Article 34038 of rec.music.marketplace: Path: darkstar.UCSC.EDU!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!uunet!in1.uu.net!dziuxsolim.rutgers.edu!pilot.njin.net!not-for-mail From: gajarsky@pilot.njin.net (Bob Gajarsky) Newsgroups: rec.music.misc,alt.music.alternative,rec.music.cd,alt.rock-n-roll,nyc.general,rec.music.marketplace Subject: Guide to Greenwich Village (NYC) music stores, April 1995 Followup-To: rec.music.misc Date: 7 Apr 1995 13:14:47 -0400 Organization: Freelance writer Lines: 605 Distribution: world Message-ID: <3m3ru7$9dq@pilot.njin.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: pilot.njin.net Xref: darkstar.UCSC.EDU rec.music.misc:137317 alt.music.alternative:195404 rec.music.cd:49085 alt.rock-n-roll:72445 rec.music.marketplace:34038 The Unofficial Guide to Music in Greenwich Village and more: April 1995 compiled by Bob Gajarsky (gajarsky@pilot.njin.net) The opinions are that of the author as well as people who have helped contribute to the list. I have tried presenting the facts as easily as possible. Comments are always welcome! A special thanks to John Higgins for his work in reorganizing this list in an easier to read format, verifying stores, and tossing in some of his own comments. The avenues run north/south, streets run east-west. Getting into New York by the P.A.T.H. is the easiest method of public transportation. It costs $1 each way, and drops you at Christopher St, between Hudson and Washington (far west side), 9th St. and Ave. of Americas (6th Avenue), 14th St. and Ave. of Americas (6th Ave.), 23rd St. and Ave. of Americas, and 33rd St. and Ave. of Americas (last and final stop). The first two are the only ones you'll really need for this trip. New York City subway costs $1.25 for anywhere in the city. Never mind the chain stores, here's the record buyer's guide: NEAR EAST VILLAGE (EAST OF BROADWAY) Downtown Music Gallery - 211 East 5th, between 3rd and 2nd Avenues. I had originally said " Ignore this place - it's out of the way, and they don't offer anything you can't find at Rocks in your head, Rebel Rebel, or any place like that." Other comments were as follows, and I'd suggest you make your own decision, since two people added these comments. 1) While they do not carry everything a place like Rebel Rebel does, they are a great store for obscure music that doesn't really fit into the pop alternative scene, but more the artsy crowd (ie., O Yuki Conjugate, Muslimgauze, After Dinner). They also have major jazz cd's. A definite haven for obscure vinyl. I used to hate this store when it first opened, but they have really been getting good things for about a year now, and their vinyl can really be awsome. I've found things that I never knew existed, and I'm a serious record store hag. 2) Any list of NYC record stores, especially "Village" record stores, should include this place. For experimental music, "new music," weird jazz, etc., no other store in the city comes close. Period. They also have FREE in-store performances by the likes of Marc Ribot, William Hooker, and Elliott Sharp. 3) ANOTHER person has said that the person in charge - I believe his name is Bruce - is one of the most knowledgable and helpful people around, and is very able to cater to his specific customers' wants. Also, he said that they also have "progressive" discs... Entertainment Warehouse - 835 Broadway (at 13th St.) Big selection of used CDs and videos (and just a block from the Strand used bookstore!) Musically, they're strongest in pop and rock. Everything's kind of mixed in together, so alternative fans will have to wade through a lot of M.C. Hammer CDs. But there are occasional gems in there. Prices are generally $9-$10; however, they have a few boxes of stuff outside that are $4 each and include recent promo material and cd's that are out of print for many years. I noticed several long out-of-print CD's inside as well. Footlight Records: 113 East 12th Street (212) 533-1572 One reader says "THE definitive place for Showtunes, Soundtracks, Cast Albums, and