Brooklyn’s best shops for Record Store Day 2024, or any day

By Colin Kirkland

If you bought a new record in the past year, you’re hardly alone: U.S. music fans purchased 43 million vinyl records in 2023, representing a 10 percent growth year over year, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. And that’s not even counting the massive secondhand market, which has been more-or-less cornered by the online marketplace Discogs.

But Discogs is hardly without its problems. And with Record Store Day landing on April 20, there’s no time like the present to shop locally.

Record Store Day is an annual event, launched in 2007, aiming to celebrate independently owned brick-and-mortar vinyl hubs around the world by offering up a wide variety of special releases to get both weathered collectors and new heads off their laptops and into their nearest shop.

Here in Brooklyn, the vinyl scene can seem disorienting to even the most devout enthusiasts (especially if you’re truly partaking in all of 4/20’s rituals). Which is why we’re here to help cut through the weekend’s music-heavy haze, getting you on your way to the shops and RSD events that best meet your sonic needs.

Before you embark on your vinyl hunt, though, it should be said that shops across the borough will be celebrating in myriad ways. Expect some stores to offer official RSD re-issues and new releases supplemented with live DJs, bands, discussions, never-before-seen collections, or just some good old-fashioned deals.

Other shops may not acknowledge the day at all.

“The intention is good, but what it’s become isn’t as cool — a long line of people who aren’t regulars scalping stuff to resell on Discogs,” says Ilana Cozza of Vinyl Fantasy in Bushwick.

Josh Rattner, owner of Head Sounds in Fort Greene, concedes that “it’s a gimmick, but not inherently bad.”

So with that in mind, here are a few shops to check out on Saturday … and, more importantly, on any other day. Because everyday is record store day in Brooklyn, baby!

Academy Records
242 Banker Street, Greenpoint
One of the oldest record shops in the city, Academy Records has been in New York City since 1977 (and in Brooklyn since 2003), providing local collectors with a massively diverse and stellar selection of used LPs.

This year, the store says on Instagram that it’s taking a break from the “‘official record store day’ spectacle,” deciding that due to “rising costs, declining product,” and a vibe that’s not gelling with its vision, the shop won’t be carrying any official RSD titles. Instead, Academy will flood Banker Street in Greenpoint with bins of fresh unseen records, plus some 4,000 titles all marked down to $1. Let the games begin!

Almost Ready Records
135 Huntington Street, Carroll Gardens
For RSD 2024, Almost Ready Records is defying its own name. Out of every record store in Brooklyn, this Carroll Gardens hub is by far the most ready, updating its followers with day-by-day, title-by-title notes on this year’s most notable RSD offerings. Visitors should be prepared for a wide selection of RSD’s nearly 400 releases. And while you’re there, check out the store’s in-house labels, Almost Heavy Records, Last Laugh and Mighty Mouth Music.

Billy’s Record Salon
133 Manhattan Avenue, Williamsburg
Nestled under a retro sign for a unisex hair salon (“specializing in permanent hair relaxer”), Billy’s Record Salon is the good-vibes brainchild of Billy Jones, the visionary behind iconic Brooklyn nightclub Baby’s Alright.

With a chic low-key atmosphere, complete with a chess set and large shag carpet, this new shop welcomes visitors to pull from Jones’ self-curated selection of rare jazz finds and more, throw on a pair of headphones, take a test spin and remember, “easy listening is easy, just listen.”

Black Star Vinyl
480A Madison Street, Bed-Stuy
This independent Black-owned hub for records, books, art and “the best La Colombe coffee” remains a Bed-Stuy staple despite a name change (it was previously known as Halsey & Lewis) and a new location.

Forced to close its doors in 2021, the shop’s owner Martin Brewer alongside co-owner Sonya Farrell, quickly settled on a new corner to recreate a magical space for community members to come chill, sip espresso, peruse a curated selection of books, candles, skin-care products, vintage wares and, of course, vinyl.

For RSD 2024, Black Star Vinyl is throwing a first-rate shindig. In collaboration with Black Girls Love Vinyl, the shop is welcoming visitors to flip through its eclectic record collection (complete with Brewer’s educational hand-written sticky notes) while enjoying vinyl DJ sets by Quinnette and DJ Monday Blue from 1 to 3 p.m. If you can’t make it, live stream the performance on the community group’s YouTube channel.

Black Gold Records
461 Court Street, Carroll Gardens
If you like to get jacked up on some locally-crafted caffeine while you sift through records, then Black Gold is your move. This tight space in Carroll Gardens offers visitors a beautifully curated atmosphere complete with a taxidermied hyena, a plethora of antiques for sale, and a wonderful selection of rare used vinyl, vintage films, branded merch and more.

Blue-Sun Records
400 S Second Street Store #1, Williamsburg
Six years in, Blue-Sun continues to offer vinyl lovers a bare-bones space to immerse themselves in everything vinyl, along with a curated selection of clothing and incense. The store, which used to be on Havemeyer Street, moved to a sunny new spot in the neighborhood in 2022. And no, there’s no official connection to Andre 3000’s critically irresistible instrumental flute album “New Blue Sun,” though it could be for sale –– go find out.

