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.

The number of FYE's I've seen is something, considering I'm finding them far away. The store is…read morelaid out nicely, with departments in their section and easy to locate. There were quite a number of CDs and DVDs I found, which came to my surprise a bit. It was well-stocked and had plenty of selection to choose from. Also, what really stood out was how clean the store was, with nothing lying around, and the floor was clean. Had one employee walk in and ask if we needed any help, which deserves an additional star. No signs of it closing yet, which makes it entertaining.

This store you can Explore the latest in pop-culture and entertainment merchandise. They have…read moreExclusive Music. Funko, Marvel, Star Wars. Collectibles, Toys, Gifts. Used CDs, DVDs & Games. Something for everyone. Pricing is a little high, but they have a nice selection. Customer service is a plus.

I wouldn't go out of my way to come back to this place but if you're within a 5-10 minute drive it…read moremay be worth it. The store is probably around 40 feet by 40 feet, not very large. Prices are OK. Admittedly I'm not much of a vinyl person but I skimmed the selections. A little of everything, lots of mainstream 70's and 80's stuff. I'm more of a CD person and they have very little. I'd say about 50 or so CD's by the cash register - $3 a piece. The shop is located in Sugerloaf. A cool little town with a bunch of artsy little shops. A few photographers have studios showing their work as well as a few restaurants. It's maybe a quarter mile long, the area that has theses shops. So if you have a little time to kill it's definitely worth checking out. So even if you're dissappointed by the record store, you can take a nice stroll thru town.

I used to purchase a lot of music there but as time passed I got into the CD thing and then totally…read moredigital now. I want to replace some 45's in my collection now and without going to NYC or Coney Island, this is my hope that the store is still open. Never had a problem shopping there although some times it just wasn't in my budget so it didn't go home with me lol! That being said, Ed, I believe his name is, always did his best to make it happen for me.

So a beautiful place and a great selection. I stopped in while on assignment in the area. The staff…read morewas friendly, the store was clean and the books were abundant.

Across from the Sullivan County government offices, in an unassuming little boxy building, is a…read moreperfect used bookstore: giant and varied inventory, good turnover, great prices, and lots of places to sit and read. If you didn't know it was there, you might not ever notice it-- but now you know.

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!

Great service. Great selection. Nice staff very helpful and informative. Offered suggestions…read morefor different genres and offered to help find some rarities

Great selection. Anthony is very knowledgeable about music…read more Lots of new sealed copies of records. Definitely going back.

Dmu is a great store for DJ's looking to purchase professional equipment. Their prices are fair and…read moreyou get personal service. I recommend a visit.

From the owner: DMU carries a full selection of pro sound and lighting equipment with all the top brands in the…read moreindustry; Behringer, Boss, Cerwin-Vega!, Chauvet, Cortex, Edirol, ETA, GemSound, Gemini, Hosa, Hybrid Cases, iKey-Audio, JBL, Mackie, Martin, Numark, Odyssey, Ortofon, Pioneer, Rane, Roland, Shure, Ultimate, Vestax. DMU is an authorized dealer for all the product it sells. All merchandise carries a full manufacturers warranty on all new equipment purchased through us. Some of our merchandise include DJ speakers, DJ lighting, DJ controllers, DJ mixers, speaker cables, amplifiers, microphones, microphone accessories, trussing, car audio, and much more. DMU offer rentals for any occasion throughout the Hudson Valley area. Speakers, CD players, PA Systems, lighting, amps, mixers, microphones and more are available for rent. DJ services are also available. The DMU team of DJ's are professionals in their fields, they know how to get a party going right!

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!

I ordered RSDs from here (Hello Kitty and Sleep Token!), and they shipped out/arrived at exactly…read morethe speed I paid for at checkout (despite it surely being a busy day/week for them). They'll be in my top choices for RSDs and other products any time I can't grab them locally. I believe I paid fair prices ($25 + $55) for both items.

Craig is the Best! Great stock and a lot of fun to shop! Always a great time.I never walk out empty…read morehanded

Great selection of used rock and Jazz records. Owners are great. Fair prices. Bring cash. Prepare…read moreto spend at least an hour at least.

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