Joe’s Record Paradise

Humongous section! Prices are definitely on the expensive side for what they are but not outrageous. Organization is okay. The genre artists are kept in seems biased by whoever is in charge of that. While they have an incredible collection they definitely lack some of the major names that you assume there would be plenty of (specifically for the rock genre).

I grew up in Silver Spring, but I now live in Chicago. I have been visiting Joe’s for a few years now during my trips back home, and as an 80s R&B/soul collector and DJ, this place truly is «paradise.» I have happily spent hours in this store, and never walk away empty-​handed. Requires some digging, but if you put in the time you will not be disappointed.

Definitely worth checking out, if for nothing else than the huge selection. This place has a massive amount of records, so I would try to dedicate some time to shopping here if you do make the trip. Some great stuff in the racks, but the prices on the «good stuff» lean toward the higher end. Sometimes the condition of the record doesn’t really jive with the asking price at all, so inspect carefully and do your research before buying anything here over $ 10. Parking is nearly nonexistent unfortunately. If you park at the shopping strip next door with the 7-​Eleven you may run the risk of being towed.
Hint: a lot of the «good stuff» is in the «rare records» section of the store. Not all the records there are particularly rare or insanely high priced, so don’t be afraid to check it out.

Absolutely humongous selection. Absolutely meh pricing. Absolutely indifferent staff. You’ll like it depending on what you’re looking for in a record shop. Here you will most likely find what you are looking for in regard to vinyl, unless it is ultra rare.

If you are a music fan and collector, you must make a pilgrimage to Joe’s! It can be overwhelming at first (its larger than the typical shop), but start by focusing on an artist then branch out from there. I have read reviews about this place and their customer service (or lack thereof). I frequent Joe’s quite often (though not a regular here) and I’m always treated well. However, I don’t go there to make friends. Last time I was at Joe’s (this past Saturday) I ended up chatting with customers and employees ab American music history and had a blast.
My only problem with Joe’s is pricing. I reviewed Som Records recently, and I hailed it as the best record store in metro DC because of their combination of quality stock and decent pricing. The only reason Joe’s is not in that spot is because EVERYTHING of quality seems to be super expensive. They even have this «VIP area» roped off where a lot of good, rare, and quality bands, names, and albums are. The area is all $ 20 and up, price-​wise. It is really good stuff, but some of it can be priced fairer. They do have a decent 2 dollar bin, too though.
Overall, Joe’s is like your parents record store. An old-​fashioned feel that I like about record shops and its like a music warehouse in size. The modern record shop is tight, usually darker or gloomy, and this is something Joe’s has on the other DC shops. Its a bit more open. As I said before, a music-​head must make their way to Silver Spring for a day of digging at Joes. Its not the greatest in terms of pricing, and you won’t leave feeling like a responsible adult if you choose to buy what you have found, but its well worth it for a once a month or bi-​monthly treat.

if there’s anything that helps me call a place «home», it’s a good local, independent record store. and joe’s may have just done that for me after moving to the DC area in late 2014.
as i walked up to joe’s record paradise on georgia ave, i didn’t think too much of it. it looked like a typical store front with average space. that opinion completely changed upon opening the door. the front is the smaller portion of the store, with it opening up to a massive cavern of audiophile heaven in the back.
joe’s has EVERY format of audio and video available for sale. 8 tracks, cassettes, vinyl, CDs, and even laser disc. yes. laser disc. i was i a bit surprised, too. it definitely has that feel of you’re in someone’s basement of entertainment and they haven’t quite had enough time to completely organized things. yes, the audio is divided by genre, but it’s a bit haphazard. which for me at least, adds to the fun. i love searching through piles and stacks of music for that gem.
there were 2 employees on the clock when i was there on a sunday afternoon, and despite the size and volume of the space that is joe’s record paradise, that was enough. it was never busy. i just hope it’s always busy to keep its’ doors open.

Damn! This place is packed with vinyl! Not only was the place cavernous and packed with well-​organized tables and tables of vinyl, but there was the added benefit of my feeling like I was in college all over again. Staff were super friendly and offered assistance and opinions without being intrusive. You can listen to anything on 3 – 4 turntables, some more vintage than others. Collections carved out included New Wave/​Synth, Reggae, Rap/R&B, Rock, Rare, Jazz and more. In today’s world of sterile big box stores, Joe’s made me supremely happy with its piles and piles of records, CD’s, and VHS tapes. Can’t believe it took me so long to check it out.

Great selection of stuff. However, Jen, a young dark haired employee was the worst person I have ever met. The second I walked into the store, she gave me an incredibly nasty look as if I was Hitler even after my friendly «hi.» Then I went up to purchase my items and she was talking to two people who mentioned they were looking for records of a band she loved. After five (5) minutes of standing there clearly waiting to be rung up, she groaned, rolled her eyes and stuck out her hand to indicate that she needed to see the items to have them rung up. Then when the total came to $ 20.15, I gave her $ 21 and she just rudely went «bye.» I’m not exactly hurting for money and I support record stores still being in business so the 85 cents in theory means nothing to me. However, that is technically theft on her part. You don’t just not give customers back change. I seriously am appalled that any business would hire someone with this level of aggressiveness and general incompetence.

Great selection for just about everything except punk, progressive and new wave. Those are hard to find at any shop, but they have everything else covered, especially jazz.

