Though it hosts its share of in-stores and attracts music geeks of various passions, the Fetus isn't a hangout; it's too big and busy for proper record-counter breeze shooting. (Or to trot out an old joke: No one goes there anymore—it's too crowded.) The store's non-hangout status is possibly a point against it, since superstores and the internet have delivered near-fatal blows to record-store culture, which has historically been good for scene cultivation. Fortunately we still have ma-and-pa shops like Fifth Element, Roadrunner, and Treehouse where bands might be formed and the High Fidelity experience can be found. But if the Fetus isn't the place to make lists of Elvis Costello's finest B-sides while poking fun at the afternoon's sole customer, it is the place to linger for an hour or two checking out the state's best selection of non-classical music. The inventory runs deep in rock, jazz, R&B, and hip hop. You'll find fair prices on new releases from labels large and small, and a corpulent inventory of catalog titles. The store isn't quite as comprehensive in country, international, or dance music, but enough ground is covered to keep dilettantes happy and specialists awake. Plus, they have cutouts, used CDs, an expanded selection of used and new vinyl, DVDs, and all sorts of bohemian bric-a-brac in the gift area/head shop. Just remember: Those pipes are for tobacco use only!

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