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Academy Record Annex
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Music & DVDs [Edit]
96 N 6th St(between Bedford Ave & Berry St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - North Side
(718) 218-8200
Special Offer
Read up on the latest in vinyl records on NearSay
- Nearest Transit:
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Bedford Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Academy Record Annex
Review Highlights
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"Great selection of vinyl at very reasonable prices." In 16 reviews -
"...almost guaranteed to find a few gems every time you visit." In 3 reviews -
"I always find something I want there, but the prices can be..." In 4 reviews
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48 reviews in English
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Review from Katherine R.
Brooklyn, NY
5/10/2012
There's so much to look through that I've spent hours here. I've found really great emo gems at this place at reasonable prices! Staff is super friendly too.
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Review from Morgen B.
4/21/2012
I like this store a lot. First off, it's an amazing sign when you walk in and get that friendly vibe. Thank goodness that the infamous Williamsburg attitude doesn't exist here. Just people who want to find and listen to good music.
Much larger than the other record stores in the area (I'm talking about you Earwax) and the selection is varied but really decent all around. The prices are pretty good, except for the Miles Davis 'Bitches Brew' which was $32. Jokes.
I plan on coming back soon enough. -
Review from brian t.
Brooklyn, NY
5/23/2012
This store is a joke. While "appraising" some very rare vintage records, their "expert" RIPPED THE ORIGINAL SLEEVE, then told me the record had no resale value. Not only did this guy have NO IDEA heat he was looking at, but was careless, slightly rude, and made my record worth less after handling it.
This is the store that gives all record stores- and the people who work at them- bad reputations.
You're better off shopping records at a flea market. -
Review from Lisa Frank F.
Brooklyn, NY
5/8/2012
Nice open well-lit store cuts down on the claustrophobic narrow-aisles characteristic of most record stores, and minimizes the possibility of rubbing elbows with territorial beady-eyed sweaty beardos (they sure do love to crowd you though). Plus there is a feisty store cat that also helps cut down on the palpitating heart and anxiety of watching record collectors go through a section of the store you haven't gone through yet.
Great selection of used and new minimal wave, metal, punk, hardcore, goth, and new wave. Prices are fair. If you have a question about anything most of the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable. Worth taking friends to and checking out often. Another bonus- when you get your tax return and drop $100 here they give you a free large tote bag to lug your loot home with! -
Review from Chris H.
Bronx, NY
4/16/2012
Almost spend a whole entire Sunday afternoon there last August. They have a very large house music classics selection on vinyl.
Don't let the Heavy Metal music fool you. -
Review from Susan s.
If you can't find me, you know this is where I'll be. I stop here everyday on my way out or coming back from a long day. They have a huge selection of 45s and mostly indie and punk too!! They get more and more records everyday. The staff is friendly and helpful.
I love that they have Technic 1200s for you to listen to records on. Feels just like being at home!!!!! -
Review from Lisa Jane C.
Brooklyn, NY
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, why didn't I find this place sooner? Brings back memories of all the great independent record stores of the '70s and '80s, before most stores were taken over by conglomerates.
Great selection of vinyl at very reasonable prices. Knowledgeable staff with a pleasant attitude. If you want to fill in the gaps in your collection, this is a fabulous place to begin.
One star subtracted for the overstuffed bins and lack of alphabetization, although digging through all the bins can be fun if you have the time. However, it can also lead you to buy more than planned - not always a good thing.
Easily worth a trip to Williamsburg. -
Review from Dan S.
3/22/2011
Where is the love for the red-headed stepchild in the Academy Records family?
This store stays open later and has more vinyl than the other two Academy shops, yet sits on the sidelines, largely due to the fact that it's in Williamsburg.
Who cares?
The prices and selection vary - there are boxes upon boxes of crap 45s, yet there are also a few gems to be found. Lots of 7" indie vinyl from the indiest of indie bands - the good (and pricier) 7" vinyl is typically kept behind the counter.
