Underground Sounds

Good for new records, not for used. The shop was nicely laid out, new record bins were well-organized and labeled, prices were good, and the staff member was friendly and efficient. The used section was one of the worst I've ever seen at a record store. It was mostly dollar bin and thrift store records, with many records by Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Anne Murray, Dan Fogelberg, etc. They had boxes of budget records below the bins - I can only imagine what was in those. This is a good shop, but they need to do better with their used selection.

Best record store in ann arbor. Great selection of new and used vinyl and prints/posters. Plus, they support local artists!!!!!

Super kind staff :) They didn’t have what I was looking for, but they were able to special order it and even gave me a small discount :) Their RSD is always super well organized too!

This is the place to find any musical itch you wanna scratch, especially if your looking for vinyl. The main proprietors

Still one of the best record stores around. A real treat for A2 audiophiles that long for the good old days of loitering at Schoolkids, Discount Records or Wazoo Records. Underground Sounds is just the cream of the vinyl crop. I've been a loyal fan since Vinyl Joe's on Cross Street in Ypsi. Also, note to management: I would gladly purchase some Underground Sounds merch (hat, tees, etc.)

My favorite A2 record shop. Excellent selection for it's size (they carry albums and artists that don't frequently appear in brick and mortar shops), friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff, and their prices are very reasonable.

Amazing record spot. Matt has just about everything new you could hope for plus a unique and outstanding selection of used records as well. I stopped in here while traveling through and found an old M Ward piece that, after listening to, truly blew me away. Never would’ve found it if the collection hadn’t been so expansive for so long. I highly recommend you stop in if you want to find something new! Thanks Matt!

He always has a great variety of vinyl records. Any band you could ever want and then some~ Took my son out for a mother/ son, day. We went vinyl shopping, and my 14 year old found so many of his bands that I had never even heard of, newer independent bands and side projects. My son left so Ecstaticed. This is our go-to place for a family shopping day♡ store is always clean and well put together and every record has its place. The owner is super sweet and is amazing to talk to. I would highly recommend his store over other stores. They just don't have the feel and the vinyls that this store does have. I would rate this #1 Vinyl record store for new and used vinyl's in the area. Check it out~ You won't be disappointed.

I drove an hour to this shop to check it out and possibly buy a $15 record I wanted that was listed as VG+ on Discogs, as well as to shop for more titles. I could clearly see spending at least $100 there. While waiting for the owner to take care of another customer he aggressively asked if I needed help. I asked if he could retrieve a 2nd hand record he had listed on Discogs for me. This took him less than one minute to find. Upon inspection, I noticed a large amount of mold caked onto the record. I asked the owner if he could clean it off and test on his turntable, which was right behind him. His answer angrily was, "I don't play test records here." I then asked how he could grade this record for sale as VG+ on Discogs.com if it wasn't cleaned and play-tested. I pointed out that certain mold can eat through the vinyl grooves and the only way to tell is to clean and check. Further stating if I bought it on Discogs from him, I would dispute the sale if it played poorly and if he refused to accept a return. I also mentioned he would receive a bad rating for the poor grading. He then aggressively told me to leave the shop. On my way out, I told him that I had owned a record store for 15 years and would never treat a customer like this (I owned a very popular one, too). I then asked him if he was playing the part of John Cusack in "High Fidelity." I also told him I'm a known musician and that he would be called out online for his behavior. His response was to aggressively insist, "to take the f-ing record for free." I told him , "No, I don't want your negative energy in my car or record collection." Then I left. Soon after I left, I checked for another copy on Discogs to order and noticed he had removed the listing. I guess he decided to play-test it himself and realized that the record was not in the condition he had advertised. This gave me the last laugh, as his behavior toward me was truly unnerving. At the very least, he now understands that grading a record VG+ with mold caked on it, without cleaning it first, is a big no-no and also that being nice results in less reviews as such! Hey *Owner*, learn how to treat all people respectfully. I've been in the record industry for a long time--producing music, running a record label since 1990, and managing music distribution companies, etc. You never know whom you are talking to, so be nice to everyone unless they are being rude to you. I was nothing but nice to you... and now look what you made me do.

