Decided to stop and look around while in Durham - very cool store. Definitely a lot of music selection, free posters, free punk magazines and fanzines. Store has the musty, crunchy vibe you'd expect and it really suits the store. Employee that rang us up was very friendly and thanked us for stopping in. If you're looking for obscure albums, they might have it! Almost an overwhelming selection, very unusual bands, too. Worth stopping in. I believe they buy your used music items as well and offer cash/value towards purchases. Bummer we missed the store dog, though! read more

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Awesome selection of vinyls with a friendly and efficient customer service! There is a comfortable sofa if you would like to rest. The staff greeted customers kindly and make them feel their business was appreciated. We bought two records. The 2019 Spring sampler of Merge records was offered graciously. It was easy to park on the shopping center parking lot. This famous store is located near the Quickly Tea House and the Rumors hair studio. read more

Stopped by because I wanted to start collecting vinyls. It was a loooot for a newbie like me but I enjoyed the atmosphere. This place also has everything! CD's, vinyl's, vinyl players, cassettes, etc. There were so many different bands/genres you could get as well. The music playing was also really good as well. read more

Guy at the counter lost out on a sale due to his attitude. I stumbled upon a Pre-Revolution Iranian Psychedelic record that was a whopping $60. Now, my family is Persian and I knew this record would be fun to play for my father. It would make his day! I did, however, feel the price was a bit steep. So I did my research. Amazingly enough, Amazon had the exact record with Prime Shipping for only $25. Why not buy it online, you might be asking? Well, I want to support localism. I love mom and pop record shops and I want to give them my money versus a shopping giant like Amazon. But $60 to $25 is a big difference. So I go up to the counter with the record and this young guy asks if I want to check the record out and I ask if there's a way to maybe go down on the price a bit, considering online is 50% cheaper. Now I'm not talking lowering the price to $25 but maybe $50, $45? $40 the least. Something? Nope. The guy laughed at me and goes, "Buy it online then..." What? I'm sorry but what makes this record so popular? You mean to tell me someone is going to drive to pick up a pre-revolution Iranian belly dancing party record and pay a whopping $60 when it's $25 online? The guy was acting like I had a huge record in my hands. Like it was in high demand. It wasn't whatsoever. This isn't a Billie Eilish record. Girls aren't going to be lined up outside begging for this record. It's really nothing. The whole thing kinda bugged me. His whole demeanor, the way he barely acknowledged me and the pricing. I was pretty straight forward and said, "Hey man even $10 off I'll do it. I want to support you guys." And he just shook his head and said no while going back to look at his MacBook. Guy was a downright jerk and lost out on a sale big time. I had 3 other records in my hand ready to check out along with it. I walked out and put all of them down and left. It's hard to support localism when localism doesn't support you. I did buy the record on Amazon. Was it worth $60? No. It was worth the $25 to put a smile on my father's face. But it also was worth knowing how this place treats customers. read more

Lovely shop, amazing selection of both new and used, nice folks... I'll be back often. Such a great change from the all-too-usual collection of someone's old Uriah Heap records. On our first foray we walked away with a double-vinyl Radiohead OK Computer, classic albums in great shape by Bruce Cockburn and Randy Newman, a set of collaborations by M. Ward that I'd never heard of, and a nostalgic Pat Benatar record that was the first vinyl I ever owned as a kid. This is the kind of place you want to hang out, ask questions, listen before you buy, etc. Next time I'm allotting more time to dig through the jazz and folk sections. read more

Is this a joke? No reviews for Chaz's Bull City Records??? Come on people! This is Durham's own hometown record store. There's always a friendly dog in the corner, a couch to sink into and a wall of new releases to tempt you. Chaz himself is a delight who always makes less-than-hip people like me feel comfortable in his little store. He's got great suggestions for new (and not-so-new) music that you will love but might have missed otherwise. If you saw it on Pitchfork, Chaz has it. And if it isn't on Pitchfork yet (or ever), Chaz probably has that too. Or he'll order it for you :) read more

Chaz's Bull City Records - They're open! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

They lost out on a sale. The guy behind the counter was looking at one of the records I was about to purchase and his handling of the discs were mindbogglingly atrocious for someone (a record store employee) you would assume knows how to handle records. He plunked the disc down on his keyboard of the computer there just letting it slide all over. It started because I mentioned something about a scratch... a scratch with which he tested its depth with his bare fingers rubbing all over it. My mind was blown. He asks, "do you still want to get it?" Haha... no thanks. Not anymore. I couldn't believe how abusive this guy was. I was honestly mad. I couldn't believe that a record store employee just rubbed his dirty fingers all over a disc I asked about. I immediately regretted even saying anything. He was also very rude and copped and attitude with me. I let that slide because I can handle myself and don't get easily offended... but I can't let his record handling slide. It was a guy with glasses, hipster looking. Don't know his name, BUT HE NEEDS TO BE TRAINED! Someone please show this man how to properly handle discs (especially ones that someone else may or may not be purchasing). read more

