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.

Super friendly may be the theme of these Beacon reviews. Kudos to the staff blasting punk rock…read moremusic as we stumbled in Who would've thought I'd be able to buy comic books and a Taking Back Sunday vinyl all in one place, and for a killer price to boot?!

This was Stop #2 during my Hudson Valley record store "crawl." Excellent selection of vinyl records…read moreat fair prices. Seemed like there were many "regulars" that came into the store. There's something for everyone here from the $5 bargain bin to $200 Original Master Recordings (OMR) displayed on the walls. Something that stood out to me the condition of the records - so many are in terrific condition, the stock of records is just very well curated. Staff were playing The Rolling Stones when I entered the store. Another patron ended up purchasing It's Only Rock N' Roll (1974). Reminded me of that scene from High Fidelity "I will now sell 5 copies of the 3 EPs by the Beta Band" haha

This bookstore offers an amazing selection of books, media, and more at unbeatable prices and all…read morein excellent condition. The volunteer staff does a remarkable job of curating their donations and the front desk folks are both friendly and helpful. Just a word of warning: Beware of brief visits to the store after you have cleaned up your house and dropped off new donations at the nearby outside pod! I cannot resist bringing home some great new finds each time I look around at the offerings. What a gift!

One of the best selections of books I've ever seen! Will definitely be coming back to peruse for…read morelonger.

I came to the city of Beacon New York, to see Judy Collins preform,at the town crier café. Before…read morethe show I decided to stop by a very good organic burger restaurant. As I walked down the main street, I saw a sign out on the sidewalk that said record shop. Being a fan of independent record stores, I've been to over 100. I quickened my pace to enter. When I walked in I was greeted very warmly by the proprietors. The shop is somewhat small but very well organized. I was asked what type of music I like. I said folk rock pop Bluegrass. Sandy the woman behind the counter pointed out the folk section. Phil showed me the new arrival section. He said that if there's anything that I want to listen to in the used section. Just pass it over and I'll be happy to put it on the turntable. There is a very good mix of all types of music: folk, bluegrass, rock, pop, country, soundtracks, jazz. As well as an 80s section. Along with an oddball section.that features, records by John Travolta, Don Johnson, among other oddities. There is also a box of new releases, along with some new releases behind the counter up on the wall. The prices of everything including the new releases, were very good indeed. There are plenty of great records to choose from. I chatted more with the owners of the store, about collecting used records, the market today for new and used vinyl and the joy of listening to records on a real hi-fi system versus the poor sound MP3 files. I've been to many many record stores as I said. But I'd have to say, Sandy and Phil were the friendliest and most helpful proprietors, of a record shop,that I have encountered in my travels. I picked up Chubby Checkers folk album quite a rare find.As well as a couple of folk albums, one from Eric darling the other artist TomScott. As well as Bob Dylan's brand-new album- Shadows In The Night, The store has been open for about nine months as of January 2015. My time in the store was fantastic. Both Sandy and Phil made my experience at the stores very special. . I'll be sure to return often, to pick up many more vinyl records to add to my vast collection. The store is definitely worth a trip from anywhere in the Hudson Valley

what a great place if you are into vinyl records, nice selections fair prices and fun to go back…read morein time and be nostalgic! location is on main street and very easy to find.

Rocket is a great shop. Records are priced fairly, they pay fair prices for used records. My whole…read morecurrent collage art project is fueled by their 4 for a dollar bins out front. Aces.

This is a very good record store in the stockade historic district in Kingston. Lots of great new…read morearrivals very reasonably priced. They had two of Leonard Nimoy's records that came out in the 60s. I asked if they would do a deal if I bought both of them and they did great price. Very good selection of rock pop folk. New records as well. Definitely come here and browse around or go home with a stack of records

This was Stop #1 during my Hudson Valley record store "crawl." Really wide selection of vinyl…read morerecords. Mixture of new and used vinyl records, prices slightly higher than other record stores in the Hudson Valley area. There were many Record Store Day and Record Store Day Black Friday releases in stock throughout the bins. This is a must-visit for vinyl record collectors visiting Cold Spring. Store owner was playing really great jazz music in the background (Ahmad Jamal).

Wonderful people here…read more Small but wide collection. Great for Jazz and picking. Well worth the trip and I never leave without finding some gem. Some 'new' but I'd say if you're looking for jazz or solid clean copies of classic rock, this is the place.

The worker was extremely friendly, the aesthetic of the store was very clean, and the vinyls were…read moreall very well taken care of and perfectly curated. There are a lot of good deals and a lot of good media to choose from!

This is a great shop, one of the best in the Hudson Valley/metro area. As a collector, I've…read moreshopped at most of the stores in the area and this one really surprised me. I'd been in some time ago but don't remember the selection this good. Nice mix of new and well-priced used. Example, I paid under $10 for a Promo copy of Elvis Costello Blood and Chocolate in very nice, VG+/E condition. Good Jazz selections as well. They also had a nice selection of bootlegs which you don't see very often. They sell books and clothing which for me usually means it's not a serious store, but Main Steet Beat is the exception. Great staff well laid out and popular, the store has a nice vibe plus Nyack is a fun town to visit with great restaurants and a rich history.

What can I say- this place is the real deal. If you are looking for $1 bargains, this isn't for…read moreyou. If you are interested in cool, novelty antiques, vintage jewelry, jeans and t-shirts, vinyl in excellent condition, and antique housewares, RUN-don't walk- to Vintage Shop Carmel. The prices aren't low, but they're fair. Similar items selling on Poshmark and eBay and other such sites are going for double and sometimes triple the prices that they are asking for. They are extremely knowledgeable in their vocation. They know what they're doing and they know the proper price point. They also offer really cool and unique up-cycled products. I urge you to go check out the up-cycled vintage 80s jeans. Vintage Shop Carmel is also a consignment shop so if you yourself are looking to sell vintage or antique goods, including clothing and purses at a great price, they're the ones for you. Last, but not least the ladies who own and work at the shop are absolutely positively incredible. Not only are they knowledgeable, but they are funny. They are kind. They are down to earth and they are helpful. I have a lot of experience with vintage shops and consignment shops, and I have always felt slightly uncomfortable and out of place. However, at this shop, I felt totally at ease and like I belonged. I highly recommend at least going in and checking it out. You'll thank me!

Fun place to browse without pressure - always see something new. Staff is friendly and helpful. I…read morehave consigned items there and bought something at each visit.

Nice selection and really well organized. Easy to find what you're looking for. Staff were really…read morefriendly & helpful. Looking forward to returning soon.

condescending, unprofessional storekeeper...decent selection but there are friendlier record shopsread more

Was this the best record store I've been to in years? Was this the most randomly located record…read morestore I've been to in year? The answer is yes to both. I can't stope talking about this place. Went here on a whim on the way to Peekskill and I was not disappointed, great metal, great jazz, great digs, great prices. Dude at the counter, (Jim?) was super friendly, super helpful. Found some real gems and for sure will be back on the regular.

Awesome store! I came primarily for jazz. I found a few extremely interesting titles but the store…read moreis just chock-full of deep catalog unusual stuff you just don't ever see. And the best record store T-shirt design I've ever seen in my life! Person manning the front desk was very friendly and knowledgeable. I hope the locals appreciate what they have in this store.