If you're my 13 year old cousin, stop reading this right now. All others may proceed. When I was a kid, one of my strongest memories was getting my first discman for Christmas and my first few CDs that I called my own. I wanted to give my cousin the same memory, and since vinyl is the the thing these days I got her her own record player. I wanted to get a few albums to go with it so I grilled her on her faves artists then put together a list of some artists she may like based on her interests. Then I took that list and I went to Underground Sound's website to see what was in stock. I landed on two records I think she's going to really like (Tegan and Sara, "The Con" and the first Gorillaz record) and was able to purchase them online for instore pick up. While I love browsing through the stacks, the busy holiday time doesn't leave much time for digging so buying online for pick up was super convenient. And it was great to support a local record shop to boot! Physical media 4ever!!!

Ann Arbor's best new vinyl store hands down. Great prices, great selection and the best spot to stop by in Ann Arbor on Record Store Day. The new location in Main Street is fantastic. When they get their liquor license I think shopping at US could get even more dangerous to your wallet.

Stopped by here for the first time yesterday and it was impressive. There was a good selection crammed into the location. We were quickly and easily able to find exactly what we were looking for. Very happy with our overall experience here.

A good chunk of my record collection came from Matt's store. It's one of many things that I miss about Ann Arbor, and the next time I'm in town, it will be one of the first places I visit.

Felt Covid safe; they made us put on hand sanitizer before touching the records. It was a small space but had a decent assortment of records and I found plenty of records to buy. I would shop there again.

Obviously I love my little downtown of Bennington, VT but it's no secret that I adore Ann Arbor, my adopted hometown for 8 of 9 years spent in Michigan for work. Underground Sounds is one of the reasons. Located on bustling Liberty Street, US is my preferred record shop. You can find used and new vinyl across a spectrum of music so even if you and the person you're walking around with are polar opposites when it comes to your musical tastes, you'll both walk out with some albums. Kris and I decided to buy a record player after buying our first home and immediately headed to Underground Sounds to see what we could find. The shopkeeper didn't mind us perusing for HOURS (literally!) and asking questions. We went back very regularly when we lived in town. I joke that Underground Sounds and Mani are the places I miss most. The good news is that one of those two delivers. We order a record a month plus birthdays and the winter holidays and Underground Sound always comes through. In addition to a great selection and easy ordering process, I screwed up an order one day (ordered something and then realized I needed to add a record to my order) and when I emailed they wrote right back and said, "We noticed that - we're putting it in one package and will credit you the shipping." Nice! There's so much to do and see in Ann Arbor but if you're a music lover make sure this is a stop during your visit!

I was looking for the Khruangbin & Leon Bridges LP as a surprise for my wife. People told me it was pretty dang hard to find, which proved to be true. I called Underground Sounds, they didn't have it BUT to my surprise (I'm assuming the owner, sorry I forgot your name good sir) called me back 10 minutes later saying he found somewhere to order it. I was blown away that he took the time to call me back, you just don't get customer service like that anymore!! He said it might be up to a month with COVID and everything, but again, he surprised me calling not even a week later saying it was in! Thank you, thank you! You have a customer for life.

I highly recommend this place to stop in to buy new music, or to be able to find a copy of something used quite easily when you're in a hurry. The place is whittled down into not the basics, but the must-haves. They can special order things for you as well, and you'll probably get a great price for it. I was able to get a rare Mos Def collection here for a friend. It was rare at the time, anyway. I also got my well-loved Chamion Sounds/Jaylib from here. Upon purchase, the guy behind the counter will probably tell you an interesting tid-bit of trivia about the CD you just purchased, making you feel confident in your buy and wanting to come back.

Great selection of new vinyl. This is also a well organized and clean store. It was a pleasure doing business here.

Great little record shop with very nice selection of LP's. The staff member that assisted me was unpretentious, friendly, and even made good conversation with me about my purchases. I don't look or dress like your typical audiophile so it's always a huge plus when people don't treat me like Jack Black treated the guy who wanted the Stevie Wonder record for his daughter in High Fidelity. I'll be coming back here for sure.