Cabaret and Comedy stuff in the Country, if not the world. They do have an impressive selection of stuff from all over the world (want the Dutch recording of WestSide Story?) and have a very knowledgeable staff. They do do mail order. The prices, while a bit high, is reasonable, specially if you consider that a lot of their stuff can't be had from anywhere else in the US. The only other place that can even attempt to compare is Colony records in Time Square, and they can charge up to 2-3 times as much! FootLight also has a good used CD section, not as cheap as some others, but again often has great selections, if this is the kind of music you fancy. Vinyl hunters should also check it out. Throb - 211 East 14 Street, between 2 and 3 avenue.. They are a Techno/Dance/Ambient/Trance/etc type of store, but the emphasis is much more on LPs and less CDs. Throb also has Turntable(s) and a CD player to listen to stuff before you buy. The phone number is 212-533-BEAT Norman's Sound & Vision - 67 Cooper Square, across from Cooper Union. They carry all types of music on many formats (vinyl, CD as well as video). Prices on CD's generally range from 7.99-9.99, although some promos are more and some unpopular discs are $5. May be the only store in the world that alphabetizes "The" bands (like The Farm) in the "T" section. It's right around the corner from St. Marks, on 3rd Avenue. St. Marks Sounds - on St. Marks Pl. (as if it were East 8th St. between 3rd Ave. and 2nd Ave.) The best place. The widest selection of used CD's anywhere. Used discs will run $5 to $9 as a rule, with $9 going to "in" bands like the Smiths, Depeche Mode, some imports, etc. There are two stores; both have used discs in them, but the other (smaller) shop has new discs for $12 each. On the south side of the street. They also still have (some) vinyl. No longer selling the $2.99 discs, but they've increased their jazz, country, international and kids (!) music sections. Must-see. 16 St. Marks Pl. Also, note that there are *2* St. Marks stores - not just one! One is on ground level, the other is three doors east, and up a flight of stairs. **** CASH ONLY *** The Shop (Eight Ball Records): 105 E. 9th St. A dance/techno store primarily stocking vinyl, though there are some CDs. Lots of DJs floating around, so bring plenty of attitude. Smash Discs - 33 St. Mark's Place (betewen 2nd and 3rd Ave.) Mainly expensive. Has lots of hard-to-find things, particularly promo CDs and Japanese issues. It's opposite St. Marks, and a few stores east of the next store, Venus. In the summer, they sell some used discs in crates outside the store at $3 each; these crates have often turned up very recent discs that are of known acts.*** CASH ONLY *** Satellite Records 342 Bowrey (just north of CBGB's) Moved from Soho recently, very heavy on club music. Good house and techno selection and turntables for private listening. Some CDs, no used anything. Both music and clothing are pricey, but the people are very nice. Tower Records - W. 4th Ave. and Broadway. 212-505-1166 CD singles are priced at 8.99 or lower - that's the best aspect of tower. You might also want to check out Tower Video, Tower Books, but most importantly, the Tower discount room, that has cutouts galore, and "Nice Price" discs. According to one of the readers, "I think that you underate the downtown Tower store. It is the absolute best jazz source in the city. The range is incredible and the volume overwhelming. For some reason, they really suck on "world" music." Also, the other Tower stores are 1 block DIRECTLY east of the main Tower store. Video Store: 383 Lafayette St., Venus Records - 13 St. Marks Pl. Has a wide variety of used vinyl, and recently a LOT of used discs and a decent supply of new stuff and imports. The LRIR that they have can be found cheaper at other stores, but their $3-5 section has plenty of well known artists and new releases at dirt cheap prices. Also sometimes runs an ad in the Village Voice for $3 off any $10 purchase FAR EAST VILLAGE (East of 2nd