It really is a vinyl paradise. I have been rebuilding my vinyl collection from scratch and Joe’s has a huge inventory to pick through. I do wish they would not sell cheap, record-​destroying, turntables such as Crosley. Vintage records aren’t being made, so it’s important to preserve what’s out here and build awareness of using a good table/​cartridge.

This place is amazing. Lots of vintage vinyl @ reasonable prices. The staff are a bit gruff, but will definitely help you locate something if you ask. Don’t come here expecting to find anything too modern, but for a great collection of vintage rock, soul, disco, and jazz — you’ve got to come here.

Felt like I was in the movie high fidelity!
Super cool record shop. The selection is awesome. It is in a great area with a lot to do around it.
If you are thinking about starting to collect records or you already collect records this a great place to go.
The staff lets you browse and they leave you alone. It’s nice no pushy salesman.

Best Vinyl selection in the area by far. Tons of cool stuff to look at and always find something for my collection. Love going there for Record Store day been going there for 25 years from the old location

I went to this store while visiting a friend of mine in Silver Spring, MD. The selection is pretty good. However, the woman who checked me out had the worst attitude EVER. It was pretty much the worst customer service I’d ever received. I still feel bad about purchasing that Bobby Hutcherson album after being treated that way. Needless to say, I won’t be going back.

Joe’s definitely has a huge selection. I tend to focus most of my attention in the hip-​hop/​go-​go section and that’s the basis of my review…
Although a lot of it is record-​pool rejects that would be better off in a thrift store, it’s fun to dig here because you never know what you’ll come across with a little time and effort. I’ve pulled my fair share of gems from their crates over the years. Luckily, these records were more obscure and probably under the radar of the staff and ended up being great bargains for me.
The pricing, as it relates to records’ condition, though, is often times WAY off the mark. Many of their records have obviously come from DJ collections and are well-​used. Not worn out, necessarily. Just obviously played A LOT. These should not command a premium, mint condition price. But here, more often than not, they do. For instance, I saw a pretty common go-​go 12″ that looked to have been used as a frisbee on the sidewalk. This particular record, in pristine shape, can be had for $ 1 to $ 5 from other area shops (or online). Joe’s price? $ 9.00.
Still though, from the records to the memorabilia on the walls, Joe’s is a great place to spend a few hours digging. Like I said, you just never know what gems you’re gonna find.

Joe’s Record Paradise is a huge, multi-​room record store that’s perhaps the largest in the D.C. metro area.
The shop sells CDs and vinyl in a variety of genres — rock, R&B, country, hip-​hop, blues, jazz, etc. — and they sort new arrivals in separate bins, which is always a plus. There’s also an area roped off for what they consider their rarest vinyl. I finally had the chance to check out that part of the store on a recent visit, and while there are some nice items there, their definition of «rare» is pretty liberal.
There are a lot of CDs and vinyl records, including 45s, in this shop. However, some of the prices — especially for the vinyl — are on the high side, and quantity generally beats out quality.
That’s not to say that you won’t find things to buy here. In fact, the sheer volume of product means that you probably will find items to purchase, especially if you’re a collector. It’s just that the overall quality of the stock isn’t as impressive as it is at my favorite record stores around the country. Also, they have their CDs in these plastic security devices that make flipping through the bins a bit of a pain.
Those things said, the service has been good during my visits and they do carry enough interesting items to keep me coming back for now. The selection is big enough that if you’re a CD or vinyl collector, you should at least give Joe’s Record Paradise a chance.

Great (and huge) selection of records at all price points and for all musical interests. Make sure you give yourself ample time to peruse the record bins and maybe find a hidden gem!

I came here for used LPs. Most of the LPs are filed in the generic «rock» section, but they also have sections for hip-​hop, soul, jazz, and alternative. The guys are pretty helpful and they asked me what I was looking for. I told him I like electronic music (specifically ambient house), and he pointed me towards their techno and disco section. He also showed me their Brian Eno records.
My tastes are pretty specific, so I can’t really knock them for not having what I’m looking for. I wish they had a bigger selection of ambient and electronic music. I’m a huge fan of new Ghostly International and Warp, and the selection of similar music is lacking. I’m sure something will pop up now and again, but don’t expect to come here and browse much electronic/​alternative music.
If you’re looking for classic rock, hip-​hop, jazz, or soul, they have many records. If you’re coming for alternative or electronic, they are lacking. Their alternative section is 4 bins and the techno/​house/​disco section is about the same size.

Amazing selection, the largest I’ve ever seen in any area record shop. Also, great selection of CDs and other media items. Can’t wait to stop back when I have more time to browse.

I’ve been to Joe’s numerous times when I’m usually working out of Silver Spring for a day or something. The shop is very large and offers a wide range of media formats, genres and just about anything a music lover would need.
Here’s my pro vs con review…
PROS
Tons of records to dig through
Turntable listening stations
Other types of media such cassettes, 8 tracks and more
Some good local/​DC area stuff
Good hours of operation
CONS
The prices of some records are way out of line with the true value of the record, especially the condition
Way more quantity over quality selection
Parking can be a pain at times
Overall this shop is OK and worth checking out if you’re in the area and have a few hours to kill digging… there are better shops though that may be smaller in quantity, but deliver in quality.