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Vinyl records are making a comeback. LPs are not only more durable than CDs and MP3s, but they also sound better and put you in touch with an era that can’t be replicated by digital technologies. In Boston, there are plenty of record stores where you can find all your favorite albums on wax.
Some great vinyl record stores in Boston are Good Taste Records and Nuggets. Just outside of Boston, you’ll find Cheapo Records, Vinyl Index, Deep Thoughts JP, and Tres Gatos. If you’re willing to cross state lines, very near Boston is In Your Ear Records in Rhode Island.
Below, I’ll go over nine incredible record stores in and near the Boston area for your record hunting. These shops have a unique selection, are easily accessible, and are sure to put you in the position to buy some great records for your collection.
Table of Contents
1. Good Taste Records in North End
Good Taste Records on Thacher St. is a great place to go if you love vinyl records and want to find some new tunes. They have a wide selection of music, including:
- Jazz
- Blues
- Rock
- Folk
- And many more
You’ll also find a nice atmosphere at Good Taste Records – their people are friendly and helpful! The store has a great selection of used records, and they have some new ones as well.
The prices at Good Taste Records are fair, and they offer discounts if you buy multiple items. They also have an online store where you can find many more records than what’s available in their brick-and-mortar location.
Good Taste Records has been around since the late 1970s, and they have a great selection of records. So, if you’re looking for some new tunes or want to add to your collection, this is a great place to go.
2. Cheapo Records in Cambridge
Cheapo Records is a great place to find rare and hard-to-find records. The shop has a huge selection of used records and CDs, with plenty of choices for your vinyl collection and turntable.
You can also find some new vinyl on the shelves, but this is definitely not their specialty.
Because it’s so well stocked with used records, Cheapo is great if you have any strange or obscure taste in music—they have bins dedicated to jazz, classical, punk rock, and any other genre you’re looking for! They have everything!
So if you’re looking for something more specific (like an old pressing of “Thriller”), they probably have it somewhere; just be prepared to dig through the piles until you find it, or ask one of their friendly staff.
3. Vinyl Index in Sommerville
Vinyl Index is a great shop for all your record needs. They also have one of the best record websites I’ve ever seen!
It has a good selection of new and used records, with everything from the classics to local artists. The prices are pretty good (most records range between $7 and $20), and the staff is very friendly. You can also find some good vintage cameras here if you like taking photos on film instead of digital.
The store itself is pretty small but has a lot of character—it looks like it’s been there forever. They even have an old record player at the front where you can play some music while you browse! The shop is located in the heart of Somerville, so you can easily walk around and explore the neighborhood afterward.
4. Deep Thoughts JP in Jamaica Plain
Deep Thoughts JP has one of the most unique record store names I’ve ever seen–and it’s well worth the drive to Jamaica Plain. They have great prices and an excellent, unique selection of used records. Deep Thoughts JP was also featured in 2016’s Boston’s Best Showcase. This place is in Jamaica Plain (JP), which makes it easy to get to if you live nearby or are visiting Boston.
Most of the stores on this list are small businesses, but when you go to Deep Thoughts, you’ll feel like you’re supporting something small. The store is located in a little strip mall, so it’s easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. But once you find it, you’ll immediately be transported back to your childhood when you walked into the record shop for the first time.
5. Village Vinyl & Hi-Fi in Brookline
Brookline is a great place to find records if you’re willing to travel outside of Boston proper. The town has become known as the “record store capital of Boston” thanks to its many excellent record stores. Village Vinyl & Hi-Fi are one such example.
This store boasts an impressive selection of 12″ vinyl, 7″ singles, CDs, and more—everything from jazz favorites like Duke Ellington’s “Black And Tan Fantasy” to obscure gems by Boney M., Bob Marley, and Genesis (to name just a few).
They even have an extensive collection of 45s for those who want their music in smaller packages: think R&B singles from The Temptations or classic rock from Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.
Plus, with 50% off used LP purchases on Wednesdays (and 15% off used LPs every day), you’ll be able to stock up on all the classics without breaking your budget! Just call ahead to make sure they’re still running this deal, as their specials usually differ from week to week.
