Readers Say

The ultimate guide to independent record stores in Greater Boston

Every record store is different, but these beloved local shops all have something in common, according to Boston.com readers.

Vinyl records
Well over 2,000 readers weighed in to choose the favorite record stores in Greater Boston for 2024. AlenKadr / stock.adobe.com

By Peter Chianca and Emily Turner

9 minutes to read

Most stores can probably be described rather simply as a place where you go to, well, buy things. But most stores are not record stores.

Take what Marcus J. of Worcester had to say about Residency Records in Salem: “The staff is always friendly and holds great conversations about music and record collecting. It’s always so much fun to visit, even if I’m not buying anything.”

Or what Mary R. of Abington said about Inclusion Records in Norwell: “It’s a place where people can hang out when they feel they have nowhere else to go. You feel at home there.”

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In fact, in the responses to our poll asking people why they love their favorite independent record stores, the word “community” came up again and again among the thousands of responses. That, and the genuine warmth and helpfulness from the stores’ owners, all of whom were mentioned repeatedly in connection to the stores most cited by readers. 

“The owners are amazing and so helpful to make sure you find great titles and good quality vinyl,” wrote Erin from Somerville about Good Taste Records in the North End, echoing similar comments from other readers about independent record stores from the North Shore to Worcester to the Cape. “They take care of their stock, the store, and their customers. It brings back the joy of going to a music store and the conversations to be had in one.“ We bet nobody says that about Jeff Bezos and Amazon.

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So just in time for April 20’s Record Store Day — the international celebration of independent record stores inaugurated in 2008 — below you’ll find a fully updated version of our ultimate local record store guide, including an interactive map of all 43 record stores that received votes in our poll and over e-mail; a rundown of the top five stores as chosen by Boston.com readers, plus five honorable mentions; and a full list of every store mentioned. 

Top 5 favorite record stores in Greater Boston, according to readers:

Note: Boston.com sifted through thousands of responses to determine the five record stores that most clearly generated positive responses from readers. Those shops are listed below in alphabetical order. Featured reader quotes are new to 2024.

Coty Smith and his wife, Lindsey, of Good Taste Records in the North End.

Good Taste Records

Just one year after opening, Good Taste Records in the historic North End cracked our 2023 list of favorite local record stores at No. 10 — and a year later, here they are again, with readers gushing over owners Coty and Lindsey Smith and an inventory focusing on hip-hop, funk, soul, electronic, jazz, and soundtracks for films and video games. 

Readers say:

“The curated collection and personal touch of the owners make this North End joint a real jewel. Their online business is also ahead of the curve.”

— Geoff M., Jamaica Plain

“Lindsey and Coty make your experience at Good Taste more than walking into a store for records. Their selection of jazz, imported, soundtrack and used records are top notch, and they are always quick to engage in your musical taste and give you recommendations that you will 100% enjoy. The merch, decoration, location, listening booth and events they promote make it a true gem in the North End for music aficionados and anyone that has good taste.”

— Marília A., North End

4 Thacher St., Boston

John Nichols, left, and Bobby DePesa of Inclusion Records
John Nichols, left, and Bobby DePesa of Inclusion Records lounge in the concert space adjacent to their store’s vinyl room. – Matthew J. Lee / Globe staff

Inclusion Records

When you think “Norwell,” you don’t necessarily picture the epitome of cool. But when you look at what Inclusion Records has to offer — an upstairs skate shop! a live performance space! a food truck! a vintage pinball machine! — you get the impression they’re cool enough for the whole town. And readers agreed, coming out force to support Inclusion as an indispensable stop for South Shore record lovers. Throw in a mountain of praise for owners John Nichols and Robert DePesa, who’ve been at it for two decades, and you’ve got a genuine local institution.

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Readers say:

“The staff is extremely welcoming. None of the old school music-snob record store employees to be found here. This place is inclusive of everyone and has an amazing offering of new and used records. They also have a food truck in the parking lot once a week. You really can’t beat it.”

— Andy G., Weymouth

“The owners and staff have great knowledge of what they have and what they could get. They let you be yourself, and it’s a fun place to hang out, chat and share stories. It’s the place that I go to improve my mood and correct my mental state when it’s off.”

— Joe E., Hingham

340 Washington St., Norwell

Mel’s Record Shop

Mel Webster — a well-known local evangelist of vinyl records, his hometown of Amesbury, and of course his own store — has built a loyal community of record lovers since opening his shop in the North Shore city’s surprisingly hip downtown back in 2021. And judging by the effusive responses from record collectors on the North Shore and beyond, Mel’s remains a go-to spot for those seeking quality music and personal attention (and beer: breweries abound nearby). 

