Small shop, with a decent variety. Seemed to have far more CDs than vinyl which surprised me. Most of the vinyl seemed like it was added in where ever it could fit, most of the bins were so tightly packed you could hardly flip through. I think a bit of organization would go a long way to make an easier shopping experience. Glad I finally stopped in and certainly could have left with more than I did. read more

Really nice shop. Stuff old, stuff new. The lady running the shop was happy to let me fumble around until I found stuff I didn't know I was looking for. Organized-ish, but I did like that I had to get into the stacks and hunt. Was rewarded for my efforts, and priced reasonably so. read more

I had not been here in a while. That won't happen again. Amazing place great prices and the owner I am sorry I forgot her name but awesome. One of the shorelines best kept secret!! Super cool read more

Amazing store with an INSANE collection. They have a MILLION albums, cds, posters, dvds, stickers, shirts. Albums from GG Allin, Stones, Iggy Pop, Ramones, Cream, Frank Zappa, and EVERY OTHER GOOD BAND TO EXIST. Like a candy store but for music. EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE HERE. read more

Exile On Main St - Sticker, picks, shirt - Music & DVDs Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

The woman there is always very nice, especially if she can tell you're a music fan. Huge selection to comb through, and decent value overall. Definitely worth the drive for us. read more

I haven't bought a new CD in a while but I still prefer physical media, and I would rather buy locally whenever possible . This is a great store that stocks practically everything, I picked up the new YES album, and I was astonished at the price-$14.95! This is what CD's cost 40 years ago! Please patronize this business, they are a welcome oasis in a dying breed...... read more

Best record store around, Paula the owner is fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable, doesn't wait a second greeting and asking if there's anything you need. Great environment, great prices just an all around great store, I even find myself making up excuses to have to go there haha, My go to 100% read more

I've been an avid record store geek for the past several years, and on a whim one day some friends and I decided to go to Exile in Branford. And it was a phenomenal decision. The place is small but welcoming, I find myself handing over money unnecessarily to indie record stores, and Exile really has all the kind of charm that woos you into forking over a few bucks. They have everything that makes a record store feel like a place you want to go to. A staff that will engage in conversation about new releases as well as classics, and inform you that something new is coming out without sounding like they're just trying to snag your money. Right in the middle of the store is their discount bin, which is filled with cheap treasures that make weeding through them a fun chore. The back corner is packed with GIANT promo posters, new vinyl and t-shirts. The store really does take advantage of its size. There are also a ton of fun music knick knacks too, vinyl dolls and bobbleheads, patches, stickers, pins...necessary items for collectors, and nothing is that ridiculously priced. It's an easy way to kill an hour on any given day, and I can't give these guys enough props because they are always so nice to me. I love Exile. Period. read more

