Buying from ma and pa shops is nice to do, but they have to be in the ballpark on prices. I've got no problem throwing them an extra buck or two over what I could get a disc for online, if they add value to the transaction. By that I expect them to make recommendations to me, to be able to order any disc I want, and to appreciate the business I give them. I have a shop here that usually does those things, and they are also an outlet for tickets to local live music venues so I do continue to patronize the shop. A good local shop will also usually have used bins, which allows for some lower risk gambles on some little known bands.

I actually most prefer to buy music directly from the band, preferably right after a good live show. For some reason autographed discs seem to sound better, too.