Tunes

The only store of its kind in the area. Tunes has a great selection of new and used vinyls. A wide range of genres from Rock and Pop to Jazz and Soul. You can find some classics at unbeatable prices if youre willing to do some digging– part of the vinyl shop experience. Found Stevie Wonder’s «Songs in The Key of Life» for $ 8 and Jay-Z’s «Reasonable Doubt» for $ 15. A treat for real music lovers.

I feel almost guilty for giving one of the few remaining record stores such a mediocre score but I was genuinely displeased with my experience. I was excited when I found Tunes through Unilocal while visiting a friend in North Jersey. Driving all the way up from Freehold (despite having Vintage Vinyl, we well as Asbury Park much closer) was fun because it turned into a little adventure with my friend. Prior to going, I was able to see online that my record was available — when I got there, it was not. I’m used to this happening and in retail management so I understand and wasn’t phased by this happening. The girl was extremely helpful and told me she could special order the record — it would arrive in about 10 business days, I’d receive a call and I only needed to leave $ 5 deposit. I was told it would cost around $ 29 — the same price I had seen it selling for at the mall. I prefer shopping at small businesses whenever I can, so I placed the order and left that night after looking through the Used section.
After three weeks, I still hadn’t received a call that my record had arrived or a call even giving me an update. I called and asked what was going on — I was essentially told that the associate on the phone did not know what was taking so long but that it should be in any day and I would receive a call. Slightly disappointed, I said okay and continued waiting. As the month point came and went since my special order was placed, I started looking elsewhere for the album. I hate buying anything from Urban Outfitters, but they regularly had the album in stock — clearly it was still in print. I called again and spoke with someone else, who then had another person call me back regarding my order. I suppose I had finally spoken to a manager because he reached out to the vendor directly to try to get me some answers. I was told that he appreciated my business and that there was some sort of delay with the vendor receiving the record, and that’s what caused the extended delay.
About a week or so later, I received a call that my record had come in. When I went to pick it up, it was $ 34 ($ 5 more than what I had been told at the time of placing the order) and no one working could quite explain why. Considering I had driven up from Freehold to pick it up, I just paid and left. I will not return to Tunes after this experience. Far too timely for such poor service.

So happy these guys are still around. Great vinyl selection (new/​old), excellent staff recommendations/​service, and the ambiance is killer.
Definitely worth a stop in.

I have been to record stores from California to Iceland and every single one in my homestate of New Jersey. I have shopped in record stores for close to 40 years. Music is, in some respects, my life.
I used to live in them here — CD World, Jacks down in Red Bank — you name them. But to this day, this store, in Hoboken is my top area store.
Tunes has flourished and actually grown over the years and it’s not just because they only want to make money. They want to make money too (what business doesn’t?) BUT THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. They’re into music like you are.
I cannot tell you how many times I have spent an evening or an afternoon in there looking through hundreds of CDs and being allowed to listen to whatever I wanted to (I don’t abuse the privilege) and — most importantly, most critically: how many times one of the clerks helped me — really, genuinely helped me find new music.
«Tropics» is a new — or relatively new solo artist out of Britain — that was but one of dozens of new artists that I was enthusiastically turned on to by the clerks there. I always find hundreds of dollars of gold.
Go there. I promise you if you love music, if music means the world to you, there just isn’t another store in the area quite on this level. Most are good — save this one I refuse to name — and they will certainly lend a hand but there’s something about the Hoboken Tunes that is as good as it gets.
My favorite store is Tonar 12 in Rejkjavik where they have a listening lounge downstairs, tons of plush couches and plush headphones and you can sit and listen all day — and they bring you free coffee all day. But, unless you want to travel to Iceland and pay around $ 30 a disc, this is as good as it gets in the NYC metro area.
God bless Hoboken Tunes. I could go on about their great variety, their constantly getting in incredible second hand CD’s, their vinyl, the sheer antiquitous charm of the old store itself, and the cool merch they have, but you’ll find that out when you get there. Shop where people care about you and care about what you want, share your love of music and aren’t hawking you to see how much coin you’re going to drop and giving you the Stinkeye. Some music store owners are like that — sadly but I don’t identify them — they’re trying to make a living and not bad people. Just a drag to be around when I’m on the prowl for new tunes. Music’s not about the Stinkeye — it’s about the feeling — the feeling you’re reeling.

One of the few record stores of its kind to still be around. I love when they host live music. It was definitely an experience worth remembering.

Since writing my first review, I’ve been back to Tunes at least four times, and the shop has never disappointed me. Even when I’ve left empty-​handed (which is rare), I still came away buzzing with the excitement of a great experience. The shop always has cool music playing, and the selection of records and CDs — though variable, like at any other establishment — is broad, and if you look close enough, there are always several gems tucked in. The last time I went, I decided to check out the DVD selection (yes, some people still buy DVDs) and found what I consider to be one of my best purchases yet — «Delirious,» starring Michael Pitt and Steve Buscemi — for $ 1.99. «Delirious» isn’t the kind of movie you can just walk into a Blockbuster or FYE, or wherever the hell people actually buy new DVDs nowadays, and buy. It isn’t even easy to find on the Internet. So, as you can imagine, I was very pleased. They also had a copy of Gregg Araki’s «Doom Generation,» which I will probably regret not buying — and certainly regret publicizing on Unilocal,lest someone decides to pick it up.
In addition, the people who work at Tunes are super friendly and helpful, without being overbearing. Once, while shopping for a record for a friend’s birthday, one of the shop guys — whose name I should have gotten, out of courtesy — offered to play the two records I’d been deciding between on the shop record player, so that I could determine which had the best sound quality.
All in all, Tunes is great. Do yourself a favor and stop by. You won’t regret it.

