Smash Records

Love this place. There are some gems to be found. Super glad to overhear a clerk insist that a kid stitch his own back-​patch on. Prices are fair and the selection is good. Bought some great stuff here. Passed on some great stuff here. Check it out and enjoy.

SMASH! was a fixture of my growing up in the punk scene in DC in the 80’s. Loved the authenticity of the place. I remember being on the young-​ish side and seeing Wattie Buchan from The Exploited in there (figure it had to be after they performed their (recorded) DC show, «Live At The Whitehouse»). Stops to Georgetown weren’t complete unless you stopped at SMASH!, Commander Salamander and Roy Rogers.
They’ve moved a couple of times, but they’re still the best goddam punk store IMHO.
Good selection of music, clothes and punk odds and ends.
Hit em up! Support your scene! Screw mega stores, shop local! DCHC!

I’ve seen this place survive in the Adams Morgan neighborhood for years — after it got priced out of Georgetown — and I hope it hangs on forever. It’s a punk rock store like they used to be in the 1980s, where the help is slightly surly but basically fair-​minded, and where you will hear actual punk rock being played on an actual turntable. As another reviewer accurately wrote, the used LP bins at Smash almost always harbor some good deals, and rarities *do* show up. (Just the other day, a couple of milk crates appeared full of classics like the circa-​1980 Rough Trade label sampler, «Wanna Buy a Bridge?») That said, the selection isn’t picky, and the vinyl needs careful checking. (If you’re a local, you may be able to return an unsatisfactory record for credit, but if you’re just passing through town, make sure you’ve looked carefully at both sides before deciding whether the sticker price is right for you.) There are also clothes, shoes (Doc Martens), and some CDs, as well as various essential teenage punk rocker paraphernalia. They don’t start record stores like this any more, at least not in areas sprinkled with new condos. Visit!

Went to Smash for the first time and it reminds me why DC is the worst when it comes to quality record shops…
The Good…
–pretty clean
–many different genres
The Bad…
–pretty run of the mill selection
–overpriced used and new LPs
–12″ singles mixed in with LPs
–didn’t buy a single thing…
Overall this spot appeared to have potential, but was more of a disappointment. Quite rare for me to pop in a record shop and leave empty handed. I think I’ll pass next time.

If I’m in D.C. I’m fucking going to Smash Records! If you want to find some punk/​hardcore vinyl and CDs this is where to go. They have a lot of cool vintage skating cloths and posters too. Over the years I’ve brought friends in who don’t love punk music as much as they should. Each time they walk out with gem vinyls of other music. If you are looking for cheap used CDs they have boxes of them under the records. I would love to give this store a five star, but unfortunately last year I went in and only bought one vinyl record and a shit load of cheap CDs. The guy working had long hair and was bitching to a girl about how he had to close. When I brought the CDs up he started bitching about how he hates CDs and how it would take him forever to get them because they have to write down each one that is sold. As he started writing the CDs down the bitching didn’t stop. I tried breaking the ice by asking questions about a song he was spinning. The d bag just bitched at me for not knowing the band. Fuck. He made me feel very unwanted and kinda wanted to just leave. If it wasn’t for the fact I had never seen this dude working here and have had nothing but awesome experiences over the years I would have.

Came in just to browse and walked out with two Fugazi albums, both reasonably priced. Would’ve loved to see a bigger selection, but they have a tight space to work with and also sell clothes, so I understand the spatial restraints. The two guys working there were really cool about helping me find what I wanted, even though I didn’t really know what I wanted. No judgement. No smiles either. Fine by me.

Was okay. A little dusty/​dirty. The selection is mostly punk and they have a bunch of awesome shoes and clothes too.

Small selection but neat and organized prices are decent. If you’re looking for punk, this is the spot.

I love this place. I found a Suspects CD there and some other great local bands CDs and Vinyls. It a small shop but it has an amazing selection of items. One of the best record stores in the DMV and tons of hot very hot punk and goth chicks hang out there! Oi La La! My friends always try to get these chicks number but I tell them yo these chicks are riot grrls they ain’t gonna date you. Duh! Anyway, the staff is very knowledgeable and it is just nice to support local business and local bands! Cheers!!!

Smash is not an «indie rock» store, it’s not a «vintage» store, it’s not the place to go to find that new Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes or whatever crappy band you discovered via Pitchfork. Its strength and focus is on used records (mostly punk, rock and metal) bought from personal collections, estate sales and at record fairs. Their good stuff moves fast, because it’s been around long enough (30 + years?) that it has its fair share of regulars who scoop up a lot of the rarities that show up pretty fast. Smash! is never overpriced, and you will always find at least one record, cd (new and/​or used) you’ve been looking for. There’s a good selection of used clothes, band t-​shirts, shoes, buttons, posters. I never leave empty handed, and I’m a cynical 35-​year old who has been collecting music for the past 20 years.

The best thing Smash has going for it is that it’s within easy walking distance of Crooked Beats and Red Onion, both of which are much better record stores, in my opinion. I usually figure, why not stop in at Smash while I’m in the neighborhood? They sell more than records, so maybe you’re into that, but I just go for the LP’s. I’ve found some good old stuff cheap, but their new vinyl selection is pretty sad and the place just isn’t clean.

