Boston Record Shops Promote a Love for Vinyl
Boston’s independent record shops are collectively fueling a vinyl revival by offering diverse atmospheres and carefully curated collections that cater to new collectors and seasoned enthusiasts alike. A report by…
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Boston's independent record shops are collectively fueling a vinyl revival by offering diverse atmospheres and carefully curated collections that cater to new collectors and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
A report by UMass Boston's student newspaper, The Mass Media, noted the following record shops that are amplifying the love for vinyl:
- Cheapo Records in Central Square (538 Massachusetts Ave.) has been a community fixture since 1954. It maintains a modest appearance and offers vinyl hunters enticing finds.
- GOOD TASTE Records in the North End (4 Thacher St.) favors a compact, sampler-friendly setup that encourages active listening within a welcoming environment. Two record players on the premises allow customers to listen to LPs before purchasing.
- Nuggets, a Boston staple since 1978, is lauded for well-organized, genre-divided inventories, fair prices, and the evident passion of management at the Kenmore Square (486 Commonwealth Ave.) shop. Writing for The Mass Media, arts columnist Adrian Sands noted, “Its collection of rock records is thorough, and prices are not unreasonable by contemporary standards.”
- Planet Records in Harvard Square (144 Mt. Auburn St.) presents a smaller, mainstream-friendly vibe than its competitor Armageddon, which focuses on metal, hardcore, punk, and other “angry music.” It offers affordable used LPs, making the selection here approachable for newcomers.
- Village Vinyl & Hi Fi in Coolidge Corner (307 Harvard St.) opened in 2017. It emphasizes space-efficient, curated shelving with a focus on hi‑fi gear and a mix of records and VHS tapes for audiophiles and vintage enthusiasts.
This list only scratches the surface of venues where vinyl dominates within the Boston community.
Michael VyskocilWriter
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