Like many tourists, when I’m traveling, I tend to try to seek out the very best. The biggest, grandest, most famous a city has to offer. If you’re in Denver and you are seeking out a record store, you will probably see countless recommendations for Twist and Shout. A truly gargantuan record store worthy of its popularity and fame. But when I lived in Denver, Twist and Shout wasn’t the kind of shop I was popping into once a week. For that, you want a neighborhood shop. A place that’s cozy and relaxed and always stocked with the random and cool stuff that gets me off my ass and to the closest new arrivals bin when I am feeling my lowest. As cool as mega stores are, it’s neighborhood shops that are so important to this hobby. Stores like Specks in Portland, Wax Trax in Denver, and M-theory Music in San Diego.
What to Expect
M-Theory is located in San Diego’s Mission Hills neighborhood, which has plenty of charm but does feel significantly more chic than, say, Ocean Beach, where we checked out COW Records. Right off the bat, this shop felt a lot more modern and spacious than some of the others we visited on our record store road trip. The whole store is brightly lit and neatly organized, with some cool neon signs and high-priced items decorating the walls.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the shop, so if you are exploring Mission Hills, this is a good jumping-off point. The shop is owned by a family of music nerds, so pretty much any employee you talk to is going to be an owner or at least related to one and happy to talk about record collecting or music in general.
Selection at M-Theory Music
Like the very best of neighborhood record stores, the selection at M-Theory is extremely balanced. The ratio of records to CD’s to other non-music merchandise is balanced. The ratio of new to used records is balanced. The distribution of genres is balanced. This shop isn’t massive by any means, but there truly is something for everyone, and the effort the shop puts in so that this is the case is evident.
As far as standouts here, the quantity and quality of rare and unique records that line the walls of the shop were seriously impressive. Lots of really great punk records, like the Germs’ debut, beckoned to me the day I was there. If you are interested in rare records and are looking for stuff in that $50+ range, this is probably the best shop in San Diego for that. At least amongst the shops I visited.
Besides music, there is also a solid book section here, as well as some store merch like hats and t-shirts.
Prices at M-Theory Music
San Diego is an expensive city, but luckily, those California prices don’t apply to record stores. Here, just like everywhere I went in San Diego, expect the records to be priced anywhere from reasonable to great. Things are priced to move, so if you see something you want, I wouldn’t hesitate. I found a copy of King Crimson’s In the Hall of the Crimson King for $15, which felt like a steal.
My Thoughts on M-Theory Music
This isn’t a destination store, something I would even say is an absolute must if you are in San Diego. But, it’s in a great location, and it’s such an easy-going shop that it’s well worth poking your head into if you are in Mission Hills, which you probably will be.
Records Purchased
In the Hall of the Crimson King – King Crimson
Address
827 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103