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Are you planning to buy CDs for friends and family this Christmas? Music is a sure-fire pleaser for gift recipients of all ages. There are a number of places you can shop to find the widest selection of music and the lowest prices, including independent retailers, so-called "big-box" stores, and internet sites.

LOCAL INDEPENDENT MUSIC STORES

Although big-box stores and internet retailers have acquired the lion's share of music CD sales over the past decade, some cities are still lucky enough to have small, locally-owned independent music stores. My hometown boasts one such business called "Off the Record." They stock a much wider selection of music from every genre than stores such as Target or WalMart, and sell used CDs as well as new ones. If they don't have the particular title you want, they are happy to order it for you.

Best of all, the staff there lives and breathes music, unlike big-box employees. Did you hear a song on radio, but missed the title and artist? Just sing a line from the chorus, and one or another employee will recognize it and direct you to the correct rack. Have a vague idea of what kind of music you want, but no specific CD in mind? They will plug in some headphones and let you sample dozens of used albums, until you find one that sparks your interest. If you are so fortunate as to have a local music store, I urge you to go there first for Christmas gifts!

BIG-BOX RETAILERS

Big-box stores like WalMart, Best Buy, Costco and Target sell a lot of CDs. However, they can only afford to stock the blockbusters. If you are looking for a recent top-40 hit in pop, rock, or country, or the latest CD release from a mega-star, then your local big-box probably has it. They also sell seasonal music, such as compilations of Christmas carols. Bonus feature- because they sell just a few titles in huge quantities, big-boxes generally charge about $2 less per CD than other sources.

If your friends or relatives want anything that has been out for awhile, though, or something that's a bit obscure, you aren't likely to find it at the big-box. But rest assured, the new releases by Britney Spears and Jay Z are there waiting for you!

INTERNET SOURCES

For an incredibly wide selection of music and shop-in-your-pajamas convenience, you can't beat the internet. Sites like Tower Records (at http://www.tower.com), CD Baby (http://www.cdbaby.com), Barnes & Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com ), and CD Universe (http://www.cduniverse.com) sell a broad selection of music in every genre you can imagine. The largest retailer of all, though, is Amazon.com (to nobody's surprise).

A quick search for "Music" on Amazon yields 1,751,197 results for new, used and collectible music. Categories include everything from Alternative rock (168,054 titles) through Soundtracks (60,601). From this truly jaw-dropping selection, I guarantee that you could find a CD to suit each and every person on your Christmas shopping list!

Although I mourn the passing of so many wonderful, quirky little independent music shops, it is definitely hard to beat the rock-bottom prices offered by big-box stores, and the incredible diversity of titles available over the internet. Whichever venue you choose this Christmas, you're sure to find something that will please the ears and tickle the fancy of all your friends and relatives!

Learn more about this author, Kallie Szczepanski.
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