CD/Record Stores in NYC

[Clay Fink]

I'm looking for recommendations for CD/Record stores in NYC that have some depth in the way of classical music; rock music; other. I like DMG but am looking for similar shops that concentrate to the same degree on other music.

Any tips?

[Al in NYC]

Just like everyplace else, things are pretty thin here in NYC when it comes to CD stores these days. Most of the big chains are gone, as well as the independents, and about all that's left for new CDs is either the crappy bookstore sections that are the same everywhere, or teen-filled overpriced echo chambers like the Virgin Megastores. Probably the best place left in the city to buy new CDs across genres is J&R, downtown on Park Row (Across from City Hall Park). And even they are a shadow of their former selves. The internet has really taken over the music market, and I would bet that DMG makes most of its money that way too.

For used CDs I like the small, but reasonably comprehensive, Academy on 18th St. between 6th and 7th Aves. There are several other used stores in the East Village, mostly along St. Marks Pl. between 3rd and 2nd, but most of them have descended even further into crappiness.

Anyone have any other suggestions? Maybe someone who knows the classical market better than I will have some other helpful thoughts.

[Paul B]

Academy is probably the best place in town for classical, especially for vinyl. Good used jazz selection too. With Tower gone, it's one of the few bricks & mortars place I still patronize, aside from DMG (and I'd guess you're right that Bruce makes most of his money from online and phone orders there).

[Clay Fink]

It's a sad statement. There's a whole generation who will never know the pleasure of browsing through a great music or book store. I can't help thinking that we've lost a lot. I'll check out Academy, though. Most of my purchases have been online for quite a while now. That's being replaced by direct downloads more and more.

Thanks. My wife doesn't thank you, though.

[Gerardo A]

Other Music and Kim's Videos have decent rock selections, too.

[gnhrtg]

Academy and DMG were about the only two stores that I visited more than once (in the case of Academy, it might well have been a visit per week) during a five-week stay in NYC last year. I'll have about 10 hours to spare somtime in early August before taking a night flight returning here to Singapore and I certainly intend to stop by at Academy. If you do not mind paying full (retail) price, one of the Virgin's (someone here help me) does have a classical section large enough to make browsing there worthwhile.