Record shops are the archeological dig of popular culture... you just don't know what's lurking under 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. read more

It's been more than a few years since I've been here, and...realistically...record albums haven't been 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. read more

Rhino Entertainment Company (formerly Rhino Records Inc.) is an American specialty record label and production company founded in 1978. It is currently the catalog division for Warner Music Group. Although my record, cassette, CD and digital music purchases are minimal I love the industry. I'm happy to see the younger generation embracing and renewing their interest in buying the old equipment and the merchandise to play on the old music equipment. I recommend you Listen to music by any means necessary! read more

Lovely store, great selection and worth the stop. Prices were more than fair, and found some real gems, an old Sonic Youth tour LP and a Minor Threat live repress I didn't know about. Great staff, super helpful. read more

Rhino Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - New Paltz, New York

Nice selection but seriously overpriced. You can find some kind of rare things here and interesting books as well.

This Rhino Records is located in a cute little shopping area just off of Main. They have vinyls & cds. There's several bins of $5 vinyls to rummage through and you might just find something like. Searching is part of the fun of vinyl collecting! The store is small but packed with music. If you want to know what's playing in the background just look at the front desk and it'll be displayed. The employee here was very helpful & informative. read more

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I love Rhino Records. In fact I was just there at the Kingston shop on Friday. I live and die by Rick's Picks. I started shopping at the old New Paltz store about 15 years ago. Now I go to the Kingston one since it's closer. It's the best record store in the Hudson Valley, but no need for a contest. read more

Rhinos are an endangered species. They need your attention, your business. So why, if I like this place so much, is my review mediocre? Missed potential. It's got a great, eclectic, selection of music, first as CDs then as vinyl. And the "drawer level" of music is better organized than it used to be. It can still be better, particularly along the walls. If I really want to play super-scavenger, I need to remember not to put my car in metered parking lots. Hours can be a little bit hit or miss. The first time I came by today, the "Back in 5" sign was up. Okay, understood, one employee, no bathroom, just gotta deal. Fewer movie options than in the past. Again, understood, not a market any longer. More and more space devoted to vinyl. I understand vinyl is making a comeback. Does it sell here? I have no clue. I'll take their word it does, since they'd be willing to buy whatever I bring in, even if they don't think it has a market. That's a plus. I really do enjoy this place. I patronize it every chance I can. You just have to realize, it is what it is. Sometimes I leave really happy with fantastic finds. Sometimes I leave saying, "Meh, maybe next time." It's still worth it. read more

Great great great great place. varied genres, including classics, rarities, and fan favorites, The selection of different records and formats was great, the prices are average (for the market) and the staff are really nice. A personal favorite of mine. read more

The owner sucks and is a liar. I went through a few boxes of 12"s marked $2... dollar bin records. It was mostly all junk, but I pulled out two records that were worth a pretty penny and were on my want list for a long time. I was very excited. I brought them up to the counter, to get a, "Where in the world did you find these?" I showed him the $2 box I pulled them out of, only for him to say that a stack of moldy beat up rock records were the only $2 records for sale... what a liar. He said they came in from a buy, but why were they on a floor in a box that said $2? Meanwhile there were records behind they counter that they were grading and selling online. The question I ask is... why own a store if you're not bothering to look at everything that comes through your door? Why let someone sit on the floor for 30 minutes to dig through boxes that "aren't for sale"? This guy lied to my face... I put in the work and found something of note. I've worked in record stores. This has happened to me before. Our mistake for overlooking! It taught me a lesson and someone got a great deal. But this guy just sucks. Just a very dishonest thing to do, and he fumbled on his words when I questioned him again. And on top of all of this, he said a really weird comment to my friend. He said, "these bags are really good for strangling someone"... what a creep! AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. THEIR PRICES SUCK AND THERE ARE NO DEALS TO BE FOUND. YOU ARE BETTER OFF BUYING OFF OF DISCOGS AND NOT DEALING WITH A SMUG WEIRDO LIAR. read more

We get it. You're REEEEEALLLLLLYYYY cool for working in a college town record store. Sure, you might be aging a bit, but you can still hang with the hip kids who come in to check out your vinyl. Maybe you're a little bitter that your chosen medium is seen as "hipster" fodder and not the beautiful sound delivery system that it truly is. All of that doesn't give you an excuse to act like a dick. If we ask you where we'd find a certain unusual non-soundtrack compilation record, what you DO NOT do is say, "Never heard of it" and walk away midway through your sentence. We're not trying to out-cool you, oldbro - we're really looking for a record, and perhaps you can hit up The Google to help us out. I doubt you have an encyclopedic knowledge of everything in that shop, even though it IS pretty small. But really, the holier-than-thou attitude is enough to make us really not want to return, ever. We tried a few times, and each time was just as rude as the last. We're not Record Store Day-only record seekers. I've been consistently collecting and listening for over 20 years. We could probably be your best customers, but not when you act like a tool. read more

