Criminal Records
Categories: Comic Books, Newspapers & Magazines, Music & DVD's [Edit]
Neighborhood: Little Five Points466 Moreland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307 (404) 215-9511
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sun 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
34 Reviews for Criminal Records
Walked in, looked around. After a bit of browsing, I was asked if I needed help. Staff was very polite and helpful. Got what I needed, and was on my way.
Great cd and vinyl selection. Nice comic rack in the back.
Nice to see an independent making it.
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Staff is cool, great place to find that CD you were looking for... My new CD store since Tower's closed.
Heres the lowdown...
Criminal Records is to ATL
what Park Ave Cds are to Jamlando
Great local indie record shop.
They sell everything from great music in cd and vinyl form, to asian toys and comics. They also carry some great zinesThe staff is friendly and pretty knowledgeable. They do in-store performances (for touring bands) every now and then too.
Come here first and support small independent business. Your local mom and pop shops need you.
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gotta love criminal!
considering the amazing amount of stuff crammed in this small space, it makes for an awesome shopping experience.
i don't think i've ever found a used cd i was actually looking for, but i can usually find something good. the staff is usually helpful and their magazine selection is tops!
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If you want a great lost album, or if you want a rare re-issue, or any other thing you thought you would have to find online, go to Criminal. 5 Stars for Criminal's own Chris Daresta for being the most knowledgeable and honest record store employee. He has NEVER steered us wrong.
*Key tip: If you do not find what you were looking for, they can order almost anything with no complaints or tude
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Local bands and record labels are spotlighted right alongside the latest hipster, indie-underground breakout. Special limited edition Vinyls--often with hand drawn artwork from Rob's House Records are a special find. Used CDs and quirky magazines, books and random toys complement the graphic novels and comic books.
Every time I come here I find something that I can't live without. They have an incredible selection of comic books and graphic novels (all of Neil Gaiman's Sandman!). They also carry a ton of vinyl. Criminal also carries used items, for example last time I went in they had John Coltrane's CD box set used for only $22. What a steal! The employees are always helpful and have great recommendations, you can tell they really enjoy working at Criminal. I try to come here first for any media I'm planning on buying because it's a small independent business and I'd rather spend my $$ here than at a chain. Also, if you're looking for info on upcoming shows they always have a ton of posters up with dates and locations.
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The best off the wall record store in Atlanta.
Any questions?
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Who doesn't love Criminal Records? You certainly don't have to pay a lot to support an independent music store instead of Best Buy or another chain, and Criminal proves it. They have an amazing selection of both new and used CDs, vinyl, magazines, and comics and graphic novels...not to mention all the toys and other random wonderful retail products. This unique shop is really one in a million. The sales staff is very helpful and knowledgable, also. If you have a question on Peter Bagge, or Dan Clowes, or whoever, they can probably help you.
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I can't believe I had forgotten to review Criminal, but I went last night and it reminded me to do so.
Best selection in town, by far. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and therefore some might say elitist and pretentious, but I've never gotten that vibe from them. I've never felt slighted by them even though I probably look like the girl who wouldn't know what's good right now (but I actually do). But you should not not not go to this store for the latest Top 40. Ask for it and beware the "go to hell" looks you will receive from the staff.
I like that they have listening stations set up all over the store with staff picks and little info cards that say "if you're into.......(insert popular band name here).....you will like this." I've found some of my favorite bands by listening to these picks at Criminal. You can also go up to any of the staff and say, "I am in love with this cd, what other bands sound like them?" and they'll talk to you all day long and wax poetic about some local indie band you might have never discovered otherwise.
We need more places like this in Atlanta.....
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All I can say about this music store is that it makes you feel like Atreyu in "The Neverending Story"- the part where he has to prove his worth to make it through the two statues that will zap him into oblivion. You cannot ask for the "wrong" cd without getting a nasty look.
But don't let that stop you from going in and getting a great cd you've been waiting for. Just don't go in there hoping to get the new Britney Spears album, or you might get speared by the employees. Har, har.
The staff is pretentious, but they basically know what is up on the indie scene. I go here often to get a cd I don't feel like stealing off the internet- I am a collector of cd's from bands I care about, and this is the place to go to get a cd you cannot get in a mall cd store.
They have a lot of famous people come in there to do signings, so it's always worth a look at their website to see who will be in next- it ranges from musicians to actors promoting a film. I recently missed my old pal David Arquette doing a signing there for his newest movie, and I was pissed off about that!
Ahh, but I digress... they also have local bands like Deerhunter play on the premises and they are big supporters of our local scene, so I love that!
They have a lot of cd's, toys, comics, rare cd box sets you have to have once you see them, and great magazines (Mojo, NME, Select, etc.) to choose from. This is the place in the Atl to get a cd when you don't have any clue what is "hip" on Mtv.....
