PM Sounds

All the positive comments about this shop are accurate. Good stuff to be found in this store, and the pricing is very reasonable. Erving took the time to chat with me & my daughter while we were there, I appreciate the personal touch. Next time I’m in So Cal, I’ll be sure to stop at PM Sounds.

Love this place. I always make it a point to stop in when I get back into town. It’s a vinyl shopping experience the way it I like it. Great energy, good music being played, meaty selection, and the owner Erving is very kind and offers up some good conversation. He’s a true music lover and knows his history. I can always guarantee that any record I pick up is going to be real clean if not mint. I’ve found some gems in here whether it be classic rock, old school hip hop, R&B, etc. Some cool memorabilia up on the wall too. And if you need stereo equipment (turntable, receiver, speakers) it’s definitely worth stopping in to see what’s in store.

Erving is great — he knows Jazz and Blues and Soul really well — he was a DJ, and all the records he sells are in very good to mint condition, AND he cleans them before he puts them in the bins. In his one dollar bins, he sometimes has really good stuff too that you would pay top dollar for at a store in LA. He is selective, so he does not sell crappy garage sale records. HIs records are in the same good condition as an excellent record store like Rockaway Records and Record Surplus, BUT you are not paying the high price those stores set bec of their rent and the trendy neighborhood. The record stores in LA — their prices have really gotten out of control. They might want 30 bucks for a record in LA, but it will be half that price at PM Sounds, unless it is really rare. I would say he has the best Jazz collection of any store in LA — if you are looking for Jazz and don’t want to pay a lot of money, go to PM Sounds, you will get something good and not deplete your entire bank account as you will at some other LA record stores.
Also, check out a great photography book about LA record stores — The Record Store Book — PM sounds is featured in it. And I am the photographer/​author!

Yesterday was my first trip of many more to come. A beautiful store and more beautiful selection. The addition of Hamp and Getz to my collection is at the top of the list. See you soon.

Jazz-​centric, but lots of soulful, bluesy and soul-​stirring music. If I hadn’t been traveling on business with just one carry in bag, I would have needed help carrying it all. So what am I going to do? Go back, next time I’m in the South Bay.
Bonus: nice and knowledgeable owner. Thanks.

Picked up some amazing records here today including a Temptations album I’ve never seen and a Four Tops album that’s been on my wishlist for ages, never been able to find. Met Irvin (Erwin?) and had a lovely conversation about my growing motown collection.
Prices are fair depending on rarity and condition. There were two Marvelettes albums that were priced quite high but I know I will probably never see them elsewhere. Those two are on my Christmas list for sure. I would definitely recommend visiting. You’ll leave with some amazing finds!

Friendly service, great selection– especially if you’re looking for jazz and soul– and reasonable prices!

This is my secret GEM! where can I start. I dig for records around the world, and have to say Erving has the cleanest record store on Earth. The records are never dusty you can eat off the floor. As for his selection… A. All genres here and in great shape. Ive walked out with some amazing stuff from Hardcore Techno, Golden Age Hip Hop, some Wes Montgomery, and the list goes on. Love this place!

Stopped by here with an hour to kill. Erving is a nice gentleman with a great deal of taste particularly in his curated jazz Lp selection. The prices are reasonable and his shop is super clean. No hesitation in recommending pm sounds.

I found PM Sounds by accident back in 2005 as I was walking on my way to the Red Car Brewery. That was probably one of the best days of my life. I love music and here I found the owner Erving Johnson who has a vast knowledge of music and vinyl. I like to call this place the «Diamond Jewel» of the South Bay.
Right away when you step inside the vibe is very cool, relaxed and friendly. There is an awesome collection of music artwork on the walls, rare records and photos. Selection of vinyl ranges from Jazz, Soul, R & B, Rock, Cinema, Blues, International, Vocalists and there is also a nice selection of CD’s. He also has a bargain bin. I have kept coming back here because I keep finding treasures. The condition of the product at PM Sounds is top notch. There is also a selection of refurbished turntables.
It is always a positive and refreshing experience to look through the stuff in the bins and talk music with other audiophiles who frequently visit the store so you also learn something when you get over here.
Last, this is in Old Torrance and down the street are some good places to eat at and antique shops to check out. I definitely have this as one of my destinations.

