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Categories: Comic Books, Music & DVD's, Vinyl Records
Neighborhood: Little Five PointsMon-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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If you're inside the perimeter and want to purchase comics, this is THE place to go. They have a great selection of new titles and a good back catalog. They've also got a good selection of toys and figures, not as much as some other stores in the area, but definitely reasonable.
Great customer service and a friendly atmosphere.
The downsides are few. Their location in Little Five Points means there are sometimes difficulties with finding a close parking spot. Also, they don't have a tremendous back catalog of trades and hard covers because of the store size. But these are mild dings on an otherwise tremendous store.
They also sell CDs and records, but I'm a comic geek, so I didn't really pay attention to that side of the store.
Nice new location!
Apparently they moved recently (or maybe last year?) and nobody told me. I thought they'd gone, and I was thinking "Crap. I knew I should have visited more often!"
These guys are the ultimate CD store - they have lotsa stuff. But the prices are just *a little* too high. Of course, it makes sense seeing as how everybody downloads music (Optimus has built-in wifi, you know, and I can operate on Sprint's 3G network as well!), but still, I just can't stomach buying a new CD for $17.00, even if it is the hottest thing out. I'm sure that's the record companys' fault as well, but I stick to used CDs and rip 'em to my harddrive before selling them someplace else, unless it's a collectible. And don't balk or I'll blast ya - we've all done it. I only keep original CDs & packaging of the truly AWESOME.
Recently updated my AC/DC and Feist collection here. I wonder if a mash-up is in order... hmmm...
Optimus OUT.
One of the coolest stores ever. Criminal has a great selection of CD's you won't find anywhere else in Atlanta. The employees are rude but whatever that's their own deal.
Also, they have a magazine rack with some interesting selections.
I haven't really perused their music selection yet but for a ITP comic shop they're great. Helpful and insanely knowledgeable staff.
Great record store. The staff is really friendly and helpful and they have a great collection of old records. They even have a "dollar" section which is totally worth checking out. I was just there for the Lacuna Coil in store performance and it was a great time. The sound system is really good and it was a blast watching a live performance. I will DEFINITELY be back for future in stores and shopping!
I got Billy Joel The Stranger, Jesus Christ Superstar, and an Art Garfunkel album from their $1 record section. I liked the cashier's affectionate reaction to the cover of the Garfunkel record, a huge head displaying the big blond fro: "Oh, Art."
It makes me sad to think about the ghosts of record stores past. Iconic shops like Spaceboy and Reptilian, shuttered and gone. In the digital age, it is easy to find exactly what you're looking for, and it'll probably be free. What's missing from the downloading experience, though, is the chance to find something you're not looking for - the album you pick up just for the cover art, the $1 7" that might have your new favorite song, the recommendation from a staff member that you never would've chosen on your own. You can still find serendipity at Criminal. They have a shiny new space and a staff of sweethearts who know everything, and I hope they stay open forever.
I adore Criminal Records. When I go in for comics and graphic novels - the staff actually remembers me and points me to the new finds. They have learned my taste and actually stand and converse with me about their views and my own. I take all my friends here and introduce them around.
Additionally - their music selection pretty much rocks - and I always find what I need here for me and my friends. Unfortunately their album staff seems a little more aloof and snarky-hipster-too cool for school than the comic book staff. It's why I'm not giving them a 5 star rating.
When I talk about what I like in graphic novels - the comic staff will ponder and then point out a new selection to sample. They take the time to know their product and their customers.
But when I try to converse with the music staff they seem aloof and a little bitchy. Which is totally NOT something I appreciate. Once I asked the music guy what they he might suggest that sounded like a favorite band (Black Keys) - and he was all, "Why- you think my taste is going to be anywhere near yours?"
I wasn't asking for HIS taste. I was hoping he would be knowledgeable enough about music and FRIENDLY enough to hit me with some suggestions that I could then try on my own. I like be be opened to new worlds and music. This has happened several times so I don't even try to engage the music staff anymore. They can keep their cool hipster disdain for their other customers.
WHAT A MAGICAL PLACE!!! Prior to going on an Atlanta trip I just came back from, I posted to the trusty Atlanta Yelp homepage to find out where the best record shops were-- and my fellow Yelpers had nothing but good things to say about Criminal Records.
