The Vinyl Tourist Visits New York's Capital Region

Once unusually rich in used record shops, the selection has dwindled following the national trend. The recent closing of Central Station due to the owner's failing health was a major loss (that's what happens when you chain smoke 3 packs a day for 30 years). However, Last Vestige continues as a first class source for collectibles.

Be aware that most of these stores are closed on Sunday, so call in advance if your time is limited.

In need of a local map? Try Google Maps.

Finally, if you haven't already done so, please read the Vinyl Tourist's Caveat.

1. Last Vestige Music Shop
   173 Quail Street
   Albany, NY 12203
   (518) 432-7736
   
   

   The Last Vestige Music Shop is the type of store that record collectors dream about. Brightly lit racks, neatly sorted and alphabetized with lots of obscure goodies and no shortage of vinyl. In fact there is a "Vinyl Only" back room full of 45s, jazz, and exotica which is only matched by the well-stocked front room. None of this even hints at the overstock contained in the store's basement and in owner Jim Furlong's home. But you'll have to ask, since these areas are off-limits to the public. Prices vary, with more common items at below average and obscure and rare pop and rock at the higher end of the scale. Jazz and classical records are priced average to below. Here I found two of Irish singer Mary Black's early LP's on her own Dara label for $2 each, and some rare Doug Sahm material (Rough Edges, Groover's Paradise, etc.) in the $15 range. Check the ad in Metroland for the occational 25% off sale or the local Yellow Pages for a 20% off coupon. There is also a smaller satellite store in Saratoga Springs.
    
   

2. The River Street Beat Shop
   197 River Street
   Troy, NY 12180
   (518) 272-0433

   
   

   Owner Jim Barrett's newest retail incarnation (he owned the late Positively 3rd Street, a few blocks away) is an airy storefront in Troy's antique district, just north of Russell Sage College. Specializing in the new and obscure, the fare is an eclectic mix with attractive prices. Listeners to Kaleidescope, Jim's long-time radio show on WRPI-FM, know that this is a place where anything's bound to turn up. Live music is in the house on Saturdays; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

   
   

3. Joseph Custom Tailor
   795 Madison Avenue
   Albany, NY 12208
   (518) 463-4972

   The record business is nothing if not eclectic. This store is the self-described "Home of the $1 Record" and a place where you can get your pants altered while you browse the bins. There's a good stock of back issue magazines with music related articles, too, including Playboy. (You are buying that issue for the John Lennon Interview, aren't you?)

4. Andy's Front Hall
   Wormer Road (turn on to Front Hall Lane, 3 miles west of Route 155)
   Vooreesville, NY 12186
   (518) 765-4193

   Andy's is a folk-oriented shop which specializes in traditional and acoustic music. The fare is mostly CD's and cassettes, but a few LP's are available, mainly on Andy's own "Front Hall" label. Instructional books and videos, too. Weekend hours are limited, so it's best to call ahead.

5. Audio Underground
   180 Jefferson Street
   Albany, NY 12210
   (518) 426-1339

   Strictly techno, grunge, punk, and thrash. 12-inch dance singles and related items. A perfect hangout for the Hardcore enthusiast!

6. Mr. Bill's CD's
   681 New Loudon Road (Route 9, just north of the Latham traffic circle)
   Latham, NY 12110
   (518) 783-8067

   A refugee from both the doomed Northway Mall in Colonie and the (now) resurrected Clifton Country Mall in Clifton Park, Mr. Bill's has a selection that is small, but energetic. There's a row of $1 LPs in the front and another section (at regular prices) in the back. Though mostly populated with the usual pop and rock suspects, the latter is worth a look if you're into jazz. There's also an unusually large selection of "bootleg" CDs, featuring out-takes and concerts by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and so on, mainly in the $25-$45 price range.

7. Blue Note Record Shop
   156 Central Avenue
   Albany, NY 12206
   (518) 462-0221

   Founded in 1948, Blue Note only sells new records, mainly 45 rpm re-issues, and specializes in jazz, pop, and rock-n-roll. It is not set-up for browsing, however--you have to know what you want and ask for it at the front counter. A cozy anachonism in today's high-tech world.

8. Edie's CD's
   76 Exchange Street
   Albany, NY 12205
   (518) 437-1981
   

   Edie's might best be characterized as the "garage sale at the mall." Despite the "CD's" in the name, there is actually a large selection of vinyl to be found here, mainly the sort of easy-listening and hard-rock LPs that dominate tag sales. Although a sign says that pricing is based on the Goldmine Guide (which means they're often too high), many records are unpriced and one should be prepared to negotiate at the register. Also, genres tend to be jumbled together so that classical, exotica, and pop records are all grouped alphabetically in the same bin. Worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood.

9. Music Shack
   1272 Central Avenue
   Albany, NY 12205
   (518) 436-4581

   After a hiatus of many months, the Music Shack is back. As with most shops, CDs rule, but in their earlier location I did manage to find several out of print gems on vinyl. Specialties are punk, indie, and other pop genres, including 12" singles.

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