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New York City's Top 6 Vinyl Record Stores

April 21 is record store day. So whether you are a collector or just feeling nostalgic, buying a record can definitely bring back memories of simpler times and great music. Despite records being outdated, there are still plenty of record stores in New York. Check out our top six picks and—while you're there—feel free to buy your favorite album from middle school, play your best air guitar and teach your kid what a record is. By Carly Sitzer.

Gimme Gimme Records

Gimme Gimme Records
(credit: Gimme Gimme Records/Facebook)

325 E 5th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 475-2955
gimmegimmerecords.com

Gimme Gimme Records has a large selection of used records regardless of the genre you're looking for; they have everything from jazz to old-school hip hop to new wave music available. The prices are reasonable, and you can also sell your own records to make a buck while you're there.

Bleecker Street Records


239 Bleecker St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 255-7899
bleeckerstreetrecordsnyc.com

While Bleecker Street Records may be more on the pricy side, there are few things unique to Bleecker Street that make the trip and the price worthwhile. The first is the selection—you'll be sure to find any used record or CD here, even ones that are rare or hard to find. Another is the owner, who cares a lot about his products and helping his customers. The final thing is the resident fat cat—a trip to Bleecker Street Records wouldn't be complete without meeting the owner's pet cat.

Colony Records

Colony Records
(credit: Colony Records/Facebook)

1619 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 265-2050
colonymusic.com
Reviews & More Info

This legendary, New York record store has anything you could want to find, especially from Broadway shows, which isn't surprising given its theater district location. The landmark, which has sat on Broadway for more than 60 years, has the best of every genre and generation leading all the way up to today. It's also a must-visit if you're looking for sheet music in New York.

Permanent Records

Permanent Records
(credit: Permanent Records)

181 Franklin St
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 383-4083
permanentrecords.info
Reviews & More Info

This Brooklyn record store boasts a "large and eclectic selection" of vinyl records. Before you make the trip out to Brooklyn, make sure you check out their Facebook and Twitter pages—what really makes the trip to Brooklyn worth it is when Permanent Records does promotions like the "Free LP Box." As you probably guessed, they have boxes of LPs that are absolutely free!

Dope Jams

Dope Jams
(credit: Dope Jams/Facebook)

580 Myrtle Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 622-7977
dopejams.net

If you're an aspiring DJ, or if you're just into dance and house music, then Dope Jams in Brooklyn is definitely worth the trip. The reasonably-priced store offers a huge selection of house music, but doesn't limit themselves to one genre. You will be able to find what you're looking for and more at Dope Jams.

Stray Vintage & More

Stray Vintage and More
(credit: Stray Vintage/Facebook)

4809 Skillman Ave
Sunnyside, NY 11104
(718) 779-7795
strayvintage.blogspot.com
Reviews & More Info

You may come to Stray Vintage & More looking for something to add to your vinyl collection, but you may end up leaving with a lamp, piece of art or more. While the vinyl collection alone is worth the trip, you may find yourself spending more money than anticipated. The unique , Queens store specializes in gifts and art that are either vintage, one-of-a-kind or made by local artist.

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