Fifteen Best Record Stores in New York City

[MylesBAstor]

No idea how these stores were chosen. Second Hand Rose (the second edition) is still a bunch of overpriced junk in crappy condition. While Fred does a nice job at the JRC, the prices of his albums are through the roof. Bleeker St. Records is also a bunch of overpriced record in truly lousy shape. (I actually thought it closed?) Academy along with its jazz and Williamsburg annex are far better than most of these stores as is In Living Stereo (also a high-end audio store) on Great Jones St. in the Village.

[Rob]

No idea how these stores were chosen. Second Hand Rose (the second edition) is still a bunch of overpriced junk in crappy condition. While Fred does a nice job at the JRC, the prices of his albums are through the roof. Bleeker St. Records is also a bunch of overpriced record in truly lousy shape. (I actually thought it closed?) Academy along with its jazz and Williamsburg annex are far better than most of these stores as is In Living Stereo (also a high-end audio store) on Great Jones St. in the Village.

I don't know the record store scene in NY but post 'great recession' I know rents have come roaring back and retail space is at a premium again. used LPs are not a high margin commodity per se, at least not enough to justify NY rents. In So Cal, new indy and used LP stores are still popping up (mainly low rent redevelopment areas), we're having a renaissance of sorts.

[MylesBAstor]

I don't know the record store scene in NY but post 'great recession' I know rents have come roaring back and retail space is at a premium again. used LPs are not a high margin commodity per se, at least not enough to justify NY rents. In So Cal, new indy and used LP stores are still popping up (mainly low rent redevelopment areas), we're having a renaissance of sorts.

You nailed the problem in New York, hence the move for many stores to say Brooklyn.

[Rob]

To your point, I do glance at "best" lists (just in case) for record stores and hole in the wall ethnic restaurants. Staff writers for the LA times with the exception of Jonathan Gold don't know their subject very well, 'lists' are often pure drivel. I can think of at least five, cool and off the beaten path used record stores I frequent that no one's writing about but belong on my personal list. I prefer it that way actually, less competition esp. from out of towners.

[astrotoy]

Any classical record stores in NYC? We'll be there in August and again in September. Many years ago I went to Academy, IIRC and found some classical.

Thanks, Larry