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Zulu Records
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Music & DVDs [Edit]
1972 4th Ave WVancouver, BC V6J 1M5
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 738-3232
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10:30 am - 7 pm
Thu-Fri 10:30 am - 9 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Zulu Records
Review Highlights
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"...this store has a HUGE vinyl trade, not a huge CD trade." In 11 reviews -
"They've always offered listening stations, and almost..." In 3 reviews -
"...of new indie and modern music and used cds and vinyl." In 4 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Maxwell L.
Greater Vancouver Regional District, BC
5/15/2012
Hell of a selection. May not have the best prices, but hardly unfair. I'd say this is the most fun record store to browse. Lots of weird oddities and cool other merch.
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Review from Sahra G.
7/7/2011
When I review a record store I have guidelines before making my rating: Selection, Price, Staff. All of these elements need to be strong in order for it to be an excellent record store.
Zulu records has a great selection. I'd even go so far as to say amazing, however anyone who knows their prices would think its over priced. You can order a lot of stuff online now a days and you can certainly get it cheaper than they have it at Zulu. I found the lay out and the sub-categorizing of the records were well done, and the staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. I just wish it was cheaper. -
Review from B T.
Surrey, BC
9/16/2011
Selection of CDs are decent but not spectacular. Their vinyl section is relatively weak.
Hit and miss with the staff. Some are friendly, others reek of undeserving smug douchebaggery.
The store itself has a cool layout.
Prices are a little high for new CDs.
3.5 out of 5 -
Review from Ramon V.
11/4/2010 14 Check-ins Here
I've spent more money at Zulu Records than any other store on earth. Seriously. I think we're in the 5 figure range. What keeps me coming back is the fun of browsing, discovering, listening and observing. I've seen the store change over the years, from the cramped aisles of its previous location one block east, to it's changing staff and arrival of a new generation of clientele. It keeps evolving. I've kept laying out cash and returning home with bundles of listening pleasure.
The changing times have seen a growth in the size of the record section, an increase in the number of concert tickets available, but sadly has eliminated a lot of the CD collection. Don't fret, it's still one of the better places to look for used CDs. Just head upstairs, where it's well-organized by arrival date, and then alphabetically. I've been able to find many a recent or rare CD up here.
They've always offered listening stations, and almost anything can be previewed. Bring extra change because you'll be running outside to put more in the parking meter. -
Review from Emma L.
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Zulu is a great record store with a wide variety of CDs and vinyl, as well as selling tickets for shows. One of the best things about Zulu, though, is their now-regular Vinyl Appreciation Nights, where between 7 and 9pm folks are invited to come in and imagine that the store is the owner's living room -- have some beer, put on some records, and hang out with other vinyl nerds. And oh yeah, everything is on sale. 25% off of LPs and 50% off 7 inches.
If you end up dragging along a friend who's maybe not the biggest vinyl nerd around, they can play Pong in the other room. Pong!Listed in: Time to shop
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Review from Lisa S.
Vancouver, BC
10/23/2008
Zulu is great. If I didn't drive to Seattle once a month or so, Zulu woud be my regular record store. (Oh, guess I'm old with that record thing. I mostly buy CDs but I do sometimes buy vintage records, and you can get both at Zulu).
Their recommendations are spot on, no matter what your interest. (Okay, if your interest is Britney Spears, maybe not, but if your interest is Lykke Li you'll be fine.) Great selection of new & used CDs, plus records for those of you who are interested. And they sell tickets to the better shows around town.
Plus, celeb spotting, if you care. This is where some visiting celebs come to browse while they're in town. I've seen a couple of celebs just browsing...FWIW.
My only problem with Zulu is that I go to Seattle a lot, and I can get the same CDs down there at Easy Street Records for half price, in many cases. So I tend to look & listen at Zulu (often after having heard things on KEXP anyway), note what I want, and pick it up down in Seattle. Would love to patronize Zulu, but I just can't justify a 100% markup for shopping closer to home...sorry. -
Review from Shekinah S.
1/6/2010
I've been to Vancouver twice, and Zulu Records both times. This is because my boyfriend loves record stores, but I go along willingly. Zulu is in a cool area with lots to do. I think there's even a book store next door. The layout of the store is kinda rambling and open, with several different levels and *may* include a spiral staircase to the upper level (I may be making that up). I like the feel of the store, reminds me of Cheapo in St Paul and Easy Street in Seattle. There are a few tables and chairs around, a unique and welcomed touch. There are also some vintage arcade games, not sure if they work or are just for decoration.
I asked my BF why he likes Zulu and he said: good prices, the vinyl selection, and how the listening stations help you find local acts that he wouldn't hear of otherwise. On our last trip he also found a couple CDs that would be imports -- and hence more expensive -- back in the ol USA, so he was happy about that. We both like the listening stations/previews and helpful descriptions included with many of the CDs. I find the used CD section to be vast and plentiful.