Underground sounds is a fantastic shop for finding vinyl! The owner is SUPER helpful and knowledgeable about any genre of music for which you have interest. Whether you need the perfect album for taco night or Christmas tree decorating, he will have great advice. I cannot recommend enough!

I love this place... it's been too long since I've been in here (I tend to stay away from record stores unless I'm sure I have money to burn - they are dangerous!), but I stopped in today and it was just as comfy as always. I loved the shop when it was truly subterranean, in the space just downstairs from its current location. However, I can see how these ground-level digs would certain help the foot traffic! The fellow there helped me research a question I had on a particular album, and we also somehow ended up in a discussion of the merits of allmovie.com vs. IMDB. Hooray, that means he really *gets it*! Anyone, I walked out feeling fine about my purchase of 3 albums and me short little petting session with Claudette, the big friendly (but chill) back dog. I wonder if Claudette and the Encore dog ever hang out?

I like to come to Underground Sounds whenever I'm downtown just to see what's new in the world of music that floats just below the radar. It's a cozy location on Liberty, right across the street from the Post Office. Matt, the owner & operator of Underground Sounds, is incredibly passionate about music and that's what makes this store so special. Matt knows his stuff and has a very keen ear - talk to him and you'll see what I mean. He's never led me wrong with a music suggestion. While the selection isn't comprehensive, every single record here has a story and a reason for being there. It's places like these that open your eyes and ears to new, inspiring music: a local shop run by a passionate owner, with tons of knowledge and the love of sharing it.

In my estimation, there are two types of record stores: one that takes in everything it can and emits records like radiation from a black hole, and one that "curates" its inventory. The former requires commitment as a buyer to poke around and unearth some gems you may not know that you wanted, the latter serves up something more akin to "nothing but the hits." Underground is more of the latter. Which is good, since it seems to cater to people with tastes similar to mine. I can go through their selection of 45s in 20 minutes, but I will definitely find 2 or 3 things I want. At a black hole store, I may find 20 things or I may find nothing. I find both of these stores a necessity, so I'm thankful for Underground. Staff has always been knowledgable and helpful. The prices are reasonable, especially for such a prime location. If you want to go record shopping and don't want to spend an afternoon sifting through crates that are packed into rows like an episode of hoarders, Underground is your best bet for miles around.

Most towns are lucky to even have one decent record store. Ann Arbor has several excellent ones, including this one. Underground Sounds is a wonderful little space, packed with good new and used records and a decent little shelf of CDs. No cassette tapes or 8-tracks that I know of, but I wouldn't be shocked if you could order them. Matt (the store's owner) is a longtime supplier to local music fans, dating way back to his days running the much-missed Vinyl Joes in Ypsilanti. He's almost always here and he's a big music fan and a nice guy. He supplies new albums a touch more frequently than other places I've seen in town, and in turn his prices might be a little higher on certain unused vinyl. Such is the yin and yang of supporting your local music economy. Anyway, come here and buy records. The small record stores of this world need all the help they can get, and when one makes an effort towards both quality and quantity you should really try to help them out.

Don't be alarmed if a big black dog comes bounding up to you when you arrive at Underground Sounds. She's friendly. Normally, I'm not a fan of dogs in the workplace, but she was a perfect accent an eccentric little music store on Liberty Street. As other reviewers have said, the space is small, but it's packed with music. Almost half the offerings are on vinyl, but they also have a good CD selection. The CD covers are photocopied and alphabetized, and when you find one you want, you bring it up to the counter and the clerk will fetch the actual CD for you. When they didn't have what I was looking for, he told me they were happy to do special orders. If you like supporting local businesses rather than buying music from Walmart or Borders, this would be a great store to check out.

Underground Sounds is a great record store in a very convenient location for me, which is awesome for me and bad for my pocketbook. They have an extensive collection of new, backstock, and repressed vinyl records at very fair prices, which is the biggest draw for me. They also sell CDs and some used stuff, as well. Along with Wazoo, this is the store you want to hit up if you want new releases in Ann Arbor. The guys who work here are nice and helpful, and know their stuff. Highly recommended for those who still actually like to buy their music. This review is based on two visits, so this may get bumped up to 5 stars eventually.