Love Tunes! Can’t believe I didn’t know this great record store existed until a year after living here (so sad). Lots of great used CDs in mint shape and great prices! Staff are so helpful! great breadth of music, lots of vinyl as well.

Great selection of vinyl — old and new! They have a great special that if you buy 10 $ 1 vinyl, they give you 5 free! They are heavy on rock and wish they had more Latin and Soul selection but overall it’s a great gem! Definitely be sure to take your time to check through all of crates since those are not in any order!
I look forward to coming back!

every time I’ve been in here has been great. I always get lucky searching through the piles and piles of records. sometimes you strike gold and then realize it’s 2 bucks for a sick sick record and the rest of your day is awesome. love this spot. never change tunes, you’re awesome.

I have been coming here for a LONG time. Staff has always been super helpful and totally open to hearing you talk about music. I LOVE this place and fully encourage everyone to at least stop in. Used records, css and DVDs along with everything brand new. In a day where music is becoming more electronic, i’m happy to see this place still in business and kicking strong.
One of only 2 record stores i support in NJ.
Parking is pain though but DO NOT hold that against these guys.

Great store. I come in from NYC once in awhile to shop there, they’re that cool. They have a huge used collection which I’m a big fan of. Don’t forget to also check out their huge $ 1 CD sales.

Tunes was an important part of my development as a record consumer as a teenager. Every other week I would go and drop about $ 20 and walk away with three used CDs the fact that stores like this and Princeton Record Exchange are still standing in the age of I-​Tunes is simply amazing.
AMAZING SELECTION of USED CDs and DVDs. Super friendly staff that is knowledgeable about all genres. And your always bound to discover new music playing at this store.
The fact that they are still standing in the SEVERELY OVERPRICED NORTH EAST is that much more miraculous. (HOBOKEN AT THAT!)
(For the West Coast readers Hoboken NJ rents make Santa Monica rents look EXTREMELY affordable by comparison.)
Tunes I don’t know how they do it still but I am glad they do!
I just wish I could still buy Maxwell tickets.
This was the place I used to buy all my tickets to see ska shows as a young lad.

When I moved to Hoboken in July 2009, the first thing I did other then unpack boxes was walk to Tunes. I remember our real estate agent telling me specifically when I came along with my folks to see the new house that as a music fan, I’d be spending a lot of time there and at Maxwells. She couldn’t have been more right.
I think that other then rent, I’ve spent more money at Tunes in Hoboken then on anything else in this town in the last five years. No, I’m not joking. I’m a vinyl, CD, blu ray, DVD junkie and I’d venture to guess that I’ve bought 50% records of my collection, 65% of my DVDs/​blu ray and 40% of my CDs at Tunes and I have 227 records/​96 movies/​132 CDs currently in my collection. That doesn’t count trades over the years of buys/​trades/​buys.
This store is laid out perfectly, simple as that. The new releases are there as soon as you walk in so if you’re looking for the hot new album, there’s rarely a need to search. There’s TV box set DVDs, then a plethora of used DVDs to explore. There are the usual ones to find but I’ve found some real gems in there and hilariously bad B movies. There is a growing blu ray section with a pretty diverse selection all things being equal.
Towards the back are the rock CDs and the vinyl. I must say Tunes is REAL short on new vinyl. It’s really sad as it’s gone quite downhill in that regard, but the used selection makes up for it quite frankly and what there is in the new area is usually of high quality.
Unlike most stores, the clearance bin of dollar CDs doesn’t totally suck. This is actually quite a plus and it’s real fun to look through it to see what’s it there. Sometimes you might find a cool score.
Oh, Tunes sells used stereo equipment as well, including turntables. I once saw a used pair of Bowers and Wilkens bookshelf 600 series speakers back there so it’s always worth a look. Those are really high quality, so it’s not like Tunes sells junk.
One of the best things about Tunes is they will special order albums if you want. I had them order RX Bandits «Mandela» for me a few years back and it was easy as anything. They get it shipped to the store, you pick it up and boom. No hassle.
I personally find the folks who work there to be easy to deal with, if not engaging off the bat. This is a positive. They are really nice if you approach them but it’s not like they are in your face or anything. It’s a real laid back vibe in the shop.
I actually picked up Black Flags «The First Four Years» compilation here as per a spoken word album of another modern day philosopher. It truly was the densest batch of jams since the funhouse album by the stooges. Both recommended by Hank and by Carl.

