taiwanfun
From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2002
By Tammy Huang and Cheryl Robbins
Translated by John Johnson and Sharon Yang
Rose Records
The non-stop music played at this store makes you feel as if you are on a dance floor. The store stocks a variety of Western music, including as hip-hop, techno, metal and rock. It also houses hard-to-find alternative rock by Asian artists. Everything is arranged alphabetically by music category. If you are unable to find what you are looking for and are too shy to ask the staff for help in person, leave a message and a staff member will call you with the results of their search. The store encourages students to study hard and rewards those who receive high marks on their exams by offering them CDs. You can receive a discount on CDs if you bring a receipt from the nearby McDonald’s. This store often has promotions and activities, so make sure and stop by so that you don’t miss out!
7, Tzuen Shian (Tzun Hsien) St.
Ta Chung Records
This franchise started as a small family store in Tainan and now controls about 25 pervcent of the music market in Taiwan. Each store has a large floor area, a wide selection and low prices, which is why this chain is so popular with music lovers. This is the best place to come to for Asian pop, as it is often the exclusive distributor of new releases. Ta Chung Records also differs from other CD stores in that it organizes autograph sessions and performances by the latest stars.
31, Fu Shing (Fu Hsing) Rd. (near Feng Chia University)
Ta Ti Chih Yin (Sounds of the World)
This store generally appeals to the average shopper and is becoming more and more popular for its increasingly diverse selection, including CDs, VCDs, and DVDs. Ta Ti Chih Yin is cashing in on the latest Korean craze, and is probably the best place in the city to find Korean programs and music.
6F, 186, Fu Shing (Fu Hsing) Rd., sec. 4
Hai Shan (Sea and Mountain) Records
Although branch stores of Sea and Mountain Records tend to be located in large department stores, they strive to provide an atmosphere that is quiet and comfortable. All of the employees are helpful and friendly, able to introduce a variety of CDs in detail to help you choose what you need. For example, if you are looking for soothing music to help you relax–such as classical music or jazz–they can usually find the perfect choice, or at least something to suit your taste. The selection here is impressive, including classical music, jazz and non-mainstream music, especially CDs that are hard to find in other stores. Every two months, the stores offer discounts based on a musical theme.
11F, 111, Taijung Gang (Taichung Kang) Rd., sec. 2
12F, 299, Taijung Gang (Taichung Kang) Rd., sec. 1 (SOGO Department Store)
11-1, San Mien (San Min) Rd., sec. 3 (10F, C Building, Chung Yo Department Store)
Wind Records
Wind Records mostly produces and distributes New Age and environmental music. It has opened three stores, one each in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung, to directly sell its CDs. The Taichung branch opened in August, 2000, and is a small, comfortable wood-panelled store where customers are encouraged to take their time to browse, and can listen to any CD before making a purchase. According to store manager Ivy Ho, all of the store’s staff receive on-going training so that they are able to explain each CD in detail, including the production process and anecdotes about the music and musicians. Most of this store’s customers are over 30 and have some familiarity with Wind Records. With its friendly, no-pressure atmosphere, it is no wonder that people tend to return to this store again and again to check out new releases (averaging two to three per month) and to find out about upcoming Wind Records events.
1F, 400, Uen Shin (Wen Hsin) South 2nd Rd.
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