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Ask and ye shall receive
Here's the boot store list for NYC. Generation & Second Coming are truly
earthly paradises for boots.
-John
The Unofficial Guide to Music in Greenwich Village and more: June 1994
compiled by Bob Gajarsky (gajarsky@pilot.njin.net)
The opinions are that of the author as well as people who
have helped contribute to the list. I have tried presenting the facts
as easily as possible. Comments are always welcome!
If you get off the PATH train (NJ to NYC subway car, NOT the
subway familiar to most in NYC) at 9th street, and walk east,
then south, then back west, you'll pretty much follow the directions
I've included in the guide. The avenues run north/south, streets run
east-west (West 8th street runs east/west, in other words). The subway
stop that best corresponds to this location is the West 3rd/4th and
Avenue of the Americas stop, also referred to as the Washington Square
Park stop.
Getting into New York by the P.A.T.H. is the easiest method
of public transportation. It costs $1 each way, and drops you at
Christopher St, between Hudson and Washington (far west side),
9th St. and Ave. of Americas (6th Avenue), 14th St. and Ave. of
Americas (6th Ave.), 23rd St. and Ave. of Americas, and 33rd St. and
Ave. of Americas (last and final stop). The first two are the only
ones you'll really need for this trip. New York City subway costs $1.25
for anywhere in the city.
Never mind the chain stores, here's the record buyer's guide:
Revolver Records - on West 8th St., between Ave. of
Americas and 5th Ave. Particularly a must-see for Beatles fans with
every sound, video and print item you might want. Used discs, lots
of books and magazines including foreign, out of print, back
issues. Good prices. One of the top 4 for "rare live recordings".
Located upstairs, on the 2nd floor, at about 45 West 8th, on
the north side of the street. Almost all bootleg discs are $20 each,
$40 for 2 CD sets. Considered by one person to have rude
employees - CASH ONLY
St. Marks Sounds - on St. Marks Pl. (as if it were East 8th St.)
between 3rd Ave. and 2nd Ave.) The best place. The widest selection
of used CD's anywhere. Used discs will run $5 to $9 as a rule, with
$9 going to "in" bands like the Smiths, Depeche Mode, some imports,
etc. There are two stores; both have used discs in them, but the other
(smaller) shop has new discs for $12 each. On the south side of the
street. They also still have (some) vinyl. No longer selling the $2.99
discs, but they've increased their jazz, country, international and
kids (!) music sections. Must-see. 16 St. Marks Pl. Also, note that
there are *2* St. Marks stores - not just one! One is on ground
level, the other is three doors east, and up a flight of stairs.
**** CASH ONLY ***
Smash Discs - somewhere betewen 2nd and 3rd Ave. on
St. Marks Pl. Mainly expensive. Has lots of hard-to-find things. It's
opposite St. Marks, and a few stores east of the next store, Venus.
In the summer, they sell some used discs in crates outside the store
at $3 each; these crates have often turned up very recent discs that
are of known acts.*** CASH ONLY ***
Venus Records - 13 St. Marks Pl. Has a
wide variety of used vinyl, and recently a LOT of used discs
and a decent supply of new stuff and imports. The LRIR that
they have can be found cheaper at other stores, but their
$3-5 section has plenty of well known artists and new releases
at dirt cheap prices. Also sometimes runs an ad in the Village
Voice for $3 off any $10 purchase
The Shop: 105 E. 9th St. A dance/techno store primarily
stocking vinyl, though there are some CDs. Lots of DJs floating
around, so bring plenty of attitude.
Proud A Ras --119 E. 7th St. Tiny store specializing in
reggae records, almost entirely vinyl. Pretty weak.
Thompson's Square Bookstore: 115 East 7th St. between
1st Ave. & Ave. A. The land of $4 used vinyl. All kinds of
music (R&B, soul, jazz, latin, pop, classical). Occasionally they
have rare records in mint condition and underpriced, but it's a
crapshoot.
Stooz Records: 122 East 7th St. between 1st Ave. &
Ave. A (almost directly across the street from Thompson's Square
Bookstore). A fairly new store carrying used cd's and vinyl.
Mostly the East Village alternative scene. Some good R&B,
obscure stuff. The $1 bin can occassionally bear gold. Decent
selections, good prices, but nothing *really* recent.
Downtown Music Gallery - 211 East 5th, between 3rd
and 2nd Avenues. I had originally said " Ignore this place -
it's out of the way, and they don't offer anything you can't
find at Rocks in your head, Rebel Rebel, or any place like that."
Other comments were as follows, and I'd suggest you make
your own decision, since two people added these comments.
