Easily the king of NYC record stores. The record selection is intense, and the prices are reasonable. The staff and overall environment is one of a kind. Travis, the owner, is an extremely pleasant and knowledgeable guy, and an overall pleasure to do business with every time I'm in the city. If you haven't stopped here, you're doing yourself a disservice. Do yourself a favor, and make it a priority to stop by. read more

One of the better record stores in Brooklyn Worth my 1-1/2 hour drive from out east Long Island.. the owner/ staff is friendly & I always get a good deal!!! you can't go wrong!!! read more

Human Head Records is one of my favorite record stores in NYC, hands down. I'm a regular both in-store and on their Discogs page, and every experience has been solid. The shop itself has that classic record store vibe, the smell of old vinyl, yes, even a little moldy at times, which I personally love :) and rows of crates you can get lost in for hours. What really makes the place stand out is the team. D, who has helped me several times including today, deserves a big shout-out. He's patient, super knowledgeable, and always has a great attitude. Today he went above and beyond being extra patient with my order, and I really appreciate that kind of service. Shops like this thrive because of people like him. The stock here is fantastic, excellent condition, fair prices, and always something new to discover. I live in the Bronx and they are absolutely worth the trip out to Brooklyn. When I can't make it in person, I also order from their Discogs page and the shipping is always smooth. If you love vinyl, this is the kind of shop that makes collecting special. Great records, service, and always a great reason to come back. read more

Human Head Records - Storefront sign - Vinyl Records Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Definitely one of my favorite record store experiences I've had in my life. I was in town for Halloween visiting, and feel like I got the real New York record store experience. Humungous selection, incredible gems and local NY-based labels from the 90s and 2000s of all genres here. The store was even decently busy when I got there (about 10 other patrons) and there was still multiple listening stations to test out and listen to records. I could've spent hours there. Very highly recommend. read more

Searching online for opinions on record stores and I could not hear enough good things about Human Head Records. The staff was welcoming and seemed pretty chill. I wasn't shopping for myself but I did see that they had a good variety of records and they also had reasonable pricing. read more

I have no idea how this place has such great reviews. I was in NYC for vacation and decided to take a day to record shop. I went to about 5 record stores from manhattan to Brooklyn. This was last on my stop. When I walked in, the wall was covered in amazing rare jazz records. Something you don't see at every record shop. The bins were even filled with amazing stuff. I had asked to take a look at several wall items. All of the records i looked at were scratched to hell or the jacket was falling apart. Some of these you can't even give away, no matter how rare they are. The prices were so absurd for these beat up records I didn't even take time to look at anything else. Really disappointed in this place. I heard so much positive things but it's a hard pass for me. Being from SoCal, you won't find all of these rare records in one place at any local store but at least when they do pop up, it's quality. My recommendation to the folks at Human Head: take time to find clean records. Don't sell trash. read more

Friendly staff with decent prices considering geography. Recommended if you are in the area.

Please Please Don't Come To This Place!!!!I Couldn't Wait to Come home to write this Review. I Came to this place to sell my Records and this Long Haired tall white Man with glasses Name TRAVIS treated me very Unfairly‍. I Had about 400 records and he had the nerve to look at me and say he would give me 100 Dollars for it. I told him i just came from a few other places and did my own research so i know it's worth more. His Face turned red and he then said I'll give you 100$ for 20 records. I told him ok and I WATCHED this Man Go through my records and try and sneak and Pick out like 50 records. He became mad when i counted them and told him this is more than 20 records...you said 20 for 100$ you cant count? Around the store i could see the customers and staff shaking their head at him‍ He Looked at me and admitted he did say that but now he doesn't want to buy them anymore and its not worth his time. I said oo because you couldn't get over on me now you don't want to do business‍. I said you're not right and you're an older man you shouldn't be acting like this in business especially with customers. At this point He turned red as an apple and went to his desk and handed me 100$ for the 20 records he chose. I went back to my two crates and needed help brining them to the car i didn't want to leave any records around him lol So i asked him for help to bring a crate to my car and he was apprehensive even with that and didn't want to help a Brother. When we got to my car i told him to learn one thing! That being nice is a weapon so use it especially if you own a store‍. I told him everyone i did business with that day was Nice except for him. He turned around and took his walk of shame back inside the store.....i jus wanna say to that guy i Still made you pick up a crate and bring it to my Car you remember that old guy. He Gave Racist Vibes too Jus saying‍ read more

