Darkside Records

This is my favorite record store and easily the best in the Hudson Valley. It's on par with the best spots in NYC/Brooklyn in terms of selection and vibe. The staff are always super helpful and the pricing is always fair. Beyond a huge mainstream/rock/pop selection, their hip hop section is really solid and a big reason I go. Other sections like metal, punk, jazz, R&B, and soundtracks seem pretty deep, as well. I appreciate that they have a lot of fun with their programs and promotions; they've built a great brand that is fun to shop from. For those in NY, NJ, and CT: Darkside is worth the day trip!

Always a lovely experience. Huge selection of new and used vinyl (which is what I'm there for), other media formats, smoking accessories, collectibles and more. Need a new needle for your LP60? They've got one. Need a replacement tone arm for Carbon Evo? They can help you source one. Kind staff makes the experience all the more pleasurable. Prices are sometimes a bit higher than online but that's to be expected from a privately owned, brick and mortar business. The ability to rifle through and be hands on with the products can't be beat. Highly recommend!

I ordered some vinyl on their black friday sale. One showed up with damage to the sleeve. It was a picture disc, which most people know aren't really for playing, but more for displaying. The poly sleeve was bent and the inside insert was torn. This would have been obvious to anyone packaging the record. When I contacted their customer service about this, Erin offered me a $1 refund and stated that they could not replace the product. I found this borderline insulting, as the visual appeal of a picture disc is really all that matters. In discussion, I offered to settle for a refund less than the amount it'd have cost to send the record back via USPS, and Erin decided she'd rather pay the post office to retrieve the record then to actually accommodate the customer. Actual email quote "The album was already offered at an incredibly significant discount and is worth much more so even with damaged packaging it's worth more than the $10 you paid for it." So, they discounted the price, and seem unhappy someone but it at discounted price, thus wont refund what they'll pay the post office in return charges, instead paying more to retrieve the record so they can go ahead and sell it used for higher than the price offered for the promotion. Seems an odd business tactic, and not one I'd employ.

I ordered a reissue record of Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mtn. Boys..with Christmas being soon I expected my order to be late. It had been a few weeks since I placed the order no word or nothing..I finally got word today that my order was lost in a sea of other orders..also that the record was missing and couldn't be shipped out..I give them kudos to the fact that they finally emailed me and told me what was up. They also did give me a full refund which I appreciate. However buyer beware because it seems this business cannot track your orders promptly and loses the merchandise..then they finally discover that nobody sent you what you ordered.. very bad for business. I was very disappointed with what happened and I will never do business again with this company. Even the man who emailed me said he didn't know what happened.. this place needs better management and they need to implement a tracking system..the technology is there why not use it. I seriously have better luck with small businesses on Discogs than I had with this company..not a very good impression and certainly not a good experience..

I bought a record player at the original location for my husband, and it has been the gift that keeps on giving. Great selection of new and used vinyl, as well as great gifts. Happy to watch the business grow and thrive!