Used CD stores represent the toilet-flush factor in music consumerism -- something of a cross between the musical version of an island for misfit toys (Mr. Big's
Mr. Big) and a purgatory for sadly underrated albums (R.E.M.'s
Monster). The worth of these shops is not determined by the likelihood that shoppers will find albums of their choosing but the likelihood that they will stumble upon something
else worth buying while hopelessly searching for a specific title. The rock fan hunting for a copy of the Pixies'
Bossanova may be out of luck, but if she finds the Smashing Pumpkins'
Gish, the Rolling Stones'
Emotional Rescue or even Neil Diamond's
Hot August Night at a discounted price, at least there's something to show for the effort. So used music stores are really only worth the number of second, third and fourth choices they can provide. To get such an insurance policy on a CD shopping spree, music lovers must explore CD Warehouse's Olathe store.
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