It's sad seeing book and record shops close down in Seattle. Zulu seems to be a local institution and I hope everyone supports such a cool store!Listed in: Best o' The West, Music Across America
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Review from Alex K.
Vancouver, BC
3/15/2011
No question, as a format, CDs have one foot in the proverbial grave. MP3s have basically left 'em in the dirt to die, and as a collector of music I'm ecstatic. Why you ask? Because suckers are selling off their disks like crazy for pennies on the dollar and stores like Zulu who are adapting to keep profitable in a volatile time are flipping 'em for whatever they think they can get for 'em. It's a friggin' collector's bonanza at that place now, and no amount of smirking indie nonsense can wipe the smile off my face when I'm picking up Swans double albums for $10, filling gaps in my Nick Cave discography for $6 and scooping Antony & The Johnsons singles for a buck. I mean let's face it, only social defectives with weird OCD tendencies like me are gonna buy this stuff, so why not price it to move? That's what Zulu is doing, and judging by the anemic amount of new stuff being carried (less than a third of what they were keeping in the "New Release" section even a year ago) they're betting their business on being able to move weight as fast as possible.
There's plenty of people who'll whine about their vinyl selection or the attitude of the staff, but frankly I could care less. I don't buy a lot of LPs (unless the edition is really nice or it's a record I love, I don't fetishize the stuff like a lot of music nerds) and my confidence in my own ineffably good taste is such that no amount of disdain from a shop keep will ever bug me. This place has changed into a god damn treasure trove, and the dedicated will be rewarded handsomely if they take the time to look.Listed in: Record Stores!
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Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
11/29/2008
I'll admit right off the bat I'm not much of a music buyer. I'm a fan but I'm one of those ruthless ne'erdowells who pirates, borrows and finds their music by hook and by crook. But, whenever I go to buy some music I don't bother to head anywhere but Zulu.
Zulu manages to have both the best selection of new indie and modern music and used cds and vinyl. They can't match some of the selections at vinyl exclusive stores but they do their damnedest to try. I've rarely come in looking for a used disc and not found it in one form or another. Even if I've had trouble all the staff are such nuts when it comes to music they can usually help me track it down or tell me just how dire the situation is in regards to finding what I want.
Zulu also provides a great service by selling tickets to just about every major music show in town. They offer tickets without the crazy gouging of Ticketmaster and you deal with a cheery person instead of some half-awake lottery counter worker.
Note: All record store pretentious do still apply to Zulu. It's not some magic wonderland of acceptance and people will be put off in the same way they are at any fancy record place. Such,I suppose is the way of the world. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2008 1 photo
As a high school student, I always used to find Zulu Records' employees incredibly intimidating, especially whenever I made the mistake of wandering in while still wearing my school uniform. Those withering looks... oh, the shame! There was a definite Empire Records vibe to the place, minus an annoying Renee Zellweger doppelganger.
Moving on, unlike most music stores of late, Zulu steers away from the mainstream emporium feel and focuses on providing customers with quality music. In other words, music unlikely to come packaged alongside some synchronized dance routine. Emphasis is placed on independent musicians but more established ones pop up regularly in the shelves. The used section may be a limited but for those who stubbornly cling to their turntables, a decent array of vinyl is available. Concert tickets are also sold here.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2008 2 photos
Most of our record collection is delightful happenstance, but there are a few that we've purchased for more than a dollar. And in this quest for specific artists, Zulu offers lots of selection at predictable prices.
Most recently my boyfriend got a double Doors album here for $15 and a Bob Dylan record for $13. Not bad prices, but I'd rather strain my neck looking through the thrift bins.
As mentioned in other reviews, Zulu is a axis of Vancouver's music scene when it comes to ticket sales. -
Review from Mathieu Y.
Vancouver, BC
4/7/2010
They sell new vinyls, used vinyls, and that rare Undertones 78 EP you cant find anywhere on Ebay. Also CDs, posters, concert tickets, hell, they even host concerts! Zulu has everything from local releases and tickets to that chart busting track on their shelves for you to pick up, look at both sides of the record, and then "reluctantly" give a listen on one of their private turntables. They ask you to ask the staff before you do that, but dont bother... their staff are very hard to get a hold of, but friendly enough once you do? It just takes a while, every time, it seems. Then again, theyve done me a big "one" by letting me come in 5 minutes late to pick up a ticket to some must-see show happening that night. They even understood that it was absolutely. must. see.
I also like how they have in-store and street-side concerts along with their sales in the summer months. The space is set up pretty decently to accommodate both a plethora of records and the ego of a rock star the likes of Jay Reatard (saw him in August here! R.I.P).
For all you naysayers and people preaching its overpriced, this store has a HUGE vinyl trade, not a huge CD trade. If you were looking for CDs I dont know why you would ever want to come here. I dont even know why youre hunting for used CDs, but you would be set up better at pawn shops and along he Granville strip. Just sayin'
PS: Check out their jazz and blues selections for some amazing finds... if youre in to that. -
Review from joseph b.
