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Permanent Records
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Music & DVDs [Edit]
181 Franklin St(between Green St & Huron St)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
(718) 383-4083
- Nearest Transit:
-
Greenpoint Av (G)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Permanent Records
Review Highlights
"They keep a nice balance of right priced vinyl."
(in 10 reviews)
"Really, you can find some great music in the $1 - $6 range..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...Permanent do well are new releases and they stock plenty of..."
(in 5 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Mike N.
Queens, NY
11/11/2011
(This review really only pertains to their CD selection - I haven't looked at the vinyl at all.)
Permanent Records is, it seems to me, a fine example of a good record store in the digital age. They recognize that CDs just aren't as valuable as they used to be, and their pricing reflects this. You can get great albums for less than you'd pay for MP3s, CDs without artwork are marked way down, and I'm always amazed at the quality of stuff in the (extra-large) dollar bin. Really, you can find some great music in the $1 - $6 range; always worth the trip. -
Review from Susan s.
9/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I found Permanent Records last week when I was waiting for my bike to get parts replaced. I had to get sucked into another record shop for sure. I found a ton of great records in the New Arrivals section. Glass Candy, and a lot of new indie artists. In the bargain $1 section I found a whole collection of Pat Benetar that I had to purchase! I also found an old Sid Vicious LP too. I asked the lady about her selection of punk and new wave, she told me its gone in the beginning of the day. I guess its pretty popular.
The only reason why it doesn't get five stars from me is because there is only one listening turntable and there are some crappy headphones that you have to return to the front. I didn't like it at all. Also the lady came over to grab the $1 records off my pile because she said I couldn't play it. Of course I can read the sign and respect that, I would never..... I guess she thought I was dumb?Listed in: Greenpoint is GREAT!
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Review from Don B.
Oak View, CA
11/2/2010
Permanent is a smaller shop, with a decent selection of new vinyl. I don't live in New York, so it's hard to gauge the pricing, but the new stock seemed to be priced a buck or two above what I'd normally pay in LA.
I did pick up a few records while I was there, but with the exception of a cool Sun Ras used 12" single (which was a little overpriced), I could have found these titles anywhere. As another reviewer observed, there are no surprises.
I'm throwing an extra star in there because I like the neighborhood and it's a nice shop. I enjoyed my 20-30 or so minutes spent digging through the entire vinyl selection.
If I find myself in that part of Brooklyn again, I'll certainly stop by. -
Review from Dan R.
12/6/2010
Permanent Records - which, let me say, is a great name, very rock and roll - is one of the cleanest, most organized vinyl shops I've ever been to. Granted, you still shouldn't expect alphabetized bargain bins, but hey, at least they've got bargain bins. For two bucks apiece, or three LPs for five dollars, there were a handful of respectable records in said crates - from John Lennon, Mott the Hoople, Frank Sinatra, to name a few.
What else is cool about this joint is 1) they are dog-friendly, 2) they have a record player for you to test out potential purchases, and 3) the dude behind the counter was personally cleaning each and every vinyl before they went on the shelves. This allowed for a very comfortable, very cool, no-pressure hunt.
I will admit, however, the selection store-wide was a bit underwhelming when I'd arrived. My first mistake was going straight to the back and working my way towards the front. I didn't find much in the new or used sections to my liking, scoured for a few artists and releases I'd typically expect a record store to carry, that were, unfortunately, not there.
That all changed when I discovered the "New Arrivals" - the first stop once you're through the door, of course. I'd been looking for The Rolling Stones' "Exile On Main St." for quite some time now, but was unwilling to shell out upwards of forty dollars for the double-disc. Lo and behold, Permanent Records had a copy in near mint condition for less than half of what it had been priced elsewhere. I'm no vinyl expert, but to me - this was a major score. It was a year-long hunt. Call off the search party. We got 'em.Listed in: One Stop Record Shops
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Review from Roni S.
