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News

The MP3-Amoeba Effect

By  Christine N. Ziemba
Published Dec 15, 2005 11:00 PM
We need to hear from you.
Today during our spring member drive, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

We were really bummed to hear last month that -- after 40 years -- Aron's Records on Highland is closing. One of the great independent retailers of new and used music in LA is shutting its doors after they sell everything left in stock.

Now LAist receives this e-mail release from the owners of Silverlake record store UponShop:

That's right, UponShop is closing its doors and saying good night. We can't believe it ourselves…but all things must pass…we leave wishing everyone the best, to stay strong, positive and feel empowered that anyone can do anything… So back to the shop closing…yes, UponShop is closing its doors…records are everywhere so don't ever give up looking…I know I won't…hopefully, the web site will stay up…there is always myspace to keep in
touch…it's not over it's just a change…like I said, we are all staying positive and keeping it real…do not go quietly into that good night…horseshit…peace and happy holidays…peace and prosperity in 2006…Stop the War in Iraq…

Earlier this week, we talked to Azul, one of the 6-year-old shop's owners. He said plainly and simply that UponShop was closing down because 2005 was a crappy sales year for the store (which specialized in rare jazz, hip hop and soul records). Even business during
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Sunset Junction was slower than usual.

He blames the demise of shops like his on the surge of MP3s, downloadable music, music mixing programs like Scratch and that little shop down the street known as Amoeba.

To mark the occasion of its demise, UponShop is also selling everything until its gone. But call before you go. Azul and company might already be gone...

UponShop
3910 Sunset Blvd.
Silverlake, CA
323.667.2011

And lest we forget, this is a good time for LAist to remind you to support your local retailers this holiday shopping season. 'Cause if you don't, then all we'll have left will be Wal-Marts and overstock.com.

Flickr photo from jahbuzzz

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