Smash! is a fantastic shop! If I had to describe it, I would say it is a «punk-​ish» store with a wide selection of music and fashion – but Smash! has a constantly revolving inventory which lets you find new gems each week!
The record selection is plentiful, clearly marked, and the prices are great. I always head to the «New Arrivals» in the 7″ and LP racks to see what has found its way into the store since my last visit. I am always shocked at the quality and low pricing of the records. Since moving into its current address Daisy has run the shop’s new & vintage clothing which my wife loves browsing and purchasing. Truly something for everyone from your hipster, punk, to Redskins fan wanting a vintage RFK seat cushion!
The staff is always polite and helpful and the store runs 10−15% discounts on your entire purchase most holidays! What are you waiting for? I’ll probably see you in there…

Great hardcore, punk, metal store for new and used records/​cds as well as clothes and other new and vintage items. If you’re bumming around on 18^th be sure to pop in. Staff is always super cool and I always walk out with something awesome an unexpected.

I echo what other reviews have said about the staff being unhelpful and self-​involved. I bought a pair of shoes and wore them out of the store, only to discover that they didn’t fit as well as i’d thought. i walk right back in minutes later and found that I couldn’t return them. Since they don’t have any signs posted anywhere or on their receipts, and since they won’t tell that to you during check-​out, let me warn you that they don’t do returns. And, more importantly, the staff wasn’t nice about it. Also, their stuff is mad over-​priced. There’s a better vintage shop a block downhill, just go there instead.

Insane used section if you are into hardcore/​punk

This is a punk/​indie/​hard core record store that also has some vintage clothes. Not many clothes, but an interesting selection. Worth keeping an eye on, especially if you like that look.

I was a bit surprised at the very small size of Smash’s inventory. The staff was not very helpful and seemed self involved with their own world. I was particularly interested in vinyl and was disappointed.
I haven’t checked other record stores in DC and I am comparing to NYC, so maybe this is the best I can find.

Anyone from Boston (not exactly myself) who travels to a different state or city seems to feel this sort of entitlement in regards to music scenes. Boston is home to one of the largest, often in opposition to the L.A. scene. However, there is this bastard child with years of pent up frustration, known as D.C.
Upon entering Smash Records one will immediately recognize that Minor Threat and Bad Brains are the local flavor here. From an extensive collection of vinyl to vintage clothing, Smash Records provides any and all needs of the addled-​youth.
I was surprised by some of the finds, including my Oi! Compilation 12 in. and a rare 7 in. collection of Mighty Mighty Bosstones singles. The front desk was helpful and eager to let me in on some of the other worthwhile digs in D.C.
It’s sad that local haunts like this will only too soon go the way of Newbury Comics and F.Y.E’s. Spend your thrift here, keep it local.

Smash is a shell of what it was long ago. when I say «long ago» I do not mean the way 21 year olds say «back in the day».
nonetheless, i won’t give them two stars without explaining. the two stars are solely on account that they ATTEMPT to sell vinyl records. if they did not even try, they would get one star.
smash at their first of two locations in georgetown (before the evacuation to adams morgan) was a great stop for RECORDS (of the punk variety & beyond). Bobby knows his shit. this incarnation is NOT that Smash & i would imagine Bobby is at home watching ESPN (deservedly so after truly serving the dchc scene forever).
smash 3.0 is like a dirty version of hot topic on a dirty street in a dirty city. they have clothing for sale for children who want to act rebellious and for adults who want to act like rebellious children. the music selection is very below average & the prices are jacked up to match.
that’s about it. smash is in a basement, filthy, poorly lit, and has very little to offer in used or new wax. there are some overpriced vcr tapes as well.
looking through a few moldy crates of overpriced records & scoring a $ 20 ramones record does not make your record collection better, but talking about it may score you scene points with your pierced friends over a mimosa at a dive bar during sunday brunch.
by the way, like any record collector with a few thousand kickass slabs of wax, i’m not going to post on here where i get a hold of used vinyl. if i told you i’d have to kill you.

This record/​CD botique seems tailor made for the under 15 «alternative» crowd and the occasional vinyl collector. However, if you are really looking for serious music, you’d be better off at the Red Onion.
That being said, they do have a decent selection of used records at the 5 – 20 range. Like most record stores, they’d rather sell you some new vinyl, obvi, and they supply that here as well.
Bottom line, the selection is decent, but not the best in DC. However, because it’s on top of that other record shop, it’s probably worth a quick stop by before you head out.
I can’t comment on the «vintage» clothing or whatever they sell there, but I’m no longer in high school so I guess my opinion on such matters is likely irrelevant.

Smash is one of those records shops I frequent that give me hope for the DC area. Thank jeebus that Smash moved from their lame Georgetown location to a lesser lame spot in Adams Morgan. In comparison to their G-​town location, they’re able to accommodate a much more beefy selection of records and CDs (a result of the bigger store space, naturally) plus they have tiny addition of a vintage clothing section, which I don’t recall ever seeing previously.
The staff at Smash are knowledgeable and friendly– I came here last on Record Store Day and chatted it up with the owner over a PBR. (We came to the conclusion that we both have mixed feelings about Record Store Day). After the chat, I wandered around the shop– I’m a big fan of 45s and if you’re looking for that obscure and possibly out of print punk 7″ you’ve been looking for for the past 10 – 15 years, you will more than likely find it here. I got A.D.D. and moved onto the full lengths– really awesome selection to say the least. And Smash, not to discount any other worthwhile genres, offers a selection (however slim) of jazz, soul and R&B, just FYI.
I managed to come away with a few great records all while not breaking the bank. For one: I found a copy of Devo’s New Traditionalists record that came with a free poster… success!