11/26/2009
i still don't know why people like this place.
their vinyl selection sucks for the amount of space they have and their staff are typical scenesters that can't party hard enough to be in the band. -
Review from David A.
8/15/2008
A good attempt at a record store, but it's more like the type that puts scene over substance. Nothing that you can't get at HMV/Virgin/etc, but it tries to feel like there is more because they don't dilute it so much with mainstream. Their used record selection, though, is tiny.
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Review from Roanna Z.
4/12/2009 3 photos
Well, first off I was struck with curiosity about the architectural layout. Wooden panels, and beams. A real old bookstore feel to it. The floor is by-level, so although there is a lot crammed in there, it isn't an overwhelming clutter. The usual islands of files, and a nice little music listening bench, then at the back, a spiral staircase leading up to a second level where used C.D's are sold. Unfortunately the "world" music section is sadly lacking. The front counter which has listening stations as well, is colourfully tiled. I asked the employee about the history of the shop. It used to house an architectural office ha-ah! What a surprise.... NOT. This is probably one of the larger C.D. and Record shops in Vancouver. Prices are high, but this is Vancouver Canada, baby!
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Review from Darien C.
BC
11/19/2008 1 photo
Zulu is an effing treat in Vancouver. Although I wish it were downtown, the place is a great place to check out new artists and grab albums and concert tickets. If there is a solid show coming to town, be it a band or dj, chances are Zulu will have tickets. Some rare acts you may be unaware of are often coming through town. For the avid music fan, it's wise to keep informed on tickets this spot sells. They'll always stock the album and it's a great way to educate yourself on the new and talented in the music realm.
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Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
9/18/2008 2 photos
Established over two decades ago, Zulu Records has now reached the level of Vancouver institute. With a large selection of new and used music, including hard-to-find imports, Zulu's pretty much a favourite of any hard-core music fan (peek inside the store to see them going through the tracks with intent concentration). The staff is low-key, mellow, and friendly, and there to help you, whether you're a beginner or an old pro. The comfortable atmosphere may get you in the store, but it's the amazing finds and bargain prices that will keep you coming back.
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Review from Peter T.
2/23/2011
I remember going to Zulu back in the 80's, when I was just a youth living up in Prince George with little access to anything other than the most mainstream music at our local record stores. Imagine what a treat it was to travel to Vancouver and spend some time at Zulu to pick up what was at that time, unattainable for me. Well, flash forward 30 years and Zulu has definitely had some growing pains what with the whole shift from vinyl and cassettes to compact disc to mp3s. Their selection of vinyl is what I would call fair to good - do a little digging and you will turn up some absolutely unbelievable LPs - and their prices are very reasonable especially compared with some of the vintage vinyl stores in Seattle. My only complaint would be that their selection is actually really limited and they have a lot of just the usual mainstream stuff. So, it's not like it's the 80's and I would drive 500 miles to get here, but, if I'm in Vancouver in Kits I will certainly drop in to shuffle through the vinyl.
Listed in: Finyl Vinyl
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Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
12/8/2010
I've only been there few and far between to be honest, mostly to indulge a significant other on a Vinyl hunting expedition. The selection is nothing steller, there are a few behind the counter selections that are cool, rare finds that I have been looking for some time now. Most of what is behind the counter is overpriced by 20% for the rare stuff. I only buy from there for the sometimes rare stuff 'cause it's for a gift and can't wait to have it shipped from ebay. As for the general selection = meh. The staff are hipsters and even though I try and be my bubbly self, 'cause I don't suit the physical fashion they rarely bother with me. It's just not me, I've seen them do this to other staff in front of me. It's more of a scene than a respectable safe musical retail outlet that makes you feel comfortable and welcome. It's in a good retail neighbourhood for other novelty shops, therefore, I go to the store to pass time while checking out other stores on the blocks, however, I don't go out of my way to check it out.
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Review from Steven K.
7/6/2009
I came into town to see some bands and visit some record stores. This place exceeded my expectations with its huge 7" collection! Not only was it huge, they had chairs set up so you can look at them all at your leisure. The prices were average with a few great finds at a cut rate.
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
9/3/2008
As someone who owns a record player, I am quite enamored by Zulu Records. If I get a hankering for something in particular, say an older recording of Leonard Cohen or Nina Simone singing Billie Holiday, it's pretty likely that Zulu will have it. They carry a pretty wide range of used and new vinyl including some hard to find imports, and, though I haven't checked it out much, the CD section is pretty sizable, too. Come here if you're not looking for mainstream, and if you don't mind flipping through lots of records before stumbling across the very thing you were hoping you'd find.
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Review from James J.
10/14/2008
i found some really good used records here. the exact records kinda skip my mind now as it was a couple of years ago, but i remember i found a house of love 12" of christine here ... also, i think i found a ride record too. all reasonably priced, and at the time, the US $ was worth a lot more than it is now vs the canadian $. next time i'm in vancouver, i will be sure to hit this place.
