Where can a music lover go to browse through racks, touch actual discs, talk to human beings and other old-fashioned activities? Here are just a few spots on Long Island:
Looney Tunes, 31 Brookvale Ave., West Babylon, 631-587-7722, looneytunescds.com.
The original store from 1971 burned down in the summer of 2007 but re-opened this December with 30 percent more discs, a bigger selection of vinyl, a 16-foot stage, six high-tech listening stations with 400 discs in each and a lounge area with leather couches.
The Cop Shop, 77 W. Main St., Smithtown, 631-360-9700. copshopmusic.com.
This underrated hot spot is staffed by hardcore hip-hop heads who love talking about the music as much as selling it. Get on the e-mail list for in-store appearances and signings.
High Fidelity, 59B Merrick Rd., Amityville, 631-264-0524. highfidelity cds.com.
Opened in 2005, the emphasis here is on vinyl, from pop to rock to jazz to 12-inch singles for the DJ crowd.
Mr. Cheapo CD & Record Exchange, 46 Jericho Tpke., Commack, 631-543-8686. Also 134 Jericho Tpke., Mineola, 516-742-7670. mrcheapocds.com.
Both locations buy and sell used records, from CDs to vinyl - even cassettes. You'll find DVDs and video games as well.
Soundtraks, 356 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-427-1313.
Owner Bob Stanford runs a clean, family-friendly shop where you won't hear rap or metal over the speakers, though you might find it in the racks. Also check out the expanding selection of new DVDs.
Whirlin' Disc Records, 230 Main St., Farmingdale, 516-694-1145. whirlindisc.com.
Aiming for collectors and aficionados, this shop carries mostly vinyl from the doo-wop days up to the classic rock era. For mail orders, browse the whole catalog online.
