Where do you buy music?

[CyberInferno]

Sony has announced its plans to compete with iTunes (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-expand-playstation-network-into-sony-online-service-sel/) with the new Sony Online Service. The service will sell music, videos, and books.

While focusing specifically on music, where do you buy music (in general--only one option can be chosen)?

This poll is in conjunction with this week's Technology Round-up (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1438441).

[CyberInferno]

As much as I love technology (I suppose that's stating the obvious), I am not a fan of buying music digitally. Something about getting a physical product really appeals to me. I've never bought music on iTunes (though I used some of the Pepsi codes that were given out years ago). I've bought some albums from Amazon when they were having a $3.99 sale, but I actually own around 250 physical CD's, and I didn't start really listening to music until I was about 15. I tend to buy everything from Best Buy or Target the week the albums are released, as they're often on sale then and are the same price for a physical copy as a digital copy.

As far as how I listen to music, on my computer, I listen to uncompressed FLAC files. In my car I listen to the CD if it's convenient or high-quality VBR MP3 files from my iPod plugged into my head unit via auxiliary cable.

[Hay]

idk if Newbury Comics is an indie store or a chain store

[CyberInferno]

idk if Newbury Comics is an indie store or a chain store
I think Newbury Comics is closer to indie than chain, even if they do have 27 stores across 5 states :-)

[Hay]

I think Newbury Comics is closer to indie than chain, even if they do have 27 stores across 5 states :-)
Sweet, thats what i always thought

[phil19]

indie store

[Shakriel]

I hate buying music digitally if it can be avoided, otherwise I buy anywhere thats close to me if it's available.

[muttley]

Shows and various online stores. Always physical copies.

[tipoftheiceberg]

As much as I love technology (I suppose that's stating the obvious), I am not a fan of buying music digitally. Something about getting a physical product really appeals to me. I've never bought music on iTunes (though I used some of the Pepsi codes that were given out years ago). I've bought some albums from Amazon when they were having a $3.99 sale, but I actually own around 250 physical CD's, and I didn't start really listening to music until I was about 15. I tend to buy everything from Best Buy or Target the week the albums are released, as they're often on sale then and are the same price for a physical copy as a digital copy.

As far as how I listen to music, on my computer, I listen to uncompressed FLAC files. In my car I listen to the CD if it's convenient or high-quality VBR MP3 files from my iPod plugged into my head unit via auxiliary cable.

word for word, this is me as well, except for the age thing. i'd say i really started listening when i was 12, when blink-182's untitled album was released (i got it for christmas '03). i had liked the band before that but, the album really struck a chord with me in a way no other music had until then. i've always loved buying cd's, the artwork, the disc, having the lyrics in a physical booklet. this love led to my ever growing vinyl collection as well

[cburton92]

i know i sound like a cheap bastard. i survive on £25 a week, and also have to run a car with that money. so i use the used and new section on amazon :/

[MADSTA]

HMV, now that all the other record stores are closed.

[Smash Adams]

I generally do indie for indie releases and chain for mainstream releases

[eriatarka24]

Wellll, I actually found a copy of Enter Shikari's "Take to the Skies" in Best Buy, and I got Emery's "In Shallow Seas We Sail" at Target...


:-d

I need to find some indie stores though, there are some CDs I can't find in those chain stores...

[nellbelle]

It's kind of a mix for me. I was, up until this year, very strictly an indie record store shopper. But when the shop that I regularly went to started having skint selection and being iffy about special ordering things, I branched out. FYE and Target got added to my check regularly list. And eventually I warmed to iTunes, just because it is very convenient. If I want a song or an album, I can get it right then and there, no searching necessary. Though I always make a point of checking amiestreet.com first, since they carry songs and albums for way cheaper than iTunes does.

[TotalCollapse]

Previously I used to buy most of my music from itunes, but lately I've been using Amazon instead.

[batmannj]

I try to shop at my local "indie" shop to try and help the local economy in a way. But for some stuff I go to the chain stores because it tends to be cheaper.

[Ari Christos]

I buy music from this store Record and Tape Traders. I could spend hours in that place.