6. Nuggets in Kenmore Square
This former laundromat is a hidden gem outside the hustle and bustle of Boston’s Downtown Crossing. Nuggets carries an impressive selection of jazz, soul, and funk records and new releases from artists like Erykah Badu and Kendrick Lamar. You can also find used records at low prices—ranging from $5 to $20.
Nuggets in Kenmore Square has an amazing aesthetic and the staff is all pretty friendly. Whether you’re new to vinyl shopping or a seasoned veteran, you’ll be able to find good conversation and friendly faces. Additionally, they have spots where you can listen to used albums to ensure that they actually work. That’s a must when it comes to record stores!
Nuggets is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 7 p.m. Still, they sometimes have extended hours on certain days (such as their annual Record Store Day sale). Stop by with friends or make a date out of it!
7. Looney Tunes in Allston
Another great one is Looney Tunes in Allston. It’s located at 51 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134, and you can call them at (617) 562-9773. They’re typically open Monday through Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm. The location is funky, too–it’ll remind you of record stores you’ve seen in movies.
Looney Tunes has a little bit of everything for vinyl lovers. They have all the classics like The Beatles and Pink Floyd but more obscure albums like Beck’s “Sea Change” or Dinosaur Jr’s “J Mascis + The Fog,” which are harder to find elsewhere.
Even if you’re not looking for records, it’s worth checking out. They also have some vintage video games, comic books, t-shirts, and other merchandise available for sale.
Additionally, you’ll find rock bands like Vampire Weekend and indie artists like Mitski. They both have their own sections at this store, so you can easily find what you’re looking for without having to dig through boxes on top of boxes stacked very high in an attic somewhere in the back room.
Looney Tunes is a great place to go if you’re looking to travel just a bit outside of Boston.
8. Tres Gatos in Jamaica Plain
Tres Gatos is by far the most unique location on this list–they sell food and books on top of the vinyl records and CDs in their collection.
Tres Gatos is a great place to find vinyl records. Whether you’re a newbie or an old pro, this little shop in Jamaica Plain has something for everyone. They have a large selection of new and used records, and the employees know their stuff. So if you’re looking for something rare, they can point you in the right direction and help you find it at the right price.
The shop also has a listening station. So before buying anything, you can hear what it sounds like on their equipment first. If you want to buy online after hearing your choices in person, they’ll package up your purchases and ship them out promptly with all shipping materials included!
Other Places To Find Vinyl Records in Boston
If you’ve already visited all of the greatest record stores Boston has to offer and didn’t find what you were looking for, there are still some places where you can find great records: thrift stores, garage sales, and online.
Thrift Stores
Don’t overlook the secondhand realm when searching for vinyl records. You might be surprised how many thrift stores have a selection of used records, often at very affordable prices. If you want to go on a treasure hunt in your local thrift store, I recommend bringing along some cash and patience—you never know what could turn up!
Thrift shops are also great places for finding used CDs and DVDs. Although the selections aren’t quite as expansive as those of record stores, you can often find plenty of older releases from decades ago that aren’t easy to come by anymore but still have value to collectors (and just plain old music fans).
Garage Sales
In addition to record stores, you can also find vinyl records at garage sales. This is a great place to look for rare records people have forgotten about. Antique stores often have hidden gems in their collection, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Online
For the vinyl record lover who doesn’t want to leave the house, there are two main options:
- Searching the web for your desired records.
- Visiting a physical record store in person.
The former allows you to browse an ever-expanding inventory of new and vintage music from around the world from the comfort of your home without having to drive anywhere (or even get out of bed).
However, if you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it online, going to a store might be best for you, as there’s nothing more annoying than searching for something on Etsy only to find it sold out when you go back two hours later.
On the other hand, visiting a physical record store offers much more bang for your buck—you can try before buying and ask questions about condition or authenticity (if they’ll let you).
You can also shop at thrift stores or antique shops, where prices tend to be lower than those found online but may not offer as many options in terms of genre or format. Additionally, there’s nothing like the feeling of finding something you didn’t expect!
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