Hello all,

Over the next year I will be visiting San francisco on a couple of occasions. Would really appreciate any pointers towards record shops, clubs and any other points of soul related interest in and around the bay area.

All the best for 2012

Stuart

Make sure first and foremost to stop into Groove Merchant and Rookie's Records. Both are fantastic shops with heaps and heaps of great soul, if you're into doing a little digging. Cool Chris at Groove Merchant is extremely helpful and has amazing knowledge of his wares, but most 45s are unsorted and behind the counter so don't be dissuaded by what's on the floor. Dick at Rookie's is a bit crotchety at first but after a couple visits he'll warm up a bit. He's most specialized in obscure girl group sounds, so get him going on that subject! If Lucky happens to be working at Rookie's when you're there, tell him hi from me!

There are a few good soul nights that happen in town, Night Beat being the most northern-dedicated. I believe it happens once a month but perhaps more? Some of the same folks also do a great deep soul night called "Lost & Found: Slow Jams" at a bar called the Makeout Room, I believe that night is weekly. Also if you enjoy boogie and more 80's modern soul sounds, theres a great weekly night at my favorite bar in the city, The Knockout, called Sweater Funk. Every sunday evening and its always a blast.

I'll try to rack my brain for more from my former home, but at the moment that should be a good start. I try to avoid Amoeba records because its kind of just too big and overwhelming, plus no decks to preview before you buy, but occasionally good things can be had for dirt cheap because of the sheer amount of their inventory.

Edited December 30, 201212 yr by AndreasB

Thanks Andreas, very very helpful.

Nightbeat facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/305700360195/?fref=ts

Sweater Funk: https://www.facebook.com/sweaterfunk?fref=ts

The Knockout (check their calendar for upcoming events): https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Knockout/129284561110?fref=ts

Groove Merchant: https://www.facebook.com/groovemerchantrecords?fref=ts

Rooky Ricardo's Records: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rooky-Ricardos-Records/256635752520?ref=ts&fref=ts