My father's friend had read the new Dylan book, and expressed interest in the Billy Bragg/Wilco CDs (guess it's mentioned). Sent him Mermaid Avenue & some Wilco stuff, which he loved. So as a follow up, I sent him Son Volt's "Trace" and Uncle Tupelo's "Anodyne"

He calls me yesterday when the CDs arrive & tells me how much he likes Uncle Tupelo (even though he's 60 & I know he's never heard of them). Apparently he had gone to B&N, told the salesperson how much he liked Wilco & asked for a recommendation for something else. And Uncle Tupelo's "No Depression" was the answer.

So...I guess you can do ok at the big chains if you're willing to pay $16 or $17 per CD (which I'm not).

I have had good experience in music recs from Borders/B&N. Beats the hell out of Best Buy. Plus I just found a B&N gift card at home for $25.

Barnes and Noble sells music?

Never had good luck @ Borders, except when they do their buy-3-get-1-free DVD sales...

And I can never find any of the albums I'm looking for there, either...

borders usually has a fairly good selection of catalogue albums on sale for like $8.99 or 3/@27...lord knows how many albums I don't need were bought in this manner when I lived in Orlando

i know its mean, but i like to 'ask for help' when they approach me...i start rambling about looking for certain bands.....

the results are just good fun at the expense of others

The Borders here in Boise is pretty good with it's selection but damn if it isn't expensive as hell. I typically only get stuff on sale or when i have a gift certificate.