The Best Record Stores in the USA

New York, NY

This adventurous-listener's wonderland was named "Other" because Tower Records was across the street. Now, Other is just about the only game left in New York. (Tower, of course, closed.) Yet it does better than merely hang on, thanks to its unobtrusively friendly staff and a strong stock of hipster sounds — from free-jazz icons to cool new indie bands, plus a fine selection of techno 12-inches and a robust African section. A smart selection of used CDs and deeply discounted major-label catalog items help pick up some of Tower's slack, as well.

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