Ave.): Adult Crash 66 Ave. A (between 4th and 5th) 212-387-0558. What's all the hype about? Seen this featured in not one, but two New York Times articles. It's co-owned by a woman and is supposedly more woman-friendly than those other grungy record stores. Looked about as testosterone-fueled as any other to us, featuring the the same boy guitar bands. Used selection is weak, prices around $8-$9 per disc (but can hit $12 for popular discs). CDs of new alternative rock CDs and seven-inchers is pretty strong. Good zine selection. A fine store, but hardly worth all the buzz. Dance Trax: 91 East 3rd St., corner of First Ave. (212) 260-8729 Independent Underground Deep House vinyl, and Loft-style dance classics. Sometimes pricey with the collectors vinyl, but often a good selection. Rather small low-stock operation in the same venue as Vinyl Mania without the major record labels getting in the way. No techno (1 lonely milk crate of used stuff). Music for DJ's, producers and other people deep in the scene, not people looking for "House Music" ) Can't figure out the pre-1988, post-1987 rack. Plan on going in and spending time to listen for something you like. Friday nights are hot, so flop down on the couches and tune in. Fat Beats - 323 E. 9th St. (between 1st and 2nd Aves.) 212-673-3883. Tough to find, located downstairs (watch the funky steps) Tiny dance shop specializing in hip-hop vinyl. Some reggae and breakbeat. Finyl Vinyl, 89 2nd Ave bet. 5th and 6th. Specializes in 50's and 60's rock. Excellent quality, with high-ish but reasonable prices. (Kind of a rough neighborhood, too.) Found some treasures here such as a mint Burning Spear "Social Living" & a mint Van Morrison. Takes credit cards. Gimmee Gimmee Records - 325 E. 5th St. (1st and 2nd Aves) 212-475-2955. Being New York's safest record store (it's next to a police precinct) is the sole selling point. Odd hours, weak, rock-heavy used CD and vinyl selection, high prices are other features. Jammyland 60 E 3rd St. (1st & 2nd Aves.) 212-614-0185 This newish store has one of the strongest world music collections in town. Excellent new reggae rack and wide range of music from around the world (The Sounds of Azerbaijan was a favorite). No used CDs and fairly pricey because virtualy all the CDs are imports. The owner will play anything you want to try out. Proud A Ras --119 E. 7th St. Tiny store specializing in reggae records, almost entirely vinyl. Pretty weak. Strange? 445 e. 9th St. (between Ave. A and 1st Ave) 212-505-3025 Dance CDs (!!!) Lotsa techno and ambient. Some vinyl as well. Stooz Records: 122 East 7th St. (between 1st Ave. & Ave. A) (almost directly across the street from Thompson's Square Bookstore). A fairly new store carrying used cd's and vinyl. Mostly the East Village alternative scene. Some good R&B, obscure stuff. The $1 bin can occassionally bear gold. Decent selections, good prices, but nothing *really* recent. Tomkins Square Bookstore: 115 East 7th St. between 1st Ave. & Ave. A. The land of $4 used vinyl. All kinds of music (R&B, soul, jazz, latin, pop, classical). Occasionally they have rare records in mint condition and underpriced, but it's a crapshoot. NEAR WEST VILLAGE -- Washington Square (Betweem Broadway and 6th Ave.) Bleecker Bob's - 118 W. 3rd St. (between MacDougal and 6th Ave.) 212-475-9677. Probably the best known store in the village; don't believe the hype. Generally over-priced vinyl, for some really rare stuff. They've also got lots of tee-shirts here, but again, I like getting a lot for my money. They don't give it to you. Generation Records - 210 Thompson St. (between 3rd and Bleeker Sts.) 212-254-1100. The BEST shop for "rare live recordings", most of which are priced, on disc, at $20. The regular disc prices aren't good; the used disc prices are fair. But the selection of bootleg discs is outstanding, and can satisfy most discriminating collectors. They will play discs, too, if you want to verify before a purchase; just don't abuse this privilege. Kim's Video - 144 Bleeker, to the west of