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Monday 10am - 9pm Tuesday 10am - 9pm Wednesday 10am - 9pm Thursday 10am - 9pm Friday 10am - 9:30pm Saturday 10am - 9:30pm

The Sharp Notes

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Paramus, NJ
The Sharp Notes

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The Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ: A brick and mortar record store, podcast and music journal. The Sharp Notes is also a place to discover music in person.

The Sharp Notes is an independent record store at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ, offering a carefully selected mix of new and pre-owned vinyl, CDs, turntables, audio gear, accessories, books and more. We stock everything from essential catalog titles and new releases to jazz, soul, rock, indie, hip-hop, soundtracks, harder-to-find records and unexpected discoveries. Our pre-owned selection changes constantly, and we’re always buying quality record collections. Stop in to browse, talk records, upgrade your setup, find a gift, or leave with something you didn’t know you were looking for. Good music. Great records. No gatekeeping.

10/28/2026

DREW RYDER SMITH has spent years behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer, but with "The Deep End", he’s stepping fully into his own story.

We sat down in person at The Sharp Notes in Paramus, NJ, to talk about growing up between Middle Tennessee and Muscle Shoals, working in radio as a teenager, Sam Phillips, Merle Haggard, Steve Earle, songwriting as a craft, physical media, Abbey Road Studios, and the long road toward finally making a record that feels completely his own.

There are also a few stories in here we’re not going to spoil for you.

Read and hear the full interview by clicking below...

The songwriter and artist talks Muscle Shoals, Sam Phillips, Merle Haggard, Steve Earle, Abbey Road, Paul McCartney—and finally making a record of his own.Drew Ryder Smith has been around music for a long time, even if you’re only hearing his name now.He grew up between Middle Tennessee and Musc...

10/24/2026

Benny Sings was our guest on the podcast this week.

If you like your earworms impossibly catchy and your lyrics with a little bittersweetness hiding underneath, Benny’s new album, *22 Durnham Dew*, should be right up your alley.

Hear—and read—our conversation at The Sharp Notes, or stream the podcast from your favorite podcast dispensary.

Catchy songs. Melancholy feelings. Dutch sophistication. Need more?

Benny Sings has spent more than two decades refining one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary pop music. The Dutch singer, songwriter, and producer has a knack for creating songs that feel immediately familiar—warm keyboards, melodies in soft-focus, touches of soul, jazz, R&B, and 1970s ...

10/17/2026

It’s spooky season, no doubt. 🎃

The parking situation at the mall may be a little terrifying right now, but don’t let that scare you away. Brave the crowds, make your way to The Sharp Notes and pick up some seasonal goodies—including this gruesomely delightful Return of the Living Dead comp from Real Gone Music.

Zombies. Punk rock. Vinyl. The mall. What more could you possibly need?

Come get spooky with us. Boo! 🧟‍♂️

10/17/2026

A 50th anniversary Turnstiles on “Subway Token Gold” vinyl? Okay, we’re ready. Bring it on.

This was Billy Joel’s back-to-NYC record after his LA years—and the first album to feature Liberty DeVitto, Richie Cannata, Russell Javors and Doug Stegmeyer together in the studio.

Those guys would help define the sound of the records that followed. And, in a little TSN footnote, Evan recorded his own last album with Liberty, Richie and Russell.

And “Subway Token Gold”? That’s some serious East Coast energy. Raise your hand if you actually remember holding one. ✋

You can visit the Astor Place station if you’d like, but then get yourself to and grab a copy before we keep them all. 🚇

10/16/2026

A little blast from the past today at The Sharp Notes.

Several years ago, we had the chance to sit down with Suzanne Vega for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, New York City, “Tom’s Diner,” “Luka,” her early folk days, and the way place and memory continue to shape her work.

The interview may be a few years old, but the discussion still holds up: Suzanne is as thoughtful, insightful, and engaging as ever.

If you missed it the first time around, give it a listen and spend a little time inside the world of one of New York’s most distinctive songwriters.

Check out the full interview:

Suzanne Vega Discusses Her Album, An Evening of New York Songs and Stories in an Interview with The Sharp NotesFor some folks, New York City is a place they’ve only seen in movies or read about in books; a mysterious, mystical place full of danger and excitement where fame or fortune - or failure ...

10/14/2026

It’s October, so Strange Days are upon us. And during strange days, well…People Are Strange.

Like this very cool Doors 7-inch picture sleeve, featuring all four fellas in a strange mélange of mirrors, reflections and general ’60s disorientation.

A little darkness, psychedelia and existential dread: perfect Halloween listening.

Come to the mall. Buy something strange. 👻🚪💿

10/11/2026

You’ve seen the Ghostbusters soundtrack a million times—but how about this British picture disc? We’ve never seen another one.

And on a dark, rainy October day, there’s definitely something strange in the neighborhood. 👻☔️

Perfect time to check out this week’s podcast with Peter M. Bernstein, talking about carrying on his father Elmer’s legacy with Ghostbusters in Concert: the original film accompanied by a live orchestra.

Stay dry. Play records. Don’t cross the streams.

10/10/2026

Don’t be scared, but keep an eye out for Godzilla. He’s been lurking around The Sharp Notes, ready to incinerate anything that gets between you and your record-buying happiness. 🔥🦖

This new Japanese reissue looks absolutely smashing and should sound the part, too. For the Godzilla and Toho collectors among us, this one demands a place on the shelf.

It’s Saturday. Find a parking spot. Avoid the giant radioactive lizard. Buy some vinyl.

We’re here until 9:30 PM.

Address

1 Garden State Plaza
Paramus, NJ
07652

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 9pm
Tuesday	10am - 9pm
Wednesday	10am - 9pm
Thursday	10am - 9pm
Friday	10am - 9:30pm
Saturday	10am - 9:30pm

Website

http://www.thesharpnotes.com/

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