[Formatfun]

I don't live close to any Best Buys or Targets (where I used to buy music from), as far as I know, so when I buy it it's usually online... through pre-orders or just regular purchases.

And I don't buy digitally. I buy to have a physical product.

[Mochem]

Whatever online store has the cd I want for the cheapest price. The only time I'll ever buy digital is if there is no other way of obtaining it, and it's a band I really love.

[Brokenhill]

It's pretty much equal between Best Buy and Amazon for me, so I don't what to pick.
I really like Best Buy's selection (for a dep. store), but I consistently run into poor quality cases. They have horrible shipping or something, because it's not just the Tucson location it was the same when I lived in Illinois. I went to by Interpol's debut this summer and both copies had cracks and chips in the case (major ones, like on the spine). And in IL I found a copy of Pink Floyd's 'Atom Heart Mother' but it had water damage. WATER DAMAGE, seriously?

And Sony already had an online service ('Sonic Stage') but they closed it a few years ago because it wasn't doing well. I actually really liked their application (better than WMP and iTunes in ways), but I can't/couldn't use it with Last.Fm so I switched to WMP.
It's interesting to see that they're going to reroute that through the PSN/PS3...i'm assuming new integration will come for Mp3 players with the console as well.

[drawndead]

i admit it i download, and if i like it i buy the cd and then i go to the show

[jwicklun]

itunes. usually has some bonus tracks.

[tonyC4L]

I used to buy all my music at Best Buy or Target, or this indie store downtown. I also like getting CDs at shows since they're usually cheaper and there's no tax. Lately though I am so strapped for cash, I can't afford to buy new music. Thank God for what.cd. I refuse to pay for digital downloads though; I still think it's a dumb idea. Why pay $9.99 for 256 kbps mp3 when you can go to the store and pay the same price (or maybe a dollar or two more) and have a backup copy with artwork and the ability to rip to whatever format you want? Unless you plan on ripping to 256 CBR and throwing away the CD anyway, then it's a good time saver.

[MattDennis]

Newbury Comics, but I buy used on Amazon occasionally.

[HoldThatSound]

Concerts and used CD's on eBay or amazon

[mrnegativezero]

This needs to be a multioption poll. I rarely use iTunes, sometimes go to Best Buy, sometimes go to my local record store... but wait, what does Amoeba count as? Is it a chain even if there are only three stores?

I went with chain store either way. It's where I go the most.

[JGood4]

amazon no tax. yea im cheap

[neverenoughhaha]

I usually buy from iTunes, but I get the actual cd whenever I can. A lot of times that is more expensive, though.

[denissuxx]

Chain, Amazon, Steal

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Usually a chain store because they have good deals on first week releases. Otherwise I'll do a pre-order online if it comes with something cool. Never iTunes.

[Yellowcard2006]

I think paying $10 for digital files is stupid. I love buying physical albums. Always will.

[Theseventhson]

I go to an indie store called Tunes.

[jmirand1]

I buy music from this store Record and Tape Traders. I could spend hours in that place.

This. Too bad the RTT in Catonsville shut down.

[jmirand1]

I go to an indie store called Tunes.

Really? I go to one called iTunes (the little 'i' stands for indie.)

[f00te]

Vibes Music Store in Broadripple Northside of Indianapolis or Zune market place

[Neo Cassady]

This should have been a multiple-option poll. I buy at chain stores, indie stores, and online (physical albums to be shipped), depending on where I can find what I'm looking for. Never, ever EVER in a million years digital.

[TheZeroKid]

I download all my music via torrents. If the album is good enough, I'll get it on vinyl.

[Auals]

Australian Chain store called Sanity.

[And Hours Pass]

Sweet, thats what i always thought
I always try to stop in there when I'm in boston. Love newbury.

[Hay]

I always try to stop in there when I'm in boston. Love newbury.
for a wicked good time

[Nick Hull]

my local FYE if they have it, otherwise iTunes.

[DanTGD]

At the moment I have that Nokia Comes With Music deal. Free music downloads for 12 months.

