Armadillo Music

Location

205 F Street across from Starbucks

Hours

Mon-Thu 9am-10pm

Fri-Sat 9am-11pm

Sun 9am-8pm

Phone

(530)758-8058

Websites

http://www.armadillomusic.com

http://www.myspace.com/armadillo_music

Established

1996

Payment Methods

Cash, Check, MasterCard, and Visa

Armadillo Music is a small and friendly independent record store. They sell music, videos, and videos with music, along with diverse other items like videogames. You can listen to almost any CD in the store (except for special orders/box sets/rarities), new or used, at their four listening stations. The selection varies, but they are always willing to special order something not in stock and have it in a few days. If you're strapped for cash they also buy used CDs, DVDs, and video games.

Used CDs that don't sell quickly end up in the Bargain Bin near the door. Often, amazingly good music can be found in this non-alphabetized rack for under $6, with some CDs selling for as cheap as $2. If you're looking for a gag gift, there is no shortage of Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys here. Cruise often, as the Bargain Bin is frequently replenished.

Thinking consumers appreciate the independent spirit and employees of Armadillo Records, as well as the always changing supply of used CD and DVD discoveries. If you are spending lots of money on CDs anyway, why not keep your business and tax dollars in a locally-owned independent retailer? Also, ask someone behind the desk to add you to the mailing list so you can get first crack at the bargain bins.

They also sell tickets to local venues.

They now sell Armadillo and KDVS t-shirts at great prices! Go in and check out the styles available...

Supposedly formed from the Buyout/closing of CD Research

In the December 2006 issue of Alive and Kicking, manager Paul Wilbur announced that he would be leaving Armadillo at the end of the month after 11 years of service. He cites the financial burden of having so many employees at a time when CD sales are dwindling as the reason for his departure.

The "rivalry" between Armadillo and Dimple Records across the street was the focus of an article in Sacramento News & Review titled The Great F Street War.¹

Comments:

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I remember when Armadillo was located in the spot where Ray Johnston Designer Photography is. —STDaubert

2007-03-27 11:29:59   Has anyone noticed the awful smell and stuffiness of this place? It must be experienced to be believed, and if you spend enough time hunting for CDs here the odor will leave with you. Also, 3 for $20 on used cd's is pretty expensive. $4-$5 per CD is much more reasonable, though I will say that the three used CD's I bought from them are in such good shape they seem to be new. I just wish they would open a window! —ColinMcEnroe

2007-03-27 11:56:27   Never noticed the smell, but it is kind of pricey for used. I traded in some of my CDs and got about 4.00 credit for each. —MyaBrn

2007-03-27 12:33:11   I remember they used to have a record store. It closed right before I started collecting vinyl. —BradBenedict

2007-03-29 18:00:52   Yes, I wish there was a place to buy decent/clean or new records in Davis. You can always make the journey to Sacramento to hit Records on K Street or The Beat. I have never been to the Beat, but Records is a fine but somewhat overpriced place. They do have a very hit or miss $1.99 section at Records. But be warned that if you go there, it is reallllly funky, with middle aged guys in sweats and fanny packs looking through stacks of obscure 45's for records from the 50's that no one has ever heard of. Also, as far as $4 per CD, great, but what can you get for it? It is all relative to the pricing of the store. —ColinMcEnroe

2007-04-01 14:04:39   I do agree, Armadillo is small and it's too bad they don't sell vinyl anymore, but I'm much happier with a store like Armadillo in town than having no such store and being forced to buy CDs from Borders or the awful UCD Bookstore CD section. —ChrisThielen

2007-04-01 15:08:58   Interesting that you say this, I did find a few gems at the UCD bookstore: Bob Dylan's The Times Are A Changin, Johnny Cash's Live At Folsom Prison being among them. Also, they were very reasonably priced for new CD's. Obviously they have nothing on Armadillo in terms of selection, but you can find some classics for a good price, particularly at the Corral. —ColinMcEnroe

2008-01-27 13:07:45   Armadillo is great and we're lucky to have this store. I've been cruising "record" stores since the 70's and they keep this great tradition alive. Lively conversation, eclectic tunes in the air, funky smell (haven't noticed that, could be a personal problem), knowledgeable employees and a parade of interesting customers. Doesn't get any better than that. This place is a big part of what makes Davis special for me. And good luck to long time manager Dylan, moving on to other endeavors. —DavidFeliz

2008-05-10 18:33:32   They said they are going to start selling vinyl again in a couple months. Apparently they haven't had any vinyl in the store for six years or so. Hopefully they get some good stuff. —OscarSabino

2008-06-21 18:22:24   The vinyls are coming back! I just saw some last weekend during their weekend sidewalk promotion. Too bad I don't have something to play them with though... —SunjeetBaadkar

2008-06-26 21:56:44   The owner of Armadillo has passed away within the last week or so. His memorial will be this Saturday. I don't know exactly where, but its posted on their front door. You could also call them up for details. —SunjeetBaadkar

The owner of Armadillo Music, Mike Krell passed away due to a heart attack on Monday. His memorial will be on Saturday from 1-5pm at the Palms in Winters. He will be missed! - Aaron.Curtin

2008-07-01 09:40:24   I also remember when Armadillo was up on G Street — I think. I remember going to an interesting record store with the register in a center island. I bought an Orbital CD that they were playing, and have since listened to it a billion times. (This was pre-1998, when I was still in college and came to Davis to visit my girlfriend (now wife)). Huh-huh-huh. I'm OLD. —BillKendrick

2008-08-14 14:37:56   I have been a patron of this store for over 6 years now and still love it. Some think they are expensive. Try going across the street and compare stock on hand, selection, and yes, even price. Armadillo has them beat. Look at product knowledge and it's the same thing. Half the employees are either in bands or are DJs independently or in association with KDVS. All are good people and they know their material.

I have made long lasting friendships with many of them and also know that if you want to order something, they will be able to get it within a matter of days, not two weeks, not "I don't know what that is, let me see if I can find it", days.

Basically, it is one of the best establishments in downtown Davis and has really made an impression on the residents as a whole. If you've never been you should give it a try.

Oh, one last thing... someone mentioned that they have 3 "cds" for 20.00 which was incorrect, it's three DVDs for 20.00 which has since changed to 4, with 25% off all their used cds in the bins. Not expensive but truly inexpensive. -edited by wesone at 2:48 pm on 08-14-2008

—WesOne

2008-08-14 15:18:20   I go into this place once or twice a week to get in on that 4 DVDs for $20 sale...and to talk to the pretty peoples... —SunjeetBaadkar

2008-10-16 20:55:10   Armadillo is now carrying all of the KDVS Recordings releases we still have copies of. Dead Western LP (new!), San Francisco Water Cooler LP, Who's Your Favorite Son God? LP, and the Boss the Big Bit CD! —SimiSohota

2008-12-09 19:00:53   lol, who is that really hot guy who works there? he is really tall, he helped me last time find a lena horne cd. i know im not giving enough information on physical characteristics, but its hard to miss him. thats an extra reason i go to armadillo. i actually like the small place, the atmosphere there over dimples..though i like dimples. just it feels cozy at armadillo and friendly. —KimberlyMiller