Recommendations

The rare, the vintage, the iconic and more - this record store is a Manhattan gem set in the heart of the West Village.

Strengths

• It's like a time warp of an old record store - vintage magazine covers and retro posters collage the wall - and they bring in the latest imports and random bands that you never knew you always wanted.
• The city's top, top DJs, musicians, and icons of the sound world live here.
• New vinyl and old are a plenty.

Shortcomings

• Not always fun to navigate a small, narrow, almost claustrophobia inducing space.
• If you're not getting something rare or hard to find, go elsewhere - their prices are higher than what you'd find on Amazon.

Insider tips

• The people who work here are sooo knowledgeable and such a great help. Ask questions! Tell them what you like, and they will recommend.
• Request a song and they'll play it in the store so you can jam while you shop.
• Get Charlotte Gainsbourg's 5:55. She's the sultry French actress, daughter of Serge and fashion icon, Jane Birkin (yes, the namesake of the coveted Hermes bag). It was produced by Air and has that slow, sexy sound that hypnotizes.

Anecdotes

• David Bowie sighting happened once. It was the highlight of my life.

Perfect for

• Music lovers, of course.

Credentials

• Often a pit-stop on West Village walking tours.