Brooklyn Record Exchange
599 Johnson Avenue, Williamsburg
Located in the same complex as Bushwick’s nightclub Elsewhere, Brooklyn Record Exchange stands out due to its collaborative relationship with local label Mexican Summer, known for its soft-psychedelic curations from bands like Connan Mockasin, Allah-Las, Drugdealer and Jessica Pratt.

The store, launched with the help of Co-Op 87, wields the same good-feeling vibes, with an area featuring the label’s newest releases, as well as vintage films, books and an ever-changing assortment of used vinyl.

Captured Tracks Shop
718 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint
Previously tucked into a cramped Greenpoint basement, Captured Tracks –– the flagship of the indie-rock record label responsible for releases by Mac Demarco, DIIV, The Lemon Twigs, Juan Waters and more –– moved to a street-level spot around the block earlier this year.

Stop by, sit on the shop’s royal blue couch and stare up at a wall of cassettes and vintage band posters. In the back, you’ll find a wide selection of used records and a couple listening booths. On Saturday, expect to find RSD releases by Bill Evans, Young Thug, Summer Walker, Gene Clark, Sun Ra, Sonith Youth, De La Soul and more.

Earwax Records
167 N Ninth Street, Greenpoint
Founded in 1990, Earwax was one of the first record stores to exist in the heart of Williamsburg, and continues to serve up a selective and staff-curated collection of vinyl –– including all the newest releases –– as well a heap of high fidelity gear, like turntables, receivers, amps and speakers.

Based on the shop’s Instagram page, it looks like there will be a very wide array of genre-spanning RSD releases available to whoever shows up early on Saturday.

Head Sounds Records
88 S Portland Avenue, Fort Greene
This Fort Greene shop, attached to Persons of Interest barbershop, is a cozy space teeming with all kinds of vinyl delicacies. On Saturday, Head Sounds will be fully stocked with a new collection curated by owner Josh Rattner, featuring French and Brazilian LPs, jazz, funk, reggae, alongside the last haul of $5 dollar disco 12-inches and unplayed ‘00s hip-hop promos. Swing by for some records, and maybe trim those bangs while you’re at it.

HiFi Provisions
237 36th Street, Industry City
After years of selling records and stereo equipment at the annual Carroll Park flea market in Carroll Gardens, Matthew Coluccio, who loves to find, fix and sell cool shit, decided to double down on his hobby and side project, opening HiFi Provisions in 2021, Industry City’s sole provider of vinyl, tapes and vintage audio equipment.

HiFi is fully leaning into RSD 2024. The store, which tends to skew on the pricier side, has a great selection of mixed-genre releases ready for the people, who should come prepared to not only sift through piles of records, but take a load off in the back where there’s some velvet art-deco chairs and a vintage Bang & Olufssen sound system.

Human Head
289 Meserole Street, East Williamsburg
If you’re looking for a spot with consistently fresh and obscure finds, and you don’t mind digging a bit, Human Head is your vinyl mecca. In the center of this spacious shop are stacks of records organized by which day of the week they came in, showcasing the store’s nonstop stream of new selections.

While the prices are nearly impossible to beat anywhere else in New York, Human Head says they’re putting their entire inventory on sale for RSD. Everything in the store will be 20 percent off. So come for the deals, and stay for the random assortment of fake human heads (some with wigs) hanging from the ceiling.

Legacy
274 Water Street #104, Dumbo
For being less than 3 years old, Legacy already has quite the, well, legacy. One of the few Black- and Caribbean-owned record stores in the country, Legacy has already gained notoriety through its distinct vibe — beaded curtains, lime green walls and unique artwork — a long list of celebrity fans, like Rae Sremmurd, Mahalia, Ed Sheeran and others, and a spot on CBS’s “The Dig.”

The efforts of co-owners and friends Haile Ali, Victorious De Costa and Barkim Salgado showcase Legacy as a community space. On Saturday, the shop will have special RSD releases, giveaways and merch, as well a Liner Notes listening party complete with a discussion on the ‘70s funkiest grooves.

Octopus Records
204 Irving Avenue, Bushwick
Specializing in hard-to-find electronic music, import presses, indie labels and a wide variety of high quality vinyl reissues, Octopus Records is a cozy, well-stocked place to stop if you’re strolling down Irving Avenue this Saturday afternoon.

Shop-owner Nigel Filson, plus Sushi and Hampton Paws (the store cats who like to hang out on the couch), won’t be selling any RSD-specific releases, but they will be unveiling some special stuff from the archives and running sweet deals, including two-for-ones on any used $5 and under records, free Octopus Records totes for purchases over $100, and other merch giveaways.

Psychic Records
413B Seventh Avenue, Park Slope
Formerly known as Music Matters, Psychic Records is continuing its 20-year history as Park Slope’s trusty old-school hub of eclectic new and used vinyl, CDs, vintage tapes, musical gear, turntables and instrument supplies.