The space is great-- well organized, bright and clean. The think I cried a little when I saw the wall of featured new vinyl selections. Whoever picked those selections for that day/ week/ month is on point.
Speaking of good taste in music, the employees at CR know what they're talking about-- and it's a good thing they do. Name a band or artist and they can recommend something that you'll probably love (and didn't even know existed). Get ready to annoy the hell out of your friends because you'll probably force them to listen to an amazing band that someone Criminal recommended to you.
As far as selection goes- books, magazines comics were plentiful, CDs and vinyl were fully stocked.
If you're a vinyl-phile like myself, CR's focus leans more towards keeping new vinyl (45s, some 10" and LPs) on the shelves. They did have some used records as well. Genres were all over the map: soul, tropicalia, indie, hip hop, pop, classic rock-- you name it. If you decide to visit CR, keep your eyes peeled for a crate of second-hand, pre-packaged 45s-- a grab bag of vinyl awesomeness. There were about 10 45s in each bag (some of the 45s do come with the sleeves but a majority do not). While you can't really tell what's in there, the bag is only $1 a pop so it's worth picking one up. My package came with some really good doo-wop/ soul 45s and an original pressing Run DMC single with the sleeve!! So rad. I was also lucky enough to score a copy of Cult Cargo's Belize City Boil Up compilation on LP-- my mind was blown and my day was pretty much made at that point.
It's a shame that there aren't more stores like Criminal Records that have such a varied, eclectic selection of music, magazines, CDs and comics. Keep on doing what you're doing, CR.
I moved back from NYC and went to L5P and Criminal was gone, but not very far. It's now down around the corner from Crystal Blue.
They have a great selection of new and used CDs. Their staff has always been really helpful and knowledgeable. I've never been steered wrong.
The new space is much bigger than the old space and has an actual stage for in stores. Previously the in stores were usually held outside.
I'm glad to see that they are still thriving.
Any place that carries a Biggie figurine automatically gets 5 stars in my book! But seriously, this place is a music lover's dream. They have old school LPs and 45s as well as Cds of every genre imaginable. Check it out!
I have been a loyal patron of this shop for practically millions of years. Growing up in the Atlanta area and being "into music" I learned of the awe-inspiring collection of audio treats, magazines, and comics that Criminal offers at a very early age.
Getting further into my life story, I no longer live anywhere close to this place. But I was recently in town for a family visit.
There I was, on a Tuesday, eager to get my grubby hands on a non-corpo label CD that had dropped that day. If something's out that hasn't leaked - I gotta get it right away. I thought Criminal would be there for me. But... despite being the local leader in independent music, it was late afternoon and none of the new releases had been checked in. Then it was an hour before closing time and still... nothing.
All I have to say is thaaaat pretty much sucks. Yeah, staff is nice, the new store is clean, in-stores are always fun, LP shelving is not overpacked so I can actually BROWSE through stuff.. but give me a break. How disappointing! This was literally the only place in the city that would have had what I was looking for... and I went away empty handed.
I just wish Criminal could be a little more reliable, especially when it comes to something so fundamental.
Ah! Criminal Records. The unassuming exterior, the wealth of music inside. I was able to pick up a copy of O+S, instead of - say it with me now - "going online" to order it from Saddle Creek.
See, places like this are what remain when the huge music stores (Virgin Megastore, Tower Records, Best Buy's shrinking music section) start to fold: a music store for the music lovers.
Staff wasn't snobby or rude either, a welcome relief when you're ready to check out.
Add to the CDs the extensive vinyl selection, cult DVDs, comic books, Kid Robot, figurines, various magazines, and one big ol' disco ball, and you have a very satisfying media experience. Just, try to go on a weekday, it gets kinda crowded on the weekend.
Everything a record geek could want: new cds, used cds, lps, in-store concerts, comics, toys, t-shirts, magazines, cool staff.
Parking sucks, but nobody's perfect.
Diverse selections, awesome people, and good comics. Whenever I'm in L5P, I always stop by and ask what's new in the comics section.
So, here's the thing...
Since moving to Atlanta I have been scouring the city and taking in all of the towns music stores, being an ex-indie label employee, I really enjoy and appreciate smallish stores like Criminal Records that cater to all of my pop culture senses. On top of a crazy music selections, new and used, there is also a fantastic Kidrobt and comic book selection when I cant quite make it home to LA to visit Amoeba or the physical Kidrobot stores.