Readers say:

“I am proud to have Mel’s Record Shop in my community! Mel has created a welcoming and inclusive environment within the four walls of his shop. But more than that, Mel is a champion of local businesses, a friendly face, and actively working to make Amesbury the best it can be. This makes Mel’s bigger than just awesome music, but a staple of the community.”

— Michaela S., Merrimac

“I absolutely love this store and it’s a treat to have this gem on the North Shore. Mel is so knowledgeable but also loves to engage and learn about your music. Whether it’s combing through the endless ’80s hair bands, reggae greats, or some smooth Muddy Waters — they have it all. Also, a plus is there is an amazing wine bar conveniently next door. Overall Mel’s is the best record store in New England!”

— Jeremy B., Charlestown

4 Water St., Amesbury

Record Exchange

The Record Exchange in Salem has a few things a lot of other record stores don’t, prime among them being a 50-year (yes, as in five-zero) history of peddling platters. Founded by the beloved Ross “Skip” Kolhonen, who passed in 2017, the tradition continues thanks to current owner Paul Bazylinski, not to mention his regular compatriot among the Record Exchange bins, soul man Barrence Whitfield of Barrence Whitfield & the Savages.  

Readers say:

“The store is a community space, an anti-capitalist triumph that cares more about its employees and customers than the bottom line. I dare you to find better deals or more knowledgeable and curious employees anywhere in the country. Whatever you’re into, they are excited to help you build your collection on your budget. As a woman who finds that men at record stores can often be condescending and combative, it’s such a relief and a blessing to have the Record Exchange as the antidote. All music lovers welcome — no matter how big your collection or when you started, you’ll find your home at the Record Exchange.”

— Annika, Ipswich

“I do not hesitate for an instant when I say that the Record Exchange in Salem is the best record store on the East Coast. This is because it is a ‘true’ record store, stocking current titles, but also providing plenty of full bins of high-quality used records at very reasonable prices. The selection changes daily and there’s always something you’re looking for. I’ve been shopping here for over 30 years and I can honestly say that if the RecEx doesn’t have that piece of gold you’ve been hunting for one week, check again in a week or two or three and chances are they will. That’s what I’ve found time and time again. Give ’em a try and I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

— Matt B., Salem

256 Washington St., Salem

Tres Gatos

You could argue that Tres Gatos is living proof that every restaurant could use a record store, and that every record store could use a restaurant. (And a bar, naturally.) Readers were quick to praise “Boston’s first full-service restaurant, book, and music store” for its eclectic nature and owner Phil Wilcox’s encyclopedic knowledge and unflagging dedication to his customers.

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Readers say:

“Phil — who runs the store — is one of the kindest, most knowledgeable and enthusiastic shop keepers I’ve ever encountered. Aside from the store being a fun place to shop with an amazing, diverse selection of vinyl that is consistently updated with both new music and classics, it’s Phil, his playlists, recommendations and willingness to assist that make Tres Gatos a true neighborhood jewel. I feel so lucky to live within walking distance.”

— Marlene B., Jamaica Plain

“Phil can tell the history of almost any record, and can find you anything you might be longing to hear … and after you’ve worked up an appetite from browsing and buying, you can walk five steps and be sipping and dining on the best food in JP! And you can request a song to be played (from the record store) and you’ll hear it while dining.”

— Darcy P., Jamaica Plain

470 Centre St., Jamaica Plain

Honorable Mention (other stores most cited by readers):

Deep Thoughts JP, 138-B South St., Jamaica Plain. “It embodies the best thing you can say about a record store: I almost always find something cool and unexpected there.” — Bradley R., Roslindale

Purchase Street Records, 53 Popes Island #2, New Bedford. “Best selection of metal, punk, hardcore, rap, alternative, indie in the New England area. PERIOD! I drive three hours round-trip from New Hampshire and it never disappoints.” — Joel S.

Residency Records, 7 1/2 Church Street, Salem. “I love having a record store near the local theater. Nothing like stopping in after a movie to grab a record to listen to when I get home. They always have something I’m looking for.” — Liam, Salem

Spinnaker Records, 596 Main St., Hyannis. “They carry every vinyl you could think of and merchandise on top. It’s an essential store to stop in when walking down Main Street in Hyannis. The workers are so nice and helpful.” — Dakota S., Sandwich

Vinyl Index, 1 Bow Market Way #25, Somerville. “​​Great vibe in the store — the sections are broken up masterfully so that I always enjoy poking around. They always have different spotlights and are spinning great music. The location is also fantastic in Bow Market.” — Andrew, Malden

Cocktails and vinyl records mingle at Tres Gatos in Jamaica Plain. – Raul Zelaya for The Boston Globe

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