I should start by telling you that I'm biased. The Rolling Stones are my favorite band and have been for nearly 20 years. While the Stones had so many amazing albums (Sticky Fingers, Goat's Head Soup, Tattoo You to name a few), there's something about Exile on Main St. that puts it above all the rest in my eyes. I'm still talking about the album, not the store, but we'll get to that. Every friggin' song on the album is just perfect, if you ask me. The album gets 5 stars. I could not imagine a better name for a music/record store on Main Street than Exile on Main St. I've been going to this place since I first heard about it, which was probably sometime in 1999 or 2000. A pretty hardcore Stones fan, I purchased most of my Stones albums (CD's) from them. Over the years, I've actually purchased the album Exile on Main St. from the store Exile on Main St. twice. The first time around, I listened to it so much over the years before I had a six CD changer, it got all scratched and marred and messed up, had to buy a new one. Then the "new one" was lost somehow after playing that one several more years. I've got other albums like Sticky Fingers and Let It Bleed in my CD changer to tide me over, but it's not enough. Getting ready to head back to Exile to buy Exile again. Despite that I buy a lot of my books of Amazon, Exile on Main St. is still my first go-to when it comes to buying a new CD. In fact, I don't think I've ever purchased CD's off of Amazon. Exile isn't too big, but they've got just about all the music you might be looking for. They also have a Used CD section (I think they still have it, I've only bought new CD's there for at least a few years) that I used to look through every time. The Used CD section had/has a lot of good stuff, but I'd rather buy new these days. In all these years going to Exile on Main St. I've never had a single problem there until recently. Every other time I've ever been in the shop, there was a woman behind the counter and she was always friendly and helpful enough...but the last time I went into Exile, I noted there was a different person (a man) behind the counter. I hadn't seen him before. I don't know if there's new ownership now? Anyway, I spent a few minutes looking for a specific CD and was unable to find it. I walked up to the counter and stood there while the man who was running the place was intently focused, looking down at his Smartphone and texting, or playing games, or whatever, and didn't look up at me once. Standing four feet from him, nothing but a low counter between us, I was in full and immediate view of him. I stood there looking directly at him and waited patiently for at least 2 or 3 minutes before he looked up at me and asked if I needed help. From there, he did get up, walked over to the appropriate section, looked, and told me he was out of that CD, but added that he'd be getting it in about 2 or 3 days. I thanked him and left and told him I'd be back...but I never went back. After leaving, the whole experience left me kinda soured and I very nearly jumped on Amazon to buy the CD, however I do plan to go back to Exile to buy it. Eventually. It's been months and I'm still in no hurry. When I do return, if I have a similar experience again, I'll probably start doing my music shopping on Amazon instead. It's sad...I really like the place, but at least on Amazon, I don't have to patiently stand still and wait while feeling like a dope. After all these years, I don't feel one bad experience should impact my review too much, but if I have a have a similar experience the next time I'm in there, I may have to adjust the star rating I've given them and possibly stop going there. All things considered, Exile on Main St. the store is great otherwise! read more

I'm about 10 min from Exile, so it's my only truly regular record store stop (even though it's not a bona-fide "record store" by my definition in that vinyl accounts for about 25% of the merchandise). Anyway, I'm a vinylophobe, and my rating is based on the LP portion of the store, and the experience of shopping for such antiquities. That said I don't even bother with the CDs and DVDs that take up the whole front of the store - I jet past the concert tee's and Beatles mugs (cool) straight to the back where the LP racks lurk, and where, in some twisted version of 1980, I am 14 again (yet bald). As I am usually rushed when I visit, I get down to it and can usually do a quick scan and find something cool in under 1/2 hour. Exile has a decent selection of mostly 70s and 80s pop and rock LPs that seems to be slowly multiplying (probably my own sell-backs!). They also have several somewhat pricey racks of new vinyl. For those who have the time and guile to get low for 20 minutes and squint at the tiny spines that line the floor racks, they may be rewarded for their knee pain (the floor is not carpeted). Yes, those of you who are astute guessed one of my criticisms: aside from needing more rack space, they could do a better job of organizing the vinyl in that area. That and the fact that they are sometimes less than enthusiastic about buying used records (how do THEY know that I don't have an original copy of Elvis "Loving You" in near mint condition lurking in my pile???), but that said it's a good little store that appears to be holding steady in tough financial times, and I will continue to support them as my "Hometown Shop." The prices are very reasonable on most used LPs, just don't go in expecting an un-peeled butcher cover and you'll be happy. Exhile is a refreshing respite in an area that sorely needs more of it's ilk. Oh and there's a guitar shop, and a great bakery in the same plaza...so you can fill out your 80's Stones collection and grab a whoopie pie for the road - all for under $20. Now that's satisfaction. read more

Named after a legendary album by the Stones, Exile on Main Street has made a pretty good name for themselves over the years as well. Music shops like this are an extreme rarity now, which is really sad. I love coming here, even if I'm paying a few bucks extra for a CD. As soon as you walk in, it smells like a record store should; old vinyl and incense. The staff here is really helpful and often give you freebies such as posters on your way out. For instance, I recently purchased the Pearl Jam Twenty soundtrack, and I asked the person behind the counter if they had any extra promo posters for the album laying around. Sure enough, they had a whole stack, so he gave me 3. Little things like that are what keep me coming back. Not to mentioned they usually sell new released the Friday prior to its release, which, if you're like me and can't wait to get your hands on your favorite bands new album, is a huge perk. They also have a good selection of vinyl here in the back room. They are priced pretty fair on top of it. Don't be afraid to ask for any of the promo stuff you see laying around of a band you may like. These guys will help you out. Very cool little spot. read more

