If there are better posts than these on all the Internet, I have yet to see them and that is why I love this here site.
My favorite hangouts have been written about lovingly in the Kritzer books - Index Radio and Records, Wallich's Music City, the Wilshire and Fairfax May Company, the La Cienega miniature golf course, Marty's Bike and Candy Shop - there's nothing like these jernts today - nothing.
When Together Again moved from LACC we played at a small theater on the Golden Mall - that was in 1982, I think - it was a weird vibe, but there were really interesting stores there, especially the bookstores that Pogue mentions.
I appreciate the responses to my impassioned query of yesterday, some of which make sense. I do know that some people I know have chosen the paperback versions via amazon - and I do know when sales are happening there. Again, if finances are an issue and anyone wants to read the books they haven't gotten all they have to do is send me a PM or e-mail and it will all work out.