They have a pretty deep bin of new LP arrivals that seems to rotate fairly frequently, and the store's LP selection, as evidenced in the pictures, is well organized, and one of the better selections in NYC.
Brooklyn shmooklyn - Sound Fix is a short walk away, and Permanent Records in Greenpoint a short train ride...get thee to Brooklyn and buy records...Listed in: Final Vinyl
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Review from David B.
6/16/2011
Got a Turntable? You do? Of course you do, you are in Williamsburg right?
Go to Academy. You are probably there right now. Just go later in the day so that I can get first crack at the "New Arrivals" bin, mmmkay?
You might have to do a little digging, but this place is a searcher's heaven. There are 2 1200's set up for you to test out used records & the staff is always knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. -
Review from DJ O.
Atlanta, GA
11/15/2011
Awesome selection of whatever genre you're into. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable especially considering how big the place is and that they must pay a ton for that amount of space in BK. Wish I had a whole day to block off and rake thru the whole store.
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Review from Kinoeye V.
Brooklyn, NY
12/8/2010
One of the best record stores on the East Coast. While you always read the predictable gripe used below that the young record store staff exude that "hipsterish, better than you obscurity" vibe, ...honestly that is all in peoples heads (please look up insecurity, Matt J.) and is hardly the case at this place. The staff is one of the most friendly, warm and fascinating bunch of characters in the tri-state record buying arena. Everyone there has solid recommendations and extremely knowledgeable. Ben shopping here for years and, being a native New Yorker, I know a jerk when I meet one...nothing but a bunch of nice folks who care about music working here.
The selection is always at the tops, perfect place to just browse and you will always walk out with some far-out finds. They keep up with what is worthwhile and listenable, used bin always has some unearthed gems priced about 30-40% lower than what you'd score it on discogs/eBay.
The buyers there give you a decent haul for your used stuff and if you are a local label, they always give their full support buying direct wholesale form you in person, and within minutes have your records up on the wall with a description. A record store who truly supports local labels, underground music and vinyl culture at large. This is always my weekly record fix spot, be forwarded it is very easy to go broke in this joint, but you'll have a fresh new stack to keep you company until your craving. -
Review from Mark K.
Brooklyn, NY
12/23/2010
Academy is my favorite record store in New York, hands down. They have wall-to-wall racks of indie, classic rock, jazz, hip-hop, electronica, drum and bass, african, indian, etc, etc. Basically anything you can think of.
They specialize in used music, so don't expect to find those brand-new releases. However, the selection of used music is VAST, and with a few listening stations, you're almost guaranteed to find a few gems every time you visit.
If you don't plan to spend any money, try not to step into Academy. I buy something new every time I go in here. -
Review from Michael B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/11/2011
Pretty Pretty Pretty good.
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Review from Mallory J.
Brooklyn, NY
10/23/2011
For people who consider record shopping a hobby, or at least a weekly experience, used record stores can be hit or miss by the day. If it's a good store, the selection is constantly changing; some days you'll find something great, and other days the racks will seem picked-over and boring. I've had both days at Academy, but what makes Academy the best record store I've seen in New York (repeat: in New York, not in the US) is that, unlike places like Sound Fix or Other Music, there's enough of a used selection to make the weekly hunt interesting. If you want to get a new release, pick it up here--but depending what it is, you can probably pick it up almost anywhere that sells vinyl. If you want an even greater sense of satisfaction, peruse the Recent Arrivals and find a great 7" you wouldn't have thought to look for.
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Review from Henry Y.
7/7/2008
Big enough space to offer a little randomness...they don't have anything I "need" but flipping thru the stacks offers a nostalgia boost. Decent prices. Best for LP's, with most 45s in the drivel department. They have turntables to let you listen before you buy.
I like the random assortment of flyers on the wall: Flipper, The Huns... -
Review from Justin C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/6/2008
I am not sure how I have gone this long without visiting this store. Reasonably-priced vinyl in NYC? Unheard of.
