Brooklyn’s Zig Zag Records (Photo by James and Karla Murray)
Well, spring is finally here and that means one thing: Record Store Day! This special mid-April “holiday” (this year it falls on April 18) gives us a good excuse (as if we needed one) to acquire some more vinyl for our collections. Initially begun in 2007, Record Store Day celebrates the unique record-buying sub-culture and the independent stores that service it. To mark this occasion, artists show their support for the increasingly rare brick-and-mortar record stores by releasing super-limited records, and staging performances and signings at stores across the country.
This is an important day, as it calls attention to the need to preserve these places and the art of record shopping. Thanks to the onset of digital music distribution, it’s easy to imagine a day when the music we love will cease to be available in physical form, which, in my opinion, totally sucks. Within the last few years, about half of the metal record stores I’ve frequented have gone out of business, or completely switched their product selection. It’s a travesty, but times are tough—especially for those select few who decide to go record shopping.
But despite all of this, for me record shopping is as much of an experience as the music itself. I remember watching some VH1 special about Metallica and Skid Row’s former singer Sebastian Bach told the story of how after digging through a stack of records he pulled out Kill ‘Em All. When he looked at the band photo on the back he said, “These are the ugliest dudes ever! I have to buy this!” As silly as it sounds, I know exactly what he means.
Just the other day I was at my local record store, South Brooklyn’s Zig Zag Records, and I saw this album with an amazing cover and band name: Day of the Saxons by Witchkiller. While I’d never heard of this band before, I was sure it was doom metal simply because it had five songs that contained the word “Witch.” I took that bad boy home, put it on my turntable, and, to my surprise, found out that Witchkiller was in fact pure traditional metal from 1984. After doing some research I found out they were from Canada and Day of the Saxons was their only release, and an EP no less! That’s the type of discovery that reinforces my love for some old fashion record store shopping.
So to celebrate Record Store Day, as well as our collective love of record buying, we at MetalKult have compiled our own comprehensive shopping guide to the best metal record stores in the New York City metro area. Though we’ve focused on the best mom-and-pop shops, we’ve also thrown in some bigger retailers simply because of their impressive selections.
So without further interruption, here are MetalKult’s Top 10 picks for the best heavy metal records stores in the New York City area. —Henry Yuan
Zig Zag’s Thoroughly Filled Interior
Zig Zag Records
East 23rd Street & Ave. U
Zig Zag Records is South Brooklyn’s only record store specializing in super-rare rock and heavy metal vinyl (among other highly collectible items). This place also holds a bit of a “landmark” status, as well. There used to be a few of these stores scattered around Brooklyn, Long Island, Staten Island and New Jersey, but over the years the chain has been reduced down to this single store. The first time I came in here, I was blown away by the amount of product that they have. There are records literally scattered everywhere, which makes the digging all the more rewarding.
Some of you may also have heard about their eBay store, which I assume is where they make most of the money from (everyday there are boxes of sold eBay items in the front of the store waiting to be shipped). Everything in here is bought from previous owners so you can be sure to find something off the wall. Also, if you are into the Who, Kiss or the Beatles, you won’t leave disappointed. Zig Zag’s collection of memorabilia from these great bands is truly impressive. If you make it down here sometime, you will definitely find a thing or two that will really make you go crazy.
Generation Records
210 Thompson Street, New York, NY, 10012
If you’re a local, you should already know this legendary name. Generation Records is by far the most popular independent record store in the city. Here you can find CDs, records, posters, shirts, pins and many other related items. This place has an impressive selection of obscure black and death metal releases, though they can be a bit pricey. The used CD section varies on a weekly basis. Some days it’s like a gold mine and other days it’s bootleg central, but most days the best deals can be found here. Also, if you’re into band shirts, Generation has got you covered (pun intended).
Generation’s selection is quite wide, featuring everything from AC/DC to Coliseum to Von. The best thing about this place, though, is the vinyl selection. These guys pull out all the stops with the 7 inches and the new 12 inches. If you’re adventurous, you will find some really rare and obscure stuff. At the end of the day, however, Generation is one of the pricier places, but definitely worth it if you are looking for some unique pieces.
J&R Music World
25 Park Row, New York, NY, 10038
J&R is one of my favorite places to get music in the city. The prices are unbeatable and their selection is astounding. The other day I picked up a Tankwart CD for 14 bucks, which is ridiculous. Classic albums from big bands like Rush, Kiss, Pantera and Dio (among countless others) go for around $6.99 while about 85% of the metal CDs go for around $11.99 – $13.49.