Criminal Records is a much-beloved institution among hipsters, hipster doofi, music snobs, nerds masquerading as hipsters (you can tell by the thickness of the lenses in their chunky black glasses) and hipsters masquerading as nerds (said black glasses are virtually lensless...oh and their Macs. True nerds wouldn't be using a Mac.) I can understand the devotion, really I can. I respect Criminal for bringing both well-known and to-be-known talent (both musical and otherwise) for in-store appearances. I also dig their magazine collection. They have a considerable music collection. And they sell comics and action figures here.
However, I, for one, am no music snob. I can't tell you the B-Side of an obscure late 70s punk band. In fact, I could barely tell you an A-side of one. My musical influences stop at the verbally-abusive Russian piano teacher I had when I was 10. Yeah, I got yer Fur Elise right here, Lady...in my pants.
I am also not a nerd masquerading as a hipster as I am pretty much a nerd through and through. I came about it the hard way--during a time that was pre-Internet, pre-Bill Gates rich as Croesus household name, pre-it's kind of hip to be square as long as you're not nerdy enough to quote a song by Huey Lewis and the News.
Bear all of this in mind when I say that Criminal is just okay to me. I visit it when I'm in the area, but I don't make special trips here. Other friends in comic nerdness say they're great when you have a pull list. I'm too lazy and have too little attention span for a pull list, so I buy off the rack. And much like a too-skinny Nicole Richie, Criminal's rack has never impressed me. That's why I always drove out to either Oxford or Titan for my books.
Nevertheless, three and a half stars rounded down to three for Criminal. A tepid review, I know, but should you ever go, I'd still feel sad.
I've shopped here since....oh man like since four or so locations ago like 1991. Yeah so what I'm old. Even though these days I'm not quite as much into music as I was in 1991, I still enjoy an occasional visit to the store to pick up a used CD. I'm really glad they moved to their latest location....its so much more open and you arent always bumping into somebody. I'm also enjoying the expanded new and used vinyl section. Although Criminal doesnt have the volume of records as Wax n Facts, its definitely moving in the right direction. I mean I got a Righteous Brothers record, a Moody Blues record, and a Frankie Bones single all for $8 and change. Very happy with those purchases.
However, I cant recommend buying new cds there.....so as much as I'd like to give the place 5 stars mostly for nostalgic reasons I just cant do it. I know these guys are running a business and need to make a profit, but here is one example of how say Amazon beats their prices: I was looking for a Ravi Shankar cd there today.... at least Criminal had one. It was priced at $22. I can get the same cd on Amazon for $15.97. I'm all for supporting local businesses and not giving my money to "the man", but $6 is $6 you know what I mean. Thats 1 or 2 beers or even a 6 pack at the package store. But they do have a great selection of music no doubt about that if you dont mind paying a few bucks extra.
But I really hope Criminal Records sticks around for a long time. Nothing beats an afternoon perusing the aisles in search of another musical gem.
I've been to Criminal Records once in my life, and let me tell you the name is misleading. If you were to pass by it on the street, you would probably assume it's a record store and only a record store. But you would be very, very wrong, indeed.
This place has a great selection of music in all formats, and the prices are decent.* The staff are generally very helpful, and they will even be super nice when you send them an e-mail correcting a musical inaccuracy on their part. (It had to be done!) Aside from the piles of music and staff who take it in stride, it's also a comic book store. I'm not talking Betty and Veronica at the supermarket check-out, but real honest-to-God comics and graphic novels. I think I even recall :: gasp:: action figures. It's like a nerd died and went to heaven. Criminal Records really is one of the nerdiest, geekiest places in Atlanta. And judging from the merchandise I'd venture to guess it's run by Peter Pan. No prob with that. Adulthood is overrated, anyway.
One bone of contention, though: the inside is very small and very narrow, making for a lot of accidental (I assume) touchy-feely at crowded in-store shows. I swear somebody copped one on me at Old 97's.
*I said they have decent prices, but to be honest, you can get most of the CDs cheaper at Best Buy. Of course, it's always worth a couple extra bucks to support your local indie scene.
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.