I like Exile. As a teenager, I used to go in there all the time because they had a great selection of used CD's. They carry a lot more of the obscure stuff plus local talent. I would consider it more of an "underground" shop only because it really has a bit of that head shop feel to it, but the selection is always decent and they also carry new and used vinyl. The CD prices are a bit on the high side, but I think what's really hurting them nowadays is that no one is really buying CD's anymore. One cool thing is that they buy your CD's (if they like them), and give you store credit, which again doesn't really help them out much but if you have a bunch of CD's hanging around that you want to get rid of, usually they will take them for a buck or two per. I'm sure they're struggling to keep up with the mp3 world, though. As I always tell people I know, support your local music shops! They always know exactly what they're selling. read more

Been coming to this store from day 1 even the short lived one by mount Carmel & the other Hamden location. Always been a fan of the store & the people who own & devote their time to this place (Paula & Al )to make me the costumer so happy. I'm a guy who back in the day used to love getting those cd's no one else had , then everyone was able to make them themselves on their computer so they were no longer a big deal. Nowadays I buy strictly vinyl and for nice clean copies of basic rock albums this place does not disappoint! Every once in a while if you dig long enough you'll find a hidden gem in the bins, it's happened to me many times & I love when it does. The prices for the used vinyl is awesome, they are priced exactly right. My only complaint is I wish there was more used vinyl in this store, I have a hard time believing people are still buying cds & DVD's which takes up a large portion of the store , just about anyone with a pc can make both of these formats themselves if they wanted to. I along with many others I spoke to about this store think it has serious potential to become a vinyl haven by replacing those dvds & cds w/ more vinyl & just special order the cds & DVD's if someone wants them. These formats are not coming back with downloading & all. I think it's great they started selling turntables and some speakers, that's the way to go!!! I love this place!!! read more

I've been heading over to Exile on Main for my music since it opened. It's one of the few remaining true "record stores" (actually CD/record/DVD) in the state, surviving through the pressure exerted by iTunes-type music buyers who purchase only the hits in mp3 format. Here's what you're missing if you're only buying mp3 singles or buying at the big box retailers. Selection - Exile offers thousands of titles and artists. The selection may look similar to what's offered by the big boxes, but is in fact much larger. Exile maintains a small stock of each title so you won't see 200 copies of a new release filling the shelves. There's also tons of concert DVD's - remember, you don't know an artist until you see them live. And, if you truly like an artist, you're missing out by not buying their full album to check out the "deeper tracks". Keep in mind that the large retailers are paid to stock certain CD's, so it doesn't pay for them to stock the titles that don't move very quickly. Remember that the country's largest brick and mortar music retailer, Wal Mart, requires censorship of the music they sell. If you think that "bad words" in music will poison your mind or your child's mind, I think you need to step back and look at the world we live in. Cost - I don't want to disagree with my fellow reviewers, but... Exile's prices are consistently lower than the larger retailers. Lower overhead may be the reason. The only time this may not be true is when the big stores are offering new releases at low prices to drive impulse buyers to buy. Have you ever checked the prices for CD's at Best Buy and FYE. If you're lucky you may find a used copy of what you want and save some $. Recommendations/Service - If you're buying a gift or looking for something new for yourself at one of the big retailers who do you ask for a recommendation? When I stared going to Exile I liked the usual popular rock and progressive artists. I knew there were tons of other artists but didn't know where to start. Through Paula's and Al's recommendations I've "discovered" artists hat I never knew existed. How else would I ever have known that Boris, a Japanese experimental/progressive group, existed? But you do need to ask - they won't chase you around while you're browsing asking what you're looking for. If they don't have what you want, special orders arrive in 1-2 days. And, I recommend getting onto their mailing list to help you keep up-to-date on new releases. mp3 - If you really like mp3's - they are easy to put onto your player and you can buy just what you want... check out exileonmain.com. The prices are lower than iTunes - closer to Amazon, and it's really easy to use. Nutshell - If you're a big music fan or casual listener do yourself a solid and check out Exile on Main St. It's all about selection, price and customer service. read more

Hell yea! Customer service is awesome, they'll find a way to get you any record you want, even if it's not publicly sold anymore! They have a tremendous variety, and you get a feeling of a sweet rock music store while in there. If you're a twelve year old girl who likes pop, this isn't the place. If you love rock and records, Exile is heaven!!! Little expensive but it's worth it. read more