Great selection of new vinyl in a variety of musical styles and categories. Also a wide selection of used records, CDs, accessories, and Chaz will always order something for you if he doesn't have it in stock in the store. A great record store by any measure. Lots of cool records, a neat vibe, and easy to get to. I think it is important to mention here that while BCR is a cool store, you don't need to feel intimidated about shopping there if you're a vinyl novice or new to records or don't really know what kind of music you like. Chaz is approachable and friendly and does a great job of answering questions, no matter how small or inconsequential you think they might be. Definitely a great reason to shop at this fantastic store. read more

Being a Raleigh girl I've been accustomed to going to SchoolKids for all my musical advancements for years. That is until I complained about their shitty, pretentious (all while clueless) staff and a good friend sent me to Durham to find Chaz. What a great day that was! Chaz was probably the nicest guy I've ever met at a record store. All of his suggestions turned out to be perfect for what I was searching for and what I did go in there wanting he was very knowledgeable of (which has never happened at SchoolKids). I hate to admit it but I'll probably never step foot in SK again. I will willingly make the drive to Durham and if they don't have what I'm looking for I'll have him order it and drive back for it. It was truly that good of an experience. read more

Great selection, and Chaz's knowledge of music is unsurpassed. He makes incredible recommendations based on what you like. He hasn't been wrong yet! And you always see Chaz out at local shows. He's super friendly and approachable no matter how much you know or don't know. It's well worth going to see Chaz, and not buying on iTunes. read more

I ordered a record online and they shipped it right away, it was well packaged and arrived in perfect condition. I highly recommend them for online sales. read more

Bull City Records is everything you'd want in an independent record store. Chaz keeps his shelves stocked with almost anything you're looking for, and whatever's not on the shelves will be there in just a couple of days. What really makes his place special is, of course, Chaz's impeccable taste and all around awesomeness. He's done so much for the local music scene -- opened a performance space/bike co-op (Bull City HQ), started a label (BCR) -- and you may even meet local celebs (e.g. Dan Melchior) when you stop by. Be sure to check out the website for new releases and local shows. I guess the best endorsement I can give is the fact that even though I moved across the country, I still mail order stuff from Chaz. Because he's the man. read more

Stumbled about Chaz's when we were heading to Locopops. Decided to take a look inside since my dad collects records and I thought it would be a nice souvenir. I don't see a lot of record store places like these. Maybe they're more popular in NC? But I don't see any in NYC and even if I did, it definitely wouldn't be at these prices. For a total of $7 for used records, I nabbed a Rod Stewart, BeeGees, and Carpenters vinyl. If the oldies are not your style, they even have newer music on record - yes, I'm talking about my girl Tay Tay. Unfortunately, I probably won't be back since I don't live in the area. But if you know someone who loves old (and new) vinyls, you should definitely bring him/her here! read more

Was in there last week and the used stuff was pretty low grade. They need to decide if they're a thrift store or a record store. If it's the latter then go out and find good stuff to put in the bins. Look for personal collections for sale, estate sales etc. I have had good experiences in the past so I don't want seem like I'm crucifying them. read more

Friendly, knowledgeable staff (Chaz and puppy).Good prices. Great vinyl/cd selection of local and national acts. What more would you want from your neighborhood record store?! More than that, Chaz is simply one of the most genuine human beings I have met and a man who loves what he does. Don't know what you want that day? Like a trained sommelier, Chaz can recommend you something amazing if you let him know what tickles your palate. AND he never comes of as pretentious. Although he might not have as big of a vinyl selection on hand as School Kids or CD Alley, you simply can't beat Chaz's customer service. Just don't come looking for that new J. Biebz album. read more

Killer selection here. The stacks are well organized and the place homely. Perfect for anyone looking to peruse some vinyl. The new section is the strength of the store. Well stocked in every band you've never heard of but should totally hear. I wasn't looking for anything specific, but during my short stop I overheard some heavy vinyl knowledge behind the counter. Always a good sign! I of course, did not leave empty handed! read more

Passing through. Good reviews, so stopped for a look. Disappointing. Weak vintage stock. Better material overpriced. Unclear what's where. Aloof staff person blaring song about male genitalia. Uncomfortable. Won't return. read more