Brooklyn, NY
6/19/2010
Permanent is a great small record shop in Greenpoint. I know that Academy Annex on N6th is widely considered to be the best in Brooklyn, but Permanent really holds its own. Any time I go to Greenpoint, I'll stop at Permanent for an hour or so to paw through the bins. I've passed by Academy plenty of times because I didn't want the overwhelming task of searching their mammoth collection. Sometimes smaller is better.
The shop is well organized, with a diverse selection of reasonably priced new and used material. I've found that the staff is friendly and committed to music; there's always something new and interesting on the platter. I know that people unfairly dislike many of these smaller shops for not having the largest or "best" selection. However, I have noticed that it is the smaller shops I frequent more, both out of convenience and the fact that I don't need to commit an entire afternoon for a visit.
Support your local record store! -
Review from DJ M.
Astoria, NY
7/13/2010
I stopped in yesterday after reading some reviews on here and am definitely stopping in again. I went mainly looking to purchase older 12 inch singles but they also had a cd/dvd section I never had to time to check out. But, I tend to agree with a lot of the other reviewers in many regards so here were my observations:
Pros:
1. Friendly staff that greeted me when I walked in and then went out of their way to try to find a record for me I had only heard briefly and knew part of the name. They also tipped me off to their sale bins I overlooked and came away with some choice tunes.
2. Records and store were pretty clean.
3. Reasonable prices and a lot in their just in Bin for 12 inch singles were about $3 each. Some interesting finds in their special $1 dollar bin in which some were 3 for $1.
4. There's a listening station to preview your LP's except sealed and $1 bin.
5. They had some great tunes playing while I shopped.
Cons: I don't really have anything negative to say about the place. Given it's a relatively small shop, it has much smaller and limited collection compared to some other places (which is the only thing holding me back from giving permanent 5 stars). Even though this is the case, I have a feeling every time I go back I'll be leaving with some nice finds!
-MisterBside -
Review from Brook Lynn B.
Brooklyn, NY
1/24/2008
Thanks for coming to Greenpoint, Permanent Records :D
They have plentiful used bins and some freebies, too. And in a borough of hipster madness, the women who run the store were really down-to-earth and damn cool.
I found that Momus album that I lost when my computer crashed....yay!! -
Review from Jason D.
Brooklyn, NY
7/13/2011
Don't go here for the used stuff because it's really just fair - a lot of 12 inches nobody wants or classic rock records that are over priced and easy to find elsewhere. What Permanent do well are new releases and they stock plenty of them both in vinyl and cd. It's a great neighborhood shop with a friendly staff.
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Review from Rob M.
Brooklyn, NY
12/5/2010
This is a great record store. One of the top selections in the city that stocks a wide array of interesting (typical and not so typical) new releases. They always have a decent and usually interesting selection of used vinyl and cds as well.
I love that they also welcome dogs. -
Review from Michael Z.
Ridgewood, Queens, NY
1/6/2011
Went in to use the Groupon they put up ($10 for $20 worth! A drop in the ocean, but ten bucks is ten bucks!) and had a very pleasant experience.
Their selection is about 90% rock and roll, so don't expect to find your obscure German electronica 12" or more than a row of hip hop. But while digging through the new arrivals of used records, I was able to find some great, rare records at a very fair price. They clean each record before putting it on the shelves, and if you still hear some cracks at the listening station, they'll clean it again without question. Their selection of new releases is small, but well selected. And the guy behind the counter was very helpful in helping me locate a couple titles.
Didn't really look at the CDs or other equipment. They have a small selection of turntables (priced between $90 and $250), nothing for the hardcore audiophiles, but good enough for the casual listeners.
Overall great record shop. It may be small, but it has a lot of personality.
Oh! And they have releases from Mississippi Records that aren't insanely marked up! That alone is worth the trip. -
Review from Yow L.
Brooklyn, NY
11/9/2010
An intimate record store that constantly has new things to look at. Lots of records have detailed descriptions, that you could spend many hours reading (guilty). ALSO, the records are always cheaper than other stores, and the people are so nice. How do they do it? Magic.
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Review from Paul L.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2008
So far the best, most inviting vinyl store in New York I've found.