Whenever I'm in A2, I'll pop-in to Underground Sounds. Minimal, not stuffy (doesn't smell like old newspapers up in here) and well stocked with indie CDs you won't find at the big boxes, this place is truly a gem. Vinyl prices are a tad high. However, I've made some pretty good finds here. When I'm looking for a specific new CD release, they typically have it in stock priced right for an impulse. Which is why this place works for me. They don't charge ridiculous mark-ups like say a Barnes and Noble or F.Y.E, and yeah, you could get most of this stuff online from iTunes or Amazon, but there is nothing like walking into a record store, checking some stuff out, and scoring some new music for instant gratification. Also, CDs and Vinyl still capture the total package of a release with the jacket and sleeve. You won't be hurried here either, very chill people that work the counter.

Easily the best record store in Ann Arbor if you enjoy new music. Underground always has the best selection and they will special order albums for you. I love just dropping in to browse and chat with the staff. If anyone is visiting Ann Arbor for some vinyl shopping, be sure to stop here!! I cannot recommend it enough! Updates: They got a new logo and re-arranged the shop - it's so much more spacious and better organized. They also now have an online store at ugsounds.com. It's nice to browse online whenever I can't make it in. I was also able to request and order an album I wanted through the website, which was really nice for the lazy ass in me. This place is even more legit!

I agree with the last poster that the owner really makes this place a gem. I honestly only ducked in to warm up my toes and ended up so impressed with the selection that I was almost late for my dinner date! I love browsing used cds and records, and usually places with a good indie rock selection aren't also so well equipped in hip hop. The owner was very friendly and offered to order the cds they didn't have. Rock.

I perused this shoppe. I noticed the wide selection and enjoyed whatever was playing over the speakers. It was a tad loud, so I was forced to politely request that the volume be lowered. What a treat. Three stars.

I live an hour away from Ann Arbor but I go there to hang out at least once a month, or once every couple months. I've been to all the record stores in Ann Arbor, but I've decided this one is my favorite one. The owner Matt is really kind and knowledgeable when it comes to music. He's pointed out that he does special orders, and gives discounts on special orders, if you're looking for something he doesn't have. His used vinyl is very generously priced! Last but not least he sells the great quality t-shirts of his awesome logo on them for only 15 dollars and I'm so glad he had one in my size (3xl) when I asked.

This is hands down the best place to find new vinyl in Ann Arbor. Very friendly place, and very friendly people who work there. Matt, I believe is the owners name. Make a point to talk to him, he knows his stuff and is very willing and happy to help you get a copy of whatever you are looking for(even if that means not buying from him). Discounts are awarded if you pre-order albums, and they do a nice job of special orders as well. Give this place a chance, you will be glad you did!

Lots of new vinyl at high prices -- but isn't that true of all new vinyl? Of the four indie shops we visited in Ann Arbor this week, Underground Sounds was our number four. We aren't looking for top-dollar new LPs. If you are, you will like this place a little better than we did. It might have been the cleanest place in town, though. Points for cleanliness. We did find a few things here so definitely worth the stop but it is not the place you could spend a whole day digging through.

In these halcyon Amazon days (unless you are in a big megalopolis) it takes guts to open a specialty record store!! I am soooo happy this place exists. Really. If I can't find something, they will special order it for me. The prices are fair and frankly, where else can you shop for NEW (not used) music in this town?!? Ok, maybe Wazoo. But I'd rather come here! Even when I'm horribly late to work I will still stop and read the "new arrivals" list posted in the window. The owner is an affable fellow who does a great job of stocking the place with new and older bands (both CD and vinyl), reissues and used stuff (you can't escape the used stuff). I'm also in love with Claudette, the unofficial store pooch. You can't leave without petting her for a few. Underground Sounds is tailored towards more 'underground' (natch) tastes. If you want something Clear Channel blasts four to ten times a day, head for Border's across the street.