Broadway. An incredibly diverse grouping of videos, and a good diverse selection of indie "alternative" stuff. There's also a Kim's West, and a Kim's Video (and only video) on St. Marks at 2nd Ave. Nostalgia: 217 Thompson St. Across the street from Generation Records. A store for vinyl jazz hounds. Seems like a great selection of old jazz vocalists. Revolver Records - 45 W. 8th St. (between Ave. of Americas and 5th Ave.) 982-6760 Particularly a must-see for Beatles fans with every sound, video and print item you might want. Used discs, lots of books and magazines including foreign, out of print, back issues. Good prices. One of the top 4 for "rare live recordings". Located upstairs, on the 2nd floor., the north side of the street. Almost all bootleg discs are $20 each, $40 for 2 CD sets. Considered by one person to have rude employees - CASH ONLY Second Coming - 235 Sullivan (between W. 3rd and Bleeker Sts.) A good supply of "rare live recordings", whether on audio, video, or compact disc. They also have a good supply of vinyl for a wide variety of groups. The best book selection (musically). Used discs are average priced here, and new discs are overpriced. One of the top 4 on "live rare" recordings. FAR WEST VILLAGE (West of 6th Ave.) Culture Records - 31 Carmine St. (south of Bleeker) Reggae mon. It's OK. Discorama - 186 W. 4th St.(between Jones and Barrow, which are between 6th and 7th Aves.). Used disc selection is moderate, with the prices ranging from $1-$6. A wide variety of compilation discs are sold here in the used piles. New discs will cost you $10 across the board, although the selection isn't great. Bring in an ad from the Village Voice, and you get one new disc for $9. Imports are incredibly high here; $26-$30 is the going rate on most of the imports, although there is good variety. CD singles are generally 5.99 each here. Good spot for cheap box sets. They also carry a good selection of cassettes, and a wide variety of 12" singles. Must-see. Plus, it's two blocks north of the Pink Pussycat, but on the other side of the street. Check for the sign that says "New York's Compact Disc Headquarters". Also has another, smaller store at at 60 Union Square East, at 16th St one block east of Broadway Downtown Music West - 57 Leroy Street Between 7th av so and Hudson St, 2 blocks N of Houston st and the #1 train, telephone # is 212-924-6585. Hours are from 2-7 Pm Sun-Thurs and 12 noon-8pm thurs-sat. DMW was opened Sept 1 1993 as a sister store of downtown music gallery,as our clearence outlet and our DJ 12in specialty shop. It is staffed by John Hall and Stephen Popkin two working DJs with over 30 years combined experience. Stephen reads this, too, so feel free to mention where you heard of his store. The Golden Disc - 239 Bleeker St. (between 6th Ave. and Cornelia St.) Is there a secret handshake or something you need to get decent prices in this place? Sticker prices are insanely high. ($23 for the Beastie Boys' Check Your Head on vinyl??) Can't believe anyone's really paying these asking prices. Big selection of old rock, jazz and blues vinyl plus some CDs. House of Oldies - 35 Carmine St. Vinyl only rock and doo-wop. Closed Sundays. Rebel Rebel - 319 Bleeker St. (between 7th Ave. and Christopher) 212- 939-0770. It's a small shop, but if it's out in England, they have it. $24 is the normal price on an import disc, which is steep for me (used disc prices are quite high - $10 is the norm), but the selection is unbeatable. Plenty of hard to get stuff from overseas can be found here, and they're well stocked on all the magazines from England. They also have a lot of American discs, as well. For those who want to stay in touch with the new "in" band from the other side of the ocean. Record Runner - 5 Jones St. (between Bleeker and W 4th. St.) 212-255- 4280 Top-notch selection for import alternative (Depeche Mode, Erasure, Cure, Etc); live discs and CD-singles. It is a little pricey, but has deep selection for specific artists. E.g. half a dozen singles for Bjork, who only had one album out by out last visit. Second Hand Rose's - 525 6th Ave.