They offer fair prices on trade-ins (I always go for credit), there's a decent set up available to test out everything but sealed new LPs and $1 bin stuff, and it's in a great, laidback location. It's also one of the cleanest record stores you'll ever see. The bins are easy to rifle through and you don't have to hack up dust bunnies when you leave. -
Review from J R.
Brooklyn, NY
3/21/2011
Down the street from my house, great prices you won't find in Manhattan, good selection of everything you're looking for and great random stuff you didn't realize you were looking for, friendly employees and clean. Yes.
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Review from Helena F.
Brooklyn, NY
2/13/2011
Excellent record store with quality used records. I would normally scoff at buying a $10 used record but at Permanent records, I know it is worth it.
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Review from Philip S.
Flushing, NY
8/5/2009
Have you ever been to Academy records? Or at least reviews about it? Well Permanent Records is quite like it in many ways. They have a varied selection of genres and quality records, ranging from new and used, and high priced rare records to cheap priced records as well. They similarly have a friendly staff as well. In fact, Academy and Permanent so alike that they even use the same price stickers!
So if you're a big music fan with knowledge of many genres, then at Permanent and Academy you're probably going to see a lot of interesting (in the good way) records, and more than likely will be taking a couple of those home with you too! -
Review from Allison B.
New York, NY
9/2/2010
For someone like me going to a record store where nobody makes fun of my lack of knowledge. These people want you to buy a good album for not too much money and they are there to help you. THe best service I have gotten in a record store ever!
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Review from Troy B.
Brooklyn, NY
7/9/2009
I can usually always find what I'm looking for at Permanent without the pretentious nonsense dished by other establishments. I never understood the cooler than thou attitude that many record store clerks employ---you're doing a teenager's job.
Feels like a record store should. -
Review from Gabriel A.
Brooklyn, NY
1/23/2009
my favorite record store in Brooklyn. Not tons of stuff, but they stock pretty great titles. If they don't have something, they will order it and let you know as soon as its in.
Everyone who works there is also super nice. No stereotypical music snobbery here. Also always willing to recommend something awesome. I live in Bushwick and trek it out to Greenpoint at least once a week just to see if anything new is in. -
Review from Ness L.
Brooklyn, NY
7/24/2011
u know what...i like this place. its got a pretty nice selection of eclectic stuff without the pretentious vibe. i also like its little secluded location. it's fun to hit this area and get some pickle soup at one of the polish restaurants, then to peter pan bakery...then you're good and ready for some record shopping there. u should do that.
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Review from Christine O.
Brooklyn, NY
6/28/2007
This store and my store are friends. We use to share a space in Long Island and now we've both relocated to fabulous Franklin Street in Greenpoint. The owner, Marjorie, knows everything there is to know about music and you can always find something new and great or have her order what you don't find. Check it out!
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Review from Beatrice W.
New York, NY
5/25/2007 1 photo
Finally that OPEN board is up !!! The store is light and bright, always something interesting playing in the background, thousands of CD, Vinyl and video. A huge selection of Rock but other choice as well, I even discovered a small but excellent selection of French musicians. Best of luck to this friendly team of music lover, another fun destination on Franklin Street , making Greenpoint even more desirable.
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Review from Daniel K.
Brooklyn, NY
3/5/2009
Again the detractor, this shop is alright but not great, for a small space they have a decent selection and they do have sales bins where you can usually find a deal, but the chance of you stumbling across a real gem seems low and the small size doesn't enable for enough variety. They will order something if it is in print or they can get it, which is a plus, the staff is also pretty laid back, which can be, but is not always somewhat of a rarity in NYC record shops.
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Review from Jenny M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/19/2007
Updated update: I received a very kind message from the owner of Permanent Records apologizing for the credit-card-minimum incident. It was super nice, and I just want everyone to know that I think it's a great shop, have been in there since the incident, and would never not go there because of what happened. Please keep supporting your local independent stores!