1) While they do not carry everything a place like Rebel Rebel
does, they are a great store for obscure music that doesn't
really fit into the pop alternative scene, but more the artsy
crowd (ie., O Yuki Conjugate, Muslimgauze, After Dinner).
They also have major jazz cd's. A definite haven for obscure
vinyl. I used to hate this store when it first opened, but they
have really been getting good things for about a year now, and
their vinyl can really be awsome. I've found things that I never
knew existed, and I'm a serious record store hag.
2) Any list of NYC record stores, especially "Village" record
stores, should include this place. For experimental music, "new
music," weird jazz, etc., no other store in the city comes close.
Period. They also have FREE in-store performances by the likes
of Marc Ribot, William Hooker, and Elliott Sharp.
3) ANOTHER person has said that the person in charge - I believe
his name is Bruce - is one of the most knowledgable and helpful
people around, and is very able to cater to his specific customers'
wants. Also, he said that they also have "progressive" discs...
Dance Tracks: Located on East 3rd Street, between
2nd and 1st Avenues near the corner of 1st. Independent
Underground Deep House vinyl, and Loft-style dance classics.
Sometimes pricey with the collectors vinyl, but often a good
selection. Rather small low-stock operation in the same venue
as Vinyl Mania without the major record labels getting in the
way. No techno (1 lonely milk crate of used stuff). Music for
DJ's, producers and other people deep in the scene, not people
looking for "House Music" ) Plan on going in and spending
time to listen for something you like. Friday nights are hot.
Tower Records is on the corner of W. 4th Ave.
and Broadway. cd singles are priced at 8.99 or lower - that's
the best aspect of tower. You might also want to check out
Tower Video, Tower Books, but most importantly, the Tower
discount room, that has cutouts galore, and "Nice Price" discs.
According to one of the readers, "I think that you underate
the downtown Tower store. It is the absolute best jazz
source in the city. The range is incredible and the volume
overwhelming. For some reason, they really suck on "world"
music." Also, the other Tower stores are 1 block DIRECTLY
east of the main Tower store. Video Store: 383 Lafayette St.,
212-505-1166
Kim's Video - 144 Bleeker, to the west of Broadway.
An incredibly diverse grouping of videos, and a good diverse
selection of indie "alternative" stuff. There's also a Kim's
West, and a Kim's Video (and only video) on St. Marks at
2nd Ave.
Second Coming - on Sullivan, south of West 3rd St.
A good supply of "rare live recordings", whether on audio,
video, or compact disc. They also have a good supply of vinyl
for a wide variety of groups. The best book selection
(musically). Used discs are average priced here, and new
discs are overpriced. One of the top 4 on "live rare" recordings.
235 Sullivan
Generation Records - 210 Thompson St. one block
east of Second Coming. The BEST shop for "rare live
recordings", most of which are priced, on disc, at $20. The
regular disc prices aren't good; the used disc prices are fair.
But the selection of bootleg discs is outstanding, and can
satisfy most discriminating collectors. They will play discs,
too, if you want to verify before a purchase; just don't abuse
this privilege. 212-254-1100.
There's also a "Revolution Records" which is right near
these two above (Second Coming, Generation) stores and carries
a similar supply of music.
Nostalgia: 217 Thompson St. Across the street from
Generation Records. A store for vinyl jazz hounds. Seems
like a great selection of old jazz vocalists.
Bleecker Bob's - on West 3rd, roughly between
MacDougal and Ave. of Americas. Probably the best known
store in the village; don't believe the hype. Generally
over-priced vinyl, for some really rare stuff. They've also
got lots of tee-shirts here, but again, I like getting a lot for
my money. They don't give it to you. 118 W. 3rd St.,
212-475-9677
Rocks in your Head - on Prince St. (an east
west street 2 blocks south of Bleecker) between
MacDougal and Thompson, which are between Ave. of
the Americas and 5th Ave. Also has another store with a
similar title. It's got a solid selection of imports, and probably
the best selection of import CD-singles. Used discs are
average priced - $8 to $9, with a decent selection. Good
selection of vinyl, and of groups here; geared towards
alternative music. 157 Prince, 212-475-6729
Record Runner - Prince St. Top-notch selection
for import alternative (Depeche Mode, Erasure, Cure, Etc);
live discs and CD-singles. It is a little pricey, but selection
for specific artists is quite good.
Subterranean Records - on Cornelia, between
West 4th St. and Bleecker (bet 6th and 7th Avenues). A lot of
uh-huh and a little bit of oh-yeah, to twist a phrase. I wasn't
impressed by this place, and haven't been there in 2 years.
