Courtesy Record City's Instagram page
Brooklyn’s best shops for Record Store Day—or any day
Whether you’re after an ultra-rare pressing of a particular record, or just looking to support some local shops, we've got you covered
As the Earth barely survives another spin around the sun, Record Store Day continues to facilitate the easy spinning of hot wax, shellacs and vinyl.
But instead of one large-scale Record Store Day this year, vinyl enthusiasts will be treated to two. In an effort to allow indie record shops more time and flexibility to prepare budgets and place orders, as well as limit the size of Record Store Day gatherings, Record Store Day 2021 will take the form of two separate “drop” dates, June 12 and July 17, with multiple exclusive releases on each day.
Whether you’re after an ultra-rare pressing of a particular record, or just looking to support some local shops, Brooklyn has you covered. We’ve compiled a list of Brooklyn’s essential record stores, in no particular order. And remember, even though there are plural events this year, the plural of “vinyl” will always be vinyl:
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Superior Elevation Records
Owned and operated by Tom Noble, whose DJ career stretches from Milwaukee to Los Angeles and now to Brooklyn, Superior Elevation Records specializes in disco, soul and house music.
100 White Street, Williamsburg
5th Avenue Record & Tape Center
Having dealt with years of eviction threats and potential permanent closures, the 5th Avenue Record & Tape Center, which first opened its doors in 1971, may be one of the most resilient record shops in Brooklyn. And, under new management, it doesn’t plan to quit anytime soon.
439 5th Ave, Park Slope
Compact Disc Shoppe
In addition to purchasing CDs, vinyl and cassettes, bring your old VHS, DV or VHS-C tapes to get them easily transferred to DVD or USB drives at the Compact Disc Shoppe.
2601 Avenue U, Sheepshead Bay
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Academy Record Annex
Academy is one of the longest-running record stores in the city. It’s Brooklyn offshoot opened in Williamsburg in 2003 and has been serving Greenpoint since 20013.
85 Oak Street, Greenpoint
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Record Grouch
You’ll find all your favorites at Record Grouch, plus releases from numerous regional artists and musicians, as well as some local labels like Amish Records and Future Audio Graphics.
986 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint
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Earwax Records
After browsing the stacks at Earwax Records, check out their selection of gear, including turntables, receivers, integrated amps and speakers.
167 N 9th Street, Greenpoint
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Captured Tracks Shop
Tucked away in a small basement location is the flagship location of the Brooklyn-based Captured Tracks record label. The shop features new and used vinyl (including some from artists signed to the label), plus monthly curated artists booths.
195 Calyer St, Greenpoint
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The Mixtape Shop
Doubling as a cafe, visitors of The Mixtape Shop can sip a coffee as they browse the record bins.
1129 Bedford Ave, Bed-Stuy
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Vinyl Fantasy
Aside from its wide range of records, Vinyl Fantasy also sells comic books, graphic novels, zines and more.
194 Knickerbocker Avenue, Bushwick
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Almost Ready Records
Keep an eye on the Instagram page of Almost Ready Records, where they’ll be updating customers on new RSD titles coming to the shop. While you’re there, be sure to check out the in-house labels, Almost Heavy Records, Last Laugh and Mighty Mouth Music.
135 Huntington Street, Carroll Gardens
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Second Hand Records
Open daily, Second Hand Records specializes in funk, soul, disco, house and techno music, and also features releases on their own self-titled label.
1165 Myrtle Avenue, Bushwick
Shops to Watch
Not all of the following are participating in official Record Store Day sales—some said they weren’t, others weren’t sure when it was, and still others weren’t reachable at press time. But, really, any day can be Record Store Day if you want it to be.
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Psychic Records
Formerly known as Music Matters and now under new management, Psychic Records is ready for a fresh start, offering vinyl, CDs, vintage tapes, musical gear, turntables and instrument supplies.
413B 7th Ave, Park Slope
Human Head Records
Human Head hasn’t quite re-opened their doors yet, but they’re due to do so within a few weeks.
289 Meserole Street, Williamsburg
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Head Sounds Records
Swing by Head Sounds Records on a Saturday this summer and you may stumble upon one of their block parties, complete with DJs, live music and local vendors. Any other day and you’ll find them sharing space with Persons of Interest barbershop.
88 S Portland Avenue, Fort Greene
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Record Shop
Run by Bene Coopersmith (musician, carpenter and accidental film star), the unpretentiously-named Record Shop features a wide selection and multiple dollar bargain bins.
360 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook
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Rotten Island Records
Hand-me-down records just may be the best kind. For all your used vinyl needs, Rotten Island Records is open seven days a week.
4 Stanwix Street, Bushwick
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Black Gold Records
Fuel up with some cold brew as you dig through the crates and peruse antiques. (They even ship their coffee worldwide!)
461 Court Street, Carroll Gardens
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Rebel Rouser
Though only open Thursday through Sunday, Rebel Rouser is worth a trip for its extensive collection of rock records.
867 Broadway, Bushwick
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Material World Record & Tapes
Between East Williamsburg and Bushwick you’ll find Material world, which focuses on punk, metal, fringe, avant-garde and DIY music.
184 Noll Street, Bushwick
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Halsey & Lewis
Black-owned, Halsey & Lewis first opened on a vibrant corner in Stuyvesant Heights in 2017. Along with records, their merchandise also includes vintage guitars, pottery, clothing, retro luggage and boomboxes.
476 Lewis Avenue, Stuyvesant Heights
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Blue-Sun Record Store
Closed only on Tuesdays, Blue-Sun Records carries a wide range of genres and also sells clothing and incense.
181 Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg
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Record City
Open Friday through Sunday, Record City offers a vast collection of vintage vinyl, including rock, soul, reggae, jazz, rap and dance.
65 Fenimore Street, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
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Brooklyn Record Exchange
Regularly restocked with both new and used vinyl, Brooklyn Record Exchange is open every day of the week and sometimes surprises visitors with in-store giveaways—try your luck!
599 Johnson Avenue, Williamsburg