Great people and an excellent selection of tunes I have shopped on line and in person I would highly recommend

Truly outstanding in every way - this is what you want in a record store: huge selection, listening stations, knowledgeable staff, great vibe. It's in a funky neighborhood that may be off your usual path, but it is absolutely worth the effort. Can't wait to go back! read more

This is a great place to sell your used and unwanted vinyl records. The staff, in particular John, was honest, helpful, and very personable, and I was given a fair price for all of my old records. I highly recommend trying this place when you are finally ready to part with your old vinyl. I will be using them again when I need to sell some more of my collection. read more

Good records for fair price and multiple listening stations . Don't talk to me while I'm here I'm busy digging haha

After a long week I finally decided to go to Human Head after years of hoping to/not finding the time when I'm in the area. I only had an hour but I put in the work. Records are great particularly in the disco/house section where I filled my boots. Got records I really wanted and the place is clearly a neighborhood spot for people to shoot the shit. A proper record store and the prices are very, very good. I'll be back. read more

Be wary of buying from them online. I wanted to buy two records for $119, and had a simple question: does the record have the original inner sleeve? Between May 18 and May 26 I sent 5 messages asking, and received no response from Human Head. At one point I called the store, and was told no on there could answer, and to ask again on Discogs. I was told this time someone would reply. On May 26, my order was cancelled, without my requesting it, and I was hit with my first negative feedback on Discogs after 494 orders. They've been unresponsive ever since, even as I tried to still place the order and pay them. I've ordered from them 6 times previously without issue, but repeat business means nothing to them. They are rude and petty, and went out of their way to earn a 1-star review. read more

Great space. Incredible selection of old school joints and the prices are pretty good. Only small grip is the lack of modern hip-hop records but that's a preference of mine. Cool people and definitely worth a visit if you dig the classics. read more

Contacted them to sell my vinyl. James got back to me and set up a time to come and evaluate the collection. He kept me informed every step of the way, did what he said he was going to do when he said he would do it. Very professional and knowledgeable and just an overall nice guy. He bought the entire collection at a very fair price. Highly recommend selling to them. read more

This is what you look for in a record store if you're digging for a quick haul... prices are totally fair on the pricey ones, and then real large bins of $2 and $5 records. I got like 25 records, was $125, dropped to $105, and then... here's the best part... I asked for a box to ship them back to LA... and Travis, an exceptional human, just said, "oh, we can ship them for you, how about $5?"... DUDE!! Are you kidding me!?! Hell yeah! Plus he gave me a free record bag. This ain't your $50 a record snobby spot to get whatever bs reissue thing you need cuz you just started buying records last week... There are piles of records everywhere and multiple listening stations. Strongly back it. read more

Seem to have issues with pricing...clueless in regards to original pressings versus reissues

Hole in the wall record shop (not unlike most in the city) with a cool vibe. The basic labeling was ok (as in if the area was labeled "sex pistols" there was one Sex Pistols album and 20 others that were somewhat similar) but overall pretty unorganized-didn't buy anything because every time I got to an artist or section I might be interested in it was mislabeled. Disc jockey was playing some good tunes though. read more

Currently closed for renovation at their new location (289 Meserole), but their online shop on Discogs is still open. Best to call to make sure the shop is open before going over. read more

I can't believe I have not written a review for Human Head. This place is my #1 among the top 3 record store in NYC (along with A-1 in East Village and Academy Annex in Greenpoint) I don't know why but they always end up having at least 50% of records that I've been looking for, and the price is NOT ridiculous. They have at least 2-3 listening station, so you never have to wait too long to try out the records. Very good $2 sections as well. But NEW ARRIVALS is always unending source of pleasant surprises. p.s. this is solely a RSD instance, but during RSDs they have 4 records for $1 sale (25 cents each). And these are not entirely UNWANTED piles of records...they have really good selection and surprisingly in good shape. read more