(at 14th St.) A grungy store, that has used discs at moderate prices, but I don't go up there because of the dirty atmosphere associated with it. The vinyl catalog seems deep, but: they have a couple boxes of used cd's outside, for $4-6. inside, the used cd's are $9 and $10 for lots of bad cd's. New stuff is way overpriced. Not recommended for cd buyers. Subterranean Records - 5 Cornelia St., between West 4th St. and Bleecker (bet 6th and 7th Avenues). A lot of uh-huh and a little bit of oh-yeah, to twist a phrase. I wasn't impressed by this place, and haven't been there in 2 years. It's got imports, it's got used stuff, if you're in the neighborhood, bop downstairs. But it's not a must go to. Someone else says "Yes it's small, but it has the best collection of NYC based "punk" records around. Bands like Velvet Underground, Television, Ramones, NY Dolls, Heartbreakers, etc. Prices are good, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. In short, I always walk out of there with something." Strider Records - 24 Jones St. (between 4th and Bleeker Sts.) 675- 3046. "Strident" Records is more like it. As the sign on the door says. "NO CDs, NO tapes". Stuffed, but hardly "The World's Largest Selection" of vinyl. Closed Sundays. Triton - 247 Bleeker (between Cornelia and Carmine, which are between 6th and 7th Avenues). 212-243-3610. One block south of Discorama; new discs here are $10, when they have them. Not the best selection, new releases often don't arrive until 2 weeks after their release date. Not much used; some rare material (DJ mixes of stuff). So/so store. Vinylmania - 60 Carmine St. (between Bleecker, Bedford, and 7th Ave.) 212-924-7223 This used to be the best place for dance music, 12", etc. but ever since the consolidation, it's been much harder to find specific things, and the staff is generally overworked trying to cater to their customer dj's. You may have to pay for the rare material, but this is where DJ's have been coming for years. A lot of import 12" singles here; an occasional good buy on the used discs, but not much. Watu records - 41 Carmine St. (south of Bleeker St.) More reggae. Closed Sundays. Zapp Records. 258 Bleecker at Cornelia. 212-366-4958. Specializes in imports and "rare live recordings." Prices pretty decent, the average price for a IRLR ("imported rare live recording") is $20. Good selection as well-- mostly "alternative" some techno, pop, rock. They also have a LOT of British compilation and import discs; I noticed that the new British pop compilations were there, shortly after UK release. SOHO (South of Houston St.) Rocks in your Head - 157 Prince, 212-475-6729. Also has another store with a similar title. It's got a solid selection of imports, and probably the best selection of import CD-singles. Used discs are average priced - $8 to $9, with a decent selection. Good selection of vinyl, and of groups here; geared towards alternative music. Temple Records, inside Liquid Sky 241 Laffayette St. (Spring St.) (212) 431-6718. Tiny shop in the basement of a trendoid clothing store, down a teeny-teeny circular staircase. Decent selection of club vinyl - jungle, tribal, deep house, etc. Two turntables with headphones to sample stuff. And those rave kids are just so darn NICE! OTHERS: Gryphon on 72nd St., G & A also on 72nd St. - both stores specialize in classical vinyl. Highish prices but good quality. G&A has a good selection of soundtracks and "vocalists". Billie Holiday bootlegs G&A (!), as well as soundtracks from 2001: and Mission. Gryphon was very cramped! You're best off having a list of specific "wants" at both of these stores. G&A caters to audiophiles, and has a bunch of "No Casual Browsing" signs! The Jazz Record Center - Supposed to have a great selection of used jazz material. 