Excellent place to buy records! The owner has always been the one to help me in this store. I’m not sure if he has any other workers. He has only the highest quality records and the majority are of Jazz. He has other genres such as rock and pop, but if you’re looking for something specific and high quality in the Jazz genre, look here. He also sells equipment such as record players and speakers – used and new. He was very willing to help me start my collection. As an experienced collector, he didn’t look down on me for knowing absolutely nothing, he actually seemed excited to teach me a few things. I highly recommend PM sounds to anyone.

If you don’t find anything here, you’re a terrible crate digger.
I know, such strong words coming from a 27 year-​old, snot-​nosed kid. But I know what I’m talking about. I can spell «Mississssippppppi», eat brussel sprouts, and can do multiplication tables like a big boy now. So, respect.
I’m guessing it’s the gentleman behind the counter, but his choice of vinyl is VERY selective. When I mean «selective», I don’t mean that he has only two genres and get-​the-​fuck-​out. He obviously takes time to choose the best ones. The snicklefritz records probably goes to Amoeba, home of «DJs who can’t take care of their vinyl so they drop their shit records like neglected pets.»
This dude had the original «James Brown Live at the Apollo», and it was unmolested. He had a K-​OS record I was looking for ages. Well, ages as in two minutes; I knew I was missing it all my life once I saw it, though. Their R&B game is strong. There’s dope Hip-​Hop records, but you gotta dig a little deeper. Or just give up, because I’m going to swoop in and take yo shit. You will find something that will make you smile, no doubt.
As I was checking out, the man behind the counter asked me if I was a DJ. I told him that I’m a bedroom DJ, and play the dopest sets for my action figures. They still boo me. He did that old-​man-​veteran-​of-​life chuckle, and gave me a «DJ Discount», because game recognize game. Actually, he was probably just a really nice guy.
DO NOT MAKE THE SAME DUMB-​ASS MISTAKE I DID AND NOT GO INTO THE EXTRA ROOM IN THE BACK. There’s a ton of more vinyl there. I will definitely go back.

The most legit vinyl in the south bay. All his stuff is like VG + and up. Nice small shop with tons of great stuff

Very nice store with lots of LP collections. There are also some nice art work hanging on the wall. The owner, Earl, is very nice and friendly.

Clean clean clean high quality LPs and CDs.
Erv, the owner, knows all there is to know about music, musicians and stereo equipment. The selection is well curated and did I mention clean? I love a good hunt through a stack of LPs at a yard sale, but with Erv, you just know you’re getting the best recordings out there and no more grimy fingers.
PM Sounds is definitely worth looking into.

Stopped at PM Sounds recently on a Saturday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by the store. Some of the Unilocal reviews are not so great, but honestly if you love vinyl, classic R&B & classic Jazz this is your spot. I couldn’t believe some of the records I came across in here for really reasonable prices. They don’t have a large CD selection so if that’s your thing this may not be your spot. The owner was great and really friendly and even told my husband that if there was anything that he wanted to listen to before he purchased it he could do so. They have a CD & Record Player available for test runs as long as the item has already been opened and is being sold as used. Definitely worth a visit to Old Torrance.

Are you a musician? Looking for some quality Hi-​Fi listening? This is the place. No need to explain, just go.
For the musician with discerning tastes. ²⁄₃ Jazz & R&B, ¹⁄₃ Rock and a taste of randoms. Great for me, I like Edgar Winter and Tower of Power. I found them both here. Alan Parsons Project? Only the best Original Master Pressing available, for only $ 20. Great place.

Stopped in today and was immediately impressed at the selection of jazz and r&b. Saw a copy of Speak Like A Child by Herbie Hancock for $ 12. The record did not have a scratch on it. Flipped through a couple of Albert Alyer records, again, perfect condition and reasonable prices. The rock selection was decent but that’s not the strength of the shop. If you want jazz or soul, I haven’t found a better selection in all of the South Bay.
Ended up spending $ 20 on a couple of hard to find soul records and had a great talk with the owner. He knows his stuff: from Bill Laswell to Monk to ECM Records. Already looking forward to coming back.

Thanks, Unilocal for turning me onto PM Sounds. I’m a fan of used jazz LPs and this a great, local spot. You will find mostly Jazz and R&B/Blues/Soul here but they do have a Rock, Reggae and Soundtracks section. $.99 bin located up front.
Be ready to dig as categories are not sorted by artists.

Randomly found this place. Very happy I did. Good selection, friendly service and all the records are well taken care of.