The last of a dying breed. A store that almost brings tears to my eyes. I was a record collector back in high school. When the CD revolution came around though, I jumped on it’s back. Why? Because I was getting disgusted with the greedy nerd mentality often found in other collectors. To my own disgust, I was discovering those qualities creep inside of me. Time to jump ship. Years later, my turntable broke down. Never bothered to get a replacement.
Imagine my surprise when a friend informed me about Breakdown’s existence. Something to investigate.
The store front was a wee bit nostalgic for me. As of this posting, an over-sized poster of Elvis Costello hung in the front window. Elvis in his iconic late ’70s cool. Again, I started to get misty eyed. From the outside, this shop looks like something from an early 1980s teen flick. Couldn’t wait to step inside.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t happy with the selection. Mostly used CDs, vinyl, cassettes, DVDs and VHS tapes. Yet even with all this variety, there wasn’t anything I would particularly like to purchase. I mean, I really tried. Came across a CD by local Hardcore band, but that’s about it.
I tried again a few months later. Almost brought a used DVD but the price was too much. I could buy a new copy on Amazon for that price. Sorry.
However, if you’re into kooky vinyl, this might be the place for you. Don’t expect pristine conditions when you buy a record for $2.00. Buyer beware, you will get what you pay for. But it is vinyl mecca indeed. Reminiscent of the music written about in the RE:Search Incredibility Strange Music series. If I still had a turntable, I might be tempted back to my record collecting days. My excuse now is the economy.
So don’t let my finickiness scare you. Breakdown also has an Ebay store. (Ebay)
Still, I hope this is a place that never goes out of business. When Tower Records went out of business, it was an end of an era. When Virgin Megastore went under, yeah, that was sad too, but it was a-comin’. Virgin had an excellent selection but overpriced. Yet both spots were chain business. It’s the mom and pop shops I worry about. I hope stores like Amoeba and Other Music never shuts its doors. Just like I just hope Breakdown never goes under.
Breakdown Records: 48-09 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY, 11373. 718-279-0040.
Ebay store: http://stores.ebay.com/Breakdown-Records
UPDATE 4/15/2018: The shop Breakdown Records has gone out of business. Please check if Breakdown still has their eBay store going.
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