Far out store. Stopped by Underground Sounds after a quick jaunt to A2 to search out new digs for my fall move. Coming from Los Angeles, the land of a zillion record stores, I'm picky and obnoxious. I'm embarrassed actually. Of course, when I first came into Underground Sounds, I expected to be unimpressed and really disappointed. After my first visit and three or four subsequent visits, Underground Sounds is easily one of the best record stores I've been to in the country. I couldn't say enough positive things. The selection is great. Mostly new stuff. Every time I've been in, there's new albums in the bins . Albums that are hard to find and that I've never seen anywhere else.It's clear after a few minutes that whoever selects stuff for the store puts serious consideration into what goes into the store. I will forewarn you, if you're looking for something to make your ears bleed you're in the wrong place... But if you're into that, why are you in Ann Arbor anyways? Prices are good too. So there's that. Matt is great. When I came in there was a particular album I'd been looking for that I'd struck out finding elsewhere; he ordered it for me and when I returned in the fall, it was there. Very good vibes. I can't imagine not having a positive experience at underground sounds. I'm Really excited to live so close to such an excellent record shop!

I swung by here the other day, quite seriously, because I felt guilty for buying used CD's from Amazon. If there is any store in Ann Arbor that could cure this soul-eating self-shame, it's got to be Underground Sounds. They should be checked out if only for their wide selection of music. Even if you have someone in mind, you'll probably find a few CDs or LPs by them that you didn't know existed. The CDs are new, and sometimes used - the guy at the register, recognizing the Flaming Lips selection I had made, was sure he had a decent used copy that would cost me less. Sure enough, he did, and I took it. I was very pleased that he took the time to do that , like he's watching out for his customers. The place itself is a fairly small alcove tucked into Liberty St across from the post office. However, they manage to pack not only CDs in it but also a ton of vinyl records, if that's your thing. They also buy and trade used stuff. Now I can enjoy my music secure in the knowledge that I supported a good local store AND the musicians (in the case of new CDs). Sorry Amazon, this just isn't working out anymore.

Great independent music store. Tell the owner something that you like and he'll give you a few solid recs as well. If they don't have something that you want then they'll order it for you. Plus the dog/store mascot always makes a visit a bit more fun.

If you're looking for new vinyl in the A2/Ypsilanti area, this should be your first stop. The selection is excellent and well thought out, they have some fine hard-to-find items (they bring in the best range of RSD releases), the prices are good, and the folks who work there know their stuff. The place isn't huge, but what they have is quality stuff, and my experience is they're good with special orders. If you want to show your turntable how much you love it, stop by here.

Good selection of new LPs at decent prices. Staff is not very friendly or helpful.

The selection of contemporary music on vinyl is terribly comprehensive. One would be hard pressed to find such a selection in NY or Chicago (they exist, but not many). Matt keeps the store well stocked, and they are rarely out of material for long. If there is something in print that is not at the store, Matt will order it without gouging. Their prices are normally lower than Amazon, even on special orders. Matt really cares about music and it shows in the care with which the store is maintained. Though he grumbles a fair amount (about crappy new music, about fair weather music fans, etc), you'll realize it is part of the store's charm.

I went to multiple record stores in one day and this record shop wasn't the biggest but for sure had the largest selection of modern or "new" vinyl. Prices are reasonable and similar to what you would find online for brand new vinyl, maybe even less. Very well organized and easy to move through

Bought a couple things here a few times. Super cute and friendly! Lots of options and even found/bought things we weren't looking for haha! The set up is super sweet and it's in alphabetical order so it's easy to find what you're looking for. Super helpful staff!

Best store ever. I believe the owner had something to do with Haircut 100 back in the 80's.

Underground Sounds is truly one of the best record stores I've ever been to. My boyfriend and I frequently shop the handful of record stores in downtown Ann Arbor, and we always stop at Underground. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and always have something new and exciting in store. They are more than willing to help you find what you need, even if it's not at Underground. Occasionally, someone will come in looking for something that Underground might not carry and Matt will direct them to a few other stores and resources where the customer could find it. This is truly my favorite record store in Ann Arbor!

