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Looking for that special music store in Boston

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Photo of Joe R.

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01/09/2006 Joe R. says:

Can anyone recommend a great store to get music (CDs) in Boston or Cambridge?  I'm looking for huge selection, reasonable prices, and indie artists.  Preferrably not a nationwide chain.  I've been to Tower records and Strawberries, and was somewhat disappointed with both.  

If you've been to California, think Amoeba Records...
Photo of Julie S.

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01/09/2006 Julie S. says:

Here's some places for starters -
Huge selection- Virgin corner of Newbury and Mass Ave Boston (its a mini chain)
Indie artists - Newbury Comics, primary locale on Newbury St - Same block as Virgin (local chain)
Dance/house/international/unli kely to find at big chains - Satellite Records - 49 Mass Ave. Boston (www.satelliterecords.com)
Planet Records - 54 JFK ST, Harvard Sq  Cambridge (indie specialists)
CD Spins Newbury St Boston and Church St Hardvard Sq Camb - buy and sell used CDs (in other words, cheap used CDs)

Both Tower and Strawberries are having trouble company-wide, and their prices are outrageous because of it.  For a big chain with a more limited selection ~ Best Buy is cheap.  They use CDs as a lure to get you in to buy the big ticket items.  Kind of like how the grocery store puts milk and bread in the far corner to make you trek all the way through and hopefully be wooed by their brilliant displays.  Hope this helps a little. Julie
Photo of Joe R.

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01/09/2006 Joe R. says:

Thanks, Julie - this definitely helps.  I had a chance to check out Newbury Comics (the one near Gov't Center) over lunch and was pleased with the selection.

I was a big fan of Best Buy back in the pimply, electronics-geek days, but live no where near one now...
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01/09/2006 Julie S. says:

I use do some work with people from Best Buy and they are actually likely to have some CDs others don't carry, thought the section on the whole isn't massive.  There is a Best Buy at the Cambridgeside Galleria (Lechmere stop on the Green line E) and one at the Sears Landmark Centre in Boston -in the area between Fenway Park, the Longwood Medical Centre and Simons College
Photo of Julie S.

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01/10/2006 Julie S. says:

http://www.newbury.com... Newbury Comics coupons.
Photo of Ian S.

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01/16/2006 Ian "Saint Foodie" S. says:

I can tell you, I've worked at a bunch of record stores in the area, and been to many more.  
I don't believe in buying music from department stores, hurts the regular record store - plus the selection is all big name poo.
Newbury Comics has the best selection, new and used, and pretty reasonable.  The Govt Center store is the most limited, due to size.  Newbury street is huge and great, as is Harvard Square store.  
CD Spins is owned and run by an A$$H*LE, however, since less people buy music and more sell nowadays, the selection is great, and they do have great prices.  the Newbury street is the best, DT crossing not so good, JP NEVER.  The Cambridge one is now owned by a former employee, but i'm sure is the same, which is great.
other random stores on Newb and in Harvard sq, like Planet, Mars, In your Ear - all worth checking from time to time.
Photo of Charles L.

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02/10/2006 Charles L. says:

you ever try Skippy Whites in Central Square?
Photo of Ian S.

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02/10/2006 Ian "Saint Foodie" S. says:

Its funny you say that.  I've not ever been there, but, have you ever seen that crazy hippy lady who hands out Whats Up magazine?  She's always in front of Harvest in JP, crazy long hair, really annoying!  She used to come into CD Spins, look at cd's, then complain that she could get them cheaper at Skippy White's.  This was like monthly.  she'd never buy anything, just browse, and rant the same complaints.  I always thought about going there, but was afraid I'd run into her!
Photo of Jeff B.

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12/04/2007 Jeff B. says:

There is a little shop on Church Street in Cambridge, think it is named "OM", that has a very eclectic selection.
Photo of julie S.

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12/04/2007 julie S. says:

i went into a music store called Nuggets on Commonwealth Ave. It's kind of a cool place..lots of old VHS tapes, too! retroooo..


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