Highly Recomend. Was calling around for a new or used version of Quicksilver Messenger Service Happy Trails. Didn't have it, but he was so helpful that I ordered it from him rather than Amazon. Brought me all the way to 9th St Durham from Chapel Hill. The store has vinyl as well as CDs and is a place to browse. Lot's of local music. While you are there, check out the Regulator Book Store around the corner and the rest of 9th St for the full Durham experience. Jim read more

Many, many kudos to Chaz at Bull City for holding down such a great stop for new vinyl in Durham. If I'm ever ready to take the plunge and buy a brand spankin' new record instead of my usual dusty grooves, I can almost always find the release I'm looking for at Bull City. If not, I'll usually mention it and it'll magically appear in the stacks a couple weeks later! Chaz also maintains a blog with overviews of each week's top new releases with links to full-length streams, as well as great re-stock updates that almost always make me get in my car and drive over. His Twitter feed is great too. Look it up! The used section has some surprises from time to time but isn't really anything to write home about. The latest and hippest (as well as some choice reissues) is where Bull City shines and I love it for that. read more

What a great place with a great selection. , I wish it was closer to my town . Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

I absolutely love this store! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of all genres of music. They have an amazing selection and are very expedient in handling special orders. Plus it smells like vinyl in there which is wonderfully INTOXICATING! read more

Great used selection - not the biggest used selection in the area, but it's quality over quantity for sure. I pretty much always find something good in the used bins. The new vinyl selection is unparalleled as well. It's a pretty good bet they've got what you're looking for in the new vinyl department read more

I live in New York City, where you may have heard there are a few record stores around. But I make it a point to go to Bull City and spend freely every time I'm remotely in the vicinity of Durham, North Carolina. Chaz is a musical expert with a broad range of knowledge who consistently buys in the releases that people are going to want. Besides that, he's a great guy and always up for talking about music. Newbies need not be intimidated, and vinyl addicts will find a kindred spirit. Completely amazing how much is packed into this relatively compact space. One of the real treasures of Durham - wish it had been in town when I lived there! read more

Nolan you're the man. This is a great record store. I'm definitely big into searching for used vinyls and this place is a a goldmine for that. Found a few records I was looking for at a good price and a few new listens that were recommended. Cool place, will be back when I come back to Durham. read more

Chaz is the most approachable, friendly, and down to earth guy who also happens to sell amazing records. This place is awesome. Records are fairly priced and invariably Chaz will be there behind the counter ready to talk music or just about anything else. His dog is every bit as friendly as Chaz :) A solid 5 star establishment and a cornerstone in the Durham music scene. read more

we visited bull city records this weekend while spending some time in durham and i have to say, this was probably my favorite record store i've been in. it's small, but each selection is present for a reason; there's no fluff. i've been in a music rut, and i asked chaz for some recommendations. he was super nice, super knowledgeable, and he hooked me up with some new lps. i will most definitely be back whenever in durham. read more

Seriously one of the best record stores I have been to. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Tons of vinyl, friendly staff and great dogs! If you are looking for vinyl and in the area, you have to check this place out. Picked up the Mount Moriah LP and loved it! Thanks again. read more

Excellent vinyl store with a large amount of new stuff. Some CDs (used) are also for sale, but the lack of organization (and my already massive collection) did not motivate me to sift through what was there. The selection of new vinyl is large and spans the majority of the small store, but it leans mostly toward indie rock with a few other genre selections as well (Hip Hop). With the vinyl resurgence in full mode now- I did not see many reissues of mainstream classics (but you can find those at your local Barnes & Noble now - so maybe that is not the kind of store he is wanting to be). For me, the dollar bins on the floor were where it was at. There was no organization (is it wrong to want to reorganize as you sift through?) but I still found TONS of things that I could not pass up. Once I got them home, I found that most of them are in excellent condition (worth far more than $1) with only a few in poor condition (but still worth my $1 easily). The service is friendly and top notch. This is the type of store I am happy to support. I just might only plan to dive into the clearance bin on subsequent visits to the area. read more

Great record store with the most helpful staff I have ever dealt with. They are always willing to help or offer a recommendation. If they don't have it they will always offer to order it, or if the hunt is your thing, wish you luck finding it. Best selection of music from local groups in the Triangle. I never leave empty handed. read more

Wonderful record shop, with outstanding service. Seriously, I have never been treated so nicely by someone who runs a record shop. They won't snub you or try to make you feel small here. Instead I had a nice chat and I learned a few things that were helpful to me. It is small and packed with both new and used stuff. I took some LPs in to sell and was pleasantly surprised that they took all of them except one. I have also purchased used records from them, and they were in very nice condition. Highly recommend. read more