This place is awesome. Good prices, great people, and just all around inviting. I popped in with some friends and would definitely return. 4.5/5 read more

Travis is impossibly meek for being a world class sage who is best at what he does. If record stores have long since been forums for like minded people, then Human Head owns principal for setting that standard. *bring your dog and dig, dig, dig *or just peruse and find what you need *ask questions, learn and discover music *experience the perfect staff dynamic *focus... everything on those walls *records before rent *leave elated There's really no place like it left on the planet. read more

Travis, the owner of Human Head Records was considerate of my complaint of J.S. and made good on an extra payment I requested. Compensation meant a lot read more

Quite new in NYC ( i've been there 3 days after their first anniversary) and what a killer ! Great variety, fair prices, very nice atmoshere, easy to reach. Found some really fine 4 and 6 $ records and a cool scorpions pic. The super nice owner ( yes there are record shops with cool owners/staff, but still rare as tigers) summed up my records and after thinking some seconds he discountet very generously. A perfect record-shop experience. Go there - you won't regret it !! read more

Human Head Records - outside human heads - Vinyl Records Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Just when you thought everything was changing, then comes along Human Head Records and the world is whole and good again. I truly believe this is New York City's Best Record Store around. The selection here is vast and extensive, covering every genre in sound. The store is laid back and inviting. You can take your time and hangout, listen and sample records and discuss music with the friendly customers and staff. This is certainly a Must Go Destination for all music lovers and wanna become music lovers. Just listening to the variety of music playing in the store makes one curious to learn about an album that you never knew of before. The store has vinyl from all price levels, even a $2 bin which is always full of great finds. Human Head also sells and repairs stereo equipment. This makes Human Head a One Stop Shop and thats so convenient to have in this city. With all this stores many positive attributes from the location, selection and the atmosphere, I believe their #1 golden touch which makes them stand out amongst the rest is the staff. Everyone here creates a feeling for the customer that you belong and they are happy to share their passion of music with you. The staff are all so friendly and helpful, extremely knowledgable in all things music and they make you excited too. I love this place and once you stop by you will as well. read more

Everything is laid out very neatly and easy to find. I could hear the owner conversing with customers and he sounded quite knowledgeable and friendly. Actually the whole place had a chill, neighborhood vibe. I didn't find anything that struck my fancy, but it was fun looking and I'll be back as it looks like they get new stuff quite frequently. My fiancé sells his used records here and seems quite satisfied doing business with them. read more

Amazing Shop! They have always been helpful. Great selection of used records, and very cheap. I could spend hours digging through their inventory. I have also brought items from discogs from them and never been disappointed. read more

I came today to check it out and I was very impressed! It's obviously a popular place amongst people who love vinyl as in a Thursday night the place was fairly populated! They have so many records and I found great ones in the $2 boxes!!! The albums were the likes of Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. And honestly, I couldn't complain for about the quality for the price, some places would definitely charge you more. I loved that you can listen to every record you purchase beforehand in the back~ If I'm ever in the area again, definitely want to come back! read more

The absolute best. Love this place so much. Great staff, amazing rotating selection of new arrivals, and plenty of listening stations to check out your selections before you buy. read more

This is it: The Best Record Shop in Town. It's a bit of a hike from the train, but let's be honest: you're getting damn cheap records. You're going off the beaten track. Everything in here is quality. No zillions of grandma's old Connie Francis records. We're talking all the meat and potatoes of the classic vinyl years, with enough rarities and oddities to keep you digging. There's two listening stations in the back, which is invaluable (you're buying used, after all.) Worth the trip. read more

Excellent store. I managed record stores all around the country for 18 years and find that very few shops in 2022 know how to buy and price used vinyl. This place is messy and I wish the $5 bins were more fluidly stocked, but otherwise it's excellent. Best used place in NYC at the moment. And they're always playing great stuff. read more

The best shop iin nyyc i triedd to found one rare record and i found it here with verry good price brothers of the underground collectivve grooves and im verry happy that i found read more