It's got imports, it's got used stuff, if you're in the
neighborhood, bop downstairs. But it's not a must go to.
5 Cornelia St.
Discorama - on West 4th St., between Jones and
Barrow (which are between 6th and 7th Avenues). Used disc
selection is moderate, with the prices ranging from $1-$6. A
wide variety of compilation discs are sold here in the used piles.
New discs will cost you $10 across the board, although the
selection isn't great. Bring in an ad from the Village Voice, and
you get one new disc for $9. Imports are incredibly high here;
$26-$30 is the going rate on most of the imports, although there
is good variety. CD singles are generally 5.49 each here. They
also carry a good selection of cassettes, and a wide variety of
12" singles. Must-see. Plus, it's two blocks north of the Pink
Pussycat, but on the other side of the street. Check for the sign
that says "New York's Compact Disc Headquarters". Also has
another, smaller store at at 60 Union Square East, at 16th St one
block east of Broadway
Triton - on Bleeker, between Cornelia and Carmine
(which are between 6th and 7th Avenues). One block south of
Discorama; new discs here are $10, when they have them. Not
the best selection, new releases often don't arrive until 2 weeks
after their release date. Not much used; some rare material (DJ
mixes of stuff). So/so store.
Zapp Records. 258 Bleecker at Cornelia. 212-366-4958.
Specializes in imports and "rare live recordings." Prices pretty
decent, the average price for a IRLR ("imported rare live
recording") is $20. Good selection as well-- mostly "alternative"
some techno, pop, rock. They also have a LOT of british
compilation discs; I noticed that the new British pop
compilations were there, shortly after UK release.
Vinylmania - One store, on Carmine, between Bleecker,
Bedford, and 7th Ave.) This used to be the best place for dance
music, 12", etc. but ever since the consolidation, it's been much
harder to find specific things, and the staff is generally
overworked trying to cater to their customer dj's. You may have
to pay for the rare material, but this is where DJ's have been
coming for years. A lot of import 12" singles here; an occasional
good buy on the used discs, but not much. 60 Carmine St.,
212-924-7223
Rebel Rebel - on Bleecker, between 7th Ave. and
Christopher, I believe, on the north side of the street. It's a
small shop, but if it's out in England, they have it. $24 is the
normal price on an import disc, which is steep for me (used
disc prices are quite high - $10 is the norm), but the selection
is unbeatable. Plenty of hard to get stuff from overseas can
be found here, and they're well stocked on all the magazines
from England. They also have a lot of American discs, as
well. For those who want to stay in touch with the new "in"
band from the other side of the ocean. 319 Bleeker St., 212-939-0770
Decadance, 119 Christopher St. Hard to find dance
and 12" tracks at high prices.
BPM, 334 Bleeker St. Hard to find dance and 12" tracks.
OTHERS:
Gryphon on 72nd St., G & A also on 72nd St. - both
stores specialize in classical vinyl. Highish prices but good
quality. G&A has a good selection of soundtracks and
"vocalists". Billie Holiday bootlegs G&A (!), as well as
soundtracks from 2001: and Mission. Gryphon was very
cramped! You're best off having a list of specific "wants"
at both of these stores. G&A caters to audiophiles, and
has a bunch of "No Casual Browsing" signs!
The Jazz Record Center - Supposed to have a great
selection of used jazz material. 236 West 26th St., between
7th and 8th Avenue, on the 8th floor. Only open from Tuesday-
Saturday, 10-6. Phone: 212-675-4480
Academy, on 18th St. This store has a decent if not
huge selection of popular music, excellent selections of
classical/opera. Not only did this store have excellent
quaility vinyl, but also it had excellent prices. They have a
number of near mint albums for only $2! [CSN&Y So Far, e.g.,
but tons of classical stuff]. You can move around in this store
and it's well-organized. It has a very high turnover and only
accepts cash and checks.
Entertainment Warehouse -835 Broadway (at 13th St.)
Big selection of used CDs and videos (and just a block from the
Strand used bookstore!) Musically, they're strongest in pop and rock.
Everything's kind of mixed in together, so alternative fans will have
to wade through a lot of M.C. Hammer CDs. But there are
occasional gems in there. Prices are generally $9-$10; however,
they have a few boxes of stuff outside that are $4 each and include
recent promo material and cd's that are out of print for many years.
I noticed several long out-of-print CD's inside as well.
