumb mistakes (insane shipping prices, buying records i never play)

Yeah, I'm a student too... I haven't bought records in 3 months cause of money problems

And I think everyone makes those same mistakes, don't feel bad. That reminds me, I forgot to ask you what it's like ordering from overseas... I love juno, but I've been hesitant to order from them. How much is shipping/taxes/ etc. What do you end up paying for an order of x vinyls?

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Originally posted by quddha did electric orange shut down? their website says they did...

Shit.............................. I hope not. I have 70 bucks in gift certificates I got at Christmas that I've been saving

hey guys,

jerome from release here.

just surfing and found this thread so i thought id add my point of view to it.

firstly, id like to say thanks for the kind words & for the criticism (which always helps us grow as a business).

id like to make a few points though about our prices & explain why sometimes they are higher than other shops.

the main & obvious reason is the promos. i think most people tend to be under the assumption that these fall on our laps. since we are not a uk shop (where most of our promos often come from), we have to do loads of work & spend extra cash on these in record prices, special shipping & tons of phone calls. believe me, its very hard work week in, week out. if they were so easy to obtain, everyone would have them.

we also, only charge more for the promos. we essentially give u the option. if u want the promo some times up to 2 months b4 the full release, this is the price (which is usually only a couple of bucks extra). if u arent bothered with the promo, the finished full release will be available at the same price as the other shops.

hope this helps. but im glad that i have the chance to hear both points of views from happy & unhappy customers. as i said, we always listen to it & try to apply it whenever we can to both the site and shop(s).

jerome @ release

http://www.releaserecords.com

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Russo And I think everyone makes those same mistakes, don't feel bad. That reminds me, I forgot to ask you what it's like ordering from overseas... I love juno, but I've been hesitant to order from them. How much is shipping/taxes/ etc. What do you end up paying for an order of x vinyls? Shit.............................. I hope not. I have 70 bucks in gift certificates I got at Christmas that I've been saving

Yup, they shut down. I emailed them cuz I wanted to drop off a demo cd, and its confirmed.

With shipping, its not worth it if you only get 1 or 2 records, but around 5 records or so, it can be $16 - $20 a record from juno, depending on which ones you buy. which is pretty much the same price here incl. taxes.

quote:

the main & obvious reason is the promos. i think most people tend to be under the assumption that these fall on our laps. since we are not a uk shop (where most of our promos often come from), we have to do loads of work & spend extra cash on these in record prices, special shipping & tons of phone calls. believe me, its very hard work week in, week out. if they were so easy to obtain, everyone would have them.

true, your store does stock alot of fresh titles that can't be found anywhere else in toronto. one of my favorite records is a white label promo from your store. I'd definately shop there more often if i was more of a progressive fan though.

quote:

Originally posted by RELEASE if u arent bothered with the promo, the finished full release will be available at the same price as the other shops.

Not true.
The average price for a non-promo record I saw at Realease was $10.12. Why would I get a record there when I could get the exact same record at Planet X or Satellite for $9.99. Granted its only an extra $.13, but when your tight on cash and when your getting several records in one order it does add up.

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Do you think I can get money for the gift certificates? I don't think they went bankrupt...


Jerome, I'm going to check out your store soon.