In celebration of, in their words, “dia des disquerías,” the shop will be dealing discs all day Saturday, with some promo items on hand from DJ Fix, as well as posters and ticket giveaways from Bowery Presents, and an assortment of anticipated RSD titles.

Razor-N-Tape
110 Meserole Ave, Greenpoint
This tiny Greenpoint shop cuts deep. As the official headquarters for indie dance label Razor-N-Tape, the brick-and-mortar serves up a selection of dance, disco, electronic and house records from around the world, including recent label releases from local heavy-hitters Underground System, Midnight Magic, lovetempo, 79.5 and more.

Having run the label for over a decade, co-founders Jason Kriv and Aaron Dae use their shop as a community hub –– part record store, part venue –– hosting pop-ups and free weekly in-store DJ sets. On Saturday, Razor-N-Tape will feature shared sets by Eli Goldstein, DJ Saucy Lady, JKriv, Aaron Dae, Queen Majesty, Fly Hendrix, Fernelly Sarria and Jake O’Donnell of NY Beverages.

Rebel Rouser
867 Broadway, Bushwick
Say hello to Brooklyn’s very own rock-and-roll vinyl enthusiasts. Located in a funky alley off Broadway, nowhere else in the borough will you fund such an extensive collection of rare rock records, as well as punk, powerpop, and more. The owners of Rebel Rouser are here to incite a deep yearning for power chords, window-shattering vocals and fuzzed-out amps. Don’t let them down.

Record City
65 Fenimore Street, Prospect Lefferts Garden
Only open on the weekends, Record City offers vintage jazz, hip-hop, and rock records, but its reputation among vinyl heads lies in the shop’s unmatched curation of rare reggae and soul vinyl, perfect for crate-diggers and DJs looking for a specific track to layer into their collection or live set.

Record Grouch
986 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint
Along with a deftly curated blend of used vinyl, this Greenpoint shop totes a wide selection of vintage and up-to-date music mags and indie-press books, as well as in-store speakers, community events and performances. Local vibes run deep at the Grouch, which makes a point to feature the works of local artists and two shop-related labels, Amish Records and Future Audio Graphics.

For RSD, the shop will host its ongoing Just Music event, featuring George Pleasance & The Golden Dustmen, who will perform the works of folk musician Connie Converse at 2 p.m., followed by New York-based artist Woody Sullender, who will use ephemera from the shop to construct new spaces for listening at 3pm.

Record Shop
360 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook
Bene Coopersmith’s Red Hook record shop might have the best vibe in the borough, a cozy community space constantly plush with an undeniably diverse and satisfying selection of vinyl. Always buzzing, the shop is host to local vinyl DJs and an ongoing live music series that you’ll hear walking past.

Rotten Island Records
4 Stanwix Street, Bushwick
Bushwick’s used and new vinyl specialists Rotten Island Records will not be dropping any RSD-specific releases on Saturday. Instead, the shop is excited to unveil some rare versions of some vintage gems, like the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Are You Experienced,” a Stevie Wonder four-pack, Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave,” Cream’s “Disraeli Gears,” Marvin Gaye and more. Stop by for some oldie-goodie magic.

Second Hand Records
23 Lawton Street, Bushwick
Funk, soul, disco, house, hip-hop, techno – Second Hand has it all, plus a jungle’s-worth of plants (plus a disco ball and some wonderful balloons!). Head over to this fun, vibrant Bushwick spot to hang and peruse a huge selection of vinyl, new, old and from the shop’s self-titled label.

Superior Elevation Records
100 White Street, Williamsburg
Veteran record collector, DJ, and producer Tom Noble has been infusing his Williamsburg record shop with superior sounds for almost 10 years, specializing in vintage vinyl across genres including soul, disco, house, hip-hop, jazz, funk and more.

Better yet, in-shop collab events and sets from local DJs are a common staple at Superior Elevation, with the store even running its own courses and classes taught by some of the city’s top DJs. On Saturday, the shop will be celebrating its 9th birthday, with live sets from Stefan Ringer, Ladiez Drink Free, Kels, Andrew Lowell, Tom Noble and more.

Vinyl Fantasy
194 Knickerbocker Avenue, Bushwick
Celebrating its 10th year in business, Vinyl Fantasy is offering the people of Bushwick a lethal mix of punk, metal and experimental records, as well as an expertly curated collection of comic books, graphic novels, zines and gifts.

The shop is ready to rock on Saturday with an assortment of RSD selections that owners Ilana and Joe Cozza think will appeal most to their clientele.

5th Avenue Records
439 5th Ave, Park Slope
The owners of this scruffy spot recently posted a GoFundMe page hoping to secure a new five-year lease. Perhaps the borough’s most resilient record store, 5th Avenue Records first opened its doors in 1971 and has powered through years of eviction threats, near-permanent closures, Covid and now, new ownership. This small shop may be struggling (they are currently shut down), but it’s been a gem for generations, selling used vinyl and cassettes to Park Slope’s devoted patrons.