New York Record Stores for Vinyl Zealots
Every music-loving boyfriend I've ever had has fought me on the music issue. For me it was, enjoying Horses absentmindedly, for them, it was knowing that the weight of their copy would stand against mine come nuclear war. Likewise, the last post on New York record stores spoke to New Yorkers (like myself) who rip iTunes libraries and spend their hard-earned dollars on albums with ambivalent whimsy. That is, we just need the basics when it comes to record stores (and sometimes, we don't need them at all). But alas, the ex-boyfriends and other true audiophiles deserve a little bit of attention too. As an olive branch, here are five NYC record stores that promote the agendas of vinyl-obsessed "does that copy of Sticky Fingers have an actual zipper on it" New Yorkers. As always, feel free to diplomatically note your favorite omission(s).
Previously: Record Stores for Manic New Yorkers
Subterranean
5 Cornelia St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 463-8900
"They're, like, really enthusiastic," a friend once said to me of the customer service at Subterranean. In other words, you get the feeling that the hunt, for them, is … more important that the kill. If you need an archaic or otherwise unpopular record, Subterranean will gladly try to get it for you. If you're not baiting them with obscure requests, you'll find a good New York punk and rock 'n' roll selection. [link]
Gimme Records
325 E 5th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 475-2955
So the hours might be shifty (they're only open on weekends -- because audiophiles have a busy work week?), but the prices are fair and, rather than stocking eight copies … of Frampton Comes Alive!, they've made room for some pretty serious hip hop and new wave sections. Also, if you need to buy your girlfriend a birthday present and it's like, tomorrow, Gimme buys records for fair prices. [link]
Earwax Records
218 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 486-3771
Damn, it's just like Brooklyn to boast about how under-the-radar something is, loudly enough for TRL to pick up on it by the time school gets out. Apparently, though, … this place is pretty good at anticipating what records are good enough to be considered, um, good. It's located (so convenient!) right on Bedford Avenue and is ostensibly so "hip" that the Citysearch guy couldn't buy his Creed album without inducing belly laughs from employees . Now that's just cruel. [link]
Cake Shop
152 Ludlow St
New York, NY 10002
(212) 253-0036
Cake Shop has only been on Ludlow for a couple of years, which means it arrived in the Lower East Side long after the bands (and people who listened to bands) moved away. … In homage to a neighborhood gentrified, at Cakeshop you can hear up-and-coming bands at the venue downstairs, eat granola (a merciful $3 because your entire life savings just went to a studio upstairs) in the cafe or, most importantly, pick up some records in the music section towards the back. Cake Shop is known for stocking bands from faraway places like Brooklyn, and apparently, despite neighborhood shortcomings, is a great place to get music. [link]
Academy LPs
12 E 18th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 780-9166
Like a true music nerd, or popular band, Academy lends itself to more than one musical genre. In particular, they have a comprehensive selection of classical and jazz … records, as well as a reputable collection of chamber music. Also check out their other locations: the nearby Academy Records (also in Union Square) or the Annex in Williamsburg. [link]