236 West 26th St., between 7th and 8th Avenue, on the 8th floor. Only open from Tuesday- Saturday, 10-6. Phone: 212-675-4480 Academy, on 18th St. This store has a decent if not huge selection of popular music, excellent selections of classical/opera. Not only did this store have excellent quaility vinyl, but also it had excellent prices. They have a number of near mint albums for only $2! [CSN&Y So Far, e.g., but tons of classical stuff]. You can move around in this store and it's well-organized. It has a very high turnover and only accepts cash and checks. Midnight Records at 255 W23rd - This place is so good they do mail order of hard to find 60s 70's and 80's punk. Downstairs Records- 35 W43rd (second floor - upstairs!) Doo wop and rare oldies - the staff is really helpful and not at all concescending - even for doo wop rookies! J & R Music World -- (Park Row (an access street to the BKLYN bridge) , directly south across the street from City Hall Park) One person says, "Don't be deceived by the mega-store looks of the J & R complex. (They havea record, stereo, jazz and computer outlet). This place is actually the only one of its kind, and it is one of New York's finest institutions. Prices are decent in the record venue, and the selection is quite good Tower has lately been out of stock of lots of alternative bands, but J & R has them, for less. But most importantly: THE JAZZ OUTLET. A whole store devoted to this American art form. Prices vary, but tend to be very reasonable --- staff is very helpful. For the serious jazz collector, this store is a MUST visit. (some vinyl, mostly CD) {Bob's note: J&R sends out a catalog for music. If you're interested in calling for it, it's at 212-238-9000. I think their prices are roughly the same as Tower and definitely higher than Noteworthy} Oh, the Strand bookstore is one of the world's largest used bookstores. They have most current books at half cover price, because they are reviewer's copies, etc. And lots of old books, too. You could spend a day just in the store alone. It's hot and slimy inside, so you can imagine how people felt in stores in 1910 while checking for books that ARE that old. On Broadway and 13th St; also, a (MUCH SMALLER and virtually insignificant) store down in South Street Seaport Skyline, right across the street from Academy. Large selection of pop, but extremely difficult to get at due to cramped aisles and layout. Quality seemed variable. NYCD - 426 Amsterdam Ave (between 80th and 81st.) Not in the Village by any means. Here's what one person had to say about it. " If it reminds you of Smash when you walk in, that's because it's run by two former Smash employees who simply stole the idea and took it uptown. It's gotten better, beefing up the jazz. Still leaning on classic rock. Used had a little more alternative selections. The selling point is the prices on the used stuff. Smash always runs $10 for used discs, Sounds seems to aim for $9. These guys are at $8 at the top end, $6 on a lot of stuff. This is definitely an "only if your in the neighborhood" stop, not a destination in and of itself. But if you're dropping buy Zabars and the giant Barnes & Noble..." The best summary? It's the only store of its kind uptown. And in Hoboken, Pier Platters is two blocks away from the P.A.T.H. station, on Newark St.'s (1 store - the other closed between Hudson St. and Washington St.) The best selection of U.S. and unknown bands, and the place that helps keep Hoboken bands alive. On any given day, you might see Donna Croughn (Tiny Lights), Otis Ball, or other musicians behind the counter, selling records. It's gone downhill in the past 2 years, but it's still better than most stores. Used CD selection has gotten much better. All That Jazz: 224 Hudson St., Hoboken. New store, opened in January about three block from Pier Platters. New and used CDs, primarily jazz, as the title indicates. Lousy selection, hardly any stock. Danny Fields, NYC agent (Iggy Pop, etc) has put together a walking tour of rock and roll sights in New York City. Free copies of the tour map, an eight-page guide to rock landmarks by Mr. Fields are avialable by writing to: Tanquerary New York Rock-androll Trivia Map, PO box 511, Gibbstown NJ 