Boston's Best Vinyl Shops

To true music aficionados, there is nothing better than the rich sounds and dulcet tones that only vinyl records can provide. CDs are more convenient to play in the car, but there's nothing like the soft crackle, pop and hiss that accompanies a great record as it spins briskly on the turntable. For anyone who is nostalgic about the days when an iPod was a distant, unknown piece of technology, Boston offers plenty of vinyl shops where good old-fashioned records can be purchased at reasonable prices. For the uninitiated, there are plenty of reasons to give these local shops a spin.

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

Weirdo Records is a local treasure that actually began in an apartment before moving into its current storefront location. They offer plenty of vinyl to keep the traditional audiophiles satisfied. Weirdo Records also sells CDs to appeal to the post-modern crowd. One of the best things about this vinyl store is its website. Updated nearly 365 days per year, the site gives customers the opportunity to shop from home or get a feel for their current inventory before making the trek to the store.

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

Cheapo Records has been in the same Central Square location since 1954, and they clearly know vinyl records. Their walls are lined with music-filled wooden shelves and cubby holes. Rows of vinyl records are lined up end-to-end across the floor. The knowledgeable staff at Cheapo Records is more than willing to help you find that special vinyl record in person or over the phone. Cheapo Records also has a selection of CDs to meet your needs, but vinyl is their main attraction.

In Your Ear Records
957 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 787-9755
www.iye.com

In Your Ear Records has been stocking and selling vinyl records for an impressive three decades. The only drawback to this charming basement is its lack of organization. It is the perfect place for people who are willing to browse through stacks of records for hours until they find the right album. For those who want something specific and aren't willing to spend time searching, In Your Records may not be the best choice. On the other hand, the prices are good and the selection is nearly beyond description including CDs, 8-track tapes, and even reel to reel if you have the right equipment for playback.

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Stereo Jack's Records
1686 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 497-9447
www.stereojacks.com

Stereo Jack's Records doesn't stock as many used vinyl records as some of its Cambridge area competitors. What it lacks in selection, the store makes up for in quality and price. Customers will love the excellent condition of Jack's records as well as the bargain bin prices. The only way to make purchases and browse inventory is by visiting Stereo Jack's in person and checking out what selections they have that day. Stereo Jack's Records adds new inventory on a daily basis, so this Cambridge shop is definitely worth checking out. As an added bonus, you'll be supporting a struggling local business and helping the owners keep their doors open to local music lovers.

Nuggets Records
486 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 536-0679
www.nuggetsrecords.com

Nuggets Records boasts tens of thousands of rare and out of print items, and the staff is always willing to work with you to find what you need. They even accept your wish lists of vinyl records via email and offer the catalogue on the store website, but to get the true experience of vinyl record shopping, stopping by the store is a must. The music here is arranged according to genre, and the staff is helpful, knowledgeable and opinionated. Browse the shelves, talk tunes with other music aficionados and make a day of it.  Nuggets Records buys, sells and trades used music from vinyl to the ubiquitous post-modern compact disc.

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Tracey Parece is a bibliophile, audiophile, writer and photographer from Boston, Massachusetts. She loves slow-moving turtles, real sugar and the works of William Shakespeare. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.