This store is amazing! They have such a great selection of records. The prices are amazing as well. They have organized $2 bins for every genre. I have found so many great records by digging through those bins. The employees are super friendly and allow you to use a turntable when ever you want. I highly recommend this place to anyone in the Brooklyn area. It is so good! read more

This is the best record spot in Brooklyn. Went in there today and got a very fair trade value for 10 records I was looking to prune from my personal collection. Walked out with 5 amazing albums in great condition, thus accomplishing my mission of bringing in a larger quantity of decent records and swapping them for less records (but of better quality and more geared towards my current tastes). The owner is super friendly and the stock of vinyl is for everyone from the hardcore digger to the novice collector. I'm moving toward 20 years of digging in and around NYC and I honestly thought I ran out of "hidden stash spots". Those places either closed for business or the word got out on the ones still around and are thus no longer the gems they used to be. Happy to know a place like Human Head Records is around to fulfill your need for all genres and eras of music on vinyl including jazz, funk, soul, rap, disco, reggae, soundtracks, comedy, $2, $4 and $6 bargains, 45's and whatever else you are willing to get a little dusty for to find. There are plenty of expensive records here but nothing is priced to gouge the customer. Simply put, some records are rarer and more sought after than others and the owner prices them accordingly. A fantastic and tough to find Alice Coltrane LP might be $40 but a great Queen album in good condition will only cost ya $5. Due to the selection and vast price range, this store brings together music lovers from all corners. What a place! read more

Numero Uno with a Skull.Tough to beat the best attitude free record shop in the NYC area.Travis is a fucking don. Everything priced to move and a never ending rotation of sick wall pieces that shred. The head boasts incredible stock with a constant FRESH supply of rare Brazilian heat. Soul,Funk,Jazz.Punk,Reggae,Rock and Metal are also fiercely represented. The staff are mostly DJ's and experts in their given genres which means you will fund copious amounts of hip hop and house floor fillers. The dollar/2 dollar bins are also filled with gems at a fraction of the cost that other local big name shops would price them at. This store has vibe and soul for decades. It's the kind of place you want to hang out at and spend all of your money and feel good about it. If you sleep on this spot your gray matter is at fault. Finally, this store will give you the best $$$$$ when you want to sell records.Trades are also a breeze. Rock ON M8 read more

What a cool store. Steve helped me fix an old Texhnics record player that had been kicking around my family for years. I wanted to fix it for childish nostalgic reasons (I used to listen to Halloween sounds records on it and couldn't get enough of them). Anyway he was super cool and fixed it fast for a reasonable price, and I think I'm going to listen to my mom's old "Jesus Christ Superstar" record. What a cool shop. read more

Human Head is a treasure trove. A modest space packed with a vast selection of vinyl. My hubby and I usually hunt down Jazz and Blues. Human Head has really delivered for us. Some of my favorite vinyls right now we bought here. Billie Holiday's "Lady in Satin" was my latest find. Some real gems in outstanding condition. The staff is friendly and even the music they play while you are browsing is on point. I could get lost in this little spot listening to records and overdosing on nostalgia. Thanks gents for playing Fela Kuti last week it gave me a second wind as I was digging through the new release section. I wish we had a record spot like this back home. read more

One of my favorite record shops in NYC. Great selection of rock'n'roll, older punk stuff, soul, jazz, more. Some good picks among the 45s, too. The discounted bins are very much worth a look -- I'm always able to find quality records and selections that are way more interesting than standard "discount bin" records. Every time I've been in here, I've found something I didn't expect to find (that is, either something farther afield of "the canonical rock'n'roll classics" than I had expected, or selections cheaper than I'd expected). Not a large space, but personally I appreciate the ability to browse a whole record store over just a couple hours. Staff is very friendly. There's also an in-house repair shop that can do good, inexpensive turntable repair work. read more

Good selection and very fair prices. Took the aubway out of Grand Central while on vacation and found it quite easily. Paid $20 for a pair of albums from The Jam which was great. The $2 bin is deep. Worth a visit. read more