Best of Boston

Best Music Store

2001 Best Music Store, New

Newbury Comics

Cambridge
Great variety (imports, independents, jazz, classical, rock, soundtracks) isn't enough. Low prices (new discs as low as $9.99) aren't enough. Even a knowledgeable, friendly, and [...] read more»
2001 Best Music Store, Used

Disc Diggers

Somerville
The indie music ethic in this town is so snobbish, it's almost considered blasphemy if you like a song on the radio. But thanks to [...] read more»
1996 Best Music Store, Used Records

Mars

Allston
A Generation X antidote to downtown shopping. Walk up the dark staircase to this vinyl/CD shop that carries the neighborhood's most obscure selection of used [...] read more»
1996 Best Music Store, Used CDs/LPs

Looney Tunes

Boston
Some people will never be swayed by the pure, clean, digital sound of compact discs—they prefer their music to be on vinyl. You can get [...] read more»
1995 Best Music Store, CDs (Rare Classical)

Orpheus

Boston
When you can't find that rare, out-of-print classical CD around the corner on Newbury Street, try Orpheus. This hole-in-the-wall store carries classical, jazz, and international [...] read more»
1995 Best Music Store, CDs (Used Popular)

Second Coming Records

Cambridge
Great selection of standards, plus tons of imports, CD bootlegs, and unreleased tracks you can't find at regular record shops. Good prices, too. read more»
1995 Best Music Store, CD Store

Newbury Comics

Sure, there are comic books, and posters, and T-shirts, and even lava lamps. But mostly we hang at Newbury for the terrific selection of music [...] read more»
1994 Best Music Store

Guitar Center

Boston
Unmatched selection, salespeople who are available but not pushy, and a policy of matching any price in the country make this a musician's Disneyland. Find [...] read more»
1994 Best Music Store, New CDs

Tie: Tower Records and HMV Records

Boston; Cambridge
The war has been heating up between Tower and HMV since the latter announced the opening of a new store at Downtown Crossing in the [...] read more»
1994 Best Music Store, Used CDs

CD Spins

Boston
In spite of hefty competition, CD Spins did well enough with its used-CD niche in its Allston location to open up a new store at [...] read more»