Best of Tucson 1996: Best CDs/Tapes/Record Store

Best CDs/Tapes/Record Store

Zia Record Exchange
Three locations

READERS' PICK: This is the place to step out of time. Although it exudes the hipness of an alternative record store, with walls plastered with the latest angst-ridden paraphernalia of the youngest generation with disposable income, in fact it draws people from all walks of life who just want to buy and sell used cassettes and CDs. Not profound, but true: Zia carries something for all tastes, with stacks of jazz, classical, heritage, rock, new age and every other genre man has come up with for making noise with wind, brass and string and amp. See the extended pick on page 121 for details.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: It's small, inconspicuously located, and the staff dress code doesn't include unnatural hair colors or body piercings. However, Hear's Music, 2508 N. Campbell Ave., does include lots of alternatives to the latest in mainstream corporate releases. Hear's specializes in international, jazz, blues and new age music, not only on CD but in their knowledgeable and friendly staff. They offer listening stations to sample the music before you buy, and a small but well-represented selection of jazz and blues videos. They sell new and used CDs, so bring unwanted discs to trade. The store is handily situated near a used book store and an ice-cream shop, which leaves you even fewer excuses not to stop by and broaden your musical horizons.