Music stores, like many other types of businesses, are a dying breed. While big-box stores along the lines of Sam Goody and f.y.e. have shrunk in both size and scope, Johnny's has survived seemingly unscathed.
Nestled in a small strip of stores along Rte. 136 in Darien, CT, Johnny's has been at the same location since opening in 1975. It offers a wide selection of music on three different formats: CD, cassette, and vinyl. In addition, it also sells music related items such as t-shirts, stickers, key chains, and posters. While it may take some time to find exactly what you're looking for, the chances of actually finding it are still fairly high.
The store itself is quite small, however. Unlike most mall-based music stores, it has just one aisle that runs from the door to the back of the store. CDs are on the opposite side of the register and run the length of the store, while memorabilia is next to the register. Vinyl records and tapes are found at the front of the store, between the register and front window. Usually, there's only one person working there at a time, which may be frustrating if there's a line or if you're looking for something while someone else is checking out. However, those who work there are genuine music people who are able to help you find something.
The music selection is one that offers many different hard-to-find or rare albums. If you're looking for albums by a particular artist to 'fill-out' your collection, there's a good chance you'll find it here. I personally was able to pick up Mick Fleetwood's The Visitor on tape awhile back, even though it's currently out of print.
The prices at Johnny's are reasonable. If you're on a limited budget, you're better off thumbing through the tape collection if you're looking for music, as you can get 3 for $10. Vinyl and CDs are as marked, and prices range from $10 for a CD to anywhere from $20 to over $100 for vinyl releases. Prices for band memorabilia also varies.
Nestled in a small strip of stores along Rte. 136 in Darien, CT, Johnny's has been at the same location since opening in 1975. It offers a wide selection of music on three different formats: CD, cassette, and vinyl. In addition, it also sells music related items such as t-shirts, stickers, key chains, and posters. While it may take some time to find exactly what you're looking for, the chances of actually finding it are still fairly high.
The store itself is quite small, however. Unlike most mall-based music stores, it has just one aisle that runs from the door to the back of the store. CDs are on the opposite side of the register and run the length of the store, while memorabilia is next to the register. Vinyl records and tapes are found at the front of the store, between the register and front window. Usually, there's only one person working there at a time, which may be frustrating if there's a line or if you're looking for something while someone else is checking out. However, those who work there are genuine music people who are able to help you find something.
The music selection is one that offers many different hard-to-find or rare albums. If you're looking for albums by a particular artist to 'fill-out' your collection, there's a good chance you'll find it here. I personally was able to pick up Mick Fleetwood's The Visitor on tape awhile back, even though it's currently out of print.
The prices at Johnny's are reasonable. If you're on a limited budget, you're better off thumbing through the tape collection if you're looking for music, as you can get 3 for $10. Vinyl and CDs are as marked, and prices range from $10 for a CD to anywhere from $20 to over $100 for vinyl releases. Prices for band memorabilia also varies.
Overall, if you're looking for a good music shop without the big-box store feel and reasonable prices, Johnny's is your best bet. If you're unable to find what you're looking for, there's a good chance that Johnny'll be able to find it for you.
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