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Best Record Stores In New York City

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(Credit: Thinkstock)

Whether going to a Broadway or Off Broadway show, dropping into an intimate piano lounge or listening to the street talent, songs are always in the air in New York City. After years of Vinyl going on hiatus for CDs and digital finds, old-fashioned records are now being rediscovered as finely tuned delivery systems of tunes that date back eras as well as for new contemporary hits. Record stores are back in vogue and New York City plays host to many.

Rough Trade
64 North 9th St
Brooklyn, NY 11249
(718) 388-4111
www.roughtrade.com

Great Britain is well known for birthing exciting and trendy music. What musical group is more famous than the Beatles? This record store began its business across the pond in London, England in 1976. With a store open in Brooklyn, one can find unique records now on this side of the pond. Discover Rough Trade exclusives along with highlighted talent performing music sold and recommended in the store.

In Living Stereo

2 Great Jones St
New York, NY 10012
(929) 600-2008
inlivingstereo.com

In Living Stereo is all about the music. They pride themselves on having the best in handpicked stereo equipment. Not only do they carry new releases but the store buys jazz, rock, soul, blues, country records and record collections. Jazz music is their main focus of interest. After purchasing the perfect equipment to play the platters on, visit In Living Stereo's record annex to find records worthy of playing on the finest of stereo systems.

Academy Records
415 E 12th St
New York, NY 10009
(212) 780-9166
www.academy-lps.com

Academy Records boasts themselves as "New York City's number buyer of used vinyl records." Name your song styling preference and this store will find it. The staff experienced in buying pre-owned records. Here you will discover the best of rock, jazz, punk, metal, reggae, funk, disco and techno. Academy has their own label as well specializing in reissuing out-of-print treasures.

Related: Best Places For Adult Music Classes In New York City

Human Head Records
168 Johnson Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11206
(347) 987-3362
www.humanheadnyc.com

If you are looking for a true old-fashioned record store then look no further than Human Head Records. Step back in time to flip through their prestigious catalog. Vinyl is exclusively sold here with more than 5000 new and used records to choose from. With a variable smorgasbord of song stylings there is something for everyone in this store. Along with rare and high end collector finds, Human Heads is a great place to go to browse bins for cool $2 to $6 finds.

Westsider Records
233 W 72nd St
New York, NY 10023
(212) 874-1588
westsiderbooks.com

With more than 30,000 vinyl records stacked up to the ceilings of this store, one is sure to find a classic favorite LP. Special interest is focused on vinyl records, CDs, performing arts books and scores. Discover rock favorites along with funk, gospel, blues, classical, opera, jazz, vocal, folk, comedy, country, soundtracks, show tunes and even 12 inch singles. This is the store for music connoisseurs looking for wonderful record finds. The store also sells books that highlight ballet, film, New York, different music genres, composer bios and theatre.

Related: 6 Best Piano Bars In New York

Carol Ruth Weber began her career as a Theatrical Costume and Set Designer and segued into the world of Interior Design. As an interior designer she has twenty-eight years of experience in all phases of the business. You can read more of her work on Examiner.com and she can also be contacted at WeberLifeDesign.

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