Norman’s Sound and Vision

Pretty large selection of vinyl, both new and used. The used selection looked pretty stagnant, like 99% of it had been sitting there for a long time, probably mostly due to the higher than average prices. They had a decent new vinyl selection too, but I’m more into used vinyl/​original pressings, so that didn’t have a high appeal to me. The new vinyl seemed to be on the high end price wise too.

After going to many of the well known record stores (Academy, A1, Heaven Street) this is probably the favorite. While you won’t find the niche diversity that you do in the other record stores as far as genre’s go, for the ones they do specialize in, usually they have tons of gems specifically in their jazz, funk/​soul, and international sections. Every time I have been I’ve always found atleast 3 records that I cannot stop listening to (which is rare for a record store). There is only one downside and that is that the records are for the most part waaaay over priced. Before you buy a record take a look on discogs and see if it’s worth it because I’ve seen records that are worth $ 3 go for $ 30 (some Kool and the Gang record for example). Don’t even bother buying their new records which are ridiculously priced over $ 25 dollars, unless they are reissued new jazz records (if your reading this staff please be more realistic!!!). If you really feel strongly about it go up and try to barter and most of the time they will come down a little bit. However, to make up for it, there staff is super friendly, totally down to strike a conversation, always down to tell you about what they are playing and make recommendations, unlike many of the stores listed above. Though the store is «messy», which I really don’t mind, they know exactly where everything is ha! Overall, if you don’t mind paying a bit more, you are rewarded with great customer service, a comfortable atmosphere, and most of all great records!

We walk into the store and are faced with familiar records of every genre.
My teenager has been hitting up these stores for years, he’s has a pulse for sniffing out rare vinyl gems.
He finds a classic record as well as a record that I also slid in for him, the soundtrack for Thank God It’s Friday.
He has about $ 20 worth of records, a fair price for a few albums. We get home and all records are scratched, not cleaned and skips.
Damn I love my iPod. We won’t be back.

So happy to find this place yesterday when I was in Williamsburg; after the 3^rd avenue location closed, I didn’t know when or if they had found a new location.
I browsed the very awesome stacks of vinyl; Norman still has an excellent, diverse selection. I was torn about getting an obscure jazz album and ultimately had to put it off; I hope it’s still there when I return tomorrow.
I love vinyl records and will definitely stop by whenever I’m in the neighborhood.

Fantastic record store. Wide selection of fair-​priced new vinyl, great selection of used, and they’re generous with the ones in the $ 1 bins – found a couple absolute gems in there. Guy who runs the place was nice. I’ll surely be coming back.

I love this store. The amount of records can be overwhelming but if you are looking for something specific Norman’s there to help and if you are an old school crate digger looking for a good find you’ll be in heaven.
Support your local record store and buy your jams here!

I was really sad when Norman decided to shutter his East Village Store due to Landlord Greed. The store has downsized somewhat and they mostly sell vinyl now
However the selection is excellent and the prices are very reasonable. The merchandise is easy to browse through and of course the main reason for going to this establishment is Norman himself, He is literally a walking musical Wikipedia. Norman has forgotten more about music than most people will ever know. Worth the 3 stop trip from Manhattan on the L Line to peruse the shelves and pick Norman’s brain. If you are looking for an obscure selection chances are he has it. As good as it gets. The store is a 3 – 5 Minute Walk from the Subway station off Metropolitan Avenue

If you thought the east village store sucked, guess what? The new location is even worse. High prices, unorganized and a general bad vibe throughout the shop.
For those that hate going to record stores, this is why.
Support the shops on the south side of W’burg, much better prices and you won’t waste your time as in this shop.