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I have to give Criminal 5 stars because I recently bought a record with change. I said I was so sorry I was taking so long, but the guy at the counter said that I could take as long as I want because I was buying vinyl. Some people have said they're snobby, but I haven't noticed that at all. I tend to dress a bit preppy, so most indie hipster folk look at me as if I'm from another planet, but nope not at Criminal. They always recommend a great local band to check out. Plus they have records from Douchemaster and Rob's House.
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Some people hate on Criminal because they complain about their staff being 'elitist' or 'snobby.' Well, when you're shopping in an independent record store, that's mostly what you're going to get. For certain, I've got some crappy vibes from the mussed hair hipsters who work behind the counter. People like to feel like they know more than other people, even when they don't, and so the service here shouldn't be too big of a factor. I've had plenty of decent instances where I felt I wasn't shopping from a scene kid, so the rumor is overrated, and to be true, Criminal is probably the best store for indie CDs and DVDs in Atlanta.
Their wall of new CDs is pretty well stocked, though isn't perfect. Their prices are fair, and they display new releases along the back wall so you can browse by eye rather than searching for everything. They also have a row of the hottest albums along the front case, so you can see what you might not have remembered or heard about. They also have a long case of used stuff that actually has decent albums from time to time. Their vinyl section is small, but choice.
They have a decent slew of media-related magazines, including a handful of lit mags that no other place I know carries.
As far as DVDs, they have the entire Criterion Collection on sale new, as well as other popular independent and mainstream films.
I don't collect comic books anymore (not since I was 16 and extra-large) but they have a really large section of those also, which is a big draw for a lot of people.
Overall, a great place to browse for new media in all forms, if passed over with a certain percentage of snot.
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I remember Criminal Records back when it was on Euclid - this place is a true treasure...love it and support it!
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Good store, no question. An institution, in fact, considering how long they've made it in the business. But the layout could be improved, the CDs are difficult to get to and examine, and sometimes there is serious attitude with the folks who work there. Cool comics, though...
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this place is usually my best hope locally when I want to buy a CD, but I have some suggestions that could make the place better:
1) stop stacking the CDs in the main cabinet that way. My neck hurts after a few minutes from leaning to browse.
2) learn something about bands and music so you can intelligently respond when I ask you about something outside the genre of nerdy indie rock. Sometimes it's painfully obvious that the reason some of the cool stuff I buy there ends up there is because the distributor is making good suggestions. Either that, or the buyer never has direct contact with the public.
3) get rid of some of the obnoxious idiots that work there. No where in America can I find a record store with employees that irk me so much. I'm specifically speaking about the spastics with behavioral problems. Some of the people are nice, but they've had a policy since at least the early 90s of hiring obnoxious pricks.
Otherwise, the store is nice and clean, much of the inventory is displayed nicely, and they can find stuff on the computer if you're looking for something.
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I was pretty unimpressed with this record store. It's not like anyone was rude or anything, but their selection was only so so and it was VERY over priced. I didn't get the whole comics and toys thing either...they could get rid of those to have a way better selection.
Maybe I'm just looking for the wrong stuff in this place, or maybe I'm just spoiled by my husband who used to work in a record store and could get me anything I asked for.
I also don't like the "image" that Criminal Records tries so hard to create. The whole atmosphere was really cliche and contrived. I like my cheap ass hole-in-the-wall place down the street with 3x the selection and about half of the fake indie rock attitudes way better.
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Criminal Records isn't the store you go to for the best deals on today's most popular music. It's the store you go to when you're looking to buy the album from that local band you saw at The Earl, or if you need something obscure.
For example, if you need Justin Timberlake's "Future Sex/Love Sounds," go to Best Buy or Target.
If you need the new Southern Bitch album or Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers' self-titled classic, go to Criminal.
Also, Criminal gets extra credit for having a great collection of comic books, many from local artists. And they host great in-store concerts from acts that come to town on tour. Recently, they had the Indigo Girls.
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Criminal Records Haiku Review
Miles of tracks line shelves,
staff on high dole out the goods,
the goth toys pout on.
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Criminal is a gold mine of astonishing music. They have everything from hip local artists to contemporary pop to classic rock. The wide selection is only the beginning. This store also allows you to listen to any cd you want before purchasing it. The staff is very friendly and willing to talk about music, so you can tell them what you typically listen to and they will suggest a few bands you might like. They recently added a machine that enables you to create mixed cds. If Criminal hasn't won you over yet, local bands frequently perform in the store. They certainly spoil their customers. What more could you want?
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Local, independent music stores are few and far between. I hope that we'll have a place like Criminal Records in Atlanta for a long time, it's a great resource for hard to find music as well as collectibles.
