Where do you buy your music?

[greyman24]

Was curious about this when I saw Navarre mentioning buying a CD at Walmart.

Without getting into a debate about piracy or its impact on the music industry, I just was curious where you guys legitimately bought your tunes.

While I almost exclusively buy mine online, I tend towards Amazon's MP3 download service, since they aren't as DRM-heavy (and I don't own an iPod). What about you guys? Where do you buy?

[Jon1337]

I buy my music new and used from a local store called Salzer's Records in Ventura, CA. They have a great selection in stock, can order, and carry a large amount of books, clothing, novelty items, and pipes as well as other smoking items. They also support local music and events distributing flyers, demos, and hanging posters. 

[Navarre]

I don't own an MP3 player or cell phone so I have little reason to download music, even if legitimate. I did buy Eminem's "Recovery" CD at Wal-Mart but was mortified when I realized it was an edited version and that Wal-Mart didn't carry the unedited CD.

Yesterday I bought the CD again (cursing to myself the entire time) from Best Buy. So I voted with an answer that indicated Best Buy. This was the first CD I had bought in over 3 years and, given the choice again between Wal-Mart or Best Buy, I would choose the latter.

[greyman24]

Sorry. Just edited the poll. I sort of put Walmart and Best Buy in the same category, as both are big box stores that aren't specifically targeted at music, as opposed to stores that are primarily organized around music CD sales (Sam Goody or the like).

[Navarre]

Then does my vote need to be moved to the Wal-Mart category? I don't like thinking of Wal-Mart and Best Buy being the same kind of place.

[greyman24]

LOL

Are you trying to say something about Walmart or about Best Buy? 

[Navarre]

Wal-Mart is alright for what it is I guess. I wish I never had to see it again, just because it's about the only place I go.

I like all the electronic goodies at Best Buy.

I just don't think of the two as the same kind of place. Wal-Mart is a shopping supercenter while Best Buy is an electronics store, at least in my mind.

[greyman24]

Agreed. But both of them are big box stores that AREN'T known for music, but have (usually relatively large) music sections.

[@lantis]

I would classify Wal-Mart separately solely because they don't have unedited CD's which gives a better indication of the kind of shopping preferences of people polled.

That said, I can't remember the last time I actually bought a CD, I think it was some time early in my college years, so over 5 years ago.  I will have to say iTunes because there isn't anything more convenient at the moment and I do have an iPod.

[Blackthunder01]

I buy my music at mostly Walmart and FYE.  I don't download at all because if I just buy the album i can:

1. rip it at home and still have a hard copy for backup
2. be forced to listen to non-mainstream songs that I could fall in love with

[litanyofthieves]

My town only really has a specialty store (A combination book/music store) and a Wal-Mart, but their selection is so limited most people go to the specialty place.

I do buy some things online though, especially vinyls. I'm definitely old school in that I still like having a hard copy with artwork and all that.

[Alisha Mynx]

For the most part I just pick mine up at Wal-Mart or similar stores.  Very rarely do I go to a music specialty store due to prices, but sometimes it is either the only way I'll get it or the only way to get un-edited versions of some (such as Rob Zombie).  I've only ever done music downloads maybe 15 - 20 times, ever.  My brother however has pretty much the opposite approach (mostly downloads with a rare physical CD purchase).

[SpiderLover]

It depends on what I need. There is music that I want on my XBOX 360 so I'd rather buy a cd. I cannot connect my IPhone to it, but for anything else I just use Itunes.