I've been shopping here regularly for years because it has the four main things I like to throw disposable cash at: music, movies, magazines and comicbooks.
Their music selection is better than most any store in Atlanta. That being said my taste wanders into some pretty obscure/weird waters and Criminal often comes up short. For example, I've been checking for weeks for the Pole reissue boxed set of "1,2,3" without any luck.
The DVD (and now blue-ray) selection is excellent considering the space they have to work with. I really like (as another yelper points out) that they tend to keep the entire Criterion Collection catalog in stock.
Their magazine rack is possibly the best in Atlanta. I believe it has shrunk as of late to make room for more vinyl records, but its still great. I can find everything I'm looking for, from "Wire" to "The Believer" to the local zine "Chunklet".
The comicbook selection, well, it is poor versus another Atlanta store like Oxford Comics. But they have a lot less space to hold everything. I tend to get my comics here because I'm coming here anyways and it saves me a trip across town.
The staff is very helpful. They're always willing to help you find something and order it if its out of stock.
Also - great news! It is moving around the corner to a location on Euclid Ave. I'm not clear on the exact place but I know it is much larger. I was assured there'll be more comicbooks! And because Criminal owns the coffeeshop next door customers can still use its parking when going to the new Criminal Records.
A great place to find CDs, vinyl toys, comic books, and records. Good selection of music and the new store is a lot bigger! I usually end up getting my Kid Robot and comic book fix at this store. If I ever do buy a CD (I normally iTunes or Amazon it now-a-days) I will go to Criminal Records for my purchase... they usually have what I am looking for!
P.S.
I am sad that I missed the Eagles of Death Metal in store after reading a previous review! : (
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.
I'm re-reviewing Criminal for their other aspect: comic books. I just got into comic books and Criminal is GREAT. Not only do they have a super selection, but it's really easy to order things that they don't currently have in stock. Also James (not there anymore) and Zano are great at recommending new, fun stuff to consume. This (not so) little corner of the store is a geek heaven. Oh and they have a splendid dollar section
I have to give Criminal 5 stars because I recently bought a record with change. I said I was so… Read more »
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.
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.....
This place isn't just a landmark for indie cd's, it's a landmark for music in Atlanta. I've been coming here since high school, although I don't go that much anymore.
But you'll still find the same good selection of new and used CDs and CRITERION COLLECTION DVDs. HUGE selection of Criterions if you're into that stuff. Since the demise of Tower Records and their massive hard-to-find DVDs, this is the best place I've found. I mean, you can't go to Best Buy and find the unrated version of Caligula.
I once saw the owner Eric at a screening of The Wild Bunch at Phipps Plaza many years ago and chatted him up about the store, how it means so much to me during my teenage years. He's a really nice guy and has done a great job to maintain the integrity of this place.
My only downfall? I still feel a little embarrassed when I have to ask for a CD from behind the counter, no matter what it is.
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.
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.
Did you know they have free mini-concerts at the store. I have seen Mastodon and Indigo Girls. The new space is great!
Criminal just moved to a space on Euclid. I love, love, love me some Criminal Records. I always find something new and the staff is super friendly and very helpful. They have listening stations set up all over the store with some pretty eclectic stuff. The selection of used CDs is pretty good. They also stock music from local bands. I went this weekend for an in-store performance with Eagles of Death Metal and it was great. The new space is larger than the previous location and it makes for a great in-store performance experience. They sell comic books and cool, hard to find magazines. They also support the community so I love supporting them.
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.....
The best off the wall record store in Atlanta.
Any questions?
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.
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.
Criminal Records Haiku Review
Miles of tracks line shelves,
staff on high dole out the goods,
the goth toys pout on.
I've always loved Criminal Records yet at their old location it could get a bit cramped and claustrophobic. Now they've got plenty of room and I find myself spending more time in there. As a plus the new spot is right by the Yacht Club!
The additional space suits them well. They contribute heartily to the Atlanta music scene, and I love the staff. Reasonably priced new releases covering a wide swath of genres is the selling point, but you can find some good cheap catalog titles and they have other crap that fat nerds care about like comic books and Japanese toys of plastic dogs with the face of Ronald McDonald, or whatever the hell those things are supposed to be.
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.
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.
Neighborhood: Little Five Points
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Little Five Points
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Candler Park
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Little Five Points
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Music & DVD's
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