Update: at first I gave Permanent Records five stars for being so awesome. The other day, however, I browsed for a good amount of time, having decided ahead of time that I would allow myself to buy just one CD. Finally I decided on a used CD that was $7.99. I had no cash, so I proceeded to take out a card and was informed that there was a $15(!) minimum for a credit card purchase. Rather than buying two used CDs for $7.99, my cheap ass decided I would spoil myself with one brand new CD that I had been itching to get. With tax, the total came to something like $14.09. The woman working there would not allow that to be close enough to $15. So, I said forget it, and I left. Ridiculous. So yes, it costs businesses money to use credit cards, there are fees and charges and all that jazz. I know this. I also happened to work in a record store in SF where the minimum was $10. If you are going to make the minimum $15, then, and I hate to say this, why do you make even your new CDs less than that including tax? Is it really fair to gouge your customer for another entire CD? I just think it's pretty unethical.
In the age when the fate of the indie record store hangs in the balance, it's encouraging to see devoted music afficionados dedicated to keeping vinyl spinning and real, actual CDs in players.
This little store offers an amazing selection and a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere (read: no music snobbery to keep you at bay!). They have rented a great space on Franklin, in an up-and-coming area in Greenpoint, and I hope that locals and local hipsters alike will patronize Permanent Records. -
Review from Greg H.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2010
Permanent is a real hold out of old school selection, atmosphere and service. They keep a nice balance of right priced vinyl. I always find some great $1 singles for DJing (no crowd hates on KC & The Sunshine Band after a bunch of drinks) and its my go to joint for new releases too.
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Review from Mathew P.
Akron, OH
1/21/2009
It seems like i only write reviews for places I like lol. Well this is no exception. I have been living in greenpoint for almost a year now and in the past two years i had frequented this shop on many occasions. The major thing i love is the fact that they are not music snobs here. You would expect it being so close to williamsburg but not once have i gotten a sneer nor glare for the records i ask about. They have a large stock of every style of music you could want and the best part is... If they don't have it they take the time while you are there to look it up and order it for you. I try to throw as much business their way as possible. This place is what records stores used to be before hipsters thought it would be cool to own one of their own... check it out!!!!
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Review from Cass A.
Brooklyn, NY
9/3/2009
I love this place. I thought the selection was awesome and the records were reasonably priced. The people that work there were nice and helpful. I found 5 records that I've been looking for in great condition all for under 20 bucks. That has never happened to me in my entire life.
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Review from Ben S.
Brooklyn, NY
11/2/2009
One of the warmest, best stocked vinyl shops I've seen in NYC. Great selection, fair prices, friendly help. The kind of shop you visit once a month just to see what great new stuff has come in. In a city full of overpriced, messy record shops, this place is the gold standard.
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Review from Tom P.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 3/26/2009
My love for this shop was renewed again last Friday when they called to tell me they got in a record they thought I might be looking for. I love the personal touch these people give, and I'm really happy to support them. For my full write up go here: http://gprecs.com/2009...
Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2008
I love this place...great staff, and selection...check out my full review here:
… Read more »
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Review from n g.
New York, NY
1/9/2011
This place is what good independent record stores are all about, and it's woman-owned which I think is kinda extra cool. Not a huge inventory but all good stuff and really fair prices. Staff are nice, knowledgable and attitude-free....unlike some other well-known NYC record shops. Oh and it's clean so you don't need to take a bath after flipping through the stacks there.
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Review from Anthony M.
Brooklyn, NY
9/18/2010
I was a seller/buyer of some vinyls at this place and here are my thoughts.I have encountered 3 different employees while visiting this shop and I have to say Ron was by far the most friendliest and most helpful,while the other 2 employees(didnt care to bother for their names)came off as very unfriendly and snarly. The store itself is nice I would say 3/4 of its inventory is based on Used album/cd's which was surprising when they severely understated the price of my classic records I was selling them(but its a recession so I needed the cash). I would say if you are looking for an occasional gem check this place out otherwise you would do well to maybe check out elsewhere.
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Review from Matt J.
New York, NY
2/10/2009
Nicest owners that I've ever met in the record stores of NYC... the folks at Eat are great too - but I got a nice first timers discount at this place. Just wish that people would sell them some Buddy Holly soon.
