By Michelle V. Gonzales
Daily Bruin Contributor
[email protected]
 JONATHAN YOUNG/Daily Bruin Senior Staff
Laty Cahoon, a fourth-year microimmunology and molecular
genetics student, peruses some CDs at Penny Lane.
Used underwear isn’t all that attractive. Neither is a
used toothbrush. But most college students couldn’t do
without the sale of used CDs, and several record stores around UCLA
can readily fulfill their interest.
But while the Los Angeles area boasts one of the largest and
most varied collections of stores and music, changes in consumer
buying and listening habits could lead to laws that affect the way
these businesses deal with the college student’s favorite
section of the record store.
The sale of used CDs isn’t a new phenomenon, but growing
animosity toward the record industry certainly gives the scuffed
discs an added luster. The addition of one of the country’s
biggest record stores to L.A. doesn’t hurt either. The newly
opened Amoeba Records, located on Sunset Boulevard, houses the
largest used collection on the West Coast, according to manager Jim
Henderson. Amoeba carries a selection of used CDs from different
“niche genres” like sections in experimental,
avant-garde, world beat, reggae and more.
“Students have a broad spectrum of interest in many
genres,” Henderson said. “Due to student budgets being
what they are, used products appeal more.”
Student DJs can also find what they need for the right price in
Amoeba’s large LP selection. The trip down Sunset could be
well worth it to find a rare CD or LP.
A closer used CD store is Penny Lane in Westwood Village. In
addition to renting out videos and DVDs as well as selling
movie-related memorabilia such as posters and postcards, Penny lane
has an exchange deal in which people can receive cash or store
credit for selling used CDs and movies.
Another specialty record store closer to campus that caters to
the needs of DJs is Frequency 8 on Weyburn Avenue. The store
focuses mainly on the underground trance and electronic dance music
scene and meets DJ needs with specialty LPs. Frequency 8 also has a
set of turntables for listening to music samples, as well as
listening booths.
Rhino Records on Westwood Boulevard, south of Wilshire also
houses a large array of new and used CDs, LPs, DVDs and books. The
new location that opened in January early this year also doubles as
a venue for musicians. The store’s target demographic is
evident as all UCLA students also get a 10 percent discount at the
store.
“College students buy a lot of everything, new, used and
even vinyl,” assistant manager of Rhino Records Andrea Kusten
said.
With so many stores to choose from, students have the
opportunity to pick up some new tunes at almost any time.
“Having music stores close to campus is great because you
can just walk to them during breaks in your classes to pick up a
new release or a CD that you want,” said Christian Lucero, a
third-year psychobiology student.
Other students have found it more beneficial to turn to the
Internet for their music.
The dorms provide high-speed Internet connection, and the
simplicity of programs like Kazaa, Morpheus and MP3 exchanges
through AIM make it easier for students to download virtually any
MP3 that someone else has streamed online. But in spite of, and
because of, this easy access, the fate of downloaded music is on
the brink of change.
On July 17, a court case was settled between the Recording
Industry Association of America and Audiogalaxy, mandating that the
popular file-sharing site be required to obtain permission from a
songwriter, music publisher or recording company to use and share
copyrighted music. The implementation of this
“filter-in” policy puts power in the hands of the
labels, who were previously the ones who had to pursue and pressure
the elusive file-sharing organizations.
While the closing of popular music download sites will have an
affect on student music buying habits, some students feel like
technology will always be changing and music will always be readily
available.
“A lot of people who have the technical know-how use mIRC
to get their MP3s,” second-year microbiology student Ben Wu
said. “But nothing has been done about sharing on mIRC or AOL
chat rooms so I don’t think they can stop the MP3
movement.”
High-speed downloads and affordable CD burners fit student needs
for music in CD form. There has also been an increase in
inexpensive MP3 players. Yet some students feel that nothing
compares to buying the music from the store.
“I feel more attached to the music, like I’m
listening to the real thing,” said Dong Lee, a third-year art
history student. “I think CDs are too expensive but what else
am I to do? So I’m stuck paying for CDs, but I think it can
be worth it sometimes.”
With used CDs, consumers have a balance between value and
authenticity. This is why their sale is becoming the latest target
for the RIAA. In another attempt to curb the noticeable decrease in
album sales over the past year, the heads of the music industry are
challenging the fate of used CDs. According to a June 14 report by
the San Diego Union Tribune, additional charging of royalties on
used CD sales may occur. Record label executives are debating a
federal legislation that would require used CD retailers to pay
royalties on the resale of CDs.
“Much of what our stores are known for is used CDs,”
said Kusten of Rhino Records. “It would definitely affect the
price of a used CD.”
With the shutting down of music download sites and the possible
rise of used CD prices, music buyers are being pushed further away
from the accessibility of music. The changes in the music market
will indefinitely affect students’ buying habits.
But until anything is set in stone, L.A.’s record stores
give students an ideal selection of new, used, indie, rare, and
mainstream music, as well as satisfying other musical needs.