If you’re into box sets, you will be thrilled to see their wide selection. Also, they get all of the super-limited releases on release date and no one seems to buy them. So if you’re a metal fan who’s into collecting rare releases, J&R is a must-go (for some reason hand-numbered items seem to just hang around this place). Also, in celebration of Record Store Day, J&R has set up a giant sale on everything in their store. That’s right. Everything. This is definitely a place to check out if you haven’t done so already and it’s extremely easy to get to (it’s across the street from City Hall).
The Metal God Himself at Vintage Vinyl
Vintage Vinyl
51 Lafayette Road, Fords, New Jersey, 08863
By far one of the largest record stores in New Jersey (10,000 sq. ft.) and one of the most popular, Vintage Vinyl has an excellent selection of domestic and import releases. The great thing about this place is that not only do they have the music, but they also have the visual media. You can find almost any music DVD release from all over the world and super weird import movies in general (especially the insane Japanese stuff).
Not only that, Vintage Vinyl also hosts many in-store signings and performances: they had Halford come in, for crying out loud! This is a bit out of the way for most New Yorkers but if you can get here, you will definitely be impressed.
Testament at a Looney Tunes In-Store Signing
Looney Tunes
31 Brookvale Avenue, West Babylon, New York, 11704
After the unfortunate demise of Valley Stream’s legendary Slipped Disc record store, West Babylon’s Looney Tunes is the next best thing. This place is no stranger to supplying Long Island with hard rock and heavy metal goods and it won’t be any different on Record Store Day. Anthrax’s new singer, Dan Nelson, will be making an appearance at the store for a signing session—so be sure to stock up on the Anthrax back catalog for him to sign.
In terms of variety and product, Looney Tunes has a great selection of different types of metal. Imports aren’t their strong point, but their selection of great domestic bands is stellar and the prices are quite reasonable. Like Vintage Vinyl, it’s a bit out of the way for many city-goers, but if you find yourself in the area, definitely stop by.
Bleecker Street Records
239 Bleecker Street, New York, NY, 10014
NYC’s West Village is also the home of legendary Bleecker Street Records. This place is owned and managed by the same people over at Generation Records, so if the interior looks a bit similar that’s why. This store is more geared towards the super-rare stuff and hard rock/classic rock fans. The prices are similar to Generation’s for the “standard” stuff, but their rare collectibles are definitely worth checking out.
Japan’s legendary Boredoms at Other Music. (Photo by Tim Soter)
Other Music
15 East 4th Street, New York, NY, 10003
By far the trendiest and hippest record store on this list, Other Music has been serving the NoHo area of Manhattan since the early 2000s and has been the main go-to place since Tower Records folded its store a block away. Though they may not appeal to the more “extreme” and “true” metal fans, they carry quite a number of the more experimental and stoner stuff.
Fans of Boris, Melvins, Isis, the Sword, Earth and bands of that nature should take a look in here. In addition to their impressive CD selection, their vinyl is even more varied. For every Merzbow and Sunn O))) record, you’ll stumble upon a classic Misfits LP. Weird, but hey, it’s not a bad thing.
Hospital Productions’ pit of despair
Hospital Productions
60 East 3rd Street, New York, NY, 10003
If you’re looking for the black metal destination in the city, Hospital Productions is your spot. This record store specializes in the brutally grim side of metal, and doesn’t disappoint. They have an extensive collection of CDs and vinyl from 1349 and Watain to Moontower and Nachtmystium (and loads of super-underground noise bands).
They also carry local music. But if you’re looking to distribute your band’s album with them, make sure you are truly extreme (you can pick up Theater of the Absurd’s album here…and if you haven’t checked it out, it is as extreme as you can get). This is definitely the best place to get your fix of blackened metal.
Music Matters
413 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11215
This small shop in Brooklyn’s Park Slope area doesn’t really specialize heavy metal records, but they show the genre enough love to be mentioned here. I’ve only been here a handful of times, but those few times have been nothing but gold. You can find some good stuff on the shelves, but if you don’t they’re happy to order it for you. Customer attention is the best here—you can literally walk in with a list of albums and they can fill your order for you. This is definitely a local’s shop and if you’re new to the area, please check these guys out.
Bleecker Bob’s Records
118 West 3rd Street, New York, NY, 10012
Bleecker Bob’s is one of the oldest independent record stores in the city (they’ve been around for roughly 30 years) and carries a huge selection of vintage/second hand records. Like Zig Zag Records in Brooklyn, most of the stuff here was bought from various people and resold at a reasonable price. In terms of the metal stuff, you can expect mostly the traditional stuff with a few surprises here and there. Plus, it’s located between Generation Records and Bleecker Street Records so it’s worth dropping by when you’re making the rounds.
