Record shops are the archeological dig of popular culture... you just don't know what's lurking…read moreunder the next pile of vinyl or CD's. I'm long past the stage of assembling a collection of music but am always fascinated by the opportunity to run into a chestnut. Rhino Records is a perfect place to lose yourself for a few hours. You may not run into a Pharaoh underneath the rubble but a clean copy of Disreali Gears is more than enough for one visit. Five easy stars.

It's been more than a few years since I've been here, and...realistically...record albums haven't…read morebeen a "thing" for me for more decades than I care to count (strangely enough, I have all my record albums stored in 2 large cardboard boxes, and even though I'll probably never play them again in this life, the thought of actually getting rid of them or selling them fills me with an inexplicable dread and just the thought of it is intolerable to me. The oldest of those records I've had since I was about 5. Anyway...). Record albums seem to be Rhino's mainstay, although their selection of CDs, which I've been collecting for decades, is extensive enough. Still, I'm heartened to see that Rhino still seems to be going strong, and that records are still, or are becoming once again, a "thing" for a lot of people. I'm a big fan of physical media, in my case CD's, DVDs, and...increasingly...Blu-Ray. I like to think my collection will outlive me. And for those who are record album collectors? I do understand... As I've mentioned in numerous reviews, the Hudson Valley was always my "happy place," since childhood, and as I got older and started driving longer distances, I often came back to the area, exploring it and expanding my awareness of it beyond my childhood and teen "comfort zones." I "discovered" New Paltz almost by accident, but I was intrigued. A delightfully scenic Hudson Valley town with a long, fascinating history. I found the parking intimidating (back then, you parked in a big, grassy lot and obtained from a machine a "ticket" that you then put on your dashboard. That ticket entitled you to a certain amount of "parking time"-- They had the same procedure in Nyack, which also became a town I liked to explore; I felt much more comfortable parking in a commercial garage like they had in NYC or Philly, but it evidently wasn't an option this far North up the Hudson), but I'd grit my teeth, park, leave the ticket displayed on my dashboard, and walk down the street past the unique shops and colorful restaurants, all of it having the magnificent Shawangunk Mountains as a backdrop off in the distance, until I reached Rhino Records. Rhino became my main destination. I thought it had a vast selection for such a small space. Strangely, I mainly remember what I DIDN'T obtain there, as opposed to anything I did, which in no way reflects on Rhino. At 1 point, I was trying to get the CD for the Stooges immortal "Raw Power" (I was in the process of replacing my most treasured albums with the CD). "Raw Power" was 1 of my most revered albums. It was the Stooges and Black Sabbath who got me through high school (just barely, but I couldn't have withstood those years without those records). Iggy had released a re-mixed version of the record on CD, which I had, but didn't like. Even though David Bowie's mix on the original album has been criticized ever since, that was the version I wanted. The clerk was sympathetic, but that original mix wasn't available on CD (it did ultimately become available, thank God!-- I encountered the same problem at a record store up the street, heading towards Rt. 9W, in what I remember as a strip mall. The name of that store escapes me now and I don't know if it still exists, but I tried to get a CD of Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers "Live at the Lyceum." They didn't have it, although I was ultimately able to obtain it.) Years later, my friend and his wife bought a 2nd house in Kerhonkson. I'd visit and we'd travel to Saugerties, Woodstock and New Paltz. My friend could peruse jazz record bins for hours, and we'd always stop at Rhino, and Banner Books down the street (which also, I'm gratified to learn, is still in business). The last time there, my friend was intending to spend the entire afternoon before heading back to NJ, but I was stricken with an intense migraine that felt like some organism trying to claw its way out through my skull. I had neglected to bring my pain pills (Vicodin and Percocet in those days, for both "pain and pleasure") and practically had to beg my friend to cut short our shopping excursion so we could head back. My friend agreed but he wasn't happy about it (we're still friends...I was best man at his wedding...but I've never been invited back up to Kerhonkson, and I can't help but think that that excruciating migraine was the reason why). I don't remember that Rhino sold books back in the day when I was a semi-regular patron, but it seems they do now. I remember that their prices seemed reasonable. If you're into record albums or CDs, Rhino is definitely worth an extended visit. These days, I prefer staying in NJ and going to the Princeton Record Exchange, but the next time I come up to the Hudson Valley...which hopefully will be sometime in the near future, God willing and the creek don't rise!...Rhino is a definite stop on my travel itinerary. Stores like this...and there aren't all that many of them around anymore...should be celebrated.

Really cool place. I thought it was just a record store but it's so much more. Collectibles and…read morepinball machines for days. I will have to go back when I have more time. The owner showed me around and told me to take as many pics as I wanted. Check this place out if you are into records, CDs, collectibles, pinball machines, graphic t-shirts etc!

So this is a mixed review. There are some things that I absolutely love about this place and then…read morethere are things that I can't stand. Let's start with the vinyl section: The albums are haphazardly scattered about the section with little to no care for condition or storage. They are in a very poor order and not well organized. You can find a few gems but they often have bent corners, they're scratched or missing sleeves. I wouldn't look to buy any used LPs here. Next up pinball: I absolutely love the set up with the black lights and nostalgic sounds that comes from the pinball machines. This is truly a time capsule and is worth the visit if you enjoy vintage pinball. I can not honestly think of another location like it. Finally the head shop / general merchandise: Much like the vinyl, it's a mess. Not easy to find anything. You'll end up stumbling on something rather than find what you want. Lots of items I noticed are damaged or broken due to lack or care. It's a shame because there is a lot of beautiful stuff. In conclusion; this place could be great if it was cared for. Not sure why it's a train wreck of disorganization, but it is. I could have easily dropped a few hundred dollars on my visit today but didn't because the condition and state of the items I wanted were not acceptable. If you want to play pinball, this is THE place. If you want to buy merch/vinyl, there are better places within a 30 minute drive.