It's fucking amazing.

[porttheman]

Usually local record stores or online.

[radxbandit]

Amazon digital, and occasionally the physical copy, these days.

But in regards to the winning poll option:

Absolutely fucking pathetic.

[bears clap loud]

i buy vinyl and pirate the mp3s

[bagdad]

i mostly buy used, but if i can't wait i will buy from target or best buy

[Eurotrash Drock]

i dont believe in paying for the intangibility of music. i Only buy music directly from bands or used from independent music stores. i buy everything i listen to but me and my friends in bands support downloading 100%

[sodamnclever]

Usually Target, they have some good deals...I always like checking out their "red room artists" or whatever. Can't beat $9.99 or less.

[BozzBlonde]

Usually I buy music digitally, because iTunes usually has albums cheaper than any of the stores close to where I live.
Although, if there's a cd that's totally worth the money, I'll go buy a physical copy.

[BozzBlonde]

Amazon digital, and occasionally the physical copy, these days.

But in regards to the winning poll option:

Absolutely fucking pathetic.

This.

[NateGolubiewski]

I prefer Indie Stores, but I'll occasionally buy from Itunes.

[IceAge/HeatWave]

I generally do indie for indie releases and chain for mainstream releases

this.

[seventy.times7]

I always buy music from indie stores, unless HMV (im from the UK) has the 2for£10 offer.
I started buying cd's when i was 16 and now own over 300, really prefer the physical copies.

[kbi the crowing]

mostly indie stores, but sometimes chain stores have cds for cheaper
& I illegally download music, but only if it's a digital only release

[trappedintime]

Target and Best Buy. Don't sleep on either's deals. I'd much rather have physical copies.

[Tristan Needler]

I can't really vote on one. This should be a multi-choice poll.

[stevenisfading]

Best Buy, Target, Walmart, iTunes(rarely) and lastly illegal downloading.

[SunnyInPhilly]

Zune Marketplace. Zune Pass is an awesome deal for anyone who listens to alot of music. Highly suggest it. 10 DRM-free tracks a month and unlimited DRM tracks for $15.

[Samc1803]

Unless a CD is phenomenal, and my life depends on getting a physical copy, I generally just download it and hold out until the band comes through town, so I can buy a copy at the show and get it signed. There are no Indie stores around here, so it's either Best Buy, Target (blegh), or iTunes. I hate paying for digital copies, so that's a last resort.

[arson]

As much as I love technology (I suppose that's stating the obvious), I am not a fan of buying music digitally. Something about getting a physical product really appeals to me. I've never bought music on iTunes (though I used some of the Pepsi codes that were given out years ago). I've bought some albums from Amazon when they were having a $3.99 sale, but I actually own around 250 physical CD's, and I didn't start really listening to music until I was about 15. I tend to buy everything from Best Buy or Target the week the albums are released, as they're often on sale then and are the same price for a physical copy as a digital copy.

As far as how I listen to music, on my computer, I listen to uncompressed FLAC files. In my car I listen to the CD if it's convenient or high-quality VBR MP3 files from my iPod plugged into my head unit via auxiliary cable.

This is exactly how I am. I only buy music off of iTunes when I have giftcards, and I only get music off of Amazon when they're $3.99. When new CDs come out, I go to Best Buy/Target but if I'm getting older CDs, I buy them used off of Amazon.

[BigG1392]

Best Buy, that way I can add all the totals to my Rewards Zone card and get more coupons for other junk. Plus physical copies own digital files any day.

[SuNDaYSTaR]

Indie and chain stores; as long as I get the physical CD.

[miketheauthor]

itunes, bestbuy, and I steal albums that I'm iffy about.

[xapplexpiex]

Honestly, when I do buy music, I go to Best Buy and Target >.>

[BozzBlonde]

It's sad to see that not buying music is STILL in the lead..

[demondays524]

iTunes mostly. I used to only buy CDs until recently. I never listen to my stereo anymore and the only time I really listen to CDs are in my car. Now I pretty much only download my music unless it's a CD that I feel I have to own physically.