You won't find everything here, but you'll find lots of stuff you didn't know you needed to own, and the dollar bins are fantastic: my only complaint is having to crawl around the floor to peruse them.
I am writing this while listening to "Copulatin'," a compilation of blues recordings about intercourse recorded in the 30s and 40s. Where else you gonna find that? -
Review from Dewey D.
Brooklyn, NY
8/30/2011
Too many of the old school record stores closed, but at least they are carrying the torch !
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Review from Aimee A.
Stamford, CT
2/1/2009
Great record store. Good selection, and the prices are great (for NYC). My boyfriend recently picked up a Prince album, a Jackson Five, and a Rick James album all for under $10 total. I like this place a lot because it's actually somewhat clean and not all dusty and sneeze city unlike many record stores.
And they have a CAT to play with too! I love stores with pets. -
Review from Robert D.
Philadelphia, PA
6/24/2009
My friends and I took a drive to Academy Record Annex today to dive into their stacks of vinyl and see what we could find - we weren't disappointed!
The overall vibe of the spot rocks - I am impressed with the level of care that goes into each LP in the main racks; sleeved in cases and ready for a good home.
Prices were decent - there were a few 'OMG! What A Deal!' moments - and also a couple times when we looked at each other with amazement that anyone would pay that much for that release.
I found several gems in the 12" back bins - which are $2 each - but three for $5. Someone purged their 80s collection and that was FINE BY ME!
Honestly - the only problem I had with our visit today was the incredibly bad LP the employee on duty was playing; seriously. It made Yoko Ono look like a friggin' choir lead for the King Family.
I'm all for experimental music - but dude. You're trying to create a vibe to KEEP people IN the store so they buy things; not drive them out. It truly was THAT bad; so much so that I had to step outside to decompress.
But - it won't stop me from returning - the store rocks and I can't wait to dig some more - - but perhaps next time I'll bring my iPod with me :) -
Review from Kassy M.
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
You may have to do a little searching, but you'll definitely find something you want here. Way bigger selection and space than at Earwax, and a way friendlier staff. They have a cute kitty too!
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Review from Ryan M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/31/2008
Record stores in NYC are not so awesome. I feel like there is something wrong with every store I go in. Academy is the best one I've been to in my 4 years living here.
The vinyl selection is pretty good and the CD section is getting better. I always find something I want there, but the prices can be kind of steep.
NYC needs Amoeba. Let's all pray. -
Review from Morgan D.
Ann Arbor, MI
3/9/2010
As somebody who increasingly sees the merit in trying to buy primarily original records and is also mostly interested in older music, I have to confess this is my favorite place to buy new records. OK, I'll try not to make this an annoyingly compulsive discussion but I'll just say that I like that the annex stocks all the Numero, Norton, Relic and many other small reissue labels that come from all over. It's nice that a lot of these legit type reissues carry unreleased stuff and have original liner notes and in a way doesn't that make them intrinsically original in their own right?
The annex also seems to have the racket on weird music, new or old, for example locked groove and the like. Some of these smaller presses can be expensive (like the awesome minimal wave catalog) but I'm pretty sure that annex doesn't mark up new stuff, which is probably why they seem to have such a loyal clientele.
I'm not so often blown away by the used sections but that's probably because of the heavy traffic, hence stuff just gets scooped quickly. Certainly their Manhattan location is much better for used jazz and probably a bit better for soul and dance 12's. This place seems to be better for rock and also classical but has a sizable selection of everything.
I never had much luck with the 45s or $ records but my advice to others who complain about not finding specific records after just one visit, is that like any good and popular record store, you must be patient and keep coming back. That record always comes around, for the most part. If I 'm in NYC I'll always check out the annex. -
Review from Nick K.