I've been a reverential Exile fan since the late 90s and frequented the Branford location constantly. I absolutely loved the now defunct Hamden site as well, especially since I'd lived on Dixwell for a few years. But they provide the increasingly scarce goods. And if you can't find what you want, allow them to order it for you. From goth to metal to blues, there's always something piquant for you in this store. It cleanses the musical palate. Of course, it's comprised mainly of CDs (both new and used) but you can also find an ample amount of vinyl in the back room. You can observe and procure a plethora of "drugs" that are absolutely safe to use: DVDs, t-shirts, posters, magazines, buttons, stickers, patches, incense. They seemingly stock everything that might offer some appeal to a wide cross-section of people, which is a particular element I enjoy about this neat little emporium. Finally, you'll always receive consistently kind, competent customer service. And the prices aren't bad, either! Really, I think you could unearth a cool album for fewer bucks than you could on eBay or Amazon. Try 'em, you'll like 'em! read more

Terrific place to find new and quality used CD's and vinyl! Not only will you find what you're looking for, you will find some great surprises. Remember that band or album you used to love? It's here. Give yourself some time to browse--you won't be disappointed. read more

I was in the area recently and stopped by, hoping that my old friend Exile would still be there. I was thrilled not only that Exile still exists, in a world where most record stores have been replaced by steaming music and mp3, but on two recent visits, I saw both owners working there. I haven't been by in at least 15 years, but have many fond memories of spending countless hours here as a music obsessed teenager. It's so comforting to see that very little has changed; they have a great selection of new and used CDs and vinyl, with special sections for punk, hardcore and local music. They are very helpful and will special order anything you can't find. The prices are totally reasonable- my boyfriend bought a new release for a mere $11.98. I'm so glad when I see indie music stores surviving and thriving, especially one I have such a personal connection to- I hope Exile lives on for many years to come! read more

Best local music shop in there state!! Love this place!! Everyone must go here!! Everything you could want from cds to posters to records!! Friendly staff and an all around great place!!! read more

Forget the mall chains, this place reminds me of the great record stores I used to shop at in San Francisco and Greenwich Village in the 80s and 90s, before the megastores and downloading drove them out. Great selection of new and used CDs and vinyl and good prices. I live about 40 minutes away but it's my go-to store for buying music. read more

do you like good music? ya, i thought so. check this place out - one of the few remaining record stores around, and there is a bakery next door. win-win. read more

Exile is a cool little store! They do have a good selection of Metal CDs and vinyl and that works for me-they are also happy to check on the availability of music they don't have. You don't get that at Best Buy! Also some nice tshirts, posters, pins and other collectibles. There is another store within 3-4 miles of my house, but I'll brave the Q bridge and head over to Exile instead! read more

I have been CD shopping at Exile since their opening (over 20 years ago), when they had two locations. They have been my favorite record store and a large portion of my current CD inventory was purchased from Exile. They have a fabulous selection of a wide variety of rock music, with special sections for punk, heavy metal, 60's. 70's. In addition to the mostly rock n roll releases, Exile has a nice selection of jazz and blues titles for the discerning listener/collector. There's also cool selections of reggae and international music as well. I am a big fan of used CD bins, and I've been quite lucky at Exile. What's available depends on what the store accepts for trade-ins, and it's quality material. It's a large selection and I've struck gold many times. I don't buy vinyl, but there is a good selection of new vinyl reissues and a used bin. Exile also carries videos, posters, collectibles, t-shirts and incense. I visit Exile at least once a week, sometimes twice as I'm an avid collector of many musical interests. Prices are the best around for new and used CD's (that's all I buy, vinyl seems reasonable). There's not many independent record stores left and Exile On Main Street is one of the best. While it's easy to shop online, I prefer to support the "mom and pop" shops whenever possible and I'm lucky to to be able to shop the old school way at Exile. I'm there at least once a week! Paula, Al and Dean are friendly and knowledgeable about the music they sell. If they don't have it in stock, they will order it for you if it's available. I've special ordered CDs quite often and they were able to get them most of the time. Drop in and tell 'em Ed sent you. read more