I drive up from NYC to the Kingston store every so often and I greatly look forward to Rhino each time and try to come with some money. First off is the selection, which is really inspiring and all over the place, from straight-ahead rock and jazz to the world of the avant'garde... so much here and at decent prices, I get a little overwhelmed. The owner is a very polite gentleman and always has something interesting to say and my pup likes to go back there and hang out with him. Having been a Tower Records employee, frequenting all three Amoeba's, frequenting Stranded and Aquarius in the Bay Area and living in Portland for a while where there are just incredible record stores... this place is top notch and is in the same league read more

Here I bought a promotional "Not For Resale" soundtrack to MTV's classically forgotten "Spider Games." Enough said. Where else could one come across such a gem? Great prices, great collections.. read more

I used to go here twice a week when Iived in New Paltz. I have the most rarest stuff from here. Fuck buying drugs, this place took all my cash. I got DVDs, CDs, Vinyl, movie passes, stickers, posters, t-shirts, special orders....you name it. Rhino was my fucking spot man!!! I had no problem buying the used joints. I used to buy the new hot DJ mix CDS and out-of-print old school hip hop. Rare & unreleased Dean Martin: Live at the Sands - 2/8/64? Got it at Rhino Dave Matthews bootleg live cds? Thanks again Rhino NIN CD singles with rare remixes? Good lookin out Rhino Over 40 old school hip-hop vinyl records that no way should've been there in the first place? RHINO If it existed, they can probably get it. Wish there was one in Rhinebeck. Shit, I wish the one across the street from Marist didn't close but that was in the wrong spot. Marist students didn't appreciate Rhino... Thanks New Paltz Rhino for staying alive... read more

With a neat little selection of used DVDs and a compact but nice selection of used CDs and vinyl, it seems like pretty much the only place in town for the hipsters to get a taste of their coolness. I bought Monster Squad on DVD for ten bucks (who ever thought that an 82 minute movie required a 2-disc special edition) and the dude at the register was totally into it. We geeks speaketh the same language. I really just like the layout: shelves across the walls with one island, a DVD recess, and the register. And it's cozily situated off the main strip and you go through a side door. Rad? I think so. read more

Rhino Records is a rare find and one of the few remaining places that sells vinyls and CD's. With this day and age, digital downloads have taken over by storm and these small establishments are hard to come by. Luckily, New Paltz keeps the tradition while still keeping up with the times. Huzzah. When I was in college I used to frequent here on my weekly walks into the village. Rhino is one of those places that the locals love and boast about. It's located right along main street so you can't miss it. They have a decent collection to browse. I myself am not an avid vinyl collector but it's still fun to take a look at. There's also posters, DVD's, stickers and more for sale here. Hope this place stays afloat. It's places like these that truly make New Paltz a special place. read more

It is so, so very dangerous for me to come in here. Thankfully this has only happened maybe once every six months for I dunno the past five years. The owner is a hand-selecting-vinyl genius. He's got insane taste and a wonderful eye. Can I talk to you about The Smiths and The Pastels and not feel like a complete dork? Sure. Is it ok if I back that up with a Ja Rule single? No judgements. Do you know every band I mention even just by time period? For sure. If you love vinyl or you feel like something is missing from what you have, definitely come here. read more

Rhino is a true gem in Kingston's crown, the selection of vinyl & second-hand books especially is fantastic. I visit Kingston often, and I really only have a few reasons to do so; long sessions of browsing in Rhino, followed by coffee in Outdated (or a gig at BSP). I can't tell you how many fabulous, serendipitous finds I have made in that place. It's not a place to go if you prefer a sterile, corporate shopping experience, or if you have no sense of humor; Rick, the owner, will get talking to you, and although I love the guy (he's a very knowledgeable & tasteful individual who has made countless recommendations for which I am eternally grateful) people who are disgruntled easily may end-up leaving in a huff. Their loss, this is the kind of business we need more of; personal, personable, curated & distinctive. My advice is pop your head in, and be ready to end up staying for a while. read more

Went in by chance when I was in upstate New York for vacation. They have quite a selection of vinyl, CDs, books, and DVDs, many of which were things I don't see quite often in record shops in my area. I left with some great vinyl, although the shop can be a little pricey on some items. Definitely worth checking out. read more

Rhino has been the bedrock of the New Paltz vinyl/cd/dvd shopping experience for decades. The staff is consistently and thoroughly knowledgeable on an array of genres, and the selection is outstanding for a store of its size. If they don't have what you're looking for in the new CD sections, they'll happily order it for you, won't overcharge you for it, and it will most likely arrive in 2-3 days. Their vinyl selection is top-notch, ranging from rare punk rock and hardcore to jazz and world music. There's a listening station in the back that features current best-sellers, but you can also take almost any cd/record to the front desk and they will happily play it over the store's awesome soundsystem for you to get a sampling of it. Seriously, long live Rhino. read more

Rhino Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - New Paltz, New York

Yelp lists Rhino as New Paltz.. but they also have a Kingston NY location on Front St ... around the corner from the original Senate House... so you can get a dose of political as well as musical history.... you never know what Rick will play in Kingston... you also never know what he will say... he could say something smarmy.. but it is all in light hearted fun... the Rhino name was somehow connected to the Rhino record label years ago...ask Rick... a great store to find collectibles in every genre ....and the dollar bin has some exceptional finds .... read more

