Those who are still grooving to Dad’s turntable, take note. Just steps from the Yard, a ragtag band of independent record stores serves the most musically sophisticated—or technologically outdated—Cantabrigians. Specializing in new and used CDs and vinyls at discount prices, these stores carry everything from early 1930s Jazz to the latest in underground techno. And though Newbury Comics maintains a carefully constructed bohemian vibe, the real deal can only be found in the endangered species of Mom-and-Pop record shops. So throw on your vintage rock concert tee, turn off that free jazz record and prepare yourself for musty rooms stuffed with some of the greatest music ever made.
Cheapo Records (645 Massachusetts Avenue)
Well-lit but very cramped, Cheapo can be a challenge for the casual fan. The employees were generally aloof until FM demonstrated some musical knowledge, at which point they warmed up—somewhat. Specializing in soul, blues, and folk, but with a wide selection in general, Cheapo deals in new and used vinyl and CDs and accepts trade-ins for cash or 25% more in store credit. The staff, all of whom have a fantastic knowledge of the store’s sonic offerings, are also happy to direct customers to other stores.
Twisted Village (12 Eliot Street)
Experimental music—from obscure psychedelic rock to underground electronic to the oddest in free jazz—is the forte of Twisted Village. Lone employee Angela (LAST NAME) is happy to help customers find exactly what they’re looking for or to recommend any number of titles. Twisted Village began as an independent record label in the mid-1980s before opening as a store in 1997; despite its foray into retail, it’s still all about the music. The friendly service and eclectic catalogue makes this a store not to be missed.
Planet Records (54B JFK Street)
This quiet locale prides itself on its rock collection but also carries a decent selection of classical and international music. Planet’s vintage vinyl is first-rate and cheap, but the store still leaves something to be desired. The staff is competent but very hands-off, hesitant to interact with customers and offer recommendations. Whereas the employees of other area stores are clearly engaged by their work, the Planet staff often seems relatively disinterested.
In Your Ear (72 Mt. Auburn Street)
Though its disorganized stacks make finding the right record a game of Where’s Waldo?, In Your Ear carries a wide selection of used vinyl and CDs. Owner Mark Henderson TK [check] focuses on acquiring a collection of hard-to-find classic vinyl as well as cheap used CDs. In Your Ear has a friendly, hands-on staff that is more than willing to chat it up with the costumers. And even if customers cannot find exactly what they wanted in the Cambridge location, employees will direct them to In Your Ear Boston, one of the largest independent record stores in the area.
Looney Tunes (1001 Massachusetts Avenue)
Proving that good things come to the patient pedestrian, a visit to Looney Tunes is well worth the walk to find it. Midway between the Harvard and Central Square T stops, the store offers a good selection of contemporary used CDs and DVDs, but specializes in vintage vinyl. Offering the area’s deepest collection of jazz, classical, soundtracks, and classic rock, the store’s selection and prices will leave costumers salivating. Witness, for example, an original 1973 “Dark Side of the Moon” in perfect condition for only $30, and even cheaper Beatles and Rolling Stones records. Combining excellent selection and pricing with a friendly environment, Looney Tunes gets FM’s pick as the best store for classic vinyl in Cambridge.
