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New Store Helping Vinyl Records and Books Make a Comeback in Bed-Stuy

By Camille Bautista | January 29, 2017 7:38pm
 A new shop, Halsey & Lewis, will sell vinyl records, vintage books, plants and more at 478A Halsey Ave. starting this February.
A new shop, Halsey & Lewis, will sell vinyl records, vintage books, plants and more at 478A Halsey Ave. starting this February.
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DNAinfo/Camille Bautista

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Books and records are making a comeback in Bed-Stuy.

A new store selling vinyl and novels actually printed on paper is opening in the neighborhood — years after both formats were unofficially declared dead.

Halsey & Lewis, will start selling this February at 478A Halsey St. and Lewis Avenue.

Co-owner Sonya Farrell, who also heads Gowanus eatery The Pines, wanted to share her love for vinyl and vintage objects.

“I love that they are useable antiques. I love the tactile analogness of them,” Farrell said of vinyl records, adding that she was a former music photographer who shot album covers.

“I am drawn to the photography and album cover artwork. They are a cultural reference to a time, a place, a vibe, affordable limited edition art pieces on their own. Many times, I pick them up for the covers without knowing the music.”

Some of her favorites include Prince’s “Dirty Mind,” Sly Stone’s “High on You” and David Bowie’s “Hunky Dory.”

The shop will offer records ranging from $2 to more than $100.

“We aren’t into the minutiae that some of the extreme vinyl junkie collectors are,” Farrell said.

“We are interested in listenability and covers in decent condition.”

Visitors can pick up “political art,” handcrafted goods and a variety of other offerings, with items like natural dye kits and products, cosmetics and shirts from the Feminist KILLJOY Club, whose proceeds help benefit organizations like Brooklyn Community Services, according to Farrell.

Halsey & Lewis will also sell plants, 1970s paperbacks and vintage hardcovers, with titles from authors including the Bronte sisters and James Baldwin.

Farrell, who has lived in the neighborhood for 10 years, said the new business will be an “alternative to mass-produced, corporate shops.”

The owners will host an opening party at the store on Feb. 11 from noon to 8 p.m. at 478A Halsey St.