fye always sparks my mind as being a good place to trade in and buy movies and music. It always…read morehas been this way since this place went through it's "The Wall" days(1995/1996-2004). Although I preferred this place when this place was called "The Wall", this place has employees who care about their customers somewhat. Although I never see employees out to help the customers find stuff, if you realize that you can go up and ask them at the registers where to find something, you're sure to find what you are looking for. It's been that rare item I don't find here, that I can find elsewhere. I did find the policies with guarantees/warranties better on the products when this place was called "The Wall" and so I trust "The Wall" and not so much "fye". Their prices are pretty snazzy, and, if you know what new releases come out on what days, you'll be sure to find rebates on items boxes, as they come out. Watch out though. Some boxes that were returned for trade-in, are also found here, Zorro. I've found several boxes that had been preopened before with some movies discs scratched on the inside upon opening without the classic "used item" sticker on the outside-it doesn't come from the factory that way. For being a good place to trade in pre-used movies and CD's, this place has some awesome differences that other places don't have. Where else can you turn in movies and music you've used before and no longer have the need to own? You can turn these in here. Also, seen a CD in the store, but don't know how well the tracks sound? Try previewing the CD in the store with the special CD previewer instrument. I think this is another cool feature this store adds to the mix. I surely can't find that feature anywhere's else. Although I seem to never look past the days when this place was called "The Wall" , maybe if they brought some of these services back to the store(lifetime warranties/guarantees-they guarantee what seems to be nothing of the stuff I buy from them), they might find me buying more items from them, than I currently do.

Not your average record store! Darkside Records is a must visit if you're in the Hudson Valley…read more Justin is awesome and the whole team is friendly, and super knowledgeable without being 'record store pretentious.' The new space is unreal and holds countless vinyl records, CDs, video games, DVDs, VHS, etc. along with so many cool products ranging from swag and gifts, to cannabis equipment and incense. Darkside has a great website to place orders in case you can't stop in in person. Even as a local, I place preorders online for new music, and always can rely on them to have what I'm looking for, including indie-exclusive pressings and vinyl variants. As a loyal customer for nearly 11 years, it's been great to see this business grow into what it is today. Excited for what this new chapter brings to them, and our community. The new Darkside is more than just a storefront, but a community and a VIBE! Soon, it looks like they'll have self pouring taps for customers, as well as a bar on the second floor. Hoping they'll continue to have concerts in the new space. A must visit!

My first time dealing with them. They seem very nice people.I was looking for an art gallery.They…read moredon't really do that anymore.But they 're gonna speak to the owner and see if they give space.So therefore I put maybe if everything works out.I will switch my review to yes, definitely.And then I will give a star review

It's the kind of used bookstore you can get lost in. If I were a local, it would be part of my…read moredaily routine. The shelves are thoughtfully labeled, and the place has an energy that feels. You can tell when an owner genuinely loves the books and records they carry. The Bruised Apple is one of those stores. Worth stopping in if you want to get lost for a few hours.

What a lovely bookstore! We came across this hidden gem that has been here for more than 30 years…read more We parked our car right outside and saw the inviting window and warm lights of this cozy bookstore. The instrumental music was playing, the owner was very kind and welcoming. The customers were browsing and it was the most relaxing environment with so many wonderful resources. We will certainly be back! Thank you and Happy New Year!

Staff were helpful and friendly. Owner not so much and we left rather than feeling like our…read morebusiness wasn't wanted.

I frequent this establishment so I may be a bit biased. With that said, Gerosa is an institution…read moreand by far CT's best. Really fantastic selection of typically PRISTINE records and CDs across a plethora of genres. Combined with friendly, knowledgeable, and highly personable staff, I couldn't possibly ask for more. This store may be close to an hour from me, but it never feels like a trek when my experiences are always highly positive. Big thanks to Brian for serving the community up killer wax for close to four decades.

There is a reason I've been doing business with Tune Street since the early 1990's: great, expert…read moreprofessional service. They are the only place to go for all of your audio/visual needs. I've used them for two homes I've owned up here and could not be happier with their knowledge and commitment to making their customer happy, including responding to emails on Sundays!

Got a Cd and an LP for 10 bucks, cant beat that!…read more They had a little bit of everything that seemed to be both a good and a bad thing (nice to have stereos, dvds, music and all in one place but only a little of everything). Nice selection of new CD's but unfortunately were a bit overpriced compared to what is out there now

Solid collection and super helpful staff. Agreed the prices are a bit high but to be expected is a…read moremom and pop style store. Great classical selection in particular!

Cool little mom and pop record store. I was trying to avoid a shipping fee and tried to find a…read morespecific Chicago house music cd that they unfortunately did not have, even less carried such a genre. Its more of gen x, boomer and general weird music nerd space than the ones I remember like strawberries in new haven. The guy was friendly and offered to order the cd for me but it was not a priority. Very small and limited selection.

This was a cute little bookstore in this town. I was surprised to find a Chinese children's book in…read morehere. The staff was helpful when I had questions. The cost of the book was fair.

My stars alinged, because I got a parking spot right in front of the shop. Thank goodness I can…read moreparallel park. They don't allow in ice cream but they do dogs. If mine were well behaved enough I'd bring him over.... But the wood is beautiful, the books are beautiful, and some even have discount stickers on them. They even have some rarities in a book store - I found four postcard books! It's very exciting. The steps are a little high to get in, but overall it seems a pleasant store.