I'm brand new in town, so naturally what I must do within 24 hours of arrival is find a good record store. I came in, looked around, and chatted with the staff about the local music scene, etc. He answered all my questions, but was not what I would call friendly. The store itself is tiny with a small selection (it may not be small by AA standards, but compared to the stores I'm used to, I didn't find much that was truly "obscure". There is plenty here if you aren't looking for anything off the beaten path). Between the starkness of the store and the coldness of the staff, it isn't really a place that I think I'm going to hang out at.

Ah, returning to review places I visited almost a year ago. That's my specialty. That said, this place is amazing. I went in with some friends as we were cruising around downtown, and I was looking for a particular album. If I'm not mistaken, the vinyl LP was out of stock on the website, but I figured I'd go in and see, just to be safe. Meanwhile, resigning myself to a simple Compact Disc. Lo and behold, I went in--hyperventilating slightly at the sight of such vinyl--and asked the man behind the counter if they had the CD I wanted. (I don't recall his name, but he was a very awesome man. Helpful, too.) He confirmed that they had it, then said that they "might have the vinyl, if you're interested." I was interested. So he dug through a box off to the side and found it, sealed in plastic, and it's safe to say I was a very satisfied customer. As far as selection goes, I didn't have much of a chance to look. This was a very short stop, as there was a baby in the group. I did spy a few current artists, as well as older things. Overall, this is a place I'd stop into again, if given the chance, unlimited funds, and about sixteen hours of free time.

I didn't have a good experience here. The customer service must have a overhaul. I've been to independent record stores from coast to coast. This one needs improvements. They could benefit from walking down the street and watching Encore Records handle customers.

This is my 2nd favorite record store in Ann Arbor. If PJ's doesn't have it I head here. Underground Sounds has all the records of bands I like that are still alive today. The owner is a real cool guy. Willing to help you find what you need. A large selection for such a small place too. Make sure and check out the walls and display case. Treasures.

Dropped by Underground Sounds after lunch this week. Smaller than I thought, really just one small room. CD selection is skimpy, more heavy on records. This is a place for new records and a great place to pick up some more obscure indie vinyl. Prices aren't exploitative but they aren't a bargain either. All together, a quick and worthwhile stop, if you're doing Ann Arbor for the day.

I came in looking for a limited run bootleg of Tom Jones fronting the Experience that I had heard years ago. The staff was very patient and understanding in explaining to me that the record doesn't exist. After a few hours of leaving and returning to the store, I remembered my memories and dreams sometimes get mixed up when I drink too much the previous night. I left with a really rad 1080 gram of Marquee Moon. Great store. Great staff. Five stars.

Still pretty much the best store. Matt is the greatest, though his dog isn't around as much anymore.

Great selection. Great proprietor. Definitely recommend checking it out. I'm sure you will find something you like.

I love dropping by US anytime I go to downtown Ann Arbor during the day. I always find at least one album I want to snag and add to my collection. They stay pretty consistent with new music being put out and match the typical price you'd pay to buy it from a record label/band. Staff is also always nice and playing good jams. Definitely stop in if you can and support this local gem! You won't be disappointed.

This place is just awesome!!! I had a very hard time tracking down a limited release vinyl and they had it!!! I was considering driving over 100 miles for this album but I didn't have to! The customer service is awesome and I will always look here first!!!

When I am buying records, this is by far my favorite place for new vinyl. Prices are great (we often talk about how thin the margins must be on some of the special orders). The shop is clean, super organized and well taken care of. A good friend who frequents much more than I do, moved to Chicago but still orders most of his music from Matt. Thanks for doing what you do!

A great selection of punk records. There's a lot of obscure records from great artists and good prices!

Went shopping for vinyl for the 1st time in 25 years and tried here first. The owner was absolutely fantastic and while the selection was minimal for what I wanted, he even gave me a tip on where I could find other albums online. On one hand, one would assume that he would be losing me as a new customer to the online world. However, with the kind of service that he gave me and that "digging in crates" experience, that's something the online world can never replace, so I will definitely be going back to Underground.