New York City is a music mecca. Hundreds of performance venues are scattered throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn – the smaller of which have birthed countless young artists’ careers, while the larger continue to showcase those fortunate enough to land mainstream success.

In the last year Manhattan has seen the opening of the Highline Ballroom and Terminal 5, while Williamsburg has welcomed former Lower East Side staple Luna Lounge as well as the Music Hall of Williamsburg. So where’s the best place to check your favorite band out in person? Here, psychoPEDIA rates NYC’s top venues, in terms of sonic achievement:

Luna Lounge
The old Luna Lounge on Ludlow Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side hosted its fair share of great shows, yet the power of development dollars forced this favorite indie venue to Williamsburg in 2006. The new Luna Lounge is bigger, with a fresh sound system that’s capable of handling the 400 or so ticket holders who come on any given night. Ceilings are a bit high, and width a bit wide, with the layout stretching deep in length; thus, the sound tends to be thrown to the back of the room before hitting the front. It’s best to hear a band with a sold-out show versus any fledgling act. Multiple bodies in this packed house will absorb vibrations, lessening the possibility of any echo.

Bowery Ballroom
Bowery is by far the best venue in all of New York City to see and hear bands. For years, the Bowery Ballroom has hosted thousands of up-and-coming bands, yet what’s really interesting is watching larger than life acts such as Metallica and Depeche Mode, who typically sell out arenas, return for special secret shows. What’s so special about this venue? The sound. No matter if there are two people, or 575, one will hear the music clearly and see from any vantage point. There is one small kink to Bowery's surroundings - specifically that of setup. Maneuvering around the locale can be difficult, as it fills quickly and the hardwood floor's lack of slope leaves those at the back of the venue straining their necks. One solution: access the ground floor via the back entrance in the basement - it'll put you right to side of the stage and offer you a much better chance to squeeze into the front row.

Union Hall
Tucked away in Park Slope, this charming bi-level destination feels like one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets. While you’ll find a bar and bocce being played on the upper level, downstairs, you’ll find a cavernous music venue. With a capacity of around 75 people, the feeling is so tight and close-knit you can practically taste the sweat off the person standing next to you. Views are definitely not the reason to check out bands at Union Hall; yet its sound is a sure reason to visit. Because of its basement setting, the ceilings are low (good luck to anyone 6’4" and over), and, since the room itself is small, the acoustics are well rounded. It’s perfect for hearing a solo artist; though even bands like Cold War Kids have faired well during their novice days.

Highline Ballroom
Typically, any new music venue in New York City houses state-of-art sound systems. Highline Ballroom in Manhattan’s Meatpacking district is no exception. Lots of green stuff went into its speakers and soundboard, making for a spectacular experience for any of the 700 people who could fill the room. Backed by the guys who own the Blue Note Jazz Club, it’s no surprise the word quality remains steadfast throughout all its crevices. What is unexpected is the venue's lack of warmth - sterile, and still smelling ever so slightly of fresh paint. Despite that drawback, David Bowie selected this spot for a festival he curated earlier in 2007; bringing in such bands as Secret Machines and TV on the Radio.

Roseland Ballroom This tried-and-true ballroom is a New York City staple within the musical arena of venues. Its old setting produces an unbelievable tidal wave of sound during live performances. On each side of the theater, multiple stacked speakers hang, with additional speakers along the stage’s perimeter. 3000 people can fill this spot. And, when full, with the music so loud and clear, a feeling of levitation inevitably occurs. This spot perhaps best epitomizes the concept of being enveloped by sound. Since Roseland is open floor seating, there's a potential to almost feel crushed. Stick to the mezzanine level or even the back. Don't worry though - the sound will still reach you.

Terminal 5
It’s big, quite big. Terminal 5’s size is most assuredly true to its moniker; it feels and sounds exactly like an airport terminal. Formerly the club EXIT, Terminal 5 can accommodate around 3,000 people, creating a stadium-like environment complete with level seating. Apparently, the new owners, party of the Bowery Presents crew, sunk a huge amount of dough during renovations and the sound system wasn’t left out of the equation. Think loud, think wind tunnel and think, “Sorry! I can’t hear you!” What inevitably occurs is a lack of clarity in the music itself - it becomes washed out and grainy. Perhaps it's too big to house powerhouse acts like M.I.A. (who recently played during CMJ) - venue-goers should instead stick to seeing DJs or events here.

~Jessica Mcmenamin