Tunes has a great selection of used and new CD, DVDs, and vinyl. I especially love shopping at the cheapo section because you can definitely count on finding an amazing 90’s classic. The staff always plays great music while you browse around and they’re helpful when you need to look something up. My favorite part of the Tunes experience is that they still give you that option to listen to a CD on headphones before purchasing the way we used to before the new digital age.
If you have a ton of stuff lying around too, you should definitely do a buy with Tunes which means they buy your used cd and dvds that are in good condition. Keep in mind they match prices with Amazon so no, it’s not going to be what you originally paid for but honestly, are you really going to ever listen to that Menudo CD ever again in your life?
Try Tunes if you’re an avid music lover. it’s so rad!

Walked past Tunes with a friend and we stopped by. It has been a few years.
Found they have a new clearance section and picked up some good 90s CDs for a $ 1 each — POD, Filter, Barenaked Ladies, etc.
It was also quite refreshing to see they sell used iPods and other music players. In an era when post people simply toss away these consumables, they are trying to recycle here organically and help those with less funds to afford music. Kudos!

Unfortunately in NJ there are starting to be a sheer lack of record stores. Not sure why, but many once great gems are now missed. Tunes holds it’s weight as a place that has rarish cd’s (CHEAP) DVD’s (OK deals) and records (OVERPRICED.) I’ve found some rare records there also got my Yo La Tengo tickets there for a Christmas Day concert (granted, I had to beg them.)
Management seems to be friendlier nowadays. I recall 4 – 5 years ago it used to be quite snobby.

It breaks my heart not to give this place five stars, but I just can’t.
But let’s talk about what’s great here. They always have good music playing – there’s nothing worse than spending time in a record store where they either try to play screechingly terrible music to challenge you or whatever is hot right now to show you that they’re on top of things. These guys play music that’s a great balance.
It’s also laid out very well. You know where to go, it’s a good space and you can spend hours browsing for sure.
Their selection is solid if maybe a little lighter than what you’d expect.
So why isn’t it five stars? Well the employees really vary – some of them are somewhat helpful and quite nice, and others won’t look you in the eye and make it seem like they’re doing you a favor helping you.
Then there’s the prices. I don’t think these are even close to the best used prices you’ll find – which really really surprises me given the inventory they must get. Maybe I’m not looking in the right places.
Their new albums are also more expensive than what I’d expect. At least a dollar or two above what I’d see at PREX or even Other Music. Maybe that’s the cost of doing business on Washington Street.
Don’t get me wrong – I still love this place. But it’s not five stars.

always a great selection of CD’s, vinyl and DVD’s. but I noticed most reviews glossed over Tunes biggest thing: selling used stuff. I’ve sold so much, from CD’s & DVD’s to Blu-​Ray (had a roommate that moved out and took his PS3 with him). They give you the best possible price on just about anything and will give you 20% more if you take store credit. i haven’t sold video games to them, but I’m going to imagine they are just as competitive, and will give you better than gamestop will.
I’ve never been disappointed with a trip to Tunes.

To be honest, I was vacillating between a 2– and 3-​star rating here… I opted to round this one up. Why? Simply put, I’m a sucker for used music/​movies.
However, I must say that my hometown does it better… if you have access to a car/​can take the train down to Princeton and go to the Princeton Record Exchange. PrEx definitely has a far more extensive selection of used material than Tunes and I believe it to be well worth the trip.
But to Tunes’ credit, this shop does provide a nice escape from card stores/​boutique-​y type stores in Hoboken. I do wish they had more in the way of used CDs (yup, I’m confessing I still purchase these things) and DVDs and also that these items were better organized (many of these goods are just thrown in bins under shelves.
As for pricing, new goods are definitely far from a deal, but used goods are competitive with others I’ve seen.

Tunes is a throwback to pre-​digital times. This may sound obvious because, well, it’s a record store, but I’m talkin’ more along the lines of the good ol’ 1990s, when CDs were king, lining up at your local shop was the preferred method for scoring tickets to your favorite band’s show, and no one was quite sure yet which one was Hootie and which one was The Blowfish. Simpler times, people.
So, how does this differ from, say, New York City record stores? First off, the Tunes staff is extremely friendly, helpful, and the furthest thing from condescending. Try and get this service in the Village — you’ll be lucky they even make eye contact. And Tunes prices are cheap! I’ve found records here I’d scoured other places for, ready to pay double what this fine establishment had on the price tag. Oh, what’s that you say? They’re cheap because they aren’t first-​edition-​limited-​press-​Japanese-​import-​double-​mint quality? Well, they play just fine on my record player, so I think I’ll live.
Thankfully, I was in Hoboken on Record Store Day, because Tunes had every title on my checklist, when I had thought I might be lucky enough to get, oh, maybe just one of them. The place was bustling, shit was in stock, and the dudes working there were happy as all hell. There have been times I’ve gone into other records stores in that other city across the Hudson and it’s taken them days to get new releases in — and always been told this with attitude, mind you, as if it’s my fault I came in on the Tuesday the album was droppin’. You won’t get that at Tunes. Tunes is the golden boy, the unsung hero, the local spot, the little record store that could. Tunes is the first place you look and the last place you’ll have to. Tunes is my jam.