J & R Music World -- (Park Row (an access street to the
BKLYN bridge) , directly south across the street from City Hall
Park) One person says, "Don't be deceived by the mega-store
looks of the J & R complex. (They havea record, stereo, jazz
and computer outlet). This place is actually the only one of its
kind, and it is one of New York's finest institutions. Prices are
decent in the record venue, and the selection is quite good
Tower has lately been out of stock of lots of alternative bands,
but J & R has them, for less. But most importantly: THE JAZZ
OUTLET. A whole store devoted to this American art form.
Prices vary, but tend to be very reasonable --- staff is very
helpful. For the serious jazz collector, this store is a MUST
visit. (some vinyl, mostly CD) {Bob's note: J&R sends out a
catalog for music. If you're interested in calling for it, it's
at 212-238-9000. I think their prices are roughly the same as
Tower and definitely higher than Noteworthy}
Skyline, right across the street from Academy. Large
selection of pop, but extremely difficult to get at due to cramped
aisles and layout. Quality seemed variable.
Finyl Vinyl, 89 2nd Ave bet. 5th and 6th. Specializes in
50's and 60's rock. Excellent quality, with high-ish but reasonable
prices. (Kind of a rough neighborhood, too.) Found some
treasures here such as a mint Burning Spear "Social Living"
& a mint Van Morrison. Takes credit cards.
Second Hand Rose's - on 6th Ave. (525), between
11th and 12th St, I think. A grungy store, that has used discs
at moderate prices, but I don't go up there because of the dirty
atmosphere associated with it. The vinyl catalog seems deep, but:
they have a couple boxes of used cd's outside, for $4-6. inside,
the used cd's are $9 and $10 for lots of bad cd's. New stuff is way
overpriced. Not recommended for cd buyers.
(So-and-so's?) Vinyl Museum: Ave. A between
St. Marks and 9th St. Pricey used records. They don't do much
business, so they might not be around for long, but they have
some nice collectors' items on the wall.
Footlight Records: 113 East 12th Street (212)533-1572
One reader says "THE definitive place for Showtunes, Soundtracks,
Cast Albums, and Cabaret and Comedy stuff in the Country, if
not the world. They do have an impressive selection of stuff
from all over the world (want the Dutch recording of WestSide Story?)
and have a very knowledgeable staff. They do do mail order.
The prices, while a bit high, is reasonable, specially if you
consider that a lot of their stuff can't be had from anywhere else
in the US. The only other place that can even attempt to compare
is Colony records in Time Square, and they can charge up to 2-3 times
as much! FootLight also has a good used CD section, not as cheap
as some others, but again often has great selections, if this is the
kind of music you fancy. Vinyl hunters should also check it out.
NYCD - located on Amsterdam between 80th and 81st.
Not in the village by any means. Here's what one person had to say
about it. " If it reminds you of Smash when you walk in, that's because
it's run by two former Smash employees who simply stole the idea and
took it uptown. New music: boring, dull, heavy on the classic rock kind
of stuff. Limited jazz selection (surprising given the locale) and hardly
and rap. Used had a little more alternative selections, but even
worse variety for the non-rock stuff. The selling point is the prices on
the used stuff. Smash always runs $10 for used discs, Sounds seems to
aim for $9. These guys are at $8 at the top end, $6 on a lot of stuff.
E.G. I haven't seen Radiohead or Stereo MCs EVER in a used store.
These guys had both for $8. {ED. note: I've seen them at Sounds
for $8 each as well} Basehead was $7. An older Rhino collection
was $6. This is definitely an "if your in the neighborhood" stop,
not a destination in and of itself. But if you're dropping buy Zabars
and the giant Barnes & Noble..."
The best summary? It's the only store of its kind uptown.
And in Hoboken, Pier Platters is two blocks away from
the P.A.T.H. station, on Newark St.'s (1 store - the other
closed between Hudson St. and Washington St.) The best
selection of U.S. and unknown bands, and the place that helps
keep Hoboken bands alive. On any given day, you might see
Donna Croughn (Tiny Lights), Otis Ball, or other musicians
behind the counter, selling records. It's gone downhill in the
past 2 years, but it's still better than most stores.
All That Jazz: 224 Hudson St., Hoboken. New store,
opened in January about three block from Pier Platters. New
and used CDs, primarily jazz, as the title indicates. Lousy
selection, hardly any stock.
Danny Fields, NYC agent (Iggy Pop, etc) has put
together a walking tour of rock and roll sights in New York City.
Free copies of the tour map, an eight-page guide to rock
landmarks by Mr. Fields are avialable by writing to:
Tanquerary New York Rock-androll Trivia Map, PO box 511,
Gibbstown NJ 08027
That's it.