1/31/2010
Pros:
- Bargain bin! 10 for $3, 20 for $5
- Reasonably priced older LPs (average $3 - $5)
- Players set up in front to sample tunes
- Sleeves and boxes also for sale
Cons:
- Where are the great albums? (ex: the only Bruce record was Human Touch; the only Bowie album was Pin Ups)
Verdict:
Academy Record Annex has great prices for New York but a somewhat limited selection. Those looking for specific albums may want to look elsewhere. However, I'd recommend toughening up your finger tips and scouring the bargain bin - you may discover a few gems. In fact, some albums in the alphabetized sections are much cheaper in the bargain bin (I found a Van Morrison album for 50¢ instead of $3). -
Review from morecawfee M.
Brooklyn, NY
4/5/2009
So I have a problem. I tend to walk into record stores and exclaim things like "oh man, look at all these Norton releases!" to the nearest person. I am, in a word, too excited about vinyl. This has been a problem since I was about nine (but there weren't any record shops near me growing up, only flea markets for crate digging...but that, my friends, is another story entirely). This is also why I usually go record shopping with friends. Because seriously, whether you are employed by the music store or are just an innocent shopper, no one should be forced to care about things like how I think Norton is the BEST LABEL EVER* I WANT TO HAVE ITS BABIES.
Anyway.
Fortunately for me, Academy employs the kind of person who you could bring upon that kind of outburst and actually receive a) a polite but genuine smile-and-nod combo in return, or b) an actual offer to help you track down additional items on your list. Non-douches at a record store! What a concept, I know.
In addition to a selection that is almost paralyzing in its variety (this is also a problem), it also offers a bunch of sleeves (paper and plastic! Ahhhh, more choices!), assorted cases and bags so you can go home and dork out over your collection even more, and they also carry excellent underground punk zines like Razorcake at the register. So while you can still go buy vinyl out on the street on Bedford if you so choose, you should probably just go to Academy instead and actually find something on your list... rather than doing something like ending up buying an Olivia Newton-John album just because it's there.
* It IS. -
Review from Philip S.
Flushing, NY
Updated - 8/1/2009
I know I was critical of Academy on my first review.
But now I take it all back. It is as great as the store in East Village. They have a wide selection of genres (ranging from disco, hip-hop, punk, rock, to techno), quality stock (used and new), and cheap prices (as low as 50 cents). Definitely one of the best record shops in NYC!
And about what I said before? Please forgive me. ;(Listed in: Record Shops in NYC
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/25/2009
I had visited Academy in the East Village on numerous occasions, but today was my first time at the… Read more »
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Review from Jason D.
Brooklyn, NY
7/13/2011
The mother ship, the tower of power, the cherry on top, the bong in this reggae song - I love Academy for its sheer size and endless supply of vinyl. LPs are never overly priced or underpriced, they are pretty fair. The staff are laid back and helpful and although a hardcore collector might only find one or two lps they need, for the casual collector this place has a ton of stuff to buy.
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Review from Leo C.
Rego Park, NY
10/5/2009
Categories include rock, hip hop, vocals, disco,and others, pretty inclusive, but sadly no depth. Something for everyone, but you won't find any holy grails here. Good place to pick up some big names of the music industry. Prices, I dare say, are cheap for the location. Mostly used vinyls are found, but there is a section up front with new ones.
The best thing about this store, well two things, are: it is brightly lit and the aisles are slightly wider than other similar record stores. Hate it when you are in a scavenging mood but always constantly moving to allow people through. -
Review from Brett R.
Brooklyn, NY
7/20/2009
I do love this place. It's nice when you can get the newest Not Not Fun release and a very good copy of, say, an Ike and Tina record in the same place. Their wall records are unfortunately pretty much all worth buying, which hurts from time to time.
Definitely rewarding for those who like to search through bins. Best for people willing to check the "new arrivals" section on a regular basis. -
Review from Brian H.
