Boston's Best Record Stores

In spite of the availability of music online, record stores have managed to persevere in Boston. There is one for virtually every neighborhood. Some even have more than one, which is great for collectors. Most sell vinyl, among other mediums and music paraphernalia, which helps them stay open. Make sure to stop by and support one of these music industry throwbacks in support of Record Store Day on April 18.

In Your Ear! is a 35-year-old record store that deals mainly in vinyl. Music fans can go in and browse a massive selection of records in all genres. They can also sell their individual records or full collections, at the discretion of the store. Be sure to check out the online store too, if purchasing online is more convenient. The inventory is categorized well in the online store, so it is easy to find a record, DVD or CD without much effort.

Related: Best Music Stores In Boston

Nuggets is the go-to place for rare and collectible records. It boasts a collection of tens of thousands rare and out-of-print pieces. Anyone with a wish list is welcome to bring it to Nuggets Records, so the professionals there can help find the items. If coming in to the store is inconvenient, customers can post their wish lists on the Nuggets Records website. Nuggets also has an online store with cheap shipping that gets out within a few days.

Weirdo Records
844 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(857) 413-0154
weirdorecords.com

Small but going strong, Weirdo Records has "the best in screwy music." The store stocks music from all eras and every medium from vinyl to CDs. Among its small collection are albums with weird cover art, weird songs or just plain weird themes. Weirdo Records also hosts numerous events, such as the It Just Got Weirdo gatherings. Record fans that don't mind being called freaks, listening to unusual music, and sifting through records in a cramped space will love this place.

Deep Thoughts
138 South St.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 522-3587
deepthoughtsjp.com

Deep Thoughts is known for its calm atmosphere, helpful staff, and well-priced inventory. Those looking to spend a few bucks on some old vinyl will enjoy the inexpensive selection here. There are also pricier items for collectors looking for rare pieces. The store also stocks movies, books, DVDs and those fragile cassettes that fizzled right out when CDs came along. They may not have the cool factor of vinyl, but getting a decent 80s or 90s collection requires them.

Related: Boston's Best Vinyl Shops

Cheapo Records
538 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 354-4455
cheaporecords.com

Cheapos has been around Boston for more than 60 years, so one might say it is as vintage as the vinyl it sells. It is still catching up with other stores as far as having an online presence, but that has not stopped it from being one of the biggest and best in the city. With a staff as eclectic as the music on its shelves, Cheapo Records is never boring. It carries a mishmash of genres, mediums and other musical items that make browsing as fun as listening.