I have never left this record shop empty handed. I have never left this shop with the feeling of having accomplished the sort of goal one would hope for when leaving a shop of any sort- having gotten what you came for. I have always fallen short. Such is the voyage of listening or learning about music. The more knowledge you acquire- the more you need to know. I always leave with a stack of recordings I once lived with or sounds I no longer want to live without having only searched a few sections. This holds true after 20 years of visiting both Rhino locations and many thanks are due to the owner. read more

I brought in about $400 of records and was pleasantly surprised to get 50 cents on the dollar offered for my stack. It was impossible to walk out of there with the cash because there were some sick Popul Vuh, Mountain Bus, and other rarities on the wall, while the bins held a ton of solid rock and avant-garde titles for cheap. Maybe I just caught them on a good day but evidently they come up on good stock and price it to move. Recommended. read more

This Is A Must Go This Is Such A Fantastic Record Store I Love It So Much It's Probably My 2nd Favorite Record Store Other Than Princeton Record Exchange If You Live In Upstate New York Or If You Love Records This Is The Place To Go They Have CDs, DVDs, Vinyls, VHS Tapes And Cassette Tapes They Have Very Good Prices There And Overall I Would Love To Go Back To That Record Store When I Am In Upstate New York Overall, I Would Highly Recommend This Store To Record Fans I Think They Would Love This Store Allot. read more

This store was cool. It had a great collection of many genres. Great Punk and Hardcore sections. Even a good kids area.

I bring my used cds to sell and always find something I need for my collection! I find them fair and knowledgeable!

I have been shopping at Rhino Records for 23 years! It is a fine record store with a diverse selection of albums. If there is an album you really want but do not see, they can try to get it for you. The owner, Rick Lange is a consummate intellectual and it shows in a plethora of ways immediately upon entering both locations. Thank you for being a New Paltz fixture and staying true to your trade! read more

I enjoy visiting both the New Paltz and Kingston stores to browse through the new and used vinyl, CDs, and books. The owner is a gentleman and has a good eye (or should I say ear) for the best in all music genres. I also like the at-home feeling at his stores... it's the opposite of the cold and sterile mega-stores that have taken over our shopping experience. Good job Rhino! read more

Coming from the picked over and grossly overpriced used-vinyl shops of Brooklyn and Manhattan, I was and am astounded by the great selection and fair (read: low) prices of used vinyl at Rhino, New Paltz. Courteous, helpful staff and a good vibe further define this vinyl-lovers' gem. I will be back! read more

One of the last true, cool record shops. I always stop here when I am passing thru on a trip. When I retire, I would want to work here lol. Employees are knowledgable and cool. I got into The Blue Nile just listening to them play it on the stereo. Some great finds here!!! I can spend hours here and I usually do!!!! My only request is that a 'Britpop' category is added to the mix of vinyl categories! Will keep coming here till I am old and grey(and probably after that)! read more

The worst charlatan ever. I went in there to sell some of my collection and he offered me $50.00 in cash for 29 albums. Well, the second Elvis, first pressing album that I brought in is worth a couple of hundred dollars in the condition that it is in, alone. Narcissistic and condescending attitude. Stay away from this jerk. read more

I generally like Rhino Records, they have a nice selection. I was very bummed to see that they were price gouging on Record Store Day though. I'm glad that I got most of my desired RSD releases elsewhere!!! read more

A nice little store in downtown New Paltz. I'm a big fan of vinyl, and Rhino definitely has some gems in their bins. Some of the classic rock records seemed a little overpriced to me and condition wasn't top notch on a few things I pulled out during my last visit, but I like any store that has a batch of 4AD records in the bins. Their old location up the street was a lot bigger, but honestly I much prefer the streamlined location they have been in for the past 5 years or so. read more

We are all going to be kicking ourselves if places like this disappear. I often think of the place I bought the music when I hear it. Not so much when I buy it on itunes. Every once in a while I get in here to pick something up and I never regret it. read more

I visited this shop with my family this past weekend - me, wife, two kids (11 and 13). We drove up from Westchester with a number of things planned in the area for the weekend - stayed in Woodstock (which was fun). Absolutely loved this place! Great selection, well organized, clean, fun stuff all over the shop. All the LP's (that I looked at) were graded according to the Goldmine standard, and the ratings were reliable - even conservative. For example, a couple of LP's we bought were VG+ or VG++, but I would probably have described as NM. The owner was very friendly, and has a great sense of humor (I suspect it may throw people now and then, but we really enjoyed it - for example, joking with my 11 year about "the Beatles, were they some kind of rock band or something?"). Each member of our family bought LP's, and the owner pulled out a pile of give-away records and let us pick some - they were maybe not great sellers, or in mediocre condition or had worn covers, but it was nice of him and actually they all play fine for the kids on their TT's. It was almost worth the drive just to go to this place, topped off with lunch at Dominick's half a block away, a great experience. We will definitely go back. read more