New York, NY
5/11/2007
In a perfect world, I visit Academy Record Annex every day for 3 hours. It's almost too easy to search through their bins, making you wonder what sort of stuff other people grabbed before you got there. I'm especially fond of their 45 boxes which are organized by genre and rarity (high priced stuff behind the counter). The featured reissues and new records usually have an informative writeup which aids in impulse buying. There are two turntables to listen to most used records. In store music varies by clerk, but is usually pretty good.
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Review from Jon W.
Brooklyn, NY
4/30/2007
Academy's huge amount of floorspace allows them to offer the best *quality* (aka not just dumpy crates one step removed from a thrift store) selection of records in all of New York. The records are priced to move, so if you want to find a treasure, it really helps to check the new bin (there's a separate one for dance 12"s) religiously or to buy an employee a few drinks so you get the text messages. The new LP selection is very competitive with Kim's or Other Music and offers titles not found there, as the employees seem to have quite a bit of freedom in purchasing decisions. 5 stars!
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Review from Raymond T.
ASTORIA, NY
3/13/2011
Lacking the 5th star only because I didn't find much 20th century experimental/classical music, which I know isn't the most popular for a record store to carry. However, I found a two record Library of Congress set of Robert Lowell reading his work for $6 and a Caedmon Brother Antoninus live reading for only $5..great deals, hard to find. A very friendly knowledgeable staff, including my filmmaker friend, Arturo.
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Review from Sharlene C.
Brooklyn, NY
4/22/2009
holy cannoli! this place made me oh so excited. i interjected, "YES!" when i walked in. people looked. i ignored. vinyl makes me excited what can i say.
i passed by the new arrivals, which was a bad idea because most of the goodies were there. in any case, i snapped up some ella and benny goodman. i was a happy camper. -
Review from Tony M.
Brooklyn, NY
6/27/2007
Love it. Love it. Love it.
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Review from Mark G.
Brooklyn, NY
8/7/2010
Easily the best record store in New York!
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Review from James G.
Lexington, VA
6/3/2008
If you're looking to score some wonderful 7-inches, this is the place to go - You're bound to find some gems (like that Wilco "I'm a Wheel" 7-inch they just happened to have). However, if you're looking to score a cheap LP, you're going to have to look elsewhere. They know what they have and they price it accordingly. That said, they have a LOT. I wait for the day when I pop in there with more than 15 minutes before they close...
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Review from Miguel A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/25/2008
I'm from LA where it's hard to find a lot of good records in one hunt, but this place had a lot of good shit. The prices were a lot lower, too. I found a lot of stuff I usually don't come across. I just wish I would've visited this place before my last day in NY cuz I ran out of most of my money. I could've easily spent hundreds of dollars.
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Review from Roni S.
Brooklyn, NY
8/4/2008 7 Check-ins Here
I've heard many good things about Academy, so today was my first visit. The used vinyl I purchased was in good, to very good condition, with no surprises and were priced reasonably. I feel that Academy is similar to the (now defunct) record stores I grew up with back in Rochester, NY. The selection at Academy was great, but be advised, it will take more than an hour visit to dig up all those obscure records you have on your want list.
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Review from Daniel K.
Brooklyn, NY
3/5/2009
There's really nothing bad to say about this place. They have tons of records for the record rat to paw through in search of the one bargain that everyone else looked over, AND everything is clean and organized so that the guy on his way home and looking for something real specific can usually find it.
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Review from Jennifer M.
Atlanta, GA
9/19/2007
Today I went to the Academy Annex and bought 10 LPs (and one EP) for under $30. I found a ton of original cast recordings in the $1 boxes. I actually had to stop looking through the boxes so I would stop seeing things that I wanted. If this store had a bookstore attached to it, it would probably be better than heaven.
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Review from Miguel S.
New York, NY
6/14/2009
Not on the level of the flagship store or the other vinyl-oriented location in the East Village, but it makes up some of the ground it loses for the less amazing selection, by having much cheaper prices. There is a small selection of CDs, which are also priced much lower than the CDs at the locations in Manhattan. As used record stores go, this one is much more comfortable to be in and browse than what you usually get.
