My Favorite CD Stores in NYC

The truth is, I don’t buy CDs all that often, but when I do I definitely have my favorite shops:

1. Academy Records at 12 W. 18th St. between 5th and 6th Ave.

Even though this store is small and their rock/pop selection even smaller (they specialize in jazz and classical), their prices are great for the actually good selection of used indie albums. I almost always find what I’m looking for, plus more. They also have a larger warehouse store called Academy Annex in Williamsburg at 96 N. 6th St.

2. Sound Fix at 110 Bedford St. in Williamsburg

This store has a pretty good selection of new and used stuff, and sometimes their prices can be really good. The best part about this place though is the cafe in the back where they have tons of free concerts and events, like mix tape exchanges and music trivia nights. Everyone from Jens Lekman to the Dodos have played there.

3. Other Music at 15 E. 4th St.

Called Other Music because it used to be across from the gargantuan Tower Records, now it’s all alone and doing great. They always have an awesome selection, although some people find the staff a bit snobby. They also have a lot of free concerts there, but the space is tiny and you always have to wait in line for a while to get in.

4. Mondo Kim’s at 6 St. Mark’s Pl.

Aside from renting tons of cult videos, this Kim’s location has tons of used records and CDs and there are many great deals to be found if you have the patience to look through everything. Plus, the staff is really cool.

5. Insound 

While this isn’t actually a store, this website is great for finding almost any indie album and the prices aren’t too bad either.

What are your favorites?