When you walk in, it can be a little overwhelming. There's a combination of posters and merchandise from floor to ceiling, all of it interesting to look at if not buy. They have an amazing selection of magazines and music pubs in addition to the great cd's and used items. If you're adventurous and want to add some new music to your collection, just ask for some recommendations from the staff. They know more about music and genres than most of us ever will. They're like the guys in the movie High Fidelity, but without the condescension and Jack Black antics.
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I wish it was possible to have separate ratings, because the selection at Criminal is clearly great, but I find browsing there to be difficult, especially if you don't know what you're looking for and just want something to jump out at you. Going through the used music is a major pain. Given the dearth of great music stores in town though, where else are you gonna go?
I would consolidate the comic section and use the space to spread out the music, but maybe the comics are popular. I wouldn't know.
And if you're intimidated by the employees, go to the mall.
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I guess this place would be 5 stars if you're some sort of indie superstar, but I was by no means impressed. Whenever I went there, they had a hardcore band actually playing within the store. Which you know, whatever, to each their own, but considering the store is so tiny, made me even more annoyed than my usual curmudgeony self. They are really overpriced and their new CD section is crap. Used CD section didn't seem to be too bad, but you know, for their prices I could have probably bought about 5 records if I were in the hunting mood.
If you're in the L5P area and have a record player, you may as well save your money and go to full moon. Granted, they're on the expensive side too, but they have some really great record finds, and a whole bin of $1 records.
Music and comics, yay! *Extremely knowledgeable* and friendly staff . . . cuties. I order cds through them, every now and then, and they always call me when my stuff comes in. I love them!!
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I was totally underwhelmed. I used to spend lots of time in my favorite little record store back in NC, and I was totally expecting that here, but was sadly let down. The feeling I got while I was there was a "okay, are you ready to check out and leave" vibe, and I certainly didn't like that feeling.
Overall, they have a bunch of stuff, but the prices are pretty high for a "local" "cool" record store. The toys were neat, but a little overwhelming; especially considering that there is a huge store next door that specializes in nothing but that. If you check it out, you might not be as disappointed as I was, but then, you probably didn't get to go to my favorite record store, and don't have it as a comparison.
Every big city has gotta have it's independent record store. Criminal Records is it for the ATL. A huge selection of all the latest indie rock, alternative and obscure music. They've also got a big selection of used music and dance. They still have vinyl, but not as much as purists might like (who does these days anyway?). They also have comic books and geek collector's toys, but I don't get into that crap. If you do, you'll be pleased. Lately they've been clearing out a lot of old backstock so you'll find stuff like old Galaxie 500, Pixies, Nirvana, etc on sale at a good price. They used to publish the WRAS rotation lists and top 10 sales, but apparently it got too cumbersome for them. Too bad, because it was a really great tool to use to scout out for new music.
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Support your local cd shop. Good selection
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A real record store, with real records (remember vinyl?). The staff is super knowledgable about almost all genres of music with and obvious focus on idie and alternative stuff. they have some great pop-culture stuff as well including zines, collectible dolls, and posters.
I could make my feelings known about independent record stores a million times, nothing better! Criminal now shares ownership with the Aurora Coffee shop next door and big things are on the horizon for the two businesses. Criminal boasts a wide array of magazines on top of tons of new and used records. Every concert poster for any event that is taking place in the next month is covering some inch of wall at this center for community music. The employees stand behind they're tall wall of music, usually musicians themselves, eager to help. The space is narrow but long, keep walking, theirs more to see and buy. Another reason I think Criminal is great is because they plan to carry the zine that a friend puts out. Keep on supporting music and arts and doin that thing you do Criminal. May you keep little 5 points classy!
Outstanding place to buy music, magazines, and movies at! They have a very impressive collection of everything music and they have people that know what they are talking about! Highly Recommended!
Best selection. Most knowledgeable staff that can answer any question. Great free in-store appearances by groups coming into town.
Oh my - one of the greatest staff for music and comic books. Friendly too. My only complaint is that this place is so small that all the new CDs are locked up in the front counter cases so you can't drool on the CDs with your bare hands. Those that love music, it's essential to get you fingers on CDs especially the ones where you take a gamble on. However, the staff will be more than happy to pull the CDs for you to look at. Also, if you love comic books/magazines, they have a great collection of them too. If they don't have what you need, they can order the stuff for you. Nothing beats a record/CD/comic store that is DIY owned. Also, the used CDs are well priced. I remember when they used to be located near Variety Playhouse, in a much smaller store.
Thumps up.
I can sum this place up in one quote.
"Hey, I am into (enter music genre and examples of what you love here). What is the latest and greatest?"
I guarantee you will love what they select for you because they love music as much as you do. I have blindly bought their suggestions many a time and have also gone when they tell me there nothing worth while.
I just read on AJC.com that Criminal Records will accept gift cards from other retailers. There are a few stipulations, but it may be worth investigating. Talk about customer service!!
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