08027. The tour itself costs some money, however. Music 'zines? Well, none of these places carry Consumable (yet - drop a line to me at gajarsky@pilot.njin.net to subscribe to the electronic version), but there's 4 places. Three are the aforementioned Tower Records, Rebel Rebel, and Adult Crash. One is Nico's Smoke Shop on the corner of 6th Ave and West 12th, an awesome newsstand. The other is See Hear, 59 E 7th St., just east of 2nd Ave., a wonderful alternative lit shop. Want to go to someplace to eat? Cucina Stagionale, on the corner of Jones St. and Bleecker, offers the best Italian food I've ever had at incredibly cheap prices; meat lasagna, for example, at $7.95. French waiter style service, and a nice internal environment. You may have to wait to get in, but it's well worth it. Cucina di Pesce (87 East 4th) is a similar restaurant on the far east side. For dessert, Taylor's (roughly West 10th and Hudson, northwest of Rebel Rebel) is fantastic. Joe's Pizza (corner of Bleecker, Carmine, and Ave. of Americas) has really good pizza, it's the best I've had in the city. John's Pizza (across from Cucina) gets all the press, but I like Joe's a lot better. And Washington Square Park is a nice place to relax. Street performers are usually in the park, and it's got a lot of people. You'll be offered drugs ("Smoke?") just like everyone else; don't think you're so special. Without sounding stuck up, New York offers the best selection of used music anywhere in the northeast. The stores that I rate as just so-so would probably be considered great elsewhere; I was told that Second Coming in New York is much better than the one in Boston, which is "great", but I consider it (in terms of used discs) nothing special. One reader says that it is well worth a trip up from D.C. Hope your record buying trip is a good one! Another place for getting imports - if you don't want to leave your computer chair - is Ear/Rational (ear-rational@xmission.com). His name's Dave, and he tends to have lower prices than any import shop I've been in. Drop him a line and ask him for his catalogue; I'm merely a satisfied customer. Include in the subject line "SUBSCRIBE" so it gets automatically returned to you. And, another place for imports which I've not dealt with is on the net at: Mariebui@ix.netcom.com. She's in charge of Pho Dem Imports, out of San Jose, CA. I know that they stock imports from the popular countries (UK, Japan, etc.) but also have a complete line of Viatnamese videos and music. === RECOMMENDED RECORD TOURS The LONG Alternative Record Tour (14 stores) *Start at Stooz (7th St. near Ave. A) *Thompson's Square Bookstore across the street *Sounds and Venus on (St. Marks Place btw 2nd and 3rd Aves.) *Downtown Music Gallery (5th St. east of 3rd Ave.) *Tower Time; the clearance store (4th & Lafayette) and the real store (4th & Broadway). *Second Coming (Sullivan St. south of 3rd St.) *Generation Records (210 Thompson St., south of 3rd St.) *Triton, Zapp, Rebel Rebel, Golden Disc (all on Bleeker St. west of 6th Ave.) The CONDENSED Alternative Record Tour (Eight stores) *Start at Sounds and Venus on (St. Marks Place btw 2nd and 3rd Aves.) *Downtown Music Gallery (5th St. east of 3rd Ave.) *Second Coming (Sullivan St. south of 3rd St.) *Generation Records (210 Thompson St., south of 3rd St.) * Rebel Rebel & Zapp The REALLY FAST TOUR Just go to St. Mark's place for St. Mark's Sounds, Venus and Smash. Best Used CDs: St. Mark's Sounds; Venus; Downtown Music Gallery Best Bootlegs: Generation; Second Coming; Revolver Best Brit Selection: Rebel Rebel; Zapp Best DJ Stuff: The Shop; Vinylmania; Best Used Vinyl: Finyl Vinyl; Venus Near East Village (Between Broadway and 2nd Ave.) Downtown Music Gallery - 211 East 5th St. (between 3rd and 2nd Aves.) Entertainment Warehouse - 835 Broadway (at 13th St.) Finyl Vinyl, 89 2nd Ave (between 5th and 6th Sts.) Footlight Records: 113 East 12th Street St. Marks Sounds: St. Marks Pl. (between 2nd and 3rd Aves.) The Shop: 105 E. 9th St. A dance/techno store primarily Smash Discs - St. Marks (betewen 2nd and 3rd Ave.) Satellite Records 342 Bowrey (just north of CBGB's) Tower Records W. 4th St. and Broadway. Venus Records - 13 St. Marks Pl. Far East Village (east of 2nd Ave.) Adult Crash 66 Ave A (between 4th and 5th) Dance Trax: 91 East 3rd St., corner of First Ave. Jammyland 60 E 3rd St. (1st & 2nd Aves.) Proud A Ras --119 E. 7th St. Stooz Records: 122 East 7th St. (between 1st Ave. & Ave. A) Thompson's Square Bookstore: 115 East 7th St. (between 1st & Ave. A.) (So-and-so's?) Vinyl Museum: Ave. A between St. Marks and 9th St. West Village - Washington Square Kim's Video - 144 Bleeker, to the west of Broadway. Generation Records - 210 Thompson St. Nostalgia: 217 Thompson St. Revolver Records - on West 8th St. Second Coming - on Sullivan, south of West 3rd St. Far West Village (West of 6th Ave,) BPM, 334 Bleeker St. Decadance, 119 Christopher St. Discorama - on West 4th St. Rebel Rebel - on Bleecker, between 7th Ave. and Christopher Second Hand Rose's - on 6th Ave. (525) Subterranean Records - on Cornelia and West 4th Sts. Triton - on Bleeker, between Cornelia and Carmine Vinylmania - One store, on Carmine, between Bleecker, Bedford, and 7th Ave.) Zapp Records. 258 Bleecker at Cornelia. Soho (South of Houston) Rocks in your Head - *** Temple Records, inside Liquid Sky 241 Laffayette St. (Spring St.) =================================================== Other food places which come recommended from readers: Tibetan Kitchen; Bod pa'i thab tshang --- 444 3rd Avenue Around the Clock diner-one block uptown from St. Marks Place-right by one of the NYU dorms-great food/atmosphere/price. There is a chain of three pubs, all within two blocks of each other: The Slaughtered Lamb, Jack the Ripper, and Jekyl and Hyde that are a unique experience to go to. The Slaughtered Lamb is right across the street (almost) from the Pink Pussycat. This place has got such a great atmosphere to it and a good-and big- selection of beers/ales. Definitely a place to check out Other food places? Pluck U. serves chicken wings, Peculier Pub on Bleeker has one of widest beer selections anywhere, Bagels on the Square, also on Bleeker has Bagels the size of ... godzilla, and enough flavored cream cheeses to rival Haagen Dazs. Of course,the place is peppered with cafes and stuff, where one can sit, drink, and mull existentialist thought over. Or check out your recent purchases. Also recommended - but in the far East Village, around 1st and 2nd Ave. On opposite corners of 4th St. and 1st Ave are Cuccina di Pesce and Frutti di Mare, virtual clones of Cuccina Stagionale, but a little cheaper, and less crowded. A but further uptown is the Indian Food section, and along 1st Ave are a string of Polish and other enthnic food places. Elvie's, a Filipino restaurant on 1st and 13th. Really good food, really cheap, too. For those going over to Alphabet City, check out Old Devil Moon at 511 East 12th St. off of Avenue A. The house specials are Catfish Mess and Thai Steak Salad - they serve both for vegetarians and meat eaters. Some of the On any random day, lower east side artists might show up there to take in the meal or country style brunches on the weekend. ***** The author wishes to thank all the people who have helped put this together. I gave up listing all names because it would take up more space than this list! Thanks for your help. Feel free to post/copy this anywhere,on any network, as long as the entire thing remains intact. Subscriptions to Consumable Online, an online 'zine which reviews alternative, rock and pop stuff, can be obtained from gajarsky@pilot.njin.net . ********************************************************************** Bob Gajarsky DAY WORK: | Editor, Consumable Online Documentation and Systems | 409 Washington Street #294 World Financial Center | Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 New York, New York | Alternative/